DENSMOKi: 



TETON SIOUX MUSIC 211 



is smooth and not dyed. The stone was wrapped in a piece of 

 deerskin and surrounded by the finely powdered root of an herb. 

 Chased-by-Bears said that he used this herb as a ''charm" and also 

 took it internally. Wlien parting with the stone he refused to give 

 the -vsTiter any of this herb, but it was secured and identified later. 



This stone had been in the possession of Chased-by-Bears 40 years, 

 and during that time he had faithfully fulfilled its requirements of 

 character and action. Throughout this period, moreover, he had 

 not lost one of his children, illness was almost unknown in his family, 

 and he had suffered no great misfortune from any cause. In time of 

 anxiety, either through fear of sickness or disaster, he had carried 

 the stone in his medicine bag. Chased-by-Bears was 64 years old 

 when he gave this information and seemed to be in perfect health. 

 He said that the stone formerly belonged to a very powerful medi- 

 cine-man named White Shield, who then lived at Standing Rock 

 but had since moved to Poplar Creek, Mont. He warned the 

 writer that the stone was still subject to a summons from Wliite 

 Shield and that at some time it might disappear from its WTappings, 

 but that if such were the case she need feel no anxiety, as it would 

 return. He said that White Shield had many such stones, one of 

 which was for his personal use; this was always worn in a buckskin 

 bag around his neck. The others were the "helpers" of this stone, 

 and he could sell them, though he retained the right to recall them if 

 he so desired. White Shield had dreamed of the sacred stones, had 

 qualified himself to use them in treating the sick and in other ways, 

 and had composed many songs concerning them. 



AVhite Shield's stone came into the possession of Chased-by-Bears 

 in the following manner: About 40 years previous to giving this in- 

 formation a daughter of Chased-by-Bears was ill, and he sent for 

 White Shield to treat her. Wliite Shield showed him the sacred 

 stone, then it disappeared and the tent was darkened. After a 

 time the light was restored, whereupon the stone was found on the 

 person of the girl, who at once began to recover. Chased-by-Bears 

 then asked for the stone which Wliite Shield had used in performing 

 the cure, and. White Shield transferred it to liim together with the 

 song which he sang at the time and which he said should always be 

 sung when any request was made of the stone. In exchange for these 

 Chased-by-Bears gave a horse. The song, which foUows, is believed 

 to have been composed by White Shield. 



