DKX.sMOKE] TETON SIOUX MUSIC 439 



Each man had a special mark for his arrows. Bear Face (p. 78) 

 said that he considered pehcan feathers as best for arrows, and that 

 he always used one pehcan feather on his arrows, the other feathers 

 being taken from some other bird. Others are said to have painted 

 their arrows red, or with a blue section in the middle, or to have 

 made "dents" in the shaft, each man using his own device. 



As a final process the shaft of the arrow was smeared with buffalo 

 blood, White Hawk saying this made the arrow go more smoothly 

 through the tissues of the animal. 



Most quivers held 10 arrows. A man might make liis own quiver, 

 although he usually ordered arrows from an arrow maker, a hundred 

 at a time. Red Fox (pp. 90, 375, et seq.) was known as a skillful arrow- 

 maker m the old days. 



A buffalo hunt frequently took place when the tribe was about to 

 move to a new camping place. In describing such a hunt Siya'ka said: 



Wlieu the tribe was about to move to a new camp the old men met to decide 

 whether there was enough food to last for a considerable time. If it was decided that 

 a hunt was ad^dsable these old men consulted the leaders in the various societies 

 (as the Strong Heart or White Horse societies), and together they decided on the 

 young men who were to go and search for the buffalo. This task required young men 

 who were known to be truthful and faithful to duty, as well as possessed of the neces- 

 sary physical ability and general equipment. Only men were selected who were 

 known to be ready, as there was not sufficient time to prepare after they were notified. 

 This was one of the greatest honors which could be conferred on a man, as it indicated 

 that the tribe depended upon him for help in the food supply, without which it could 

 not exist. It was necessary that these men know the topography of the country and 

 understand the ways of the buffalo. 



These young men were notified, and as soon as they could make the arrangements 

 which of necessity must be left till the last moment, they went to the center of the 

 tribal circle, with their equipment of food and extra moccasins, each man carrying 

 also a drinking cup and perhaps some cooking utensil. The man who was first 

 selected was the leader of the searcliing party.' Their relatives were so gratified that 

 the young men were thus honored that they gave away many presents when the party 

 started out, these presents being valuable and including horses and blankets. 



The departure of the searching party was a great event.- They were gathered in 

 the midst of the camp circle, surrounded by rejoicing and gifts. A man recognized 

 for high standing 'in the tribe was chosen to "start them off." A stick was placed 

 upright in the ground, and he led them as they marched single file around this stick. 

 The stick signified an enemy or a buffalo, and no one was allowed to strike it unless he 

 had killed either an enemy or a buffalo. The man chosen to start off the party was 

 usually a man who ha<.l done both these. People on horseback were ready to escort 

 the party from the camp. The direction in which the buffalo were probably located 

 was pointed out, and the party started in that direction. They moved with a dancing 

 step, and no dnmi or rattle was carried. The following song was sung at this time. 



> Siya'ka was once appointed leader of a searching party, and six times was a member of such a party. 

 Bows and arrows were used on those hunts. 

 2 Compare description of departure of those who went to select the Sun-dance pole, p. 107. 



