286 THE OSAGE TRIBE [eth. ann. 36 



The second section refers to the red pamt as a symbol of the eastern 

 sky when struck with a red glow by the approaching sun. 



The third section relates to the red downy feather to be worn by 

 the Xo'-ka on the crown, of his head as a symbol of the eastern sky 

 reddened by the rising sun; also the peculiar shaft of light that stands 

 at the left of the sun as it rises. 



From the words of the wi'-gi-e it would appear that the Xo'-ka 

 personates the sun, the dawn, and the candidate in the initiatory 

 ceremony. At the close of the secoml section the Xo'-ka is painted 

 so that every part of his face and his entire body is reddened. 



At the close of the tliird section the symbolic plume is fastened to 

 the base of the braided lock on the crown of the Xo'-ka's head. 

 Ceremonial pioccasins are put upon his feet, a buffalo robe with the 

 hair outside is wrapped around liis body, and thus he is clothed in 

 his sacerdotal attire. 



Kl'-NO" Wl'-GI-E 



1. What shall the little ones use for the painting of their bodies? 



they said, it has been said, in this house. 



2. Then four small stones they gathered togetlier, 



3. And arranged them so that one stood leaning against the others. 



4. This pile of stones they set on fire, 



5. So that the darkened heavens above 



6. Was reddened by the leaping flames. 



7. Then they spake to one another, saying: The reddened heavens 



shall be for the painting of the bodies of the little ones, 



8. It shall be to them a refuge from all dangers as they travel the 



path of life. 



9. What shall the little ones use for the painting of their bodies? 



they said, it has been said, in this house. 



10. The God of Day, as he approaches, 



11. Strikes the heavens with a bright red glow. 



12. That red glow shall be for the painting of the bodies of the little 



ones. 



13. When they seek refuge in its power, as they travel the path of life, 



14. They shall make themselves free from all causes of death. 



15. The words here spoken shall forever stand. 



16. What shall the little ones use for the painting of their bodies? 



they said, it has been said, in this house. 



17. The God of Day, as he approaches, 



18. Strikes the heavens with a bright red glow. 



19. At his left side there stands 



20. A light resembling a plume. 



21. That light shall be a sacred plume for the little ones. 



22. When they wear this plume as they travel the path of life, 



23. They shall make themselves free from all causes of death. 



