336 THE OSAGE TRIBE. [eth. ann.39 



closely around a pole with a crook at the top. To this pole, encased 

 in the swan skin, is attached, as pendants, the black-tipped tail 

 feathers of the adultgolden eagle. (See PI. 14,^ ; also 36th Ann. Kept. 

 B. A. E., pp. 230-231.) 



In the third stanza a standard is spoken of which is known as 

 Ho°'-ga (PI. 14, B). This standard is similar to the one referred to in 

 the second stanza, except that the feathers used as pendants for tliis 

 standard are taken from the tail of the immature golden eagle, wliich 

 are dark in color and mottled in appearance. The golden eagle at this 

 stage of its growth is called by the Osage and other cognate tribes 

 "Ho°'-ga," a word meaning first, that is, first of all sacred things. 



The fourth stanza has for its theme the Day, that is, the Day 

 which marks the time when all the war movements and the cere- 

 monials pertaining thereto are brought to a close. 



This song is sung twice. The first singing is in slow time, and 

 during this singing the Sho'-ka puts into the hands of the Xo'-ka a 

 small standard made specially for this initiatory ceremony. Wlien 

 the song is about to be repeated in faster time the Xo'-ka rises with 

 a spring and dances to the song. His face and body are painted red, 

 symbolic of the dawn. The skin of a puma is fasteneti to his shoul- 

 ders, while the feather pendants of the uplifted standard gaily flutter 

 to the rhythm of the music, making a striking picture. 



When the song and dance come to a close the Xo'-ka tosses the 

 standard toward the members of the Deer gens, calUng loudly as he 

 does so, "Ho! ye Ta-tha'-xi of the Wa-zha'-zhe, why sit ye silent? 

 Behold your standard." Quickly the principal officer of that gens 

 catches the mystic standard, and accepting the challenge, at once 

 begins the recitation of the wi'-gi-e relating to the deer. Those of 

 that gens who have memorized the lines join in the intoning recital, 

 which is never in unison. 



A free translation of one line from each stanza will suffice to make 

 clear the meaning of the song. 



