380 THE WINNEBAGO TRIBE [eth. an.n. 37 



our grandfather, the scalp, who is standing in the center of the lodge. 

 Place a plate for the scalp and bring it to that brave man." Then 

 the brave warriors eat the hgad, and when that is finished the serv- 

 ants distribute meat and food to those present who have not taken 

 part in the head eating. While they are eating the host blows on 

 his flute and sings some songs until the eating is over. Then he 

 rises and speaks again: 



"All you who are present to give us counsel and who sit here in 

 the place of others, I greet you. For the warriors who would counsel 

 with us repeatedly and for the sacred speeches of our fathers do we 

 ask. In this ceremony to-day we will select as many war-bundle 

 owners as are present to eat together with our grandfather, who is 

 standing in the center of our lodge (the scalp). And if they select 

 me to eat with the scalji, poor and jjitiable as I am, it would be good. 



"Should sickness suddenly come upon a village all those who are 

 sicji may take part in this ceremony. For our grandfather, who 

 stands in the middle of the lodge, is no weakling, and when they 

 take hold of him they are obtaining supernatural powers, it is said. 

 We are trying to trample upon the soul (wanayxi'raJc) (of the scalp). 

 If we trample upon it, all the goods of life that were still coining to 

 him when he was killed will be transferred to us. As many as are 

 going to take part in this dance to-night should try to make the soul 

 of our grandfather (the scalp) more amenable to our prayers. So 

 all you women and men see to it that you dance with all your strength. 

 Do not take this matter lightly, for we obtain life thereby, we were 

 told. 



"Councilors of the different clans who are seated here with us, I 

 greet you all." 



Then they sang holc'ixe're songs and danced the JioJc'ixe're dance. 

 All night they danced. They did not stop for a moment. Thus they 

 tried to conquer the soul of their grandfather (scalp). They danced 

 till early in the morning and then just as the sun appeared they 

 carried the drum outside of the lodge to the victory post and danced 

 the victory dance. As soon as the sun was high in the heavens 

 they stopped. Then they went to sleep. 



The second day. — Just before the sun was setting they all came 

 and danced the victory dance again. Then the host got ready to 

 furnish the meal again. All his female relatives who had received 

 presents took charge of the preparation of the food, which the serv- 

 ants had previously obtained. As soon as the victory dance was over 

 they entered the dancing lodge. Then the host spoke, and when 

 he finished he sang four songs, and as soon as these were finished 

 they all got ready to eat. Then the host said that he would give 

 the heads of the animals to the donor and that the latter might 

 select those warriors whom he wished to have as partners in the 



