444 THE WINNEBAGO TRIBE [eth. ann. 37 



After the buckskins have been marked the host arranges them on 

 frames. The buckskin to Earthmaker is so arranged on its frame 

 that the head points upward ; that to the Thunderbirds is so arranged 

 that its head points toward the west; that to the Night Spirits, that 

 its head points to the east; that to the Morning Star, that its head 

 points to the east; and those to the Earth and Water, that their 

 heads point downward. After they liave been attached to tlie frame 

 they are rolled up, and the ceremony can be said to have begun. 

 Then the guests enter, no order being observed in the mamier of en- 

 tering. As soon as they have all taken their places, the oldest warrior 

 belonging to the host's band is called upon to offer tobacco to the 

 spirits. Tliis he does by going to the main fireplace, offering up brief 

 prayers, and at the conclusion of each one pouring tobacco into the 

 fire. The first prayer is always to the fire itself.' When he is fin- 

 ished, the host takes the buckskins, unrolls them, and distributes 

 them to the various guests. The buckskin for the Thunderbirds is 

 always given to the guest of honor, and the others are given in the 

 following rotation: Great Black Hawk, Disease-giver, South Wind, 

 Earthmaker, Sun, Morning Star, Night Spirits, Moon, Earth, and 

 Water. The buckskin to Earthmaker is assigned to the middle guest, 

 but as he is the first guest to speak, the buckskin itself is hung on 

 the center pole that is erected in the front portion of the lodge. 



After the guests have received their buckskins they stand in their 

 respective positions, holding the buckskin in one hand and some 

 tobacco in the other. The host concludes liis remarks, and then taking 

 his flute, blows upon it. After tliis he sings two songs, accompanying 

 himself with his gourd rattles. Then the buckskins are rolled up 

 again, but in such a way that the markings still remain visible, and 

 hung up just west of the first fireplace, with the exception of the 

 Earthmaker's buckskin. The host now takes the war bundle, opens 

 it, and places it at the foot of the center pole. He then makes the 

 circuit of the lodge, pouring some tobacco into the hands of each 

 invited guest. When tliis is finished, he pours some tobacco upon 

 the war bundle and some into the fire and proceeds to offer prayers 

 to all the spirits, asking each in tui'n for life and victory on the war- 

 path. When he is through all the guests pour tobacco on the war 

 bundle and into the fire. Cliildren are often allowed to pour tobacco 

 also, the attendants bringing them from the western portion of the 

 lodge. After the offerings of tobacco are fitnished the offerings of 

 buckskin are made. Then the basic ritual is started by the host. 

 He takes the flutes, drum, and gourds and sings in his own place. 

 There are many different sets of songs, and every time he starts a 

 different set he first blows upon liis flute. The songs for the Thun- 

 derbird have eight starting songs and six dancing songs. When the 



8 This prayer, for some unknown re-ason, is omit ted in the following account. It was obtained, however, 

 in connection with another account of the same ceremony. 



