FLETCHER] EIGHTH AND NINTH RITUALS ] 17 



ExpldiKi/ioii })tj tlie Ku'rahus 



When the Hiiko are at rest, the food whieli has been standing 

 beside the fire is served by the Fathers to the Children. Certain men 

 are appointed for this task. 



It is the duty of a father to provide food for his child, and not to 

 partake himself until the child is satisfied. As we are to simulate the 

 relation of father to child, we prepare a meal for the Children twice 

 and sometimes thrice a day during the continuance of this ceremony. 

 We are obliged to bring much food for this purpose, as the Children 

 are sometimes many, and we have also ourselves to feed. 



Where we must travel far to reach the tribe of the Son, the burden 

 of carrying so much food is hard upon our ponies. So much cooking 

 for the Children keeps the women very busy, but they are willing, for 

 the ceremony brings good to them. 



After the Children have eaten they rest a while and then go home, 

 returning to the lodge when the sun has set. Before they go thej^ 

 generally make gifts of ponies to the Fathers. 



When the Fathers are left alone in the lodge they eat their evening 

 meal. 



The Ilako throughout this ceremony are never left unattended by 

 night or da.y. When the Ku'rahus, or his assistant, or the chief needs 

 to leave the lodge, someone is requested to take his place during his 

 absence. 



NINTH RITUAL (fIRST NIGHT). INVOKING THE VISIONS 



Explanation by flie Kit'raliiis 



When the sun has set and it is dark and the stars are shining, then 

 the Children gather in the lodge. Some, as thej^ come in, will advance 

 to the holy place and there drop a stick; this means the gift of a pony. 

 For every such gift the Ku'rahus returns thanks to the giver. 



After all are seated, wood is jiiled upon the fire, and when the flames 

 leap high the Ku'rahus rises, then his assistant and the chief rise and 

 the Hako are taken up. 



The singers carrying the drum follow the Hako bearers as thej' move 

 slowly around the lodge, singing the following song. 



