98 



THE MENOMINI INDIANS 



[ETH. ANN. 14 



them a woolen blanket. Two small wooden effigies, about 4 inches in 

 height, were then placed first in a standing posture, but subsequently 

 extended on their backs, at the side of the blanket opposite the per- 

 former (figure 15). After a little manipulation, as if adjusting the 

 blanket and figures, the assistant seated himself on the side opposite 

 to and facing the operator. Both then began to chant, very softly at 

 first, but soon reaching higher and shriller notes, when, in accordance 

 with the rhythm, the figures began to move, very slightly at first, but 

 gradually apparently rising higher and higher until they were almost 

 vertical, thus seeming to dance to the song of the juggler and his con- 

 federate. It was pretended that the operator had sufficient power to 

 cause the figures to dance, the motion being caused by the operator's 



\ / 



N}-l-W- 



Fio. 15 — Dance of wooden effigies. 



ma'nido, or tutelary daimon, whose aid could be invoked after proper 

 fasting and chanting. This performance lasted but a very short time, 

 and as the song was concluded, the assistant quickly arose, grasped the 

 figures, and put them into a small flannel bag, while the operator care- 

 fully folded up his blanket and returned to his seat. 



It was observed that the movement of the figures was produced by 

 threads connecting them with the operator's great toe. During the 

 adjustment of the blanket and figures by the assistant the principal 

 reached beneath the blanket and removed his moccasins so as to be 

 able to utilize the threads already attached to them. The other end 

 was secured to the wooden figures by means of a small ball of spruce 

 gum. 



The chief event of the afternoon's performances, however, was yet to 

 come. Kime'an, a juggler of renown, was to do a very wonderful 



