158 THE MENOMINI INDIANS [bth.ahk.14 



became corrupted, and that, desiring to give to the Indians a purer 

 ritual and religious observance, Kisha' Ma'nido gave to them the 

 u dance." 



There are three localities in the neighborhood of Keshena where meet- 

 ings are held for the exercises and the promulgation of the doctrines 

 entertained. 



The accompanying illustration (figure 23) represents the form of the 

 inclosure in which the meetings are held. The structure consists of a 

 low fence of boards, not more than 2£ feet high, around the interior of 

 which are arranged other boards placed against the wall to serve as 

 benches. At the eastern and western sides are spaces for entrance 

 and exit. The diameter of the circle averages about 50 feet, the size 

 depending on the number of members any given community may 

 contain. 



Fig. 23 — Dancing place of the Dreamers. 



When a meeting is to be held, the chief, or okwe'maii, informs the 

 four nii'nauwg'qtawok, or braves, of the fact, who then carry the intel- 

 ligence to all the members. 



When entering the inclosure for a meeting, they all march in at the 

 western door, pass around on the left hand, and continue until their 

 proper stations are reached, when they become seated (figure 24). The 

 pipe is lighted and passed four times, after which the chief of the braves 

 stations himself at one side of the western door, and an appointed 

 old man at the other side, after which no oue is permitted to leave, 

 unless by permission of the okwe'mau, or otherwise, as hereafter men- 

 tioned. The os'kabai'wis, or messenger, seated to the left of the braves, 

 may leave at any time, as he is obliged to keep the gathering supplied 

 with food, water, or anything else that may be required. The uq'pu- 

 okan'ina'niii v , or "pipe man," the attendant to the musicians, also has 

 power to leave whenever necessary, but he can not extend this privilege 

 to any other. 



After the four ceremonial smokes have been indulged in, no one can 

 leave the inclosure, as two members guard the western entrance, unless 



