436 GAMES OF THE NORTH AMERICAN INDIANS  [nrH. any. 24 
During the afternoon of the 12th those who were to take part in the cere- 
monial received orders and instructions from the song priest. One man went to 
collect twigs, with which to make twelve rings, each 6 inches in diameter. These 
rings represented gaming rings, which are not only used by the Navajo, but are 
thought highly of by the genii of the rocks. [Figure 571.] Another man 
gathered willows with which to make the emblem of the concentration of the 
four winds. 
The square was made by dressed willows crossed and left projecting at the 
corners each 1 inch beyond the next. The corners were tied together with white 
cotton cord, and each corner was ornamented with the under tail feather of the 
eagle. These articles were laid in a niche behind the theurgist, whose perma- 
nent seat was on the west side of the lodge facing. east. The night ceremony 
commenced shortly after dark. All those who were to participate were imme- 
diate friends and relatives of the invalid, excepting the theurgist or song priest, 
he being the only one who received direct compensation for his professional sery- 
ices. The cost of such a ceremony is no inconsiderable item. Not only the 
exorbitant fee of the theurgist must be paid, but the entire assemblage must be 
fed during the nine days’ ceremonial at the ex- 
pense of the invalid,assisted by his near relatives. 
A bright fire burned in the lodge, and shortly 
after dark the invalid appeared, and sat upon a 
blanket, which was placed in front of the song 
priest. Previously, however, three men had pre- 
pared themselves to personate the gods—Hasjelti, 
Hostjoghon, and Hostjobokon—and one to per- 
sonate the goddess, Hostjoboard. They left the 
lodge carrying their masks in their hands, went 
a short distance away, and put on their masks. 
Then Hasjelti and Hostjoghon returned to the 
lodge, and Hasjelti, amid hoots, “hu-hoo-hu-huh !” 
ihalGoraimony called Weniehal placed the square which he carried, over the in- 
Navaho Indians, Arizona; from  V#lid’s head, and Hostjoghon shook two eagle 
James Stevenson. wands, one in each hand, on each side of the in- 
valid’s head and body, then over his head, mean- 
while hooting in his peculiar way, “ hu-u-u-u-uh!” He then followed Has- 
jelti out of the lodge. The men representing Hostjobokon and Hostjoboard 
eame in alternately. Hostjobokon took one of the rings, which had been made 
during the afternoon, and now lay upon the blanket to the right of the invalid. 
and placed it against the soles of the feet of the invalid, who was sitting with 
knees drawn up, and then against his knees, palms, breast, each scapula, and 
top of his head; then over his mouth. While touching the different parts of the 
body the ring was held with both hands, but when placed to the mouth of the 
invalid it was taken in the left hand. The ring was made of a reed, the ends 
of which were secured by a long string wrapped over the ring like a slip noose. 
When the ring was placed over the mouth of the invalid the string was pulled, 
and the ring dropped and rolled out of the lodge, the long tail of white cotton 
yarn, with eagle plume attached to the end, extending far behind. Hostjoboard 
repeated this ceremony with a second ring, and so did Hostjobokon and Hostjo- 
board alternately, until the twelve rings were disposed of. Three of the rings 
were afterward taken to the east, three to the south, three to the west, and 
three to the north, and deposited at the base of pifon trees. The rings were 
placed over the invalid’s mouth to give him strength, cause him to talk with one 
tongue, and to have a good mind and heart. The other portions of the body were 
touched with them for physical benefit. When the rings had all been rolled out 
Fig. 571. Gaming ring used in 
