evry] HOOP AND POLE: APACHE 453 
The game has a religious character with the Apache Indians, no 
festivity being complete without it, and is played with great fervor 
and persistency. Only those medicine men (called Deé-yin) deeply 
versed in their folklore and traditions can give a minute explana- 
tion of the original meaning and symbolism of this game, and they 
are very reluctant to part with their knowledge. Tradition says 
that one of the Ghons (the minor deities to whom these Indians ascribe 
their instruction and knowledge in handicrafts and arts, as tilling the 
soil, raising crops, preparing food, weaving, and manufacturing im- 
plements and utensils for camp, chase, or war, the use of medicines, 
etc.) taught their forefathers the game, with its symbolism. 
Fig. 590. White Mountain Apache Indians playing hoop and pole, Arizona; from photograph 
by George B. Wittick. 
Theve are several short prayers or charms, some sung, some spoken, 
used by players to neutralize the efforts of their opponents and bring 
success to themselves. The following may be given as an example: 
Hillchee be-tii ha his eé. 4 ; 
Hill chee sha-0-Ka’-shay nah-ee-gay yul-tliithl. 
Dée-djaiy i-dés-a-go shi-day gush; 
Ni-go-tlay-go Ka-shay-day-iih. 
(Translation. ] 
The wind will make it miss yours; 
The wind will turn it on my pole. 
To-day at noon I shall win all; 
At night again to me will it fall. 
