674 GAMES OF THE NORTH AMERICAN INDIANS [ETH ANN. 24 
cross, upon each side of which is put a candle, and the whole outfit is on a 
blanket. At the ceremony the runners stand, holding the balls in their hand. 
The doctor, or medicine man, standing near the cross, burns incense (copal) 
over them. He also sings about the tail of the gray fox, one of their legendary 
animals, and other songs. After this he makes a speech, warning them against 
eating pinole or drinking water in other people’s houses, for fear of poison; 
all that they eat and drink must come from their parents or relatives. They are 
not allowed to eat anything sweet, nor eggs, potatoes, cheese, or fat. Three 
times they drink from the water near the cross, and three times from the herbs. 
The eldest and swiftest runner then leads in walking around the cross as many 
times as there are to be circuits in the race, and the rest follow him. All the 
things near the cross then remain untouched until morning. The runners sleep 
near by to keep watch, and they also secure some old men to watch against 
sorcery, for old men are supposed to discover the approach of sorcerers even 
when they sleep. After the ceremonies are over the doctor takes each runner 
aside and subjects him to a rigid examination. 
Fig. 892. Fig. 833. 
Fig. 892. Papago kicking-ball race—the start, Arizona; from photograph by Mr William Din- 
widdie. 
Fic. 893. Papago kicking-ball race, Arizona; from photograph by Mr William Dinwiddie. 
More than a hundred kinds of remedies are brought to the contest, some to 
strengthen the runners and secure success, 2nd others to weaken thetr rivals. 
The most efficient thing against the rivals is the blood of the turtle and bat 
mixed together, driea and ground, and rolled into a big cigar, with a small 
amount of tobacco addeé to it. Its smoke makes the rivals stupid. The dried 
head of a crow or eagle, hikori, a small cactus worshiped by the Tarahumaris, 
and other herbs and innumerable things are carried around ‘by all who take 
part in the racing. Some of the women carry small, thin stones to protect them 
against sorcerers. During the race the runners have their heads ornamented 
with the feathers of the chaparral-cock, and in some parts with the feathers 
of the peacock, of which bird the Indians are yery fond, because it is supposed 
to be light footed, and also because it is from another country. Many of them 
also have their legs ornamented with chalk, and wear belts to which a great 
number of deer hoofs, beads, or reeds are attached, so as to make a great 
deal of noise. These belts help them to victory, because they become, as they 
