426 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY I Bull. 194 



his clan brother, together with the fosters, abstained from eating or 

 drinking while participating in the ceremony. The bundle buyer was 

 responsible for feeding the participants and was assisted by parents of 

 those fasting. As was the case when performing the NaxpikE, clan 

 brothers felt obligated to come and fast to bring credit to the clan. 

 Fasting was an individual matter and one remained only so long as he 

 wished to. Most of the younger boys dropped out after the second 

 night. When a faster had a vision, he often thought he should fast 

 longer in the hope of getting fuller instructions. 



Second and third days. — The first day's performances were repeated 

 on the second and third days. Only those intending to submit to 

 severe torture remained beyond the third day. 



Fourth day. — Several new features characterized the fourth and last 

 day of the ceremony. The warriors came in as previously and took 

 their places, making four stops on the way to relate war records as 

 they approached the ceremonial lodge. Parents brought goods for 

 their fasting sons to give away; some brought in much, others only 

 small amomits, depending on the family's means. Those unable to 

 contribute other items of value brought food. 



When the warriors were seated, the bundle maker instructed the 

 buyer and his assistant to stand in front of him before the Wolf Altar 

 in order to be painted and dressed. He picked up his brush of red 

 grass, dipped it into the water, and sprinkled the wolf hides, singing, 

 "This water is holy; this water is holy; this water is holy; this water 

 is holy. This earth is holy. This clay is holy." The two were 

 painted and dressed as before. When the buyer and his clan brother 

 were ready, each faster went about through the assembled crowd 

 calling on a member of the father's clan to pray for him and wish 

 him good luck. This took most of the day. 



Bears Arm, who was 16 years of age when he fasted in the Sunset 

 Wolf ceremony, selected Porcupine Pemmican, a clan brother of 

 Bears Arm's father. His parents brought in his gray horse and 

 gave it to Porcupine Pemmican who arose and said, "Come over 

 here and stand in front of me, my son." 



When Bears Arm was in front of him. Porcupine Pemmican said, 



I dragged two buflfalo heads at the same time. All the skin and tongues were 

 on them; all the hide along the back and the tail was on them. They were heavy 

 but I dragged them by means of the sticks through my skin. I had a hard time 

 of it and suffered much, but I was well paid for my suffering. I saw in my vision 

 that I would not get wounded even when close to the enemy in battle: It would 

 not make any difference whether they shot with bullets or arrows. My son, I 

 suffered for what I have told you. You have given me a fine horse and now I 

 bless you and pray that you may live to be an old man. If there is war, do not 

 be afraid to go in close for the enemy will not be able to harm you. If there are 

 many hardships, do not let them worry you, for you are on the safe path. 



