116 MYTHS OF THE IROQUOIS. 



used as a decoratiou, sometimes whole striugs of it, still upon the cob, 

 being worn as ornaments. 



The above form the eight public yearly festivals of the Iroquois, but 

 occasionally other dances are introduced. Among these are the raccoon 

 dance and the snake dance, the latter being similar to the guide dance, 

 but partaking more of a gliding, snake-like motion. 



Private dances are held by the medicine men, in which are introduced 

 the Ka-uai-kwaai, or eagle dance; the Tai-wa-nu-taai-ki, or dark dance, 

 performed in the dark; the Ka-hitu-wi, or pantomime dance; and the 

 W-na-tai-uu-u-ni, or witches' dance. On the death of a medicine man a 

 special dance is held by his fraternity, and, during the giving of certain 

 medicines, medicine tunes are chanted. No dances are held upon the 

 death of private individuals, but at the expiration of ten days a dead 

 feast is celebrated and the property of the deceased is distributed by 

 gambling or otherwise. Occasionally speeches are made, but no singing 

 or dancing is indulged in, except during a condolence council, when de- 

 ceased chiefs are mourned and others chosen in their places. 



Private dances are not infrequently given by individual members of 

 the tribe, who, having conceived a great affection for each other, pub- 

 licly cement it by a friendship dance. 



