238 NAVAJO CEREMONIAL OF HASJELTI DAILJIS. 
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. (See Fig. 117.) Another man gathered willows with which 
, tomake the emblem of the concentration of 
the four winds. The square was made by 
dressed willows crossed and left projecting 
at the corners each one 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 permanent seat was on 
the west side of the lodge facing east. The 
Fig. 117. Gaming ring. night ceremony commenced shortly after dark. 
All those who were to participate were immediate friends and relatives 
of the invalid excepting the theurgist or song-priest, he being the only 
one who received direct compensation for his professional services. The 
cost of such a ceremony is no inconsiderable item. Not only the exorbi- 
tant fee of the theurgist must be paid, but the entire assemblage must 
be fed during the nine days’ ceremonial at the expense 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 prepared themselves 
to personate the gods—Hasjelti, Hostjoghon, and Hostjobokon—and 
one to personate the goddess, Hostjoboard. They left the lodge, carry- 
ing 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!” placed the square which he car- 
ried over the invalid@’s head, and Hostjoghon shook two eagle wands, 
one in each hand, on each side of the invalid’s head and body, then 
over his head, meanwhile hooting in his peculiar way, ‘hu-u-u-u-uh !” 
He then followed Hasjelti out of the lodge. The men representing 
Hostjobokon and Hostjoboard came 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 slipnoose. 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 
