MALLERY.) OJIBWA CHANT. 233 
being forgotten. The ceremonies are now of infrequent occurrence, which 
tends to substantiate this assertion. 
One song, as presented on a single piece of birch bark, really consists 
of as many songs as there are mnemonic characters. Hach phrase, cor- 
responding to a character, is repeated a number of times; the greater 
the number of repetitions the greater will be the power of inspira- 
tion in the singer. One song or phrase may, therefore, extend over a 
period of from two to ten or more minutes. 
The song covers much more time when dancing accompanies it, as is 
the case with the first one presented below. The dancing generally 
commences after a pause, designated by a single vertical bar. 
The following characters are taken from A, Pl. Xvi, and are here 
reproduced separately to facilitate explanation: 
The earth, spirit that I am, I take medicine out of 
the earth. 
The upper figure represents the arm reaching down toward 
the earth, searching for hidden remedies. 
(Because of) a spirit that Lam, my son. 
The headless human figure emerging from the circle is a mys- 
terious being, representing the power possessed by the speaker. 
He addresses a younger and less experienced Mideé’ or shaman. 
Bar or rest. 
The vertical line denotes a slight pause in the song, after which 
the chant is renewed, accompanied by dancing. 
They have pity on me, that is why they call us to the 
Grand Medicine. 
The inner circle represents the speaker’s heart; the outer circle, 
the gathering place for shamans, while the short lines indicate 
the directions from which the shamans come together. 
I want to see you, medicine man. 
The figure of a head is represented with lines running down- 
ward (and forward) from the eyes, donating sight. The speaker is 
looking for the shaman, spoken to, to make his appearance within 
the sacred structure where the Midé’ ceremonies are to take place. 
My body is a spirit. 
The character is intended to represent the body of a bear, with 
a line across the body, signifying one of the most powerful of the 
sacred Man/‘idos or spirits, of the Midé’ wiwin or “‘ Grand Medicine 
Society.” 
You would {know] it, it being a spirit. 
The figure of a head is shown with lines extending both upward 
and downward from the ears, denoting a knowledge of things in 
realm of the Man‘idds above, and of the secrets of the earth be- 
neath. 
4) 
