CHAP H Reatit: 
THE IZZE-KLOTH OR MEDICINE CORD OF THE APACHE. 
There is probably no more mysterious or interesting portion of the 
religious or “‘ medicinal ” equipment of the Apache Indian, whether he 
be medicine-man or simply a member of the laity, than the ‘ izze- 
kloth” or medicine cord, illustrations of which accompany this text. 
Less, perhaps, is known concerning it than any other article upon 
which he relies in his distress. 
I regret very much to say that I am unable to afford the slightest 
clew to the meaning of any of the parts or appendages of the cords 
which I have seen or which I have procured. Some excuse for this is to 
be found in the fact that the Apache look upon these cords as so sacred 
that strangers are not allowed to see them, much less handle them or 
talk about them. I made particular effort to cultivate the most 
friendly and, when possible, intimate relations with such of the Apache 
and other medicine-men as seemed to offer the best chance for obtain- 
ing information in regard to this and other matters, but Iam compelled 
to say with no success at all. 
Fic. 435.—Single-strand medicine cord (Zuni). 
I did advance so far in my schemes that Na-a-cha, a prominent medi- 
cine-man of the Tonto Apache, promised to let me have his cord, but as 
an eruption of hostility on the part of the tribe called me away from the 
San Carlos Agency, the opportunity was lost. Ramon, one of the prin- 
5D0 
