74 



YEARBOOK, PUBLIC MUSEUM, MILWAUKEE. 



[Vol. 1. 



The sweat lodge has a dome-shaped framework of withes (figure 41), 

 which is used repeatedly. This framework is about seven feet in 

 diameter by perhaps four feet high. The covering of blankets is, 

 of course, placed on this framework each time as needed. When in 

 use, the lodge looks as is shown in figure 42. 



In the center of this particular lodge was a small excavation about 

 a foot square by three inches deep, in which were later placed the hot 

 stones. This pit was carefully oriented, as was everything pertain- 

 ing to the ceremony as it progressed. The earthen floor of the 



Fig. 41. — Blackfoot Indian sweat lodge, showing stones in the pit 

 in the center of the lodge, after cover of lodge has been removed. Black- 

 foot Reservation, Montana. 



center of the lodge was carefully cleaned and all ashes and other 

 vestiges of former use were removed from the pit. 



The priest then brought a long-stemmed pipe, of the type usually 

 called Micmac, a bag of incense material, made of the finely broken 

 foliage of one of the conifers, a tobacco pouch and a pipe tamper, a 

 pouch of red paint and some buffalo fat. and a pair of slender, red- 

 painted fire tongs. 



