318 RELIGIOUS NOTIONS. 
terred with most of his ‘jewelry’ and other 
articles of esteem; accompanying which, it 
is said, an awl and some moccasin leather 
is generally added, as a provision, it would 
appear, for his use during his long journey to 
the ‘happy hunting ground’ beyond the grave. 
They also kill the favorite horses of the de- 
ceased, which are often buried by his side, 
doubtless with the same object. 
The religious notions of the Comanches 
resemble, in most particulars, those of the 
other prairie tribes; yet they appear to have 
an occasional peculiarity. Some say the dry 
buffalo head or cranium is theiridol. True itis 
that they show it great reverence, and use it in 
many of their mystic ceremonies. The Paw- 
nees also hold these buffalo heads, with which 
the plains are strewed, in great reverence; 
and usually for many leagues around, these 
sculls are set up facing towards their villages, 
in the belief that the herds of buffalo will thus 
be conducted by them into their neighbor- 
hood. Of the Comanches the sun is no doubt 
the principal deity. When preparing for a 
campaign, it is said they do not fail to place 
their arms betimes every morning on the east 
side of their lodges, that they may receive the 
blessing of the fountain of light at his first 
appearance. This indeed seems the usual 
time for offering their devotions to the sun, of 
many tribes of the American aborigines. 
THE END, 
