Dramatic Elements in American Indian Ceremonials 25 



paints the Child's face with red paint, suggestive of the rising sun 

 and symbolic of the vigor of life. This done, with blue paint he 

 traces an arch about the forehead, the ends extending down each 

 cheek, with a bridge across the nose — symbols of the arch of 

 heaven and of the spirit paths from heaven to earth. 



" In these lines, we see the face of Tirawa-atius, giver of life and 

 power to all things," says the old Tahirussawichi, later adding, 

 " all who are to become leaders must be so painted." 



In the last situation of this act, the old man fastens in the Child's 

 hair, down from beneath the wing of the white eagle, suggestive 

 of the breath and the life of the father of the child as well as of 

 the breath of Tirawa-atius himself. Now the Child is told to 

 look upon its reflection in the sacred water, running water being 

 symbolic of a succession of generations. This done, a black 

 covering is put over the Child's head — 



" that no one may look on the holy symbols. Only Tirawa-atius 

 looks on them and knows all they mean. We do not look on them 

 for they are holy." 



In the third episode is reached the climax of the entire dramatic 

 representation. First the Kurahus draws upon the ground a sym- 

 bolic nest with his toe, thus imitating the eagle which builds its 

 nest with its claws. There is, however, still greater significance 

 in this act. 



" We are thinking of Tirawa making the world for the people to 

 live in. . . . The circle . . . also represents the circle Tirawa- 

 atius has made for the dwelling place of all the people." 



Over this circle the Child is now held, its feet resting within the 

 circumference. At this juncture an oriole's nest is secretly placed 

 beneath the Child's feet, no one except the priest and the chief 

 performing the act knowing what is being done under cover of 

 the Child's robe. The oriole's nest is selected, because " Tirawa 

 made the oriole build its nest so that no harm could come to it." 

 Tobacco and bits of fat, " droppings that mark the trail made by 



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