236 PROCEEDINGS OF THE CANADIAN INSTITUTE. 



flesh, a small piece of wood was placed on the under side to receive 

 the point of the knife when it had gone through, and the flesh was 

 drawn out the desired length for the knife to |)iei'ce. A quick pres- 

 sure and the incision was made, the piece of wood was removed, and 

 the skewer inserted from the under-side as the knife was V)eing taken 

 out. When the skewer was properly inserted, it was beaten down 

 with the palm of the hand of the operator, that it might remain firmly 

 in its place. This being done to each breast, with a single skewer 

 for each, strong enough to tear away the flesh, and long enough to 

 hold the lariats fastened to the top of the sacred polo, a double 

 incision was made on the back of the left shoulder, to the skewer of 

 which was fastened an Indian drum. The work being pronounced 

 good by the persons engaged in the operation, the young man arose, 

 and one of the operators fastened the lariats giving them two or 

 three jerks to bring them into position. 



The young man went up to the sacred pole, and while liis counten- 

 ance Avas exceedingly pale, and his frame trembling with emotion, 

 threw his arms around it, and prayed earnestly for strength to pass 

 successfully through the trying ordeal. His prayer ended he moved 

 backward until the flesh was fully extended, and jilacing a small bone 

 whistle in his mouth, he blew continuously upon it a series of short 

 sharp sounds, while he threw himself backward, and danced until the 

 flesh gave way and he fell. Previous to his tearing himself free from 

 the lai'iats, he seized the dnnn with both hands and with a sudden 

 pull tore the flesh on his back, dashing the drum to the ground amid 

 the applause of the joeople. As he lay on the ground, the operators 

 examined his wounds, cut off" the flesh that was hanging loosely, and 

 the ceremony was at an end. In former years the head of a buffalo 

 was fastened by a rope to the back of the person undei-going the 

 feat of self-immolation, but now a drum is used for that purpose. 



From two to five persons undergo this torture every Sun-Dance. 

 Its object is military and religious. It admits the young man into 

 the noble band of warriors, whereby he gains the esteem of his fellows, 

 and opens up the path to fortune and fame. But it is chiefly a 

 religious rite. In a time of sickness, or danger, or in starting upon 

 some dangerous expedition, the young man prays to Natos for help, 

 and promises to give himself to Natos if his prayers are answered. 

 Upon his return, when the Annual Sun-Dance is held, he fulfils his 



