120 NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



stance. Their evil influence can be warded off only by the cere- 

 monies. The owner or his family appoints someone to " hold the 

 charm " after the first owner's death. Other charms are only for 

 benevolent purposes, but become angry if neglected. Of the evil 

 charms, the sharp bone may be mentioned ; and of the good charms 

 the exploding bird's feathers. Most of them are regarded, how- 

 ever, as ot'gont. The members of this society save their fingernail 

 parings and throw them over cliffs for the Pygmies. 



The ceremonies of the societies are always opened with a speech 

 by the invoker. The following speech is that of the Pygmy So- 

 ciety, and m a general way is the pattern of nearly all opening 

 invocations. 



Yotdondak'o ' , Opening Ceremony of the Pygmy Society 



We now commence to thank our Creator. 



Now we are thankful that we who have assembled here are well. 



We are thankful to the Creator for the world and all that is upon 

 it for our benefit. 



We thank the Sun and the Moon. 



We thank the Creator that so far tonight we are all well. 



Mow I announce that A B is to be treated. 



Now this one, C D, will throw tobacco in the fire. 



Now these will lead the singing, E and F. 



So I have said. 



[The ' 4 tobacco thrower " advances to the fire and, seating him- 

 self, takes a basket of Indian tobacco and speaks as follows:] 



Now the smoke rises ! 



Receive you this incense ! 



You who run in the darkness. 



You know that this one has thought of you 



And throws this tobacco for you. 



Now you are able to cause sickness. 



Now, when first you knew that men-beings were on earth, you 

 said, 



" They are our grandchildren." 



You promised to be one of the forces for men-beings' help, 



For thereby you would receive offerings of tobacco. 



So now you get tobacco — you, the Pygmies. [Sprinkles tobacco 

 on the fire.] 



Now is the time when you have come ; 



You and the member have assembled here tonight. 



