332 Expedition to the 



which thej r procure from the red pipestone branch of the 

 Sioux river. The mass is readily cut with a common knife. 

 They frequently eject the smoke through the nostrils, and 

 often inhale it into the lungs, from which it is gradually 

 ejected again as they converse, or in exspiration. 



An Omawhaw, after an eructation of wind from the stom- 

 ach, is often heard to say " How-wa-ne ta," thank you ani- 

 mal ; which they explain by saying, that some animal has 

 presented itself to the hunter. The exclamation, however, 

 has but an obscure meaning, and may be compared, as some- 

 what similar, to the " God bless you" of the French, after 

 the convulsion of sneezing. 



They indulge much in the pleasures of dancing, and their 

 dances are of various denominations, of which the following 

 may be particularized. 



The calumet dance, nin-ne-ba-wa-wong; is a very favourite 

 dance. It is usually performed by two individuals, in honour, 

 and in the presence, of some one of their own, or of a neigh- 

 bouring nation, with the expectation of receiving presents in 

 return. A person who intends to perform this dance, sends 

 a messenger, bearing a small skin containing tobacco to fill 

 a pipe, to the individual whom he intends to honour. If the 

 proposed compliment should not be acceptable, it is refused 

 in the most courteous manner, with excuses based upon po- 

 verty, and with many thanks for the honour intended. If, on 

 the contrary, the tobacco should be accepted and smoked, 

 the act shows that the visit also will be acceptable, and a 

 time is fixed for the performance of the ceremony. At the 

 appointed time the dancers, with two selected companions, 

 repair to the place of their destination, and are invited into 

 the lodge of the person whom they addressed. After a 

 short time, the calumet is placed upon a forked support, which 

 is driven into the soil in the back part of the lodge. Notice 

 is then given to the bearer of the calumet, respecting the 

 time when it will be convenient for the dance to take place. 



