132 An acconnt of the War Customs of the Osages. | February, 
toa pole that is carried by the principal kettle-bearer. (See Fig. 10) 
On reaching the village, they charge around 
it, shouting and giving the war whoop. Such 
of the old men as have been warriors go out 
‘to meet them, asking who was the first to 
strike a blow, who cut off the head, etc. On 
learning these things, those old men who 
struck foes when they were younger, say ™ 
a loud voice, that all the people may heat, 
“ As I struck a foe, such a one (naming him) 
has done so too!” Others say: “As I at 
off the head of a foe, such a one (naming him) 
has done so too!” Then follows a feast 
been described. 
sacred bag, the affirmations and petitions 1® 
semble those used by the members of a large 
war party, with only one exception. 
Fic. 10.—Mode of man who cut off the head of a foe says, when 
mounting ascalp. he lays down his first stick, “ Ho, O gra" 
father! Ilay this down on you as one who has broken off 4 
head 
III. HORSE-STEALING EXPEDITION. 
This can be undertaken at any season. There are as many CF 
tains as may wish to join the party. Each one of them © 
mourner for. dead kindred, or for stolen property. 
When men wish to steal horses from the enemy, they paint thet 
faces with charcoal. 
On such an expedition the customs resemble those of the 
patties. 
GENERAL Remarks, APPLICABLE TO ANY WAR PARTY. 
Before attacking the foe, the warriors paint themselves anet 
This is the “death paint.” If any man dies with this paint 
him, the survivors do not put on him any other paint. his 
All the gentes on the Cheezhoo side use “ fire paint,” go 
red, applying it with the left hand all over the face. — a 
use prayers about the fire, saying, “ As the fire has nọ va 
so should we have none.” They put. mud on the cheek, 
low the left eye, and as wide as two or three fingers. On 
other 
after which comes the dances which have — 
During the trial of the warriors over the 
