I - 1 i\di \\- OF i ill. PLAIN8 



In the same class may be mentioned the kissing or 

 hugging dance, sometimes called the Cree dance. This 

 -('('in- to have come from the north and resembles a 

 form of dance once common among the half-breed 

 Canadians. In the Plains, however, it has Indian 

 songs and other undoubtedly native features. To 

 this list may be added the tea dance-, the horseback 

 dance-, etc. 



Among these Indian- each distincl ceremony or 



dance has its own peculiar sel of songs to which addi- 

 tions are made from time to time. 



Warand Scalp Dances. Thescalpor someother 

 part of the foe was often carried home and given to the 

 women of the family who made a least and danced in 

 public with songs and cheers for the victors. A party 

 about to go to war would gather in the evening, sing, 

 dance, and observe certain religious rites to ensure 

 success. In all of these there seems to have been little 

 that was distinctive or peculiar to the Plains. 



Ceremonial Procedure. It is rather difficult to 

 characterize satisfactorily the many detailed ceremonies 

 of the Plains, but some points are clear. Inmost we find 

 an inordinate amount of singing, often extending over 

 an entire 1 day and night, interspersed with prayers and 

 the handling of sacred objects or bundles and occasional 

 dancing. The sweathouse is used for preliminary puri- 

 fication and incense i- burned at intervals during the 

 ceremony. The participants usually sit in a circle 4 with 

 a fire at the center. A man leads and has the entire 

 direction of the ritual, other men and perhaps women 



