74 . NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



Others of equal rank are: 



5 Diat-da-gwut— white beaver 



6 Oh-no-wa-ot-gont or Ga-ne'-ont-twut— corn bug 



7 Ot-na-yont=sharp legs animal, a mythical monster 



8 0'-nia-ta= small dry hand 



9 Da-gwun-no-ya-ent=wind spirit 

 io Nia v -gwa-he— naked bear 



The " charms " of these Ho-tci-no-ga kept by members are as 

 follows : None of no. i or 2 " Because they are sacred and use 

 their minds for a charm." 



3 Panther's claw 



4 Feathers 



5 Beaver's (white) castor 



6 Bone of sharp legs 



7 Corn bug, itself 



8 Dry hand 



9 Hair of wind spirit 

 io Nia v -gwa-he's bones. 



A translation of the opening ceremony of this society is here 

 given : 



YOT-DON-DAK-KOH 

 Opening ceremony of the Pygmy Society 

 We now commence to thank our Creator. 



Xow 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. 



Now 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 " tobacco thrower'' advances to the fire and seating himself 

 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 being's help 

 For thereby you would receive ofTerings of tobacco. 



