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Be - BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY
. as ph oe - BULLETIN 101 -
WAR CEREMONY AND PEACE
CEREMONY OF THE
-OSAGE INDIANS
; ore BY)
-- FRANCIS LA FLESCHE
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[S LOUVRE
SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION
BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY
BULLETIN 101
WAR CEREMONY AND PEACE
CEREMONY OF THE
OSAGE INDIANS
BY
FRANCIS LA FLESCHE
UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
WASHINGTON : 1939
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LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION,
BurEAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY,
Washington, D. C., July 18, 1988.
Str: I have the honor to submit the accompanying manuscript,
entitled ““‘War Ceremony and Peace Ceremony of the Osage Indians’’,
by Francis La Flesche, and to recommend its publication, subject to
your approval, as a bulletin of this bureau.
Respectfully,
M. W. Stiruine, Chief.
Dr. C. G. ABzort,
Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution.
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CONTENTS
Wa-sHA’-BE A-THIY, OR War CEREMONY
Description of Wa-sha’-be A-thit Wa-tsi-_...._.-.--------------------
eerste (MG8-shko")) Rittal 20 2 35 ee ee ee ee ee es
See OraGut) web Al 2 ae ce |e oe ne en ee eg ee
Biniaaiiicreeoplese—- —2 seo sweeter eeecs actos sa oee ene ae
BresrGn une RiGers.. Sa te ee 2 Oe ee ee
Four songs of the Xthe’-ts’a-ge (Leaders) _._-.._--------------+---
Three songs of the Do-do®’-ho™-ga (Commanders) ------------------
Sores of the Mider Kettle’ Carriers- =. -- 22 2223 4.2 1453R aesee-
Ceremony of O-tho»’-da Wa-tsi (Dance in the Center)_-..-_------------
Grying and Broken Songs (Night) _._-_°.2.+---__-.-leeaseses>
Preconconys: (Ony) onde ee ee ae oe ke ero es
erie oie (riers. = * 225 22 O20 er ese). ssc ks ee ae ee
Ceremony of Ni Da-ka-dse E-dsi-gthe (Heating the Water) -------------
imei OE Dac WMetble sicual. = S352 28s See She 25h ee
Placing of Food in the Kettle to Cook Ritual____-----------------
Contribution to the Fire (Pe-dse U-k’i) Wi’-gi-e-------------------
IE Ue ee eee PLA Ay ee ek Pee eee
Bient for the Symbolic Charcoal Wi-gi-e...-_._....-----------=---
Song of Rushing for the Charcoal (No®-xthe I-ki*-dse Wa-tho*) -_ - --
ianeenrith oom roles Song. 22.2 62-2 leat e2 ee so ee See eee
Pipe and Tobacco Ritual, Wa-zha’-zhe Wa-no® gens- - -------------
Poe eon soeven bireplaces Ritual =--. 2-2... 2sseboc ss oteet te Pee
Processional Songs of No®’-ho®-zhi®-ga____------------------------
eremony tof Wa=-no" -co A=ba-cui 222.2222. 25-222225b2422 S222. 2522
Mythical Elk Ritual (Ho’-e-ga Wi'-gi-e) .------------------------
avannine (O-thu-hi-they Ritwal=o-2S22255 Soest esa est eset Ses secee
enreniya-pa-ni) bunt <a>" <8: Fee She Sie eeee Sh eeree
OmtroOteAt bac kot Wales ee ee eye es eee ae ee ee ae
Song of Sympathy and Encouragement: ..-2-+--22=-2-=-+-=--2-
Saves of Victory (Wa-tse Wa-tho®)_—-...22 222-2 = 52h 22 se le eee
BEMVECLOnY SON CULE ee ee ee ee ee Lod eres ee eee eee
pemesor Entering; the ElOUses.4— 2-0 sso 28a --- Geese ase
Sg oe G1 TDCI si ASN Saas Sa eI eek 5 PPS OE NE mse ee a
Maurning Hite, from Wa-sha'-be A-thi®........--=....-=-------=-=---
Deter te OCSerin tO as 2 lo a eee
SeetlirAnerOMMbne MbUMl «22! eee aoe ee fe Sa ee
Siteoreie pe te bare wwihUnls. 82-223) ee ee eee
URMILA Lea ate nape ny ann the eats ot oe he a ee
Paaniuaer (ier no") bible 2 ee eS. le Soe
mae Wa-ci-e Po ga, Great Ritual. 2.22.22 24c.-2-22-52-s424-54-
RBEreISICIA SOMOS oe eee ge Et Sle
Bones of Marching Around the Village. ...-20---..----=----=---=-
Primtiig Out phe Aback Mipaal 2.2. 45053. Sole se eae
ribet Od ea) SON Rie See eo ee ol Le oe
VI CONTENTS
Ceremony of Feasting Together (A-ki-wa-no®-bthe)____________________
Pipe (Ni-ni-ba) Ritual
Songor the Walling 25. Soe ae. ee ee
Great Song of Victory (Wa-tse Wa-tho® To®-ga).-_________________
MICtORy ONES. ake ste a ene SP 2 eee
Song of ntering:the Villages -2)22205 222. 225 ee
Mourning for the Slain Pnemy. 2.22 5. 62-2-e-o222. 522-4
Sending Away the Spirit (Wa-no®-xe The Ga-xe)______________________
@kage version. of songs and rituals... /ebecd in 2 34 oe
Wa’-wa-THO®, OR PEACE CEREMONY
PiMeGMetlOn. 2. 20 0 ok Ae eee ge eee ee
Opening ceremony === 2=222225224- 2202 e S11 A oe ee
Ceremonial Approach to the House Songs_.______________.__.-2=_-=22
Great ‘Gray-Owl Ritual and Songs: ..2....212282. li) Pe eee
WeiteriSon@=~ ie. ec ae SSUES) ee Pe OAL The et ee Se
Guarding the Ho -ga- 2602 2oc. elu 2k Je ee
Sky Ritual seas 2 a PE) See ae! al ee
Weeping SONGS 222-22 225= 422622. -seeeben ee Se IG ee
Name taking. 222.2. '.225 an.d2 atin See Se eee
Whareoal Might. <...2 222. 2 ae
@barcoal Rituals. 422)... .2 226 3S See Clee oe oe
Gaimp totheattack 2.2 we eee ee
Wietory song! 8 6 2 on a ce) She
Melnvery of eite: = 26. oak kk Be ee
Hrecting the Rack:Ceremony. 2222. - 2) see le ele ea
Raimting Ceremony... 225 eh ee
Pmendship: Ceremony -- . 2 22a ee se
WamcevCeremony ee own ee oe LS hee oe ee er
MeermmOnge = Sele oe oo. Ae ym ot lal
The Osage form contrasted with that of other tribes___________________
Description of pipes
Osage version
ILLUSTRATIONS
PLATES
MVS RU M7 eke ee ae aye ee le eee el ele ee ee EE
. a, Great horned owl. b, Pileated woodpecker. c, Imperial eagle-_-__
. Ceremonial pipe of the Omaha, Ponca, Otoe, and Pawnee_-_-_-_-_-___-
. a, Rattle belonging to the golden eagle. 6, Rattle belonging to the
TW oe SY ee Kees ie ae age A ee ee Ba tee Aa pe Pp aye Nene a Ne
feethe. Do-do"-hon-ga. 6, The Ko’-ka_ 5.220222. 22 ee
gecardinaly SO BlUejaye > see Sos oe ee ee ee eee
mele-o--Ko2-na (frontiand side views)i-.--.22.2—----- = oases eee
wo mWwhiteswan. io) ong-billed curlews----252--- 222 22s eee
meevianlard.duck.. - 0; Scarlet tanager.: 22... 02) 2322225... e eb acue
MEE eA CO MAIN GIN or 1/2 ana ie ek ee oe ek oe oe ae ee
. Tse-zhi=’-ga-wa-da-i>-ga (Saucy Calf).....__..__._.__._---------------
Se MeCEECEOIMGNIA DIDGS = 8002 oo sl kee aka ae dae te see
meastion when holding pipe and rattle. .=.....-.....222--2-25-2 4:
Text Figure
Serer Of position: Of genes... = 2-222. bee Sle ee Se
203
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WA-SHA’-BE A-THI*, OR WAR CEREMONY
BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY BULLETIN 101 PLATE1
W a-xthi’-zhi,
WA-SHA’-BE A-THIY, OR WAR CEREMONY
By Francis La FuEscHe
DESCRIPTION OF WaA-SHA’-BE A-THIN Wa-TSI
The words that compose the title of this ritual mean: Wa-sha’-be,
a dark object; A-thi®, to possess (as here used also implies to carry the
article possessed as a thing of value); wa-tsi, to dance. The word
Wa-sha’-be is used in the title as a trope for no"-xthe, the powdered
charcoal carried in a small pouch by each warrior belonging to a
ceremonially organized war party. This charcoal is a symbol of the
relentlessness of fire in its attack of destruction. The warrior blackens
his face with powdered charcoal when he is about to take part in
an attack upon the enemy. This symbolic charcoal has been made
from the charred part of a burning brand the warrior has snatched
from a fire ceremonially kindled. The fuel used for this sacred fire
is of redbud wood, called Zho" Sha-be-the-hiu, dark wood. To the
title of this ritual, Wa-sha’-be A-thi", is added the word wa-tsi, to
dance, because dances are given in certain parts of the ceremonies
for the purpose of exciting the warlike emotions of the younger men
of the tribe. These dances are regarded as of far less importance than
the other ceremonies that exemplify the symbols employed throughout
this ritual.
The information here given concerning the Wa-sha’-be A-thi"
ritual and its ceremonies is by Wa-xthi’-zhi (pl. 1) of the Puma gens.
This gens is closely related to the Black Bear gens, and the two gentes
have in common their version of the tribal rites. In the performance
of the ceremonies pertaining to these rites the duties of the Sho’-ka
or official messenger are, as between the two gentes, reciprocal. The
description of the ceremonies of the Wa-sha’-be A-thi" given by
Wa-xthi’-zhi may therefore be regarded as covering those of the
Puma and the Black Bear gentes, and, in a general way, those of the
other gentes that with them make up the Ho”™-ga division.
From the earliest times there was among the Osage a “house” or
place of gathering called No™-ho"-zhi"-ga Wa-thi" Tsi, House of the
No”-ho®-zhi"-ga. At this house the No™-ho"-zhi™-ga met almost
every morning, sometimes officially but more often in an informal
way. At the informal gatherings the conversation frequently turned
to matters of importance to the tribe, such as any practices among the
3
4 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [BuLt. 101
people that seemed to be injurious in their effects or liable to become a
menace to the internal peace of the tribe. Some means would then be
sought by which to overcome these evils. On the other hand, any
acts that tended to promote a feeling of friendliness or kindliness
among the people found hearty expressions of approval in the sacred
“house.”
No “house” was purposely established and maintained by the
No”-ho'-zhi®-ga for their gatherings. They selected for their home
the house of a man (who might belong to any other of the various
gentes of the tribe), but he was always one who, by his valor, gener-
osity, and hospitality, had won the esteem and affection of all the
people. The title given the man at whose house the No™-ho*-zhi"-ga
made their home was No”™-ho"-zhi"-ga Wa-thi", Keeper of the No’-
ho®-zhi®-ga. The selection of a man’s house for the home of the No”’-
ho®-zhi?-ga was regarded as conferring an honor of the highest char-
acter upon the owner.
It sometimes happened, in the life of the Osage people, that the
aggressions of their enemies became intolerable, and at the same time
there was a feeling of indifference among the warriors toward the tak-
ing of retaliatory measures. As, for instance, women would be slain
while planting the corn, cultivating the growing stalks, or when
gathering the edible roots that form a part of the food supply; hunters
would be slain or the men herding their horses would be killed and their
animals driven away. At such times the No™-ho™-zhi"-ga Wa-thi®
would suddenly call, through his Sho’-ka, the No”-ho*-zhi?-ga to
assemble for council. The Keeper of the No”-ho"-zhi?-ga would take
his place, as presiding officer, at the eastern end of the lodge. When
all had assembled and taken their places according to gentes, those of
the Tsi’-zhu division on the north and those of the Ho™-ga on the
south side of the lodge, the Keeper would speak to them, saying: “O,
Tsi’-zhu, Wa-zha’-zhe and Ho”-ga, I have taken it upon myself to call
you together that I may bring to your attention the conditions which
necessitate our taking some definite action toward the prevention of
the attacks made upon us by our enemies. There is no safety for us
except by a common defense and retaliation against our enemies.
The boldness and the frequency of their attacks upon those who
attend the fields and those who hunt for game have brought about a
state of confusion and unhappiness among the people. The time has
come for us to look to our safety and comfort. I also take it upon
myself to ask the Wa-zha’-zhe Wa-no" (gens) to place before us the
sacred pipe which is in his keeping.”
The Wa-zha’-zhe Wa-no? gens is the keeper of the pipe used cere-
monially at the initiation of a war movement. Upon hearing the
request of the No”’-ho®-zhi"-ga Wa-thi", the leader of the Wa-zha’-zhe
Wa-no® gens of the Wa-zha’-zhe part of the Ho”-ga division, who had
come to the gathering prepared for this request, takes out from its
LA FLEScHE] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 7)
wrappings the ceremonial pipe, and also tobacco cut for smoking.
The leader of the Ta’ I-ni-ka-shi-ga (Deer People) gens of the same
division, who had also come prepared, placed, without bidding, a
deerskin tobacco pouch before the keeper of the pipe. The Ta’
I-ni-ka-shi-ga gens are the keepers of the ceremony relating to the
making of the sacred tobacco pouches. The keeper of the pipe then
puts some tobacco, together with the pipe, in the deerskin pouch and
places it near the fireplace in front of the presiding officer.
When this ceremonial act had been performed the No™-ho*-zhi'-ga
Wa-thi® again addresses the gathering, saying: ‘‘O, Tsi’-zhu, Wa-
zha’-zhe, and Ho”-ga, you will now proceed to select from among
your members one who will act as Do-do™-ho*-ga (Leader) of the
warriors to go against our enemies.”
When the No”-ho®-zhi"-ga addressed had, after some deliberation,
united upon a man, the Sho’-ka conducts the man chosen to the place
where lay the tobacco pouch and pipe. The Keeper of the No”-
ho®-zhi®-ga then says to the man: ‘‘My son, the Tsi’-zhu, Wa-zha’-zhe,
and Ho”-ga, being determined that their warriors shall move against
the enemies of the people, in retaliation for their persistent attacks,
have chosen you to act as their leader. The taking up the pipe that
lies before you is an act of the gravest responsibility, and he who thus
accepts the office of leader should do so with a full knowledge of all
that it signifies. You will bear this in mind as I ask you: ‘Do you
accept this responsibility?’”’? The man simply answers “‘Ho-we,” yes;
and the No”-ho"-zhi®-ga respond as with one voice, “How, it is well.”
Having accepted the office of leader, the man takes up the tobacco
pouch with the sacred pipe, rises, addresses the No™-ho™-zhi"-ga of
his own gens, a man whom he knows to be familiar with the details
of the war ceremonies, and says, ‘‘Father, I rise to ask you to act as
Xo’-ka (Initiator) for me.”’ Then he resumes his seat, while the
No”-ho*-zhi"-ga selected rises and takes his place beside the chosen
leader, as a sign of his consent to act as Xo’-ka.
When the Xo’-ka had taken his seat he addressed all the No™-ho"-
zhi"-ga, saying: ‘‘O, Tsi’-zhu, Wa-zha’-zhe, and Ho”-ga, this man has
accepted the part you have assigned to him in this important move-
ment, and I wish to say a word on his behalf, particularly to those of
you who will have a part to perform in the ceremonies to follow. Itis
due to him that none of the words uttered by the ancient No*-ho?-
zhi®-ga and transmitted to us which belong to the ceremonies be left
unsaid and that none of the ceremonial forms be omitted. I ask for
him all fairness, and if there be any personal prejudices against him
that they be set aside, and that the ceremonies handed down to us be
performed as they were transmitted. Let it not be said, should any
mishap befall him, that we slighted the ceremonies because of some
personal dislike.”
6
BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [BULL. 101
Having made this plea on behalf of the candidate, the Xo’-ka pro-
ceeds to recite the following wi’-gi-e that tells of the finding and the
consecrating of the four kinds of clay to be used as symbols in the war
rites.
CRAWFISH RITUAL
(Osage version, p. 147)
. Verily at that time and place, they said,
. There were a group of people known as the Ho™-ga Possessing
Seven Fireplaces.
From among these people there arose one,
Mo?-i”-ka-zhi"-ga (Little Earth) by name.
. Verily, at that time, they said, it has been said in this house,
. He stood before the people, with fingers divided into two parts,
as though his hands were cloven.
. Within his cloven hands he held a particle of the dark soil of the
earth, they said,
. Which he offered to the people,
. Even as it was,
. For use as a sign, and as an expression of their desires;
. By the use of this sign, my younger brothers, he said to them, we
shall with ease secure the fulfillment of our desires.
. The people of the Wa-zha’-zhe division,
. And those of the Tsi’-zhu division,
. Shall prt this sign upon their faces, they said;
. Then, even before they come to the walls of their houses, as they
go forth to offer their supplications,
. Their prayers shall be granted, my younger brothers.
. Let this sign be accepted, yet,
. When the people put it upon their faces,
. They shall not close their eyes in sleep, my younger brothers.
. If they close their eyes in sleep while yet the sign is upon their
faces,
. The duration of their lives shall be shortened, my younger
brothers, they said to one another.
. Verily, at that time and place,
. Mo?-i”-ka-zhi"-ga brought forth the blue clay,
. And stood offering it to the people, they said,
. Whereupon they said to one another, O, younger brothers,
. Let this be accepted as a sign of our supplications.
. When the people use this in their supplications,
. As they go forth against their enemies toward the setting of the
sun,
. Their prayers shall be readily granted, my younger brothers,
. When the people use this in their supplications.
. Then, even before they pass the walls of their houses as they go
forth to offer their supplications, they said,
La FLESCHE] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY fi
32. Their prayers shall be granted, my younger brothers, they said to
one another.
33. Verily, at that time and place,
34. Mo®-i?’-ka-zhi"-ga brought forth the red clay,
35. And stood offering to the people, they said,
36. Let this, also, they said,
37. Be accepted for use in our supplications, my younger brothers,
they said to one another.
38. Let the people of the Wa-zha’-zhe division,
39. Also those of the Tsi’-zhu division,
40. Use this in their supplications, my younger brothers, they said
to one another.
41. When they use this in their supplications,
42. Then, even before they pass the walls of their houses, as they go
forth to offer their supplications,
43. Their prayers shall be granted, my younger brothers, they said
to one another.
44. Let this sign be accepted, yet,
45. When they put this sign upon their faces,
46. Let them not shed tears, my younger brothers.
47. Verily, at that time and place, they said,
48. Mo?-i"/-ka-zhi"-¢a brought forth the yellow clay,
49. And stood offering it to the people,
50. Saying, as he did so: ‘‘This also
51. Shall be used by the people,
52. By the people of the Wa-zha’-zhe division,
53. And those of the Tsi’-zhu division,
54. Their prayers shall be granted, my younger brothers,
55. When they bring home a captive,
56. They shall put it (the yellow clay) upon his face as a sign, my
younger brothers.'
1 The wi'-gi-e here used is a paraphrase of the mythical story of the man with the cloven hands, given in
the Ni’-ki-e wi’-gi-e (see lines 525-536, p. 172, Thirty-sixth Ann. Rept. Bur. Amer. Ethn.), which also tells
of the Genesis of the Hon’-ga people. When the O’-po= (Great Elk) had driven away the waters and made
the earth to be habitable, the Ho»’-ga people began to explore theland. They sent forth a ‘‘younger brother’’
who returned to his ‘‘elder brother’’ with the report that he had come upon a man who stood with uplifted
hands, hands that were cloven. The “elder brother,’’ who was already imbued with warlike instincts,
promptly declared to his ‘‘younger brother” that this man must die, no matter whose son he might be.
The people appreached the man with the cloven hands, and as they came near, he said to them: “‘I also
ama Hov-ga. My name is Mo>-i*’-kazhis-ga (Little Earth), I have that for you which shall be a comfort
to you for all time.’? While yet the people were listening the man offered them a particle of the dark soil
of the earth. This they were to put upon their faces at the beginning of the day, when they go forth to
offer their supplications. Upon it they shall shed their tears of desire, then will their prayers be granted,
even before they reach the walls of their houses as they go forth. But he warned the people against sleep-
ing while this sign was upon their faces, for should they yield to sleep while the sign was upon their faces
their lives would be shortened. In like manner the man presented to them the blue clay. Then he de-
scended into the depths of the earth and brought forth the red clay. This he also offered to the people,
and as he gave this clay, he forbade them to shed tears when they put it upon their faces. He again de-
scended into the earth and brought forth the yellow clay which was to be the insignia of the captive they
brought home from their expeditions. It is explained that the ‘“‘man with the cloven hands” was Mo®-shko®
the Crawfish.
8 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [BuLL. 101
When the Xo’-ka has finished the recital of the wi’-gi-e the man
chosen as leader strips himself of his shirt, leggings, and moccasins,
takes the tobacco pouch with the pipe in it, and puts the carrying
strap attached to it around his neck so that the pouch hangs on his
back between the shoulders. He places his blanket upon his arm and
leaves the lodge. From the time of his leaving the lodge, wherein the
No”-ho®-zhi"-ga were sitting, he refrains from thinking of his home,
of his personal comforts or discomforts, and aims to fix his mind
solely upon Wa-ko™-da, the unseen Power, worshipped by the Osage.
He goes forth into seclusion to seek supernatural aid for the great
undertaking and to secure a sign of approval from Wa-ko™-da.
When he has passed beyond the frequented places of the people he
bends over the earth, takes from it a bit of the dark soil, as a teken
of his faith that the great Wa-ko™-da makes his abode in the earth as
well as in the sky. Having put this sign upon his forehead he takes
the pipe from its pouch, fills it with tobacco, and resumes his solitary
wandering, always holding, as he walks, the stem of the pipe pointed
upward as an offering to the Wa-ko™-da of the above. He wails as
he wanders from place to place, striving in this way to excite the pity
of Wa-ko™-da so as to receive aid from him.
The man wanders farther and farther away from his home, from his
family, and from his companions, all of whom he has dismissed from
his mind, so that, undisturbed, he may approach Wa-ko’-da who
controls all things. The sun sinks below the horizon, leaving him in
the growing darkness. He then goes to a brook where, bending low,
he dips his hollowed hand into the water and washes away the sign of
fasting from his forehead. Having done this, he moistens his lips and
throat with sips of the water, then seeks for a tree or a rock against
which he may recline as he rests for the night. He must not le
down upon the earth when the darkness of night comes, but sit in a
reclining position, leaning against a tree or rock, with his head toward
the south if he be a Ho™-ga and toward the north if he be a Tsi’-zhu.
In this manner he must pass the night.
Tn the stillness of the night the man may hear the mournful hooting
of an owl and in the distance he hears the equally mournful reply, but
he aims to sit unafraid and to sweep away from his thoughts the dis-
turbing cries of the birds. Or he may hear the voices of men not far
away as they speak softly. Now and then he will catch a few sen-
tences from which he gathers that the strangers in their talk regard
him as foolish to leave his comfortable home, the association of his
friends, to take upon himself suffering in a fruitless appeal to an
imaginary being. As he listens he remembers the warnings of his
Xo’-ka against heeding the cries of nocturnal birds, or the whisperings
La FLEscuE] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 9
of evil spirits, and with renewed effort the man turns his thoughts
again to Wa-ko™-da to whom he, as leader, is appealing for strength
and guidance. Then, again, he may hear the approach of stealthy
footsteps and a man will sit down at his side, almost touching him,
and say: ‘‘Why do you wander about and suffer thus? There is sor-
row in your home and a great wailing of grief.” Knowing, now, that
he is beset by evil spirits bent upon turning him aside from his efforts
to secure supernatural aid, the man will suddenly cry out in a loud
wail, calling upon Wa-ko™-da to pity his sufferings and to give him
help. He continues his cries, listening not to the calls of the birds of
the night or to the whisperings of the evil spirits. Then there comes
upon him a sudden drowsiness and he sleeps, never awakening until,
at the approach of day, he hears the morning chirpings of the birds.
He beholds the pale dawn reddening day and then, reaching down,
takes a bit of the dark soil of the earth, rubs it upon his forehead, and
then begins his wandering and wailing. When darkness comes the
man bathes his face, removing the sign of fasting, drinks a little water,
rests in the same fashion, only in another place, and, it is said, gen-
erally, undisturbed by strange sounds and beings.
A story often told, even to this day, narrates the experience of a
man who had been chosen to be leader of a war party and who, during
his fasting, witnessed a night scene which he regarded to be a response
to his supplications. It is an old story and, in its transmission, has
become somewhat mythical in character, for to the birds that figure
prominently in it was attributed the power of speech.
During the first night of the period of fasting, which is always
spoken of as the time when the supreme test of courage comes to the
faster, the man heard cries of strange animals in a fierce combat and
was shaken by the thud of their feet as they struggled in the darkness.
Sometimes, in their conflict, they came close to where he sat holding
the stem of his little pipe pointed upward as an offering, but with a
stout heart he maintained his position, until he heard the sounds of
their cries and the snapping of the twigs finally die away in the dis-
tance. He had scarcely recovered his composure when he heard the
whistle of a man, the response by another, their footsteps as they
approached each other, and their voices when they met and spoke in
low tones. He heard them coming toward him and passing by him,
speaking to each other now in loud whispers and again in muffled
tones. ‘They continued to act in this manner through the night up
to the break of the day, when they ceased to trouble the faster. The
man, as he determined to do at the start, gathered together his
courage and kept his place unmoved throughout the night. When the
83773—39——3
10 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [BuLt. 101
sky in the east was reddening he took a bit of soil of the earth, put it
upon his brow, and started to wander about and to wail.
After the first night the man was not disturbed again by animals
or spirits. But on the sixth night of his fasting, as he settled down for
his rest at the foot of a tree, his back leaning against the trunk, his
feet put together and planted upon the ground, while he still held his
little pipe, something swept across his face so swiftly that he felt the
air disturbed by the force. He began to wonder what it might be,
when it swept across his face again, going in the opposite direction.
Believing that the thing, whatever it was, would return, he lowered
his head so that if it should pass again he could make out what it was
by the aid of the dim light of the sky line. The thing or things did
return and with his experienced eyes he recognized the forms of two
birds. They sped swiftly by, one chasing the other. At times the
pursuit was so close that the two birds appeared as one. As the
birds passed he noticed that the larger one was in flight and the
smaller one hotly pursuing. Again they passed, but this time the
smaller bird was in flight. He heard their cries in the distance, as
one overtook the other and they fought. He recognized one as the
ery of an owl, the other as that of ahawk. It was not long before the
birds returned and sped by the sitting man. The whole night long
the two birds fought and alternately put the other to flight, while the
man marveled at the strength of their wings, for they did not at any
time stop to rest.
As the morning star appeared in the east the faster heard again
the sound of the approaching combatants, like the blowing of the
wind through the forest. They came near, then with marvelous
quickness the hawk darted under the man’s bent knee, while the owl
sped on, clattering his mandibles in rage. The hawk spoke to the
man, and said: “‘Protect me against my enemy; it need be for a little
time only, until the break of day. The darkness of the night puts
me at a disadvantage, for my strength is in the broad light of the
day. Give me protection till the pale light of dawn appears in yonder
sky, then in your sight I shall vanquish my enemy, and I will reward
you by giving you that dauntless courage with which I attack my foes.”
The owl returned, alighted upon the ground near the man, and
demanded in an angry tone, ‘“‘Give over to me that person, that I may
put him to death. I also can give reward. I attack my foes in the
darkness of night in their sleep and vanquish them. You shall have
the same power that I have to see in the night. This I offer to you as
a reward. Push over to me that person.”
The man moved not, for the power to attack a foe when he was
deep in slumber did not appeal to him as the right sort of courage and
La FLEscuE] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY is
made the man’s sympathy incline toward the hawk, but he spoke not,
neither did he move.
Soon a pale streak of light appeared along the eastern horizon, then
the hawk spoke to the man, saying: ‘“‘You have rendered me a service.
Now, as a reward, take from my left (the man was a Tsi’-zhu) wing the
shortest feather there, and when you are about to attack your foe
attach it to your left shoulder, so you will do to him what I am about
to do to yonder person. I go to attack.”
The hawk, without effort, rose in the air, and when he had reached
a certain height, he paused. At that moment the courage of the owl
seemed to depart from him and with much flapping of his wings he
took to flight. Like an arrow released from a strong bow the hawk
shot downward in attack, struck the fleeing owl in the head, severing
it from the body. With an exultant cry the hawk soared around a
few times in the light of the rising sun, alighted on a tree near by and
spoke to the man: ‘‘Fail not to remember me when you attack the
foe.”
The faster arose to go to his home, murmuring to himself, ‘Thus
the power of day overcomes the power of night.’”’ It was on the
seventh day of his fast when Wa-ko™-da, stirred to pity by the suffer-
ings of the man, had offered him the choice of vanquishing his enemies
in night attacks or in attacks made in the broad light of day, and he
had chosen the latter as that, to him, required true courage.
The man was successful, not only as leader in this expedition for
which he had been chosen but in all the subsequent expeditions of
which he was leader, for whenever he was chosen as leader the young
men needed no urging to join his war party.
The duration of the fasting is limited to four days, but when no
sign is given showing that the faster’s supplications have been heard
he may continue his fast three days longer. At dusk on the evening
of the seventh day, when the fast must be concluded, the man, lean
and weak from starvation, and barely able to walk, approaches the
house of the No”™-ho*-zhi*-ga who had gathered there to await his
return. A fire kindled within the lodge lights up the faces of the
assembled men. As the man enters the lodge he is conducted to the
seat he left seven days before and sits down. His Xo’-ka at once
comes and takes his place beside the faster. When the Xo’-ka has
taken his seat he speaks, saying: “O, ye No”™-ho"-zhi™-ga of the
Wa-zha’-zhe division have compassion upon my son that he may
take of the water of life and live.”
Then a No”-ho*-zhi"-ga of the Ni Zho-i-ga-tha (Water) gens of the
Wa-zha’-zhe division, in whose keeping is the wi’-gi-e of the water of
life, begins its recitation. In this wi’-gi-e the river is personified and
becomes a deified symbol of life.
12
BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY {Butn. 101
WATER RITUAL
(Osage version, p. 148)
. Verily, at that time and place,
. There arose from the Wa-zha’-zhe, a people who possess seven
sacred fireplaces,
. One who belonged to the Wa-zha’-zhe of the seven fireplaces,
Verily, one who made the water to be his flesh (a trope for life).
. Verily, at that time and place, they said, it has been said,
He spake, saying, ‘Behold, the right side of the body of the river,
That I have taken to be the right side of my body.
. If the little ones also take the right side of the body of the river
to be the right side of their body,
. They shall remove from themselves all causes of death, my younger
brothers,
. And if they make that side of the body of the river to be the means
by which to reach old age,
. They shall live to see old age.”’
. “Behold, the hollow of the back (the bed) of the river,
. That I have made to be the hollow of my back.
. If the little ones also make the back of the river to be their back
. They shall live to see old age,” he said.
. “Behold, the left side of the body of the river,
. That I have made to be the left side of my own body.
. If the little ones also make the left side of the body of the river to
be the left side of their body,
. They shall live to see old age, my younger brothers.”
. “Behold, the channel of the river,
. That I have made to be the cavity of my body.
. If the little ones also make the channel of the river to be the
cavity of their body,
. The little ones shall remove from themselves all causes of death,
. And if they make it to be the means by which to reach old age,
. They shall live to see old age, my younger brothers.”’
. The people of the Ho”™-ga,
. And those of the Tsi’-zhu,
. Their little ones shall live to see old age.
After the reciting of the wi’-gi-e, water is brought in a wooden bowl
and placed before the faster. The man removes the tobacco pouch
and pipe from his neck and places them upon the ground at his side,
washes the fasting sign from his forehead, and then slakes his thirst.
When this is done his Xo’-ka again speaks; saying: ‘‘O, ye of the
Tho’-xe gens, have compassion upon my son, that he may eat of the
food of life and live.” Then a No”-ho*-zhi"-ga of the Tho’-xe gens
recites the wi’-gi-e relating to the gift of the maize to the people as a
LA FLEscue] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 13
sacred food. This wi’-gi-e Wa-xthi’-zhi declined to recite, saying that
it belonged to a gens not of his, the Ho™-ga, division.
When the maize wi’-gi-e had been recited a bowl of very thin corn
gruel was brought by a man of the Tho’-xe gens who placed it before
the faster. The man ate slowly of the food to avoid the ill effects
that might otherwise follow.
No questions were asked of the faster as to whether he had received
any signs in response to his supplications and he offered no informa-
tion on this point. Whatever communications he may have had with
evil or benevolent spirits he kept to himself, to remain a secret with
him always, or until there should arise some fitting occasion to men-
tion them when the events of the war expedition had passed.
When the faster had ceremonially partaken of food, thus terminating
his fast of seven days, the Xo’-ka called a herald and instructed him
to go through the village and bid the men to remain quietly in their
houses until further notice in the morning, for in the morning the man
who had been suffering the hardships of fasting would “stand.’”’ This
message with the use of the word “stand” is to notify the people that
the choice made by the No”-ho?-zhi"-ga for leader is publicly made
valid and the ceremonies pertaining to the rite are to proceed. After
the herald had received his instructions the No’-ho®-zhi"-ga adjourn.
Early the next morning, at the command of the Xo’-ka, the herald
again goes throughout the village, bidding the men of the village to go
to the house of the No™-ho"-zhi"-ga to be present at the distribution
of “the various things that appertain to men.” This figurative
expression refers to the appointment of officers in the war party to be
organized and to the distribution of ceremonial paraphernalia.
Each No”-ho®-zhi®-ga, as he hears the voice of the herald, at once
prepares to go to the house of gathering by painting the whole of his
face red and placing upon the crown of his head a downy feather taken
from the under covert of the tail of an eagle. The Xo’-ka and the
leader are the first to arrive. One by one the No™-ho™-zhi"-ga ap-
proach the house, enter and take their places according to divisions
and gentes, while all the men of the village assemble outside of the
house.
The No”-ho®-zhi®-ga at once proceed to select two officers, each
one to bear the title of Wa-sha’-be A-thi? Wa-zho’-wa-gthe, a title
given to the leaders in certain of the ceremonies. One of these officers
is selected from the Tsi’-zhu division, the other from the Ho™-ga.
Having selected the Wa-sha’-be A-thi? Wa-zho’-wa-gthe the No”-
ho®-zhi"-ga proceed to choose eight Xthe’-ts’a-ge, an ancient title the
exact meaning of which is lost. These eight officers form a council
to determine the course to be pursued by the war party and they
personally give their commands to the man. Four of these officers
are selected from the Tsi’-zhu and four from the Ho™-ga division.
14 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [BuLt. 101
Each of these two groups of four has a chief called Xthe’-ts’a-ge Wa-
to"-ga, Chief Xthe’-ts’a-ge. After these eight officers have been
appointed each one is ceremonially conducted to a seat at the east
end of the lodge. The four taken from the Tsi’-zhu division sit in a
line extending toward the north side of the lodge, and the four from
the Ho”-ga division sit in a line extending toward the south side.
The faster, who now bears the title Do-do™-ho"-ga (literally The
Sacred One of the War Party), sits at the west end of the lodge.
A man of the Tsi’-zhu Wa-no" gens of the Tsi’-zhu division now
places on the ground before the four Xthe’-ts’a-ge of the Tsi’-zhu
division an I’-tsi" (club) and returns to his seat. Then a man from
the Wa-ca’-be gens of the Ho’-ga division rises and places on the
ground before the four Xthe’-ts’a-ge of the Ho™-ga division, a mo™-hi®
(knife).
The article placed before the four Xthe’-ts’a-ge of the Tsi’-zhu,
called I’-tsi® (club), is not a club but a hatchet, a substitute that has
a history. The I’-tsi® (club) is the original weapon of the Tsi’-zhu
division. The story of its being found and given to the people is
recounted in the wi’-gi-e given by Xu-tha’-wa-to"-i" of the Tsi’-zhu
Wa-no" gens. (See p. 110.) After the Osage came into contact with
the white race their ancient club seems to have been superseded by a
more effective weapon, the so-called battle ax, which was made by
adding to the club a metal ax, as the Osage name of the instrument
reveals: mo™-hi"-gpe, iron ax; we-tsi®, club. This weapon was in
common use while the Osage were in their hunting and war stage.
After the disappearance of the buffalo and the settling of the tribe on
a reservation many changes came about. Traders increased and the
curio hunters arrived, who bought up from the Indians all their battle
axes. A substitute was demanded, which the trader readily supplied
by the common carpenter’s hatchet. This ordinary implement is used
at the present day, but in the rites it is still referred to by its ancient
name, I’-tsi" (club). A change has also come to the knife which
belonged to the Ho”™-ga division. In the early days a red stone
knife was used in this ceremony.” To this day children are named
for this ancient ceremonial weapon. Under the changed conditions of
the last century the stone knife has disappeared and is now represented
by the trader’s carving knife. The only requisite demand is that it
must be new.
After the placing of the I’-tsi7 and the Mo™-hi® before the two
groups of Xthe’-ts’a-ge, the Xo’-ka rises and speaks to all the No™-
ho®-zhi"-ga, saying: ‘If there is any one among you who desires to
lead a company in this war expedition let him now arise.’”” A number
of persons may rise, in which case each one is recognized as the leader
of a party to be made up of warriors from his own gens and who will
carry with them the Wa-xo’-be of their gens. Each one of these
1 For story of finding of knife see p. 207, lines 1430 to 1436, Thirty-sixth Ann. Rept. Bur. Amer. Ethn.,
Ni’-ki-e Ritual.
La FLEscuE] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 15
leaders have now to take upon themselves the No” -zhi"-zho® (fasting)
rite during the expedition, following the example of the Do-do”-ho"-ga
chosen by all the No”™-ho"-zhi®-ga. The men of these volunteer
Do-do”-ho*-ga are subject to the authority of the Xthe’-ts’a-ge chosen
by all the No”-ho*-zhi’-ga.
After all the volunteer leaders had been ceremonially recognized
and each one had returned to his seat, the entire body of the No™-
ho"-zhi"-ga begin to sing in a rhymthic monotone, marking time with
a clap of the hands.
During the first twenty measures, when each “hi” is accompanied
by a single clap of the hand, the Chief Xthe’-ts’a-ge of the Tsi’-zhu
group rises, advances to where lay the ‘“‘battle ax” and “knife,” takes
the former in his right hand and the latter in his left, crosses his fore-
arms at the wrists, so that the “battle ax” is toward the Ho™-ga
division and the ‘“‘knife’”’ toward the Tsi’-zhu, then, as the time of the
song is doubled, he dances to the end of the dance measures. When
the singers stop he lays the articles down in the places from which he
had taken them and returns to his seat. After he is seated all the
No”™-ho"-zhi"-ga begin the song again, and during the first twenty
measures the Chief Xthe’-ts’a-ge of the Ho™-ga group rises, advances
to where the weapons lay, takes them up and crosses his arms in the
same manner and dances during the “Hi, hi” and the double hand-
claps. At the close of the song he returns the articles to their places
and goes to his seat. This dance makes a break in the general ser-
iousness of the rite and affords the opportunity for a laugh or jest as
the dancers pose, while keeping to the strict rhythm of the handclaps.
The reversal of the positions of the two symbolic weapons by the
crossing of the arms of the Chief Xthe’-ts’a-ge is not without sig-
nificance. When the people of the Tsi’zhu division found the sacred
willow tree and made from it a ceremonial club, they said: ‘This
shall the little ones use for making their enemies to fall.’’ (See lines
196 to 198 in the wi’-gi-e given by Xu-tha’-wa-to"-i" in his descrip-
tion of the Wa-sha’-be A-thi" Ceremony, p. 110.) The holding of the
club toward the Ho"-ga division by the Tsi’-zhu Xthe’-ts’a-ge Chief,
as he dances, means that in the dedication of the ceremonial club to
the “Little Ones” the people of the Ho*-ga division were included
with those of the Tsi’-zhu. The ceremonial club is symbolic of the
act of striking the enemy, therefore a warrior of the Tsi’-zhu or of
the Ho™-ga division who strikes an enemy with the bare hand, the
foot, the bow, or a stick is entitled to an o-do™ (honor) which he may
recount at certain ceremonies of the war rites. The holding of the
ceremonial knife toward the Tsi’-zhu division by the Ho™-ga Xthe’-
ts’a-ge Chief as he dances is a dramatic reference to the finding of
the knife by the Ho™-ga people and their dedication of it to the
Wa-zha’-zhe and the Tsi’-zhu for ‘‘cutting.’”’ (See lines 1441 to 1446
16 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY {BULL. 101
in the Ni’-ki-e Ritual given by Wa-xthi’-zhi.) The word “cutting” is
metaphorical and refers to cutting off the heads of the enemy, there-
fore if a warrior of the Wa-zha’-zhe, Tsi’-zhu, or Ho”-ga cuts off the
head of an enemy with his own knife or a borrowed one he is entitled
to an o-do™ (honor), which he may recount at certain of the war
ceremonies, and to receive the fees for his services in recounting his
honors and be able to avail himself of the attending privileges.
When the two Wa-sha’-be A-thi" Wa-zho’-wa-gthe had been
chosen, word is sent to their families, who at once hasten to pull
down their dwellings and reset them, several paces apart, at the
western edge of the village. That belonging to the man of the Ho”-ga
division is set to the north and that of the Tsi’-zhu to the south?
The taking down of the two dwellings of the men chosen as Wa-zho’-
wa-gthe is a signal that all the dwellings of the village are now to be
taken down and moved, an act preparatory to the dramatization of
the entrance of the people upon war.
The dance of the two Chief Xthe’-ts’a-ge with the symbolic weapons
having come to a close, the Sho’-kas advance toward the two Wa-zho’-
wa-gthe and notify them that the village is now set in ceremonial
order. These officers at once arise and prepare to leave the lodge.
The one selected from the Tsi’-zhu division goes out by the door on
the Tsi’-zhu side, followed closely by the No’-ho?-zhi?-ga belonging
to that division; the one chosen from the Ho”’-ga division goes out by
the door on the Ho™-ga side, followed by the No-ho*-zhi"-ga of the
Ho’-ga division, and each of the Wa-zho’-wa-gthe passes on to his
respective ceremonial house, followed by the No”-ho*-zhi"-ga of his
division.
As the last man of each of the two divisions leaves the lodge the
carriers of the two ceremonial weapons, who had remained in their
seats, arise and pick up the symbolic weapons, the man from the
Wa-ca’-be gens of the Ho’’-ga division taking the knife and the man
from the Tsi’-zhu Wa-no® gens of the Tsi’-zhu division taking the
“battle ax.’ These two men follow the procession at some distance,
the Wa-ca’-be man carrying the symbolic knife on his left arm and the
Tsi’-zhu Wa-no" man the “battle ax’”’ on his right arm. From time
to time, as they follow, they alternately call to the people the following
notice:
Tn an article entitled ‘‘An Account of the War Customs of the Osages,’’ published in the American
Naturalist, February 1884, Rey. J. O. Dorsey gives a diagram (fig. 1) which shows correctly the positions
of the dwellings set up for the Wa-sha’-be A-thin Wa-zho’-wa-gthe. In an article entitled ‘‘The Osage
Mourning War Ceremony,” by Dr. George A. Dorsey, published in the American Anthropologist, 1902,
mention is made of the position of the ceremonial houses of the two Wa-sha’-be A-thi» Wa-zho’-wa-gthe
but no details are given.
LA FLEScHE] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 14
CALL TO THE PEOPLE
Sone 1
(Osage version, p. 149)
Recitative. Slow, with dignity Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher.
Se. PTS TS
6 ——
Tsi - zhua - ka mi hi - the ge ta,
——— sss ss |
Wa - dsu -ta wi® wa-no"-xea-dsi the tsea-ka tha,
i ESSER (
oar eae aes = ee ee
Wa - pa- hi thi®-ge xtsi wa-no"-xe a-dsi,The tsea-ki® da.
FREE TRANSLATION
The Tsi’-zhu have decreed that toward the setting of the sun,
A living creature shall go to the land of spirits,
Verily, without a weapon, to the land of spirits,
He shall go, they have decreed.
Sone 2
(Osage version, p. 149)
Recitative. Slow, with dignity Trangcribed by Alice C. Fletcher.
Typ a
Ho®’-gaa-ka mi hi-the ge ta, Wa-dsu- ta wi? wa-no®-xe a-dsi the tse a-ki®
da, Wa- pi - hi thi®-ge xtsi wa-no®-xea-dsi,The tse a-ki? da.
FREE TRANSLATION
The Ho”’-ga have decreed that toward the setting of the sun,
A living creature shall go to the land of spirits,
Verily, without a weapon, to the land of spirits,
He shall go, they have decreed.
From the time that these two carriers of the symbolic weapons make
their announcements as they follow the procession they are addressed
by their official title, I’-e-ki-the, freely translated, He through whom
words are spoken.
The word “‘wa-dsu’-ta’’ used in this announcement is applied ordi-
narily to animals but is here used as a trope for human beings. The
literal translation of the word is wa, things; dsu-ta, living.
The Tsi’-zhu Wa-zho’-wa-gthe, followed by his Xthe’-ts’a-ge and
No”-ho"-zhi"-ga of his division, enters his own house, and the Ho”-ga
Wa-zho’-wa-gthe, followed by his Xthe’-ts’a-ge and the No”-ho-
18 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY (Butt. 101
zhi®-ga of his division, enters his own house. The two I’-e-ki-the
(criers) pass on and take their positions several paces west of the two
houses of the Wa-zho’-wa-gthe. The Tsi’-zhu I’-e-ki-the, on the line
with the north side of the Tsi’-zhu house, and the Ho™-ga I’-e-ki-the
on a line with the south side of the Ho™-ga house, there these men
remain standing, facing the west during the entire ceremony, for they
are not permitted to sit down excepting at meal times.
When the No”-ho?-zhi"-ga, together with their Xthe’-ts’a-ge, are
seated in the respective houses of the Wa-zho’-wa-gthe the latter at
once enter upon their duties as masters of ceremony. The Ho”™-ga
Wa-zho’-wa-gthe summons his Sho’-ka and directs him to go after a
certain man of the Wa-ca’-be Zhu-dse (Red Black Bear) gens of the
Tsi’-zhu division. When the man sent for arrives at the house he is
assigned a seat by the Wa-zho’-wa-gthe, who now instructs his
Sho’-ka to lay before this man an article of value, with the formal
request that he make for the Xthe’-ts’a-ge charcoal with which to
paint themselves. Meanwhile, when the Tsi’-zhu Wa-zho’-wa-gthe,
his Xthe’-ts’a-ge and the No™-ho?-zhi™-ga of the Tsi’-zhu division
were seated in the Wa-zho’-wa-gthe’s ceremonial house, this officer
directs his Sho’-ka to go after a certain man of the Wa-ca’-be (Black
Bear) gens of the Ho’-ga division. When this man arrives at the
house he is assigned a seat and an article of value is placed before
him with the formal request that he make charcoal for the Tsi’-zhu
Xthe’-{s’a-ge to use as paint. The two men who had been thus sum-
moned by the two Wa-zho’-wa-gthe now send for their Sho’-kas and
instruct these men to go after branches, either of the redbud or the
(yellow) willow tree. Both of these trees are sacred and symbolize
long life. When the Sho’-kas return with the branches the two men
from the two Bear gentes proceed as requested to make the charcoal.
The Tsi’-zhu Wa-zho’-wa-gthe, when he sent his Sho’-ka for the
Wa-ca’-be man, also directed him to call for a certain man of the
K-no” Mi"-dse to" (Bow) gens. When this person arrives and is
seated a gift is placed before him by the Sho’-ka, with the formal
request that he make a wa-xthe’-xthe (standard) to be carried by the
Chief Xthe’-ts’a-ge of the Tsi’-zhu division, in the processions that
form a part of the ceremonies. The task of making the standard is
divided between the representative of the E-no™ Mi®-dse to™ (Bow)
and the Wa-ga’-be (Black Bear) gentes, for the reason that these two
gentes hold the property right in the materials to be used in construct-
ing the wa-xthe’-xthe (standard). This standard is a staff about 6 feet
long with a crook at the top. It is made from a sapling and has
attached to it a dressed deerskin. These two articles must be fur-
nished by the E-no™ Mi®-dse to" gens and its related gens, the Ta
I-ni-ka-shi-ga (Deer People). The Wa-ca’-be gens must furnish some
eagle feathers and a swan skin plucked of its feathers, but the down
must be left on.
La FLEScHE] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 19
At the same time the Wa-zho’-wa-gthe of the Ho™-ga division for
the same reason sends his Sho’-ka for certain men of the E-no”
Mi®-dse to™ and the Wa-¢ca’-be gentes to make the wa-xthe’-xthe
(standard) to be carried by the Chief Xthe’-ts’a-ge of the Ho”-ga
division. If, however, the Wa-zho’-wa-gthe of the Ho™-ga division
happens to belong to the Wa-ca’-be or to the related I*-gtho™”-ga gens
he will not need to send for a Wa-ca’-be man, as he himself represents
the gens. For the same reason, if he belongs to the E-no™ Mi®-dse
to" or to the related Ta I-ni-ka-shi-ga gens he will not need to send a
representative of either of these gentes.
The wa-xthe’-xthe is made in the following manner: The staff is
first closely encased in deerskin. Holes are made in the quill ends of
twelve eagle feathers through which thongs can be passed. These
feathers thus prepared are divided into four bunches of three feathers
each and are tied by their thongs about a foot apart to the front of
the staff so as to hang freely and wave when the staff is carried; the
first bunch is fastened about midway of the staff, the second a foot
higher, the third near the cross string of the crook, and the fourth at
the tip of the crook. The swan skin is cut into one long strip and
wound, the down side out, closely around the staff so as not to inter-
fere with the feather pendants. A dressed deerskin is tied to the staff
by the head end close to the lowest bunch of feathers and hangs
loosely when the standard is carried.
The Charcoal and the two wa-xthe’-xthe made at this stage of the
ceremony are not regarded as Wa-ko”™-da-gi, that is, as having mystical
or supernatural power. They are spoken of as ‘““Wa-zha-wa A-thi® bi
kshe,”’ to distinguish them from two other Wa-xthe’-xthe to be made
later in the ceremonies and which will be regarded as Wa-ko™-da-gi.
‘‘Wa-zha-wa A-thi" bi kshe”’ means those carried to excite enthusiasm.
The Chief Xthe’-ts’a-ge carry these standards in the processions
around the camp during the ceremonies in order to arouse the war-
like emotions of the younger warriors and are more for display than
for serious use in actual war.
When about to make the wa-xthe’-xthe the man from the E-no™
Mi"-dse to" gens recites a wi’-gi-e relating to the finding of the bow
and the arrows. Wa-xthi’-zhi declined to recite this wi’-gi-e, saying
he did not know it. This may have been true, but it is likely that he
respected the proprietary rights of the E-no” Mi*-dse to" gens to the
wi-gi-e. The charcoal was made without reciting the wi’-gi-e.
The men of the Wa-ca’-be and the E-no” Mi®-dse to™ having com-
pleted their work upon the charcoal and the wa-xthe’-xthe, in the
Tsi’-zhu house, send these articles by their respective Sho’-kas to the
Wa-zho’-wa-gthe, who in turn sends them by his Sho’-ka to the Chief
Xthe’-ts’a-ge. This official receives the articles and divides the char-
coal equally with his fellow officers, but retains the wa-xthe’xthe
(standard). In the ceremonial house of the Ho™-ga division the cere-
20 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY (But. 101
monies relating to the work upon the charcoal, the wa-xthe’-xthe, and
the delivering of these articles are the same as those performed in
the Tsi’-zhu house and are completed at about the same time.
The four Xthe’-ts’a-ge in each of the ceremonial houses at once
begin to blacken their faces and bodies with the charcoal. The favor-
ite horse of each of these officers is brought to the house and painted
with the charcoal and then saddled. The painting being done, the
Chief Xthe’-ts’a-ge of each group takes up his wa-xthe’-xthe and goes
out of his ceremonial house, followed by the other three officers. All
of the eight Xthe’-ts’a-ge now mount their horses and start in two
groups for the march around the village; the group belonging to the
Tsi’-zhu division going to the right, that of the Ho”’-ga division going
to the left. These two groups regulate their march so as to meet and
pass each other on the eastern side of the village at the end of the
avenue.
The following song is sung by the riders of each group as they slowly
encircle the village. The words of this song are as though spoken by
each man himself.
SONG OF THE RIDERS
(Osage version, p. 149)
M.M. e= 116 Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher.
—— pv
=e SSS SS SS eee
{om EI oe ——_—_ 4
Time beats f f f f f r r
Shi? - to wa-sho - she ho®-tho® - gi - the tho"-ke tho, Shi® -
CA aaa ==
Civitas taneeateyondtdt eaaaives lated ana
to wa-sho-she ho®-tho® gi-the tho®-ke tho, Shi"-to wa-sho-she ho®-tho®-
La
—p- coe
SS otros 3
f i igor fr teh
gi - the Hees ay I - tha nee thi® he tho, Ha! Do - do® -ho® - ga,
—h- — e manele
- ee ee ee ee {SS ES
——— =
out) 3 tid afactind ral teat San
pa-thi®-shi9-ga wa-sho-she dsi thi® do", Wa-zha-wa he-wa-wa-ka bi® do,Shi®-
Sp: ==. 2 — eis. wl
- a= Sa = —_ 1S So
ote — ss ss er ae ieee
-6- -o-
F ui eaKe
to wa- sho- we ho? - tho®-gi -the tho®-ke tho, Shi® -to wa-sho - she ho®-tho® -
Sar =—— SSS eines Bee ||
pile Prete
gi-the tho®-ke ‘e nee to wa-sho-she ho®-tho®-gi-the tho®-ke tho.
LA FLESCH] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY yall
FREE TRANSLATION
Our brave young men have found in me their leader,
Our brave young men have found in me their leader,
Our brave young men have found in me their leader,
I go forth in obedience to their call,
O! Do-do"-ho®-ga, they are eager to meet the foe,
To defeat and to triumph over him;
Our brave young men have found in me their leader,
Our brave young men have found in me their leader,
Our brave young men have found in me their leader.
While the Xthe’-ts’a-ge were marching around the village, prepara-
tions were being made for the return to their respective ceremonial
houses. Two drums were brought. One was placed near the Tsi’-zhu
house and the other near the Ho™-ga house. The No”-ho?-zhi"-ga
assembled. Those belonging to the Tsi’-zhu division sat in a line
extending from east to west in front of the Tsi’-zhu ceremonial house
and those belonging to the Ho™-ga division sat in a similar manner.
The people of the village gathered about the two houses in order to
witness the ceremony to follow the return of the Xthe’-ts’a-ge.
As each group of the Xthe’-ts’a-ge reach the ceremonial house to
which it belongs the riders dismount and as the horses are led away
the men of the Tsi’-zhu group take their seats in front of the No™-
ho"-zhi"-ga of that division while the men of the Ho”-ga group take
their seats in front of the No™-ho®-zhi"-ga of that division. When
the four Xthe’-ts’a-ge of each division had taken their seats the
No”-ho*-zhi-ga of the Tsi’-zhu division begin to sing: Hi, hi, hi, hi,
accompanied by drumbeats. The Chief Xthe’-ts’a-ge of the Tsi’-zhu
division rises and dances, accentuating the rhythm of the song with
the wa-xthe’-xthe which he carries in his hands. When the singing
and the drumming cease the dancer resumes his seat. After a short
pause the No’-ho®-zhi"-ga of the Ho™-ga division begin to sing: Hi,
hi, hi, hi, accompanied by beats on their drums, and the Chief Xthe’-
ts’a-ge of the Ho™-ga division rises and dances in the same manner
with his wa-xthe’-xthe until the singing ceases, when he takes his seat.
After a brief silence the singing and drumming start again on the
Tsi’-zhu side and the Xthe’-ts’a-ge sitting next to the Chief Xthe’-
ts’a-ge receives from him his wa-xthe’-xthe, then rises and dances as
long as the song continues, when he takes his seat. After another
brief silence the No”-ho"-zhi®-ga on the Ho”-ga side begin the song
and the Xthe’-ts’a-ge sitting next to the Chief Xthe’-ts’a-ge receives
from him his wa-xthe’-xthe and begins to dance with it while the song
continues, after which he takes his seat. The dance with the wa-xthe’-
xthe continues in this manner, the two divisions alternating in singing
and dancing until each of the eight Xthe’-ts’a-ge has performed his
part.
23 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [BULL. 101
This dance is popular with the people, as the dancers are usually
graceful and spirited in their actions and their make-up is colorful.
The crimson deertail headdress with its upright eagle feather; the
splotches of black upon the nude body; the gaily embroidered flaps of
the breechcloth; the ornamented leggings and moccasins, and the
white standard with its fluttering eagle feathers, all made a picture
that never failed to delight the old as well as the young. The women
in their conversation around the fireplace took pleasure in discussing
the skill of the dancers and in criticizing those whose movements they
considered to be ungainly.
The equestrian procession of the eight men around the village, their
dance with the standards before the No’-ho*-zhi*-ga and the people,
are to publicly indicate the final consent of these men to act as
Xthe’-ts’a-ge in the war expedition. Having thus signaled their
acceptance of the offices the Xthe’-ts’a-ge at once begin to use the
term ‘‘Ha! Ni-ka-wa-ca-e” when addressing the private volunteers or
when giving them commands. This expression is archaic. It is
never used on any other occasion and may be analyzed as follows: Ha,
is equivalent to the interjection ho, used to demand attention; Ni-ka,
men; wa-ca, probably an abbreviation of the word wa-ci-ci-ge, meaning
courage and active; e, you who are: “‘Ho! Ye courageous and active
men.’’? The Omaha use the term of address when on a war expedition.
At the close of the dance with the standards the Xthe’-ts’a-ge of
the Tsi’-zhu division enter their ceremonial house, taking with them
their drum, as do those of the Ho’-ga division. Within the two
houses the men of each group sit around the drum and begin to sing
the following seven songs, four of which belong to the Xthe’-ts’a-ge
and three to the Do-do”-ho"-ga.
LA FLEscHE] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY U5)
FOUR SONGS OF THE XTHE -TS’A-GE
Sone 1
(Osage version, p. 150)
M.M. e — 116 Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher.
a i a +
zuma =
mite beats r laden j
Shi?- to wa-sho -_ she e - dsi a-ba tho®- zha,
Bat ow i eck f hws f 033
She-o®-zho® tha thi®- she, Shi®-to wa-sho-she _ e - dsi a-ba tho®-zha,
(ee opie (aaa ea Sd gle or
he-o® zho® tha thi®-she,do-do®-ho®-ga_ U -ki -
eS
She-o®-zho® tha thi® she, .. .
mn »
——— ; a
FP APRISEISS i Se I pliterte tenes oe ag
te wa-sho-she e-dsia - bae-she do®,She-on-zho® tha thi®-she, E -dsi
[i Se ee eee
4 a ae “ie ae ae
oe ce Page os f coe f
hi Wa-ko2 -da ho® ta bi do® he -gio® ta bi® da.
FREE TRANSLATION
Many are the valiant men abler than I to command,
Yet it is I you have called.
Many are the valiant men abler than I to command,
Yet it is I you have called, It is I you have called.
Courageous, dauntless are our foes, you say,
Yet it is I upon whom you call.
Wa-ko*’-da decides my fate the day I meet my foe.
Song 2 expresses the willingness of the Xthe’-ts’a-ge to be put in
the place of danger by the “brave young men”’ because in the hearts
of his elder brothers there is no affection for him and they would not
miss him should he be slain. The Xthe’-ts’a-ge is required not only
to command his men while on the march but to actually lead the
attack upon the enemy and be first to meet the foe. The words in
line 5 of the song which imply that there is no love between brothers
may be regarded as extravagant, for among the Osage the fraternal
affection is strong. It is not unlikely that the song perpetuates a
remark made by a warrior chosen to act as Xthe’-ts’a-ge who felt
aggrieved at the inattentions of his brothers toward him and his
words found their way into a song that has come down.
24 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [Burt. 101
Sone 2
(Osage version, p. 150)
M.M. = 132 Transcribed by Alice ©. Fletcher.
*_._¢ —»-—9—_e@—__ 9 __@—_@
Time beats r r r r r if r P . f
Shi®-to wa-sho-sheo®-gi - to®- be ta sho" bia-thi® he tho,
f f f t ehiy oun [ Bug
Shi? -to wa-sho-sheo®-gi - to® -be ta sho® bia-thi? he tho,
ee
= SSeS ese 5) |
f f f f Ray eae, (ane je
Shi®- to wa-sho-she o®-gi- to"-be ta sho® bia-thi® he - tho,
aa
faa Pol fae
ald shki Dus he- Ja kh ish oe a- ce he a he-pshe le: he
oN A, 4
6—¢— 4 -0—__e—_¢—__e__8 | | 4 —
Berit f eal eo f f ‘ee
tho Wi-zhi®-the ga-to® e-dsi a-thi® he do® tho®-dse thi-shi ba-zhii®
=ssa——
rath Re
cr
do Shi? -to wa-sho-sheo®-gi - to®-be ta sho" bia-thi® he
Qe aa
tho, Ga ae shki 3 he - ka Gp he- a a- thin he a
FREE TRANSLATION
My brave young men long to put my courage to the test,
My brave young men long to put my courage to the test,
My brave young men long to put my courage to the test,
Come what may, so shall it be, I have said, I have said,
There is no yearning for me in my brother’s heart,
My brave young men long to put my courage to the test,
Come what may, so shall it be, I have said, I have said.
Song 3 represents the Xthe’-ts’a-ge as encouraging one another to
accept bravely the part in life that has fallen to them, the part that
belongs to man and is beset with many difficulties. The words them-
LA FLEscHE] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 25
selves do not express the full meaning of the song, but the men who
sing it and those who follow in the paths of danger understand well
its burden, for the song refers to dangers to be met, hardships to be
endured for the defense of the home, the protection of the woman who
builds the house and within it nurtures the little ones upon whom
depends the perpetuation of the tribe.
Sone 3
(Osage version, p. 150)
M.M. = 132 Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher.
i ee psf ae tent ehratit
Wi-ko-tha ho-shko® ’go-ta_ be tho, Wi-ko-tha ho-shko®
BR SR MMA ph ohh aug. dg oahe pa fue lo PLL wae
*g0- ta be tho, Ni-ka i - ta bi wa-tse-xie-sha be tho,
; -o- -6- -6- € ye O-
OAC Cre Se ee Deg era i?
Ho-shko® ’go-ta be tho, Wi-ko-tha ho-shko® ’go-ta be tho,
7 SEE Bake am ROU ae ae Tag
Wi-ko-tha ho-shko® ’go -ta_ be tho, Ni-ka - ta bi wa
( 6-9 F
Ke
eee Rntliant ee mae Plank
tse - xie - sha be tho, Ho-shko® ’go - ta _ be tho.
FREE TRANSLATION
This, my friends, is the lot that has fallen to you and to me,
This, my friends, is the lot that has fallen to you and to me,
The lot that falls to man, most difficult of all,
That lot has fallen to you and to me.
This, my friends, is the lot that has fallen to you and to me,
This, my friends, is the lot that has fallen to you and to me,
The lot that falls to man, most difficult of all,
That lot has fallen to you and to me.
Song 4 is an appeal by the Xthe’-ts’a-ge to the experienced warrior
as an “elder brother” upon whose valor success depends. The courage
of the “‘elder brother’’ is likened to that of the male bison who becomes
dangerous when driven to defend himself.
82773393
26 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [Butt. 101
Sona 4
(Osage version, p. 150)
M.M. DEM ig sea 1 ONE 126 Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher.
Time beatsf =f
Pere sie al
Bei- tha- no®-zhin mo? - a e Tie: eee: he - eS mo?
— SSS]
f f f
r r
zhi2 eho - wa- ga-sho"e tho, Wi-zhi®-the thi tse-do -
= =a es Sse igs {=
= 6 Se ee 4-e— es
zB a
Fcoi— sifeerieaal ieee f fre
ga he-thi-goa - do®, I wi no®™zhi®e tho Be i -tha-no®-zhi® mo® -
A Ls ee sees
ees
. e
zhite ho - wa- ga-shoe tho Bei - tha- no®-zhi® mo® -
2 Saree meena
weer mere ae
eae ee lee
ae
zhie ho- wa-ga-sho® e tho Be eee mo? - zhi e nae Bie e that
ea | : el eee cae
Son (ae fae [aaa
f
Wi-zhi®-the thi tse-do - a neahiegon a don I wi no® zhi" e tho.
a
ae
FREE TRANSLATION
Relying alone on your valor I go forth,
Relying alone on your valor I go forth,
O, elder brother, courageous as the male bison,
Upon your valor alone I depend,
Relying alone on your valor I go forth,
Relying alone on your valor I go forth.
THREE SONGS OF THE DO-DON’-HON-GA
The words of Song 1 are addressed by the Xthe’-ts’a-ge to the
Do-do”-ho"-ga, reminding him of the words of the fathers that the
part of man in the struggle for life is indeed hard, but an incessant
crying to the Supernatural never fails to bring aid to man, therefore
he must put forth all his strength in his cry for aid.
La FLEScHE] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY Dad
Sone 1
(Osage version, p. 150)
M.M. a — 126 Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher.
i ee ee ae a6
ye eae Tame fae ee ere a
SS SSS SS
Time beats BS if r f r pr fr fe fe
= da - asi ni-ka i- ta wa-tse-xie-sha be tho, Hi®-da-
| |
dsi ni - ka [ - ta ty - tse - xie - He be lf Hi® -da -
= es pe ne, Sing a gp Te
dsi ni-ka i -ta wa-tse xie sha be tho, . . Wa-tse -
SS ee
f t (aa Cook
2 p be ls a a i. ka i-ta bi wa-tse-xie he -
<= a i = ne =H
=e -@
<0
f
gie - i be ws Xa - ge wa-shko® al fe - ee nod be es
FREE TRANSLATION
Hard is the lot of man, our fathers have said,
Hard is the lot of man, our fathers have said,
Hard is the lot of man, our fathers have said,
Hard is the lot of man, O, Do-do™-ho®-ga, they have said,
Hard is the lot of man, our fathers have said,
But ceaseless crying (to Wa-ko*’-da) fails not to bring aid.
The burden of Song 2 is the gravity of the situation in which the
Xthe’-ts’a-ge finds himself placed by his people. The song represents
him as brooding over the possibility of defeat, the loss of his men,
and the sorrow that would follow. He pictures the attacks of the
enemy, hears the cries of the Do-do’-ho"-ga for supernatural aid,
wrath stirs within him and a desire to strike the enemy, but the
responsibility of being the actual leader in the attack gives him pause
and he is seized with a longing to know if the thoughts of Wa-ko™-da
incline with favor toward him.
28 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [BuLL. 101
Sone 2
(Osage version, p. 151)
M.M. d — 126 Transcribed by Alice OC. Fletcher.
A
Spe
mebestsf of fe rT. Ta
Wa-kon-da_ wa - thi-gtho” bi ho® - pa-the ko®-btha ’thi® he,
$ A re eS ona ree
ess Coes samen ae
2) es
f f f f f «sf ee: f
Wa- ko®-da wa - thi-gtho® bi ho® - pa - the ko® -btha ’thi® he
bi : "
=
f f
Ra Pl ae oe ideginc
Wa-ko®-da he - gi- the bi kon -btha ’thi® he, Thoe
if == rz
7S
RY ke fof:
Do -do®-ho" -ga tha - xa-ga_ bi do® ho® -ba-ko® no® tho®-zha,
ct
ks ee
Tho®-dse wi - ta ho® - pa - the ko® - btha ’thi® he,
casa PAN WD RA A RM atc UE
a — [
Se <a |
oe oO -8- -o-
f (inwcltad al Grrase f
Wa - ko®-da he - gi-tha bi ko® - btha’thi" he.
FREE TRANSLATION
I crave to know the thoughts of Wa-ko’-da,
I crave to know the thoughts of Wa-ko"’-da,
To know if He holds me in His favor,
O, Do-do*’-ho®-ga, your cries stir the wrath within me,
Yet would I know the strength of my heart,
Would know if He holds me in His favor.
In Song 3 the Xthe’-ts’a-ge awakens to the truth that no human
effort can penetrate the thoughts of Wa-ko™-da or divine His purpose.
Man must content himself with the belief that by constant crying he
will stir the compassion of Wa-ko™-da and secure His aid. Again
the Do-do”-ho"-ga is reminded of the words of the fathers that the
lot of man in life is hard, therefore must he cry with all his might to
Wa-ko”™-da for aid.
La FLEscHE] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 29
Sone 3
(Osage version, p. 151)
M.M. = 126 Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher.
s—6 a ee ee + e ——|
Time beats f Li f r r i ¢ ¢
Wa - ko® - wa - thi - gtho® bi __ tse be hi - ba - ho®
gee toe Steen
Pee PR Ee TAY ef
wa 2 -ko - ae la ko2- ie wa-thi-gtho" bi tse be hi- ba-ho®
ree ae a
P Freee
un a - ge uy shko® i A - ag no® 0, thoe
© eee! esr eee eas
is ie no be es : ei _ nn < - ka i - ta i ie tse -
inv Sale “6- E
BAW Anh mpcinh G hill olf
xi he - gi -the no® be tho, Xa-ge wa-shko2do® ho-psheno® be tho.
r
FREE TRANSLATION
Who can know the thoughts of Wa-ko*’-da, O friends,
Who can divine His purpose,
We can but cry with all our strength to Wa-ko»’-da,
We can but cry with all our might, O, Do-do*’-ho»-ga,
Man’s lot is hard, our fathers have said,
But the earnest cry to Wa-ko*’-da will bring help.
At the close of the singing of the Xthe’-ts’a-ge and Do-do™-ho"-ga
songs by the eight principal officers, which was toward the middle of
the day, water is brought by the women to these men to wash their
faces. Food and water to drink is then placed before them. This
being done, these officers direct two of their men to go to the Criers
who were standing with the symbolic knife and the symbolic battle-ax
and to conduct these men to places close to the two ceremonial houses.
Then water and food are placed before them, of which they partook
hastily and then returned to their former positions west of the village,
there to stand until again called. Water and food are also sent by
these officers to the Do-do"-ho*-ga who sits in a small house west of
30 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY (BULL. 101
the Wa-ca’-be ceremonial house. Before eating and drinking the
Do-do”’-ho®-ga removes from his face the sign of fasting but puts it
on again after partaking of a little food.
When the Xthe’-ts’a-ge and the people of the village have eaten
their midday meal, the Xthe’-ts’a-ge again paint themselves and their
horses with charcoal and go forth on another procession around the
village, followed this time by all the people in their gayest attire,
the Tsi’-zhu going around by the right and the Ho™-ga by the left.
Each division carries a drum. Occasional stops are made when the
singers gather around the drum and sing the Wa-sha’-be A-thi" songs
called I’-wa-tsi, To which the People Dance. These songs are also
called Tse-xe-k’i2 No™-ho® Wa-tho", Songs of the Elder Tse’-xe-k’i" or
Kettle Carriers. These songs are sung without any particular order
and the time is accentuated by the drum while the people in their
dance keep the rhythm of the songs.
SONGS OF THE ELDER KETTLE CARRIERS
The first of these songs, given by Wa-xthi’-zhi, is an old one and
relates to a time when a warrior by the name of Wa-xa’-da-i" was
chosen to act as Do-do”-ho"-ga for a large war party. While the
ceremonies were going on the friends of a young man who was pre-
paring to join the war party tried to dissuade him from going, warning
him of the hardships and the dangers with which he would have to
contend. He replied to his friends that Wa-xa’-da-i"’s crying had so
aroused his wrath that he was going forth to strike the enemy, that he
would strike Wa-ko"-da Himself if he tried to prevent him. The
words of the boastful youth were put to song which was always sung
at the ceremonies.
La FLESCHE] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 31
Sone 1
(Osage version, p. 151)
M.M a= 132 Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher.
TD r r puee reve
Ho - wa-ga-sho" bthe tse do® wa-no® - peo®-tha kshi-the, Ho -
on, fase Bh pikes on Tin Gatharn cide
wa-ga-sho" bthe tse do"? wa-no® - peo® tha kshi-the, Ho -
OEE
Peal al aa SANs dle lila i a cat a
wa-ga-sho" bthe tse do" wa-no® - peo®-tha kshi-the, Ko - tha he-go™ ta
Mean t i Hip aes ah
te he tho tho, Wa-xa-da-i xa-gemo" thi? ocala pice =
-6- -6- -6-°
f f f al hal f f f
shki do® ho - wa- tsi® ta thi? he tho, Ho - wa- ga-sho® bthe tse
SSS al
; -- 8 ~« -~o- —_—: - « -~o 6 -s
asta dae Ue Vite see ag) oust Reacher
do® wa-no® - peo®-tha kshi-the, Ko - tha he-go™ ta thi® he tho.
FREE TRANSLATION
You speak to me of dangers that I may fear,
You speak to me of dangers that I may fear,
You speak to me of dangers that I may fear,
But I have willed to go, my friends,
Wa-xa’-da-i"’s crying stirs my wrath,
I go forth to strike, even Wa-ko*’-da, should He oppose me.
You speak to me of dangers that I may fear,
But I have will to go, my friends.
The second song is of the selection of the two Chief Xthe’-ts’a-ge
who are to lead the warriors in the attack upon the enemy. In this
song the Tse-xe-k’i" (private warriors), whose song it is, changed the
title, Wa-to"-ga (Chief) of the two leaders, to the exalted one of
Wa-ko”-da, for their commands are to be obeyed as implicitly as
those of Wa-ko™-da by all His creatures. The Tse-xe-k’i® also
deplores the passing of the elder brothers of Tho®-ba’-wa-k’i? who
ae BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [Butt. 101
were noted for their success as war leaders. The efforts of the man
chosen to appeal to the Supernatural for aid is also mentioned in the
song.
Sone 2
(Osage version, p. 151)
M.M. Je 132 Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher.
——_———————— et ane
SSS A[Penf
Time beats r i
Tse - : wa- ec da o2- wife xa be ahs ies - ga wa-ko®-dao® -
Gee: Comes (os Ci eee ected (Un Rf. ie
ga-xa be tho, Tse - ga wa-ko®-dao® - ga- xa be tho, Tse -
f f Bred é.
ga wa-ko® - dao® - s ye be AS ee - wo thi® - Le -
Soria ee | fae
ns x thi® ae : . . tho, Tho®- ba - wa - k’i thi-ghi® -
= Se
dis are - ga if dsi A He - . a thi? a-do® io8 Ce on -
Zor! = om =
| H | f
i - xa be ‘i 0, - wa - ko® - dao® -
=== Sal
ga - xa be tho, bie - ie thi® ibs wait te st thi? ae:
FREE TRANSLATION
Again we choose the men to lead us forth,
Again we choose the men to lead us forth,
Again we choose the men to lead us forth,
Again we choose the men to lead us forth,
Moved by the efforts of our suppliant,
Your brothers have gone, O, Tho®-ba-wa-k’i,
There have been none to supply their places,
Again we choose the men to lead us forth,
Moved by the efforts of our suppliant.
LA FLEscuE] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY go
There are other songs of a like character to the two Tse-xe-k’i®
songs given above that are sung and accompanied by dances as the
processions move around the village, but Wa-xthi’-zhi, when describing
the great ceremony, gave only these two as typical of this class. The
audacious and boastful character of the Tse’-xe-k’i" songs is in strong
contrast to the Xthe’-ts’a-ge and Do-do™-ho'-ga songs; the former
voice the uncontrolled exuberance of the younger element and the
latter the seriousness of the older and more experienced class.
As in the procession of the eight Xthe’-ts’a-ge early in the day, in
this procession all the people of the two divisions regulate their mote-
ments so as to meet and pass each other on the eastern side of the
village, at the end of the avenue.
CrreEemony oF O-THO'’-pa Wa-tst (DANCE IN THE CENTER)
This title is descriptive of the position of the dancers and the spec-
tators. When the two divisions meet at their starting point the
Xthe’-ts’a-ge dismount, and as their horses are led away the officers
take seats on the ground between the two ceremonial houses together
with their volunteer warriors, the men of the Tsi’-zhu sitting in a
semicircle on their side, the men of the Ho™-ga sitting in a semicircle
on theirs. The people belonging to the two divisions seat themselves
on their respective sides at the back of the Xthe’-ts’a-ge and their
warriors. After all have taken their places one of the Chief Xthe’-
ts’a-ge rises and recounts briefly in an excited manner his winning of
awarhonor. Then the singers strike up the first of the four songs now
to be sung, beating their drums to accentuate the rhythm. The two
Chief Xthe’-ts’a-ge, carrying their respective standards, then begin to
dance in a circle, followed by the other officers and the volunteer
warriors, the Tsi’-zhu taking the outer circle and moving to the right,
and the Ho-ga the inner circle and moving to the left (fig. 1). As
the men of each division complete the circle they halt, face the center
of the circle, and continue to dance until the singing of the song comes
to a close, when all sit down on the ground. After a brief pause the
other Chief Xthe’-ts’a-ge rises and recounts briefly his winning of a
war honor. The singers then strike up the second song and the dance
is repeated. Each one of the four songs to which the men dance is
introduced by the Chief Xthe’-ts’a-ge with the recounting of the
winning of awarhonor. The Chief Xthe’-ts’a-ge alternate in recount-
ing an honor and leading the dance. The following are the songs
used. The first have no words, only vocables.
34 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [BULL. 101
Sone 1
(Osage version, p. 151)
M.M. = 188 Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher.
Time beats f r . i p e r ( i
Hiu wi tha the, hiu wi the, hiu wi the - e, Hiu wi tha _ the,
|
Hiu wa hi tha i the the, Hiu wa hi tha the - e,
a hah mwah ake iy Gai so se
f i F lems dl ee r
hiu wa hi tha ithe the, Hiu wa hi the’ the,.ha i the
Pu Pot puitia aye "Olt pill, lopment (pt be 26
the ha i the, Hiu wi the - e, hiu wi tha, hiu wi tha,the hiu wi tha.
Sone 2
(Osage version, p. 152)
ty d — 188 Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher.
ay SS —_— a
=
—- Tre a a -o-. -6- e-
Time beats F r ¢ F fF f r r
E he tha, e ha tha i the the-e, tho i he the the,
1 $ heii vate dy ys 5
Liseeess -SSaee ee See
Pe 3) al ale reel es ens (a cee
Thoe hethe i the the-e,tho,e hetha i the the, ha wi the
i
fof Dp OF Poe TUT ars a oa
the Ha wi the, a he a i tha e he a i tha -
Fane arcane Ca an
e, tho i hethathe,Thoe hethe ithe etho the e, hatha e the
st | use
cee Peepers reas sneer aa
fe ait Fee oaee rf
the, ha i the the Ha 1 “the the; e- he tha e he tha i tha,
La FLEScHE] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY ao
Sone 3
(Osage version, p. 152)
M.M. e — 120 Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher.
mimetests f f f f ped ret ae patch
Hio wi the the, hiu wi the the, hio wi the the,
aaa cst iticeaphria i, 2 ety teas hilk er reste
Pa-thi®-zhi®-ga no®-tha- pa bi? da, U-he-g¢a-zhi no®-tha-pa bi® da,
* aug ety =
f erat f f (pers
Hio wi the the -e, hio wi thithe the, hio wi the the,
4
—_—- -
ose ee fer
f Page 8647 poe Sian OF fre 26
Hio wi the the, hio wi the the, hio wi the _ the.
All the lines but the second and third of Song 3 are made up of
vocables. The words of the second and third lines seem to convey a
taunt and may be translated as follows:
FREE TRANSLATION
You seem to fear the young men of the foe,
Their courage and strength you seem to fear.
Having forgotten the fourth song of this group, Wa-xthi’-zhi
repeated Song 1 to make up the number.
This dance is very popular among the people because of the pleasing
colors of the make-up of the dancers and the graceful movements of
the men following in single file their leaders who hold aloft as they
dance the standards with their eagle-feather pendants swaying and
fluttering in the breeze.
At the close of the O-tho”-da Wa-tsi, toward sundown, the Xthe’-
ts’a-ge rise and take their places in the center in front of their respec-
tive warriors, the Tsi’-zhu on their side and the Ho™-ga on theirs.
The people sing the Hi, hi song to the beating of the drums as each
member of the Xthe’-ts’a-ge dances.
The sun sets upon the closing of this dance of the Xthe’-ts’a-ge and
the people move toward their homes to take their evening meal around
fires kindled outside the house. Food is brought by the women to the
36 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY (Butt. 101
Xthe’-ts’a-ge and their followers, who increase in numbers as the
ceremony progresses, all of whom partake of the feast provided,
sitting in the light of the fires kindled in the open air between the two
ceremonial houses. In the enjoyment of the feast the two Criers, who
always remain standing with their faces toward the setting of the
sun, are not forgotten. They are ceremonially conducted to a place
close to the ceremonial houses, where they are served their share of
the food. The Do-do™-ho*-ga, who is shut up in his little house,
praying ceaselessly for success, is also served food with much ceremony.
After this evening feast the Xthe’-ts’a-ge rise to lead the male
members of the two divisions in a procession around the village.
Those of the Tsi’-zhu division go by the right and those of the Ho”-ga
by the left. The members of each division are divided into three
groups. The first group, composed of the older men who have had
actual experience in war, is led by the men just entering manhood.
The third and largest group contains all the boys. The three songs
belonging to this procession are called Xa-ge’ Wa-xo"-xo", Crying and
Broken Songs. Xa-ge means to cry and refers to the appeal made by
these songs to the night, that is, to the Power that moves in the night.
Wa-xo"-xo" means broken into many pieces. This word refers to the
group of ownership of these songs and the manner in which they are
sung. Each of the three groups mentioned above, composed of the
elder men and the young men and the boys, has its own song which
was sung simultaneously by the corresponding group in the Tsi’-zhu
and Ho™-ga divisions. The effect of these three distinct songs being
sung at the same time by the three groups of the two divisions bears
out the descriptive title of broken or divided songs. The first song
is sung by the elder men.
La FLEScHE] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 37
CRYING AND BROKEN SONGS (NIGHT)
Sone 1
(Osage version, p. 152)
M.M. = 126 Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher.
1
Rf fe it Foe ee
Ho? the-tse no? Wa-ko®-dae-sha bi?" da, Xa-ge wa-shko® bathi® ha,
am
-6- -@- -o-° -8- -6- 6 -6 -G-
Tan—a foam amr -1p | leprae [anemia eee ert Rowe jz 0,
Ho® the-tse no? Wa-ko®-dae-sha bi? da, Xa-ge wa-shko® ba thi® ha,
eS SS
i ee el Ge acid ied ais Salat,
Ha! Do-do®-do® - ga Wa-ko®-da he- gi-the bi do®,
SSS SSS SS ——— =
Sue Se - -o -~9-
f F r f f PPE
Pa - thi®-zhi® -ga tho - the the pshi ko®-bthe tho,
- -6- = — - -¢g- “ -
foe ere inal ah le teat pla hd
Ho® the-tse no® Wa-ko®-da e-sha bi? = da, Xa-ge wa-shko® ba thi? ha.
FREE TRANSLATION
In the night, also, Wa-ko®’-da moves, so it has been said,
Then cry to Him with all your might,
In the night, also, Wa-ko®’-da moves, so it has been said,
Then cry to Him with all your might,
O, Do-do*’-ho2-ga, may Wa-ko»’-da favor me,
That I may find the foe and fall upon him,
In the night, also, Wa-ko*’-da moves, so it has been said,
Then cry ye to Him with all your might.
Song 2, which is sung by the young men grown to manhood, but
who have yet to experience war, expresses their willingness to follow
their elder brothers, the experienced warriors, through all the hard-
ships of war, chief of which is that of thirst, that often comes during
the marches over the waterless plains. The song prefigures the
hardships to be met by the young warriors.
38 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [Buxe. 101
Sona 2
(Osage version, p. 152)
Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher,
Time beats ( , ¢ fe : e ; eter ie : ats
The - ceo®-bi-ceathi® he, He, zhi" - the, He, zhi® - the,
7. = SS
iO eee sea |
r f f f
The - geon-bi- ge athi® he, On-thi®- ge ta tse tho tse tho® -zha
Sean Sr) 4 ale ;
-@- -o- - ee - —-
we we a ah ena a
E ( f (apt: f Das i
The - geon- bi - gea - thi? he He, zhi® - the,
a a ee
— o— :
sl albu eae : ——< ~~
-@- a om
f peli f f if f f
He zhi® - the, The -cgeo"- bi- cea - thid he.
FREE TRANSLATION
Dry is my tongue from marching,
O, my elder brother, O, my elder brother,
Dry is my tongue from marching,
And, lo, death draws near to me.
Dry is my tongue from marching,
O, my elder brother, O, my elder brother,
Dry is my tongue from marching.
Song 3, which the boys sing and to which they dance, as they
follow their elders around the village, has a deeper meaning than that
conveyed by its words as understood by their ordinary usage and
sense. The song prefigures the success of the war party and the
departure of the enemy to the spirit land. The lads sing:
“O, elder brothers, a spirit makes for me a feast,”
which means, metaphorically, that the enemy has fled to the spirit
land, leaving him to feast upon the fruits of the earth and thus to
grow to manhood, and finally to reach old age.
La FLEscut] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 39
Sone 3
(Osage version, p. 152)
M.M. = 96 Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher.
Time beats A f - r r eal f h
The, zhi®-the wa-no®-xede wa-no®-btheo®-kshi-thabe, He,zhi®-the,
Om oo Oe |
f af f f f 2a f
He,zhi®-the The, zhi®-the wa-no®-xe de wa - n02-bthe o®-kshi-tha be.
FREE TRANSLATION
O, elder brothers, a spirit makes for me a feast,
O, my elder brothers, O, my elder brothers,
O, elder brothers, a spirit makes for me a feast.
When the men and boys of the two divisions comprising the proces-
sion meet at the starting point, all the small boys at once scatter to
their homes while the men, old and young, follow their respective
Xthe’-ts’a-ge, those belonging to the Tsi’-zhu to the house of that
division and those belonging to the Ho-ga to their house. After
entering their ceremonial house all the men are obliged to sit upright;
no one is allowed to lie down until the Wa-zho’-wa-gthe of each house
issues his command to do so; meanwhile the men entertain themselves
by talking over the happenings of the day, particularly those incidents
that had excited merriment.
Toward midnight, as the noises cease, the two Criers bearing the
symbolic weapons start on their march around the village, the one
Crier from the Tsi’-zhu side going by the right and the one from the
Ho”-ga side going by the left. As they slowly walk on their round
they call, one after the other: ‘In four days the warriors will move
against the enemy!’’ The people keep silent in their tents, for
although they well know what the Criers are proclaiming, they like
to hear these calls in the stillness of the night. The Criers pass each
other at the end of the avenue at the east side and keep up their alter-
nate calls until they reach their station from which they started,
where they cease calling. After a moment of silence the Tsi’-zhu
Wa-zho’-wa-gthe addresses the men in his ceremonial house: ‘‘E’-do"
ha, Ni-ka-wa-ca-e. A’-thi-ko" zho"-i-ha ba thi" ha, Ni-ka-ce-e”’; “It is
well, O, ye men of valor. Recline ye and rest ye, O, men of valor.”
After a short pause the Ho™-ga Wa-zho’-wa-gthe repeats the same
command to the men within his ceremonial house. At once the men
in both houses, who had been moving all day long, stretch themselves
40 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [BuLt. 101
upon the ground with many a groan and grunt as they relax their
limbs. They are, however, forbidden to lie on their backs as they
rest but must lie on their sides. After this command in the two
houses the entire village becomes silent in sleep.
At break of day the two Chief Xthe’-ts’a-ge arise and each blows
a reed whistle, which he carries throughout the ceremony, as a signal
for the warriors to rise and prepare for the morning procession. The
young men and boys also respond to the signal and hasten to the cere-
monial houses to make ready to take part in the ceremony. This
morning procession, like the night procession of the previous evening,
is divided into three groups, as already described. Each group has
its own song for this particular ceremonial march around the village
and all these songs are sung simultaneously. These songs, like those
belonging to the night procession, are called Xa-ge Wa-xo"-xo",
Broken Songs. As the men of the first group pass along singing their
songs many of the warriors in the procession as well as the people of
the village cry loudly in appeal for aid to the Supernatural.
La FLEscur] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 41
BROKEN SONGS (DAY)
Sone 1
(Osage version, p. 152)
M.M. g — 126 Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher.
Se
Time beats r r r F Pree
Ho® the tse no® Wa - wae ae - sha__bi® do,
Ksho® - ga wa - shko® ba thi® ha,
3 —— +
Fk re rir = SSS
f f era orhe Seeele car
|
Ho® the tse no® Wa - ko® - dae - sha _ bi? da,
f
— = =u = =a ss ESss
r f f f ae Se i
Ksho® - ga wa - shko® ba thi® ha,
_Ht s
SSS
faa Fabs f [ is f
f
Ha! Do-do™-ho® ga Wa-ko®-da he gi tha bi do,
ou —- ee Pag
f f f f f Pee
Pa - thi®-zhi®- ga tho-the thi? pshi ko" - bthe re
ores Sa
¢ Pratt
afl the tse no® um ko®-da ae bi® fy ant bie soe ba Jan ha.
FREE TRANSLATION
In the night, also, Wa-ko®’-da moves, so it has been said,
Then, younger brothers, ery to Him with all your might,
In the night, also, Wa-ko®’-da moves, so it has been said,
Then, younger brothers, cry to Him with all your might,
O, Do-do*’-ho®-ga, may Wa-ko*’-da favor me,
That I may find the foe and fall upon him,
In the night, also, Wa-ko»’-da moves, so it has been said,
Then, younger brothers, cry to Him with all your might.
83773—39—_4
42 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [BuLt. 101
The song sung by the young men commemorates the passing of
Wa-thi’-gtho®-thi*-ge, a warrior noted for his successes in war-like
enterprises. As in many of the Osage songs, the meaning of the words
and phrases employed are used figuratively and cannot be ade-
quately translated into English. In this song the singer is repre-
sented as moving along life’s pathway, weeping while he remembers
the dead warrior, his valorous deeds, his hospitality, and his charitable
acts.
Sone 2
(Osage version, p. 153)
— 126 Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher.
ees eae Se
Time beats (
Wi - ei - : - the ee xa - ioe thi® f ae Ls - é -
o— 6 opal
e e
f f f
gi-the do" xa-gea-thi® he tho, Wa-thi-gtho® thi®- ge, Wi - gi -
= aa
f fof sf. fli
gi-the do® xa -gea-thi® é tho, Wi- gi - gi-the do® xa-gea-thi®
See |
r f fia
e i =f - 5p - ey - the ~ xa - gea- thi? he tho,
Pees ee eee i
ae oF Me:
oe thi- gtho®-thin AE Wi - bi - i the do® xa-gea-thi® he tho.
FREE TRANSLATION
I weep when I remember you, as I travel onward,
I weep when I remember you, as I travel onward,
Wa-thi’-gtho*-thi"-ge,
I weep when I remember you, as I travel onward,
I weep when I remember you, as I travel onward,
I weep when I remember you, as I travel onward,
Wa-thi ’-gtho®-thi-ge,
I weep when I remember you, as I travel onward.
The third song, which the boys sing, represents the boy as coming
to his father and proudly calling upon him to see his son’s face painted
with charcoal, the symbol of fire. No one had urged the lad but he
LA FLEscHE] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 43
had seized the symbol and put it upon his face with the hope that
some day he would become a warrior.
Sone 3
(Osage version, p. 153)
M.M. J 120 Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher.
Time beats r fs r r c r f r
Hi® - da-dsi 02- gi - to - be hie tho: Hi®-da-dsio®- gi - to®-be
Pel eifomn,) as ‘ Peas f
hi tho, O®-gi-to®-be i ie Be ho®-go®-ce thi? -ge,No®-xthe i-tha -
Sf eS SS
ae _
f (rae
a dse tho pa be hi a a o0-gi - to" - be hi tho,
—- 5
-6- -@ -@-
—— SSI
Coe ah oh-gi - is be i i Hi® -da-dsi 02- gi - to®- be hi tho.
FREE TRANSLATION
Behold me, thy son, O, my father,
Behold me, thy son, O, my father,
Behold me, thy son,
Urged by no one,
I have seized the sacred charcoal,
Behold me, thy son, O, my father,
Behold me, thy son, O, my father,
Behold me, thy son, O, my father.
On the return of the warriors the young men and the boys go to
two ceremonial houses, the starting point, and the O-tho”-da Wa-tsi
(Dance in the Center) already described on page 33 is repeated.
At the close of this dance the women place before the warriors water
and food for their morning meal. The women also similarly serve the
Do-do”-ho*-ga and the two Criers. The processions and dances that
follow through the second day and evening are repetitions of those of
the previous day, and upon the return of the warriors to their respec-
tive houses they are obliged to sit upright until the return of the
Criers from making their announcement when at the command, as
already described, the men are allowed to take their rest. About
midnight, when the village is quiet, the two Criers set forth on their
second march around the village, crying out, one after the other, in a
loud singing tone, the following notice:
44 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [BuLt. 101
CALL OF THE CRIERS
(Osage version, p. 153)
Slowly, with dignity Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher.
_—
- ee 6 oe es 6-6 —-@—-—___
Do - do® - ho® - ga, ho® - ba ga - ¢o®- thi? do?
eS a
Ni da - ka -de ga - xe ta “bi da bi® >) sda) —-seo"
FREE TRANSLATION
Tomorrow at break of day the Do-do*’-ho"-ga
Will heat the sacred water.
All the people, even the children, remain silent listening to the calls,
and by the time the two men have completed the circle the whole
village slumbers as though crooned to sleep by the Criers.
Some time during the night the Tsi Wa-ko"-da-gi, House of Mystery,
which is in the keeping of the Wa-ca’-be gens of the Ho’’-ga subdivi-
sion, is set up about 150 paces west of the two ceremonial houses and
in direct line of the avenue running through the village. The frame
is constructed in the same manner as that for the ordinary house but
the coverings are of animal skins that have symbolic significance.
The first used is an elk skin which is spread over the eastern end of the
frame; the elk is one of the symbols of war. The second is the skin
of a black bear; this skin is spread over one side of the house; the black
bear is a symbol of fire which is unrelenting when it takes a destructive
course. The third is the skin of a puma which is spread on the other
side of the house; this animal is also a symbol of fire. The fourth is
the skin of a swan which is spread over the top of the frame in the
center; this bird also serves as a symbol of fire.
At break of day the man who had been chosen to be the Do-do’-
ho®-ga by the No”-ho"-zhi"-ga, the volunteer Do-do’-ho*-ga, the
Chief Xthe’-ts’a-ge and the No”-ho"-zhi"-ga approach the house of
mystery, enter and take their places according to gentes as at the
meetings of the No”-ho®-zhi"-ga when performing the ceremonies of
the war rite. The Xo’-ka sits at the east end of the lodge and con-
ducts the ceremony. With him sits the Do-do”-ho"-ga, as at a regular
initiation into one of the seven degrees of the war rite. The Sho’-ka
takes his place beside the fireplace on the Ho™-ga side of the lodge.
Crremony oF Ni Da-xKa-psse E-psi-etHE (HEATING THE WATER)
When all the men are in their places the Xo’-ka directs the Sho’ka
to arrange four stones in the fireplace, one toward each of the four
winds. This ceremonial act having been performed by the Sho’-ka,
the Xo’-ka directs him to place upon the stones a kettle, the cere-
LA FLEscue] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 45
monial name of which is Tse’-xe Ni-ka-po. No definition of this name
could be obtained, but it may be analyzed as follows: Tse’-xe, kettle;
Ni-ka, abbreviation of Ni-ka-shi-ga, persons; po, modification of the
word po-e, to burn or to set on fire. The ceremonial kettle filled with
water by the Sho’-ka is held in readiness to be placed upon the four
stones while the Xo’-ka recites the following wi’-gi-e.
PLACING OF THE KETTLE RITUAL
(Osage version, p. 153)
1. Verily, at that time and place,
2. The Ho™-ga, a people who possess seven fireplaces,
3. Verily, a people among whom there are none that are craven,
4. Verily, at that time and place, they said, it has been said, in this
house,
5. Spoke to one another, saying: “O, younger brothers,
6. There is one useful thing lacking, O, younger brothers.”
7. Verily, at that time and place,
8. The Tse’-xe Ni-ka-po (Ceremonial Kettle),
9. The younger brothers brought forth at once,
0. Then they said to one another, “‘O, younger brothers,
1. This shall serve our purpose, O, younger brothers,” they said, it
was said.
12. Verily, at that time and place,
13. They said to one another, ‘Let us put water in it to heat, O,
younger brothers.”
14. Verily, at that time and place,
15. They put water into the kettle to heat.
When the ceremonial kettle had been placed upon the four stones
the Sho’-ka takes four symbolic plants and holds them in readiness
to be dropped into the kettle as each one is mentioned in the following
wi -gi-e.*
PLACING OF FOOD IN THE.KETTLE TO COOK RITUAL
(Osage version, p. 154)
1
. Verily, at that time and place, they said,
. “What shall we put in the kettle to cook?”
. Then they said to one another, “O, younger brothers,
. There are four kinds of foods,
. We have said we would use in making our enemies to fall,
. Those we shall put into the kettle to cook, O, younger brothers.”’
. Verily, at that time and place,
. They brought forth the ho’-xtho"-ta-xe (Sparganium),
. And said to one another: ‘“This, O, younger brothers,
COON oark WHF
4 For the story of the finding of these plants and their dedication to ceremonial purposes see Secs. 876 to
983 of the Ni’-ki No2-k’o" wi’-gi-e, pp. 182-185, Thirty-sixth Ann. Rept. Bur. Amer. Ethn.
BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY {Butt. 101
. We shall put into the kettle to cook,
. It is agreed that this shall be,
. But it shall not be without a purpose and something to go with it,
O, younger brothers.
. Toward the setting of the sun,
. Where dwell our enemies, there is a youth in his adolescence,
. Whose life shall accompany this, O, younger brothers,” they said
to one another;
. “The food is that which the Wa-zha’-zhe,
. And the Tsi’-zhu,
. Shall always use in making their enemies to fall.”
2
. “There is yet another one, O, younger brothers,” they said to one
another,
. “The ci”-mo*-no"-ta (Nymphaea advena),
. That also,
. We shall put into the kettle to cook,
. It is agreed that this shall be,
. But it shall not be without a purpose and something to go with
it, O, younger brothers,
. Toward the setting of the sun, where dwell our enemies,
. There is a maiden in her adolescence,
. Whose life shall go into the kettle with this, O, younger brothers,
. The food is that which the Wa-zha’-zhe,
. And the Tsi’-zhu,
. Shall always use in making their enemies to fall.”
3
. Verily, at that time and place, they said,
. “There is yet another one, O, younger brothers.”
. Verily, at that time and place, they said,
. “The ci" (Sagittaria latifolia), *
. We shall put into the kettle to cook,
. It is agreed that this shall be,
. But it shall not be without a purpose and something to go with it,
O, younger brothers;
. Toward the setting of the sun, where dwell our enemies,
. There is a married man,
. Whose life shall go into this kettle with this,
. The food is that which the Wa-zha’-zhe,
. And the Tsi’-zhu,
. Shall always use in making their enemies to fall.”
La FLESCHE] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 47
4
44, Verily, at that time and place, they said,
45. “There is yet another one, O, younger brothers,
46. The ho™-bthi"’-ci (Falcata comosa),
47. That also,
48. We shall put into the kettle to cook,
49. It is agreed that this shall be,
50. But it shall not be without a purpose and something to go with
it, O, younger brothers,
51. Toward the setting of the sun, where dwell our enemies,
52. There is a woman who has given birth to her first child,
53. It is the life of this woman that shall go into the kettle with this,
O, younger brothers;
54. The food is that which the Wa-zha’-zhe,
55. And the Tsi’-zhu,
56. Shall always use in making their enemies to fall.”’
The plants above mentioned being unfit for food, were rejected by
the Osage and are here used ironically for food to destroy the enemy.
The wi’-gi-e of the Placing of Food in the Kettle having been recited
and the Sho’-ka having actually, or by pantomime, put into the kettle
the symbolic plants, the Xo’-ka proceeds to recite the wi’-gi-e called
Pe’-dse U-k’i Wi’-gi-e (Pe’-dse, fire; U-k’i, contributed to). This per-
tains to the ceremonial kindling of the fire by which the sacred water
is to be heated. The Sho’-ka is instructed by the Xo’-ka, when he is
about to recite this wi’-gi-e, to go and seize a firebrand from the
fireplace of each of four warriors designated by him for use in kind-
ling this fire. Each of these four brands symbolizes a deer; the act
of their seizure by the Sho’-ka without permission is to impress upon
the mind of the warrior that it is his duty to protect the hunter and
the deer against the warriors of strange or hostile tribes. These four
symbolic brands having been seized, the Sho’-ka goes with his assist-
ants, chosen by himself, and collects from a member of each of the
gentes of the tribe a stick of firewood to be used for this symbolic fire.®
The title of the wi’-gi-e implies that the brands and the wood are
voluntarily contributed by the owners, but in reality they were
appropriated by the No™-ho*-zhi"-ga for use in the ceremony. As an
act of reverence for the office of Peacemaker, members of the two
Peace gentes of the tribe, the Tsi’-zhu Wa-shta-ge and the Po®-ka
Wa-shta-ge, are exempted from an appropriation of their wood. The
wives of the men who were last initiated into the tattooing rite are
‘The Osage custom of collecting wood from a family belonging to each of the gentes of the tribe with
which to make the fire required for this tribal ceremony bears resemblance to the Omaha custom of col-
lecting tent poles from each family in the tribe to be used in constructing the ceremonial tent required for
the tribal ceremony connected with the Sacred Pole. (See Twenty-seventh Ann. Rpt. Bur. Amer. Ethn.,
p. 237.) The Omaha and Osage customs above mentioned are probably survivals of ceremonies practiced
by these tribes when they formed a part of one tribal organization.
48 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [BULL. 101
also exempted from this demand, but if the collectors persist in taking
the wood the women can exercise the right conferred upon them and
challenge the men to recount their valorous deeds. Should they be
unable to accept the challenge the wood will be refused.
CONTRIBUTION TO THE FIRE WI’-GI-E
(Osage version, p. 155)
. Verily, at that time and place,
. At each of the four winds,
. They laid down one firebrand.
At the east wind,
. They laid down one firebrand,
Tt was not without a purpose, they said;
. It was with a young doe
. They laid down the firebrand.
. It was not without a purpose they laid it down, they said,
. They laid it there to make the animals to come.
_
COON ONS WN Re
. At the south wind,
. They laid down one firebrand,
. It was not without a purpose they laid it down, they said,
. It was with a young buck,
. They laid down the firebrand,
. They laid it there to make the animals to come.
See eS Se
ont whd ke
. Verily, at that time and place,
. At the west wind,
. They laid down one firebrand,
. It was not without a purpose they laid it down;
. It was with a full-grown doe,
22. They laid down the firebrand,
23. They placed it there to make the animals to come.
NOR ee
SoncOnCor sy
bo
—
24. Verily, at that time and place,
25. At the north wind,
26. They laid down one firebrand,
27. It was not without a purpose they laid it down, they said,
28. It was with a dark-horned buck,
29. They laid down the firebrand,
30. They placed it there to make the animals to come.
31. Verily, at that time and place,
32. Behold, the swirling of the boiling water, they said.
33. At the beginning of the day,
34. The animals go forth, like the swirling water, to roam over the
earth;
35. I make the swirling of the boiling water to represent these animals.
a
LA FLEscue] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 49
61.
62.
. Behold the vapor that rises from the boiling water,
. That also represents some movements, they said.
. At the beginning of the day,
. The little animals (the deer),
. Go forth to roam over the earth, the vapor rising from their nos-
trils, as they breathe,
. It is this movement that I make the vapor rising from the boiling
water to represent.
. Behold the particles that leap upward from the surface of the
boiling water,
. At the beginning of the day, they said,
. The little animals go forth to roam over the earth,
. Joyously leaping over one another in play,
. It is this action that ] make the leaping particles to represent.
. Verily, at that time and place,
. Behold the bubbles that float upon the surface of the boiling
water,
. Those also represent an action, they said.
. The little animal stricken by the hunter,
. Rushes forth in flight, the blood bubbling from its wound,
. The bubbles floating upon the surface of the boiling water I make
to represent the wounded animal.
. Behold the boiling water that rushes over the rim of the kettle,
. That also represents an action, they said,
. The little animal,
. That goes forth at the beginning of the day,
. Is stricken by the hunter, it treads upon its life blood, as it struggles
in the throes of death.
. It is this action that I make the overflowing boiling water to
represent.
. The little animals also have a share in the common inheritance of
life.
. Some of them must be permitted to live to enjoy the calm and
peaceful days,
So, as we move along life’s pathway, O, younger brothers, they said
to one another, let us permit some to live in peace,
In this way, also, we may, with greater ease, overcome our
enemies, O, younger brothers, they said to one another.
In January 1917 the manuscript of this wi’-gi-e was read, for its
final verification, to Wa-xthi’-zhi, in the presence of Sho™-ge-mo?-1",
a member of the Tsi’-zhu Wa-shta-ge gens and who is reputed to be
an authority on the No™-ho*-zhi®-ga rites. At the close of the reading
50 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [BuLt. 101
the old man was asked by Wa-xthi’-zhi if he had given the wi’-gi-e
correctly.
After some reflection the old man replied: ‘“You have given it
according to the present manner in which it is usually recited by the
No”-ho"-zhi"-ga of the present generation.”” He then went on to
express his regret that the men of to-day had allowed themselves to
drift from the order established by the ancient No”-ho?-zhi"-ga. He
explained that the ancient No-ho™-zhi*-ga when performing the
Pe’-dse U-k’i ceremony followed a well-established rule which re-
quired that when a member of the Tsi’-zhu division was conducting
the ceremony, that the following sequence should be observed in lay-
ing down the symbolic firebrands. First, a firebrand be laid toward
the west; second, one toward the north; third, one toward the east;
fourth, one toward the south. If it so happened that a member of
the Ho”-ga division was conducting the ceremony the rule required
that the following sequence be observed. First, a firebrand be laid
toward the east; second, one toward the north; third, one toward the
west; fourth, one toward the south.
All the names of the four cardinal points, he went on to say, refer
to the winds. That for the north is Ta-dse Ba’-co" dsi: the wind that
is toward the cedars. The meaning of this term is being lost. Ba’-go?,
cedar, as ordinarily used, is understood to mean a certain kind of
tree, but as used in this wi’-gi-e it means clouds, so when the No”™-ho?-
zhi®-ga says Ta-dse Ba’-co" dsi, he means the wind of the regions
whence come clouds like the dark cedars. In the term Ta-dse A’-k’a
dsi for the wind of the south, the word A-k’a has lost its meaning.
The No”™-ho"-zhi"-ga of the present day have confused the names of
the winds of the east and the winds of the west by exchanging them,
for which there is no reasonable excuse. The correct term for the
winds of the west is Ta-dse Ga-xpa dsi. Ga-xpa is from the word
u-ga’-xpa-the, the falling of an object, and refers to the falling of the
sun behind the earth. Formerly the term used to designate the west
was Mi’-u-xpe, the falling of the sun, but this name has now become
obsolete. The correct term for the winds of the east is Ta-dse Mi-hiu
dsi, the winds toward the coming of the sun. The term now used is
Ta-dse Mo?-ha dsi, in which the word Mi-hiu has become corrupted,
through careless recitation, into Mo"-ha, thereby obscuring the mean-
ing of the term. The older No™-ho"-zhi*-ga have explained that the
Mi-hiu dsi, toward the coming of the sun, was the original name of
the east.
During the investigation for this work the Pe’-dsi U-k’i Wi’-gi-e
has been secured in full from three different Osage men. Two of
them, Wa-tse’-mo*-i" of the Wa-ca’-be gens, and Wa-xthi’-zhi of the
I"-etho”-ga, both men of the Hon’-ga division, gave the order of lay-
ing down the symbolic firebrands as east, south, west, north. The
third man, Xu-tha’-wa-to’-i" of the Tsi’-zhu Wa-no® gens, of the
LA FLESCHE] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 51
Tsi’-zhu division, gave the order as, east, west, north, south. All of
these men used the names Ga-xpa for east and Mo”™-ha for west,
which Sho”-ge-mo"-i" showed to be incorrect.
The information given by Ga-hi’-ge-wa-da-i"-ga, a member of the
Tsi’-zhu division, to J. Owen Dorsey in the year 1883, concerning the
order observed by the No”™-ho?-zhi*-ga of the two divisions, in the
placing of the symbolic firebrands, agrees with the above statement
made by Sho”’-ge-mo-i"._ Mr. Dorsey’s informant, however, like the
rest, seems to have fallen into the confusion of the ceremonial names
for the west and the east. (See Sixth Ann. Rept. Bur. Ethn., pp.
380-381.)
Just at sunrise the ceremony of kindling the fire under the kettle
comes to a close and the Sho’-ka calls one of the Tse’-xe-k’1" Wa-to"-ga
(Chief Kettle Carrier), to whom he gives the kettle of hot water and
this officer carries it westward, on a line with the avenue dividing the
village, to a spot beyond the places frequented by men and dogs,
where he pours the water upon the ground. As the kettle of water
is carried away the meeting adjourns, the men going to the two cere-
monial houses of the Xthe’-ts’a-ge, while the House of Mystery is
taken down and its coverings put away. The women now bring food
and water for the Do-do”-ho*-ga, the warriors, and the two Criers.
The processions and dances that take place throughout the day
do not differ materially from those of the day before, already described.
At the close of the evening procession of the warriors, young men and
boys, toward midnight the two Criers again start on their march
around the village alternately calling out the following notice:
THE CRIER’S NOTICE
(Osage version, p. 157)
Slowly, with dignity Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher.
o——_6
Do - do® - ho® - ga, ho® - ba ga - con - thi® do®,
#66 —_ ee ee OSS ES
Wa-xthe-xthe ga - xe ta bi® da _ bit da oO.
FREE TRANSLATION
Tomorrow morning the Do-do*’-ho"-ga
Will make the standards, they have said.
Some time during the night the House of Mystery is again set up,
this time close to the two ceremonial houses of the Xthe’-ts’a-ge, and
on a line with the middle of the avenue dividing the village. At
break of day the Do-do™-ho*-ga and the Xo’-ka enter the House of
Mystery and take their seats at the eastern end. The No”-ho?-
52 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [Bux. 101
zhi®-ga follow and take their accustomed places, according to gentes,
within the lodge, those of the Tsi’-zhu division along the south side,
and those of the Ho’’-ga along the north.
When all have become seated a Sho’-ka of the Wa-zha’-zhe sub-
division places before a man of the E-no™ Mi*-dse-to" (Bow) gens of
that division, the materials for the two wa-xthe’-xthe (standards) to
be made by him. As this officer is about to begin his task he recites
a wi’-gi-e that tells of the symbolic significance of each article to be
used. (Wa-xthi’-zhi declined to recite this wi’-gi-e, saying that he
did not know it. The reason for his not knowing it may lie in the fact
that the exclusive right to recite it belongs not to his gens but to the
members of the E-no™ Mi*-dse-to® gens.)
After reciting the wi’-gi-e the officer proceeds to make the two
standards. This does not take long, as the materials had already
been prepared to be put together. These two standards are called
Wa-xthe’-xthe Wa-ko"™-da-gi, Mysterious Standards. They are al-
ways made within the House of Mystery where the wi’-gi-e relating to
their symbolism is recited with due solemnity, thus fully vesting them
with all the mysteries of the war rite. These standards are given by
the No™-ho"-zhi"-ga as a body to their chosen Do-do™-ho"-ga, as their
final act of conferring upon him the authority to lead the war party.
The particular office of the Do-do™-ho?-ga being that of an intercessor
between the people and Wa-ko™-da which must continue throughout
the expedition, he being thus engaged, is obliged to delegate the
authority of actual leadership to the two Chief Xthe’-ts’a-ge. This
he does, presenting to them the sacred standards. (These official
standards do not differ in appearance from those made in the two
ceremonial houses of the Xthe’-ts’a-ge at an earlier stage of the cere-
mony, as already described.)
When the two Mysterious Standards are finished the Sho’-ka con-
ducts the Do-do’-ho"-ga to the E-no™” Mi*-dse-to™ gens, where the
members formally present the standards to him. The Do-do”-ho™-ga
then returns to his seat, taking with him the two standards.
As the Do-do”-ho"-ga takes his seat the Xo’-ka instructs a Tse’-xe-
k’i" (Kettle Carrier), to go after the Xthe’-ts’a-ge who had remained,
during the ceremony of making the standards, in the house of their
divisions. The eight Xthe’-ts’a-ge, in two groups of four, each led by
its Wa-zho’-wa-gthe, Master of Ceremony, also carrying the standard
previously used, enter the House of Mystery. The Wa-zho’-wa-gthe
from the Tsi’-zhu division takes his own place among the members of
his gens and the Xthe’-ts’a-ge of his group sit in front of the No”-
ho®-zhi"-ga of the Tsi’-zhu division. The Wa-zho’-wa-gthe from the
Ho”™-ga division takes his own place among the members of his gens
and the Xthe’-ts’a-ge of his group sit in front of the No™-ho*-zhi"-ga
of the Ho”-ga division.
LA FLEScHE] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 5a
These men having taken their seats, the Do-do™-ho*-ga rises,
approaches the Chief Xthe’-ts’a-ge of the Ho™-ga division and places
in his hands one of the Mysterious Standards, saying, as he does so:
“OQ, Ho’-ga, I ask of you the life of a creature,’ meaning the life of
an enemy against whom the war party is to move. The Do-do™-
ho®-ga next approaches the Chief Xthe’-ts’a-ge of the Tsi’-zhu divi-
sion, places in his hands the other standard, makes of him the same
request, and then returns to his place, where he remains standing.
The Wa-zho’-wa-ethe of the Ho™-ga division then rises, places in
the hands of the Xthe’-ts’a-ge sitting next to the Chief Xthe’-ts’a-ge
of that division the standard he had been carrying on entrance into
the House of Mystery, saying: ‘‘O, Ho”-ga, I ask of you the life of a
creature.”’ The Wa-zho’-wa-gthe of the Tsi’-zhu division then rises,
places in the hands of the Xthe’-ts’a-ge sitting next to the Chief
Xthe’-ts’a-ge the standard of that division, saying, as he does so:
“Q, Tsi’-zhu, I ask of you the life of a creature.”
The Do-do’-ho®-ga and the two Wa-zho’-wa-gthe now sit down.
At once all the No™-ho?-zhi"-ga begin to sing, Hi, hi, hi, hi, beating
time by clapping their hands, the eight Xthe’-ts’a-ge, one after the
other, rise and dance, following the sequence in which the standards
were presented, until all of the eight have danced.
At the close of this dance the warriors of each of the two divisions
form a procession and march around the village, led by the Xthe’-
ts’a-ge to whom had been presented the four standards, those of the
Tsi’-zhu division going by the right and those of the Ho’-ga by the
left. The warriors of each group carry a drum and as they march
beat time to their singing. As on the former processions, the two
groups time their movements so as to pass each other at the end of the
avenue on the eastern side of the village on their return to the two
houses at the close of the morning’s procession. The women place
food and water as the morning meal before the warriors, the Do-do”-
ho"-ga, and the two Criers.
During the forming of the procession the House of Mystery is
taken down and the coverings put away, not to be used again until
the war party returns successful.
The processions and dances throughout the day are similar to those
of the previous days.
In the evening some of the members of the Wa-ca’-be gens gather
wood which they divide into two parts, one of which they place a few
paces west of the ceremonial house of the Tsi’-zhu division, arranging
the pile so that it can be quickly kindled into a fire. The other part
they place in the same relation to the ceremonial house of the Ho™-ga
division and arrange in a similar manner. This wood must be of the
redbud, a tree regarded as mysterious and sacred. These piles of
wood when brought to the ceremonial houses become the property of
54 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY (BULL. 101
the two Wa-zho’-wa-gthe whose duty it is to see that none of it is
carried away and put to private use.
Toward midnight, as the noises of the village cease, the two Criers
set out on their last march around the village, alternately calling as
they walk, the following notice:
CRIERS’ NOTICE
(Osage version, p. 157)
Slowly, with dignity Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher.
o-—-—__6—_ 6 —_ 6 —_6 —____
Do - do® - ho® - ga, ho® - ba ga - co" - thi? do®
Me ee were eel
a
Non-xthe Wa-kon-da- gi ga-xe ta bi® da bi® da Oo.
FREE TRANSLATION
Tomorrow morning, the Do-do*’-ho2-ga
Will make the Mysterious Charcoal, they have said.
The ‘Mysterious Charcoal”? to be ceremonially made symbolizes
the wild fire that is merciless when it takes a destructive course.
Each warrior must carry with him a supply of this charcoal tied up in
a bit of deerskin and fastened to his belt or to his necklace, together
with his other little bundles of paints. When he is about to join an
attack upon the enemy he must blacken his face with the “(Mysterious
Charcoal,’”’ thus indicating his determination to show no mercy
toward the foe. Should he neglect to put upon his face this symbol
he will not be permitted to count o-do” (war honors), even if he were
to perform all the deeds necessary for the winning of individual o-do™,
nor will he be entitled to count his share of the o-do™ won by the war
party as a body.
At break of day the warriors of the Ho™-ga division, clad only in
their loin cloth and moccasins, led by their Wa-zho’-wa-gthe, gather
around the pile of sacred wood that the Wa-¢ca’-be gens had placed
near their house the evening before. At the same time, and similarly
clad, the warriors of the Tsi’-zhu division, led by their Wa-zho’-wa-
ethe, gather about the pile of sacred wood that had been placed near
their house. The Do-do’-ho"-ga and his Xo’-ka approach the pile
of sacred wood on the Ho”-ga side, the latter carrying with him the
standard presented by the Do-do”-ho*-ga to the Chief Xthe’-ts’a-ge
of the Ho”-ga division. Two men of the Wa-ca’-be gens now go, one
to each of the piles of wood, and set them on fire; as the flames leap
upward the Xo’-ka recites the Charcoal Wi’-gi-e and sings the songs
that follow it.
LA FLEscHE] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 55
or WN Re
FIGHT FOR THE SYMBOLIC CHARCOAL WI’-GI-E
(Osage version, p. 157)
1
. What shall they make their charcoal to symbolize; they said,
. The male puma that lies recumbent,
. That shall their charcoal symbolize.
. Having made their charcoal to symbolize the male puma,
. When they set forth toward the setting of the sun, against their
enemies,
. They shall put upon themselves the symbol of the male puma.
. When they put upon themselves the symbol of the puma, they
said,
. They shall have the courage to vanquish their enemies, O, younger
brothers.
2
. What shall they make their charcoal to symbolize,
. The black bear that is without blemish, that lies recumbent, they
said,
. That shall be their charcoal symbol.
. Having made their charcoal to symbolize the black bear,
. When they set forth toward the setting of the sun, against their
enemies,
. They shall put upon themselves the symbol of the black bear;
. When they put upon themselves the symbol of the black bear,
. They shall have the courage to vanquish their enemies, O, younger
brothers, they said to one another.
3
. What shall they make their charcoal to symbolize,
. The great white swan, they said,
. That shall their charcoal symbolize.
. Heit is who said: ‘‘Behold, the black that is upon the soles of my
feet;
. Behold, the black that is upon the tip of my mandible,
. That I have made to be my charcoal.”
. When the little ones also make that to be their charcoal,
. “Black, indeed, shall be their charcoal, O, younger brothers,” they
said to one another.
. When they set forth toward the setting of the sun against their
enemies,
. And put upon themselves this symbol,
. Black, indeed, shall be their charcoal, O, younger brothers.
BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [Butt. 101
1
. What shall they make their charcoal to symbolize,
. The bird without a stain (the adult golden eagle), they said,
. That, also, shall the charcoal symbolize.
. He it is who said: ‘‘Behold, the black upon the soles of my feet,
. That I have made to be my charcoal;
. Behold, the black that is upon the tips of the feathers of my tail;
. Behold, the black that is upon my beak,
. That I have made to be my charcoal.”
. “When the little ones also make that to be their charcoal,
. Black, indeed, shall be their charcoal, O, younger brothers.
. When they set forth toward the setting of the sun against their
enemies,
. And put upon themselves this symbol,
. Black, indeed, shall be their charcoal, O, younger brothers,” they
said to one another.
5
. What shall they make their charcoal to symbolize?
. The young buck, they said,
. That also,
. They shall make their charcoal to symbolize.
. He it is who said: ‘Behold, the black that is upon my hoofs;
. That I have made to be my charcoal;
. Behold, the black that is upon the tip of my nose,
. That I have made to be my charcoal.
. When the little ones also make that to be their charcoal,
. And put it upon themselves when they set forth toward the
setting of the sun against their enemies,
. Black, indeed, shall be their charcoal,” they said.
. Verily, at that time and place,
. He said: ‘TI escape the dangers that often beset me,
. And though I am often surrounded by my enemies,
. Their arrows flying about in forked lines,
. L escape the dangers that beset me.”
. When the little ones make of him their flesh, they said,
. They also shall be able to escape dangers, O, younger brothers.
The complete mythical story of the finding of the puma, the black
bear, and the white swan, and the adoption as emblems of fire, courage,
and strength is given in lines 990 to 1062 of the Ni’-ki No?-k’o” Ritual
LA FLEscae] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 57
of the Wa-ca’-be gens, Thirty-sixth Annual Report of the Bureau of
American Ethnology, pages 192 to 194. According to this story,
when the Ho™-ga, a people possessing Seven Fireplaces, were making
their war rite, they became aware that it would be necessary for them
to have emblems to represent their courage. They sent a messenger
over the land to find animals suitable for their needed emblems. At
the brow of a hill he beheld a male puma and made known to him
the wishes of the ‘‘little ones.” Thereupon the puma switched his
tail as though in anger until every hair in it stood on end and said
to the messenger: ‘I shall be the emblem of courage for the ‘little
ones’.” Again he spake, saying: ‘Behold the black upon the tip of
my tail in which there is fire. It is a fire that I shall share with the
‘little ones.’ A fire that shall always burn strongly for them. Behold
the black that is upon the soles of my feet, upon the tip of my nose,
and upon the tip of my ears; that shall be an emblem of courage to
the ‘little ones’.”
Again the messenger was sent forth. As he was crossing an open
prairie he suddenly came upon a black bear and to him made known
the wishes of the ‘‘little ones,’’? whereupon the bear arose and stood
with claws outspread in flames of fire, saying: ‘‘Behold, my outspread
claws. Each claw is a flame of fire. It is a fire that I shall share with
the ‘little ones.’ It is a fire that shall always burn strongly for them.
Behold, the black that is upon the soles of my feet; that is upon the
tip of my nose; that is upon my body. It is my charcoal which I
shall share with the ‘little ones’.”’
A third time the messenger was sent out and again on the open
prairie he came upon the white swan, to whom he made his request
as before. The swan in reply gave to the “‘little ones” the black upon
his feet and upon the tip of his mandible for a symbol of fire which
shall always burn strongly for them. When the ‘‘ittle ones” put upon
themselves this symbol as they go to attack their enemies they shall
be courageous and have the strength that knows no exhaustion.
It is said by the Osage that the swan has superior power of endurance
and can make a longer flight than any of the large birds.
At the close of the wi’-gi-e the Xo’-ka begins at once to sing the
Charcoal song as he holds the standard pointed at the fire. When
he comes to the sixth stanza he makes a motion toward the fire with
the standard, then all the warriors rush upon the flames with wild
shouts, pushing each other and snatching at the burning brands
which, in the struggle, they scatter in every direction.
co
ar)
a)
73—39
5
58 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [BuLt. 101
SONG OF RUSHING FOR THE CHARCOAL
(Osage version, p. 159)
Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher.
Time beats f r F i | r
Ni - ka cto bi ni wa tha te, ha tho, ha tho,
ol oe A ee ek RM Ee
r
Ni-kanido®, e the he, ha tho, Ni- ka ni do", ha we, ha tho,
Area ipa aed fp ofl ll
Ni-~ka ni do®, e thehe, Ni-ka ¢to bi ni watha te, ha tho.
FREE TRANSLATION
1
Men are assembling, go join them, go join them,
If thou art a man, go now and join them,
If thou art a man, hasten and join them,
If thou art a man go now,
Men are assembling, go join them, go join them.
2
They have a leader, go join them, go join them, ete.
3
They have a standard, go join them, go join them, ete.
4
They have feathers, go join them, go join them, etc.
5
They have a deerskin, go join them, go join them, etc.
6
They have a fire, go join them, go join them, ete.
vi
They have charcoal, go join them, go join them, etc.
In the song given by Sho™-ge-mo"-i" in his description of the
No”™-zhi"-zho" Ritual of his gens and which corresponds to the fore-
going song the struggling of the warriors for the burning brands is
spoken of,
La FLEscuE] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 59
When the fight for the firebrands is over the Xo’-ka says to the
Wa-zho’-wa-gthe, ‘‘Now, my sons, take some of the sacred charcoal
and put it upon your bodies.”” The two men take bits of the charcoal
and paint a black band around each ankle, a round spot in the middle
of the chest, and blacken the whole face.
The ceremony that follows that of the Fire and Charcoal is con-
ducted jointly by the No’-ho-zhi"-ga of the Mi-k’1" Wa-no®, the
Ho” I-ni-ka-shi-ga and the Ho™-ga U-ta-no™-dsi gentes. The Mi-k’i”
Wa-no", who are the sun people, and the Ho™ JI-ni-ka-shi-ga, the
night people, belong to the Tsi’-zhu division, and the Ho™-ga U-ta-
no*-dsi, the earth people, to the Ho™-ga division.
This ceremony appears to be a dramatization of the activities of
the cosmic forces from whose combined influence, it is believed, all
life proceeds. In the arrangement of the various groups and in the
dance there is symbolic reference to these influences and an appeal
to the controlling power of these forces for aid in the efforts of the
people to protect themselves against all dangers that menace the
onward flow of their lives.
At the close of the Fire and Charcoal ceremony the No”-ho?-zhi?-ga
of the Mi-k’1” Wa-no", Ho™ I-ni-ka-shi-ga and Ho™-ga U-ta-no"-dsi
gentes form a line across the space between the two ceremonial
houses of the Xthe’-ts’a-ge, the Mi-k’i” Wa-no®, and the Ho™ I-ni-
ka-shi-ga, together, filling one half of the space toward the Tsi’-zhu
side and the Ho”-ga U-ta-no*-dsi the other half, toward the Ho™-ga
side, all facing the west. The leader of the Mi-k’i*” Wa-no™ gens
stands at the middle of the line with a drumstick in his hand. At his
left stands the leader of the Ho™ I-ni-ka-shi-ga gens and at his right
the leader of the Ho™-ga U-ta-no"-dsi gens with a gourd rattle in
his hand. In front of the Mi-k’i” Wa-no® leader stands a member of
the Ho” I-ni-ka-shi-ga gens with a drum on his back. These two
gentes represent day and night that perpetually pursue one another.
The leader of the Ho™-ga U-ta-no™-dsi represents the earth which
does its part toward the production of life.
Immediately in front of the No”-ho"-zhi"-ga of the three gentes
the young women come and take their places, those of the Tsi’-zhu
division taking up one half of the space toward their side and those of
the Ho”™-ga division taking up the other half, all facing west. Among
the young women come a number of women of maturer years, each
carrying with her a pole used as the upright of a loom frame. These
are the women who have acted as official weavers at the performance
of the ceremonies of the Rush Mat Degree of the war rite. A part
of the rush mat, which is woven for use in making the shrine for the
wa-xo’-be, symbolizes day and night, and the upper and under parts
of the shrine represent the sky and the earth, between which all life
takes form.
60 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [Buzt. 101
Farther to the front the young men of the two divisions take their
places, those of the Tsi’-zhu division standing in two semicircular
lines, running lengthwise of the avenue, on their side, and those of
the Ho™-ga division on their side in similar formation. A space
divides the two double lines. Each of the inner lines has two leaders
who carry the standards that belong to their respective divisions.
When all the various groups having part in the ceremony have
taken their places the leader of the Ho™-ga U-ta-no*-dsi gens recites
a wi’-gi-e relating to the symbolic significance of the drum and rattle.
(Wa-xthi’-zhi could not give this wi’-gi-e.) At the close of the wi’-gi-e
the Mi-k’i” Wa-no" leader begins to beat the drum ® carried by the
servant of the Ho™ J-ni-ka-shi-ga gens and to sing the following song,
the words of which are addressed to the young women and to the
young men as though by a father to his daughters and sons, using
the special parental kinship terms. After the first phrase the Ho”-ga
U-ta-no?-dsi leader beats his rattle and in his turn starts the song
and then all the No”-ho*-zhi"-ga join in the singing.
The women dance without moving about, the official weavers
accenting time by thrusts in the ground with the ends of their loom
poles. The young men of each division, led by the carriers of the
standards, dance in a circle, keeping up the double lines, those of the
Tsi’-zhu on their side, and those of the Ho™-ga on theirs.
The name of this dance is the I’-ca-gthe Bo-do Wa-tsi; I’-ca-gthe,
the supporting poles of a loom frame; Bo-do, the act of thrusting the
poles into the ground repeatedly; Wa-tsi, dance. It refers to the
action of the weavers as they dance.
At the last note of the song the weavers violently throw down their
poles to the ground, toward the west, an act which is equivalent to
saying: ““May the warriors of our enemies fall as do these poles.”
The following are the special parental kinship terms used in the
song sung by the men representing the sun, night, and earth, and to
which the young women and the young men of the tribe dance:
Mi’-na, the first born daughter; Wi’-he, the second born daughter;
Ci’-ge, the third born daughter, and I"’-gtho", the first born son.
6 Wa-xthi’-zhi, in May of 1921, gives the following drum symbols of the Mi-k’i=»’ Wa-no=: 1, The bellow
of the buffalo herds; 2, The cry of the elk; 3, The gobbling of the turkey gobbler; 4, The humming of the
cock prairie chicken (Mo»’-no®-i2),
LA FLescue] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 61
DANCE WITH LOOM POLES SONG
(Osage version, p. 160)
M.M. Pe 152 Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher.
En ip pass BEN gh) AC BE ANS pre Lig)! (Tle 2.
a
a eae a oe mer eS
Time beats ( ¢ ¢ f 'f p
Mi - na she - thoa - tsi no®- zhi®a no® - tsi - da,
-$———9——____# aE A 3 rag |
el | —
f f f f f
Mi - na she - thoa - tsi - no® - zhit-a noo - tsi - da,
a. r)
0 SS |
f f f oy. 1048 f f f
O ho, no® - tsi - da, O ho, no® - tsi - da.
FREE TRANSLATION
1
Stand yonder, Mi’-na, and dance, make a loud noise with your feet,
Stand yonder, Mi’-na, and dance, make a loud noise with your feet,
O ho, a loud noise with your feet, O ho, a loud noise with your feet.
2
Stand yonder, Mi’-na, and dance, make a joyful sound with your feet,
Stand yonder, Mi’-na, and dance, make a joyful sound with your feet,
O ho, a joyful sound with your feet, O ho, a joyful sound with your feet.
3
Stand yonder, Wi-he, and dance, make a loud noise with your feet, ete.
+
Stand yonder, Wi-he, and dance, make a joyful sound with your feet, etc.
5
Stand yonder, Ci-ge, and dance, make a loud noise with your feet, etc.
6
Stand yonder, Ci-ge, and dance, make a joyful sound with your feet, ete.
7
Stand yonder, I*-gtho", and dance, make a loud noise with your feet, ete.
8
Stand yonder, I»-gtho", and dance, make a joyful sound with your feet, etc.
At the close of the I’-ca-gthe Bo-do dance the No”-ho*-zhi"-ga and
the warriors of the two divisions march directly west, on a line with
the avenue that divides the village, and when they have gone about
a mile they halt. The warriors of the two divisions sit upon the
ground in two groups facing the west, those of the Tsi’-zhu toward
62 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY (BULL. 101
the south and those of the Ho”-ga toward the north. In front of
each group sit the Wa-zho’-wa-gthe and the Xthe’-ts’a-ge, also
facing the west. Around the two groups of warriors the No”-ho?-
zhi®-ga stand in two semicircles, those of the Tsi’-zhu division on their
side and those of the Ho”-ga division on theirs. The Do-do™-ho™-ga
chosen by the No”-ho*-zhi"-ga of both divisions stands at the head
of the line of the No”-ho*-zhi"-ga of the Ho™-ga division. At the
head of the line of the Tsi’-zhu No”-ho?-zhi"-ga stands the volunteer
Do-do”-ho?-ga of the Tsi’-zhu Wa-no" gens of the Tsi’-zhu division.
When the various groups have taken their ceremonial positions the
leader of the Wa-zha’-zhe Wa-no® gens goes to the middle of the space
between the two groups of warriors where he stands. From a deer-
skin pouch he takes a pinch of tobacco. As he does so he recites the
wi -gi-e that tells of the finding of the tobacco and of its dedication
to ceremonial use. (Wa-xthi’-zhi could not give this wi’-gi-e.) When
this officer has recited the tobacco wi’-gi-e he proceeds to fill the sacred
pipe of the Wa-zha’-zhe Wa-no" gens. He then ceremonially ap-
proaches the chosen Do-do’-ho"-ga, making four pauses as he does
so. At the fourth pause he is standing close to the Do-do™-ho"-ga to
whom he offers the filled pipe to smoke, but before the tobacco is
lighted the Wa-zha’-zhe Wa-no® recites the following wi’-gi-e that
recounts the symbolism of the pipe.
PIPE AND TOBACCO RITUAL
(Wa-zha’-zhe Wa-no® Gens)
(Osage version, p. 161)
. Verily, at that time and place,
. The Wa-zha’-zhe, a people having Seven Fireplaces,
Were a people among whom there were none that were craven,
. A people that permitted none of their enemies to live.
. Verily, at that time and place, they said, it was said,
. These people had a pipe,
. Which they made to be their body.
. Verily, at that time and place,
. One spake, saying: ‘‘O, Ho”™-ga,
. [have a pipe that I have made to be my body;
. If you also make it to be your body,
. You shall have a body that is free from all causes of death.
. Behold the joint of the neck, they said,
. That I have made to be the joint of my own neck, O Ho™-ga.
. If you also make it to be the joint of your neck,
. Your neck shall be free from all causes of death, O Ho™-ga, he
said.
ee
La FLEscar] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 63
. Behold the mouth of the pipe,
. That I have made to be my mouth.
. If you also make the mouth of this pipe
. To be your mouth, they said, it has been said,
. Your mouth shall be free from all causes of death, O Ho™-ga.
. Behold the right side of the pipe,
. That I have made to be the right side of my body, O Ho”™-ga,
. The right side of my own body.
. If you also make it to be the right side of your body,
. The right side of your body shall be free from all causes of death,
O Ho”-ga, he said.
. Behold the spine of the pipe,
. That I have made to be my own spine, O Ho™-ga.
. If you also make that to be your spine,
. Your spine shall be free from all causes of death, O Ho™-ga.
. Behold the left side of the pipe,
. That I have made to be the left side of my own body, O Ho”-ga.
. If you make the side of my body to be the side of your own body,
. The side of your body shall be free from all causes of death, O
Ho”-ga.
. Behold the hollow of the pipe,
. That I have made to be the hollow of my own body;
. If you make the hollow of my body to be the hollow of your own
body,
. The hollow of your body shall be free from all causes of death, O
Ho”-ga.
. Behold the thong that holds together the pipe and stem,
. That I have made to be my windpipe.
. If you also make that to be your windpipe, they said,
. Your windpipe shall be free from all causes of death, O Ho™-ga.
. When your thoughts turn toward the setting sun, toward your
enemies,
. And you use the pipe as an offering in your supplications,
. Your prayers shall be readily granted, O Ho”-ga,
. Even when the sun has risen only to the height of the wall of your
houses,
. Your prayers shall be granted, O Ho™-ga, he said.
The ceremonial presentation, by the leader of the Wa-zha’-zhe gens
of the symbolic pipe of that gens, filled and ready to smoke, to the
chosen Do-do™-ho"-ga of the Ho™-ga gens is a repetition of an act
that took place at the forming of the tribal organization, and also a
renewal of the significant promise made when the people of the
Wa-zha’-zhe Seven Fireplaces pledged their lasting friendship and
64 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY (Butt. 101
loyalty to the people of the Ho™-ga Seven Fireplaces. The expres-
sions used throughout the wi’-gi-e, being metaphorical, are unintel-
ligible to one unfamiliar with the language used in the rituals by the
ancient No™-ho®-zhi"-ga.
The preamble of this wi’-gi-e (lines 1 to 7) sets forth the aggressive
spirit of the Wa-zha’-zhe of the Seven Fireplaces. Lines 6 and 7 tell
that the people of the Wa-zha’-zhe consecrated a pipe to be the
symbol of their “body,” a word used as a trope for organization.
Lines 8 to 42 speak of the offer of the symbolic pipe by the Wa-zha’-zhe
to the Ho™-ga as a token of a union that makes the two become as
one person strengthened by a united power which enables him to
overcome his enemies. Therefore, in presenting the pipe the Wa-
zha’-zhe speak of it as a man who, being possessed of all the parts of
his physical structure necessary to his vitality, is able to meet the
dangers that beset him.
While the Wa-zha’-zhe were confident in the strength of their
organization and of their valor, they were at the same time conscious
of a Being (lines 43 to 47) whose power is greater than that of any
body of men, and who cannot be ignored in any human effort. To
secure his help he must be approached with crying and with the
offering of the sacred pipe in order to move him to compassion and
to win his aid. The pipe was presented by the Wa-zha’-zhe to the
Ho”-ga so that they also could use it as a means by which to come
into communication with this Being called Wa-ko™-da.
When the Wa-zha’-zhe leader had presented the pipe and recited
his wi’-gi-e the Do-do”-ho®-ga promptly responded by reciting to him
the wi’-gi-e of the people of the Ho’-ga Seven Fireplaces.
HO’’-GA SEVEN FIREPLACES RITUAL
(Osage version, p. 162)
. Verily, at that time and place, they said, it has been said,
. The Ho”-ga of the Seven Fireplaces were a people,
. Among whom there were none that were craven,
. Verily, a people who permitted none of their enemies to live.
. Verily, at that time and place,
. One spoke, saying: ‘“(O Wa-zha’-zhe,
. The red bowlder that sitteth upon the earth,
. Is what I have made to be my body, O Wa-zha’-zhe.
. The God of Day that sitteth in the sky,
. I have made to be my body, O Wa-zha’-zhe.
. When you also make the red bowlder
. To be your body,
. Even the gods
. Shall move apart and make way for you, O Wa-zha’-zhe.”
—_
oo ON GS 1 me wh
—
—
eS Se
He W bD
La FLEscut] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 65
15. Verily, at that time and place,
16. The red bowlder that sitteth upon the earth, they said,
17. I have made to be my body, O Wa-zha’-zhe.
18. When you also make the red bowlder to be your body,
19. Even the gods
20. Shall stagger and fall if they stumble against you, O Wa-zha’-zhe.
21. Verily, at that time and place, they said,
22. When you also make the red bowlder,
23. To be your body,
24. Even the gods
25. Are not able to set teeth upon you,
26. Even the gods
27. Shall not be able to set teeth upon you, O Wa-zha’-zhe.
28. Verily, at that time and place, they said,
29. When you make the red bowlder that sitteth upon the earth
30. To be your body,
31. Even the gods
32. Can not attack you without injuring their teeth.
33. When you also make the red bowlder
34. To be your body,
35. Even the gods
36. Can not attack you without injuring their teeth.
In the preamble of the Ho’-ga wi’-gi-e recited in response by the
Do-do™-ho*-ga, lines 1 to 4 set forth the warlike spirit of the Ho™-ga
people, using the same words as those employed by the Wa-zha’-zhe
in the corresponding lines of their wi’-gi-e. In lines 5 to 8 the Ho™-ga
declare that they have made the red bowlder to be their “body.”
Lines 9 and 10 contain an incidental mention of the Sun, “the god
of day that resides in the sky,” as connected with the enduring char-
acter of the red bowlder, which they ‘‘make to be their body.’ The
remaining lines of the wi’-gi-e are taken up with figurative expressions
referring to the “‘red bowlder’’ and to the offer of the Ho™-ga to share
their ‘‘body”’ with the Wa-zha’-zhe. The results of the acceptance
of this offer would be: First, that the united strength of the Ho™-ga
and the Wa-zha’-zhe would become so formidable that the enemy
when seeing them, instead of making an attack, would pass on in two
diverging lines and leave them unmolested; second, that should the
enemy stumble against them it would cause disaster to the enemy;
third, the weapons of the enemy would fail to be destructive; fourth,
if the enemy should attack with all their weapons, still it would be
to their defeat and confusion from which no power could save them.
66 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [BuLL. 101
Other tribes of the Siouan group use the rock as a symbol of enduring
life. The rock is thus described in an Omaha ritual (Twenty-seventh
Ann. Rept. Bur. Amer. Ethn., p. 572):
“Unmoved from time without end, verily,
Thou sittest
In the midst of the various paths of the coming winds,
In the midst of the winds thou sittest,
Aged One.”’
At the close of the Ho™-ga wi’-gi-e by the Do-do’-ho™-ga the
Wa-zha’-zhe leader holds the pipe for the Do-do™-ho*-ga to smoke.
After a few whiffs the Wa-zha’-zhe leader himself takes a few whiffs
from the pipe and thus the friendship established in the remote past
between the peoples of the two “Seven Fireplaces” is reaffirmed.
At the close of this smoking ceremony the Wa-zha’-zhe leader
returns to his position between the two groups of warriors, cleans the
pipe, and refills it. He then approaches the volunteer Do-do”-ho™-ga
of the Tsi’-zhu division in the same manner as observed by him
toward the chosen Do-do”-ho®-ga and after reciting his wi’-gi-e pre-
sents the sacred pipe. The Tsi’-zhu Do-do™-ho-ga makes his response
by reciting the wi’-gi-e of his division. Wa-xthi’-zhi declined to give
this wi’-gi-e because he had not the right to do so, but he said that it
related to the Sun which is made by the Tsi’-zhu division to be their
“body.” Later, in the course of these investigations this wi’-gi-e was
secured from Xu-tha’-wa-to-i", a member of the Tsi’-zhu Wa-no?
gens. After reciting the wi’-gi-e the two men smoke the pipe, then
the Wa-zha’-zhe leader returns to his place among the No™-ho”-zhi"-ga
of his division.
When the Wa-zha’-zhe leader has returned to his place the No”-
ho®-zhi"-ga of both divisions, led by their respective Do-do™-ho*-ga,
march in a solemn procession around the two groups of seated warriors
and their Xthe’-ts’a-ge, singing the following song, the Tsi’-zhu
going around by the right and the Ho™-ga by the left.
In this song the people of the two tribal divisions are made to
speak as one man. The song is divided into three groups. In the
first two lines of each stanza of the first group the man sings of going
around the earth, bearing emblems of certain powers from which he
expects supernatural aid in finding and vanquishing the enemy; in
the first two lines of the stanzas of the second group he sings of going
from place to place to find the enemy; and in the first two lines of the
stanzas of the third group he sings of going forth to strike the foe.
In the last line of each stanza of all the groups the man specifies
by name the particular emblem of which he sings, thus:
1. In the last line of the first, sixth, and eleventh stanzas he sings:
“Bearing my mystic pipe I go,” etc. This refers to the pipe conse-
LA FLESCHE] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 67
crated to use as a means of conveying to Wa-ko™-da the supplications
of the people. Within this pipe are placed (figuratively) not only the
supplications but also the persons of the supplicants themselves.
This emblem, with the wi’-gi-e relating to it, is intrusted to the keep-
ing of the Wa-zha’-zhe Wa-no? gens and they alone have the right to
perform the ceremonies belonging to it. These form the first and most
important ceremonial act of the people when contemplating war, as
through them the people invoke the aid of Wa-ko™-da.
2. In the last line of the second, seventh, and twelfth stanzas the
man sings: “Bearing my mystic knife I go,’ etc. This line refers to
the knives found by the I"-gtho™-ga and Wa-ca’-be gentes and con-
secrated by them for ceremonial use and are believed to possess mystic
power. (For story see lines 1364-1446, pp. 206-208, Thirty-sixth
Ann. Rept. Bur. Amer. Ethn.)
3. In the last line of the third, eighth, and thirteenth stanzas the
man sings: “Bearing my mystic club,” etc. This refers to the mystic
war club of the Tsi’-zhu Wa-no" gens. (For the story of the war club
see lines 139-266, pp. 258-261 of the Wi’-gi-e To®-ga, Thirty-sixth
Ann. Rept. Bur. Amer. Ethn.)
4. In the last line of the fourth, ninth, and fourteenth stanzas the
man sings: “Bearing my mystic clays,’’ etc. These are the four
different kinds of clay used in the war rites, particularly in the fasting
rite. They symbolize the power that is within the earth. (For myth-
ical story of their revelation, see Mo™-shko® (Crawfish) Wi’-gi-e, p. 6.)
5. In the last line of the fifth, tenth, and fifteenth stanzas the man
sings: ‘“Bearing my mystic standards I go,” etc. The line refers to
the two mystic standards presented by the Do-do”-ho"-ga to his two
leading commanders. The standards symbolize the lower prongs of
the great mythical elk that made the earth to be habitable to all
living creatures by exposing the dry land. (See lines 427-433, p. 169,
of the Ni’-ki-e Wi’-gi-e, Thirty-sixth Ann. Rept. Bur. Amer. Ethn.)
They also symbolize the fire that is unrelenting when it takes a
destructive course.
6. In the last line of the sixteenth stanza the man sings: “Bearing
my mystic moccasins [ go,” etc. ‘Mystic moccasins” is here used as
a trope and refers to the four bunches of grass upon which each war-
rior will tread as he goes forth “‘toward the setting sun’’ and against
his enemies. In this stanza the word ‘‘moccasins” is not only used as
a trope but also employed in a metaphorical sense by making it refer
to the life journey of the tribe, and to the enemies that might have to
be vanquished in order to make clear the life pathway of the tribe.
68 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY (Butt. 101
PROCESSIONAL SONGS OF NON’/-HON-ZHIN-GA
(Osage version, p. 164)
M.M. ¢— 84 Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher.
e
SS
Time beats ( ¢ f f rf
Mo® - i - kau - - shota - noe - bthime - he
— ==
o- -6-
f f f
sl - jn - as - thi - ae br bthi"e - bats a - ipl
c.7 oer
SSS =i
f f f f
I - ba ’thi® a-do® u-thi-sho"® btbe hi®
FREE TRANSLATION
1
Around the earth I go, bearing my mystic emblems,
Around the earth I go, bearing my mystic emblems,
Bearing my mystic pipe, I go around the earth.
2
Bearing my mystic knife, I go around the earth.
3
Bearing my mystic war club, I go around the earth.
4
Bearing my mystic clays, I go around the earth.
5
Bearing my mystic standards, I go around the earth.
6
I go from place to place, bearing my mystic emblems,
I go from place to place, bearing my mystic emblems,
Bearing my mystic pipe, I go from place to place.
7
Bearing my mystic knife, I go from place to place.
8
Bearing my mystic war club, I go from place to place.
9
Bearing my mystic clays, I go from place to place.
10
Bearing my mystic standards, I go from place to place.
La FLEscaer] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 69
1l
I go forth to strike the foe, bearing my mystic emblems,
I go forth to strike the foe, bearing my mystic emblems,
Bearing my mystic pipe, I go to strike the foe.
12
Bearing my mystic knife, I go to strike the foe.
13
Bearing my mystic war club, I go to strike the foe.
14
Bearing my mystic clays, I go to strike the foe.
15
Bearing my mystic standards, I go to strike the foe.
16
Bearing my mystic moccasins, I go to strike the foe.
The entire No’-ho?-zhi*-ga walk around the two groups of seated
warriors four times as they sing this song. The fourth circuit is made
during the singing of the last stanza. At its close the two divisions
have returned to their respective starting points, where they halt.
CrREMONY OF Wa-NOY’-cE A-BA-CU
The ceremony that immediately follows the No-ho™-zhi?-ga
procession around the warriors must be performed by the Chosen
Do-do”-ho"-ga himself. Its title is, Wa-no”-ce A-ba-cu; Wa-no™-ce,
attack; A-ba-cu, to point; and refers to certain acts of the Do-do”-
ho"-ga when he recites the last wi’-gi-e of this particular ceremony.
The authority to perform this ceremony is acquired in the following
manner. A member of the No-ho?-zhi*-ga who hopes to be chosen
as a leader of a ceremonially organized war party, at some future time,
strives to qualify himself to perform the Wa-no™-ce A-ba-cu cere-
mony. This he does by performing a certain act which his skill in
hunting enables him to do. When, in the hunting season, he happens
to kill a buffalo, deer, turkey, or other game animal that is full grown,
fat, and free from disease or old wounds, he hastens with it to the
house of the No”-ho?-zhi"-ga by whom he wishes to be initiated in
this particular ritual, and “lays it before him.” This expression is
figurative, as the act is never literally performed, but is used to dis-
tinguish this formal presentation from an ordinary act of giving.
The No-ho®-zhi*-ga to whom such a presentation is made accepts it
as an honor and as a recognition of his rank in the order. If, however,
the animal offered to him does not correspond in kind to the one pre-
sented by himself at his initiation, he will decide not to accept it, but
if it happens to be the proper animal the No™-ho®-zhi"-ga has it
brought at once into the house and placed in ceremonial position on
the ground, breast downward, with head toward the fireplace. He
70 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [BULL. 101
then sprinkles bits of tobacco from the head along the neck and back
to the tail, as an offering to the spirit of the animal. Then the No”-
ho®-zhi"-ga himself cuts up the animal and prepares the choice parts
for cooking. When this is done he sends his Sho’-ka to invite four
other No™-ho®-zhi"-ga who know the ritual to come and witness the
conferring of the authority and to partake of the feast. When the
invited guests arrive and have taken their places the host informs
them of the honor shown him and then proceeds to instruct his can-
didate in the ritual which gives him the authority to perform the
ceremony.
Four wi’-gi-es are recited by the Do-do”-ho"-ga in the Wa-no”™-ce
A-ba-cu ceremony.
1. The Ho’-e-ga Wi'-gi-e, which tells of the symbolism of the
forehead of the mythical elk.
2. The U-thu’-hi-the Wi’-gi-e, by which the Do-do”-ho"-ga makes
known to his warriors that the authority to perform the Wa-no"-ce
A-ba-gu ceremony was formally conferred upon him. The title of
this wi’-gi-e, U-thu’-hi-the, means, By which he was made to win,
that is, by which the initiator was obliged to win his fee by imparting
his knowledge of the ritual to the candidate.
3. The Wa-pa’-hi Wi’-gi-e, which tells of the making of the hawk,
the wasp, the fly, and the raven to be symbols of effective weapons.
The reciting of this wi’-gi-e is supposed to make the weapons of the
warriors effective by supernatural means. The hawk belongs to the
Ni-ka-wa-ko"-da-gi gens and is associated with thunder; the wasp to
the Tsi’-zhu Wa-no" gens; and the fly and the raven to the Ho™-ga
U-ta-no"-dsi gens. These suggest the killing of the enemy by the
hawk and the wasp and the consuming of their bodies by the fly and
the raven.
4. The Wa-no"-ce A-ba-cu Wi’-gi-e. It is with the recitation of this
wi’-gi-e that the Do-do”-ho?-ga points to three westerly directions
where his warriors will surely find and vanquish their enemies. In the
last section of this wi’-gi-e (lines 12-16) the Do-do™-ho*-ga tells his
warriors the theme of his constant supplications.
After a short pause, at the close of the procession of the No™-ho?-
zhi®-ga, the Chosen Do-do™-ho"-ga goes to his Chief Xthe’-ts’a-ge
and in a low tone says to him: ‘‘Ha’-go® zhi” tha, Wi-tsi-go-e,”’ ““What
is your wish, O grandfather?” (Grandfather is here used as a cere-
monial term.) This the Do-do™-ho"-ga does in deference to the
importance a Chief Xthe’-ts’a-ge attaches to the ceremony. He it is
who is to carry the wa-xo’-be (Sacred Hawk) of the Chosen Do-do”-
ho"-ga to be the actual leader of the warriors in the attack and to
freely expose his own life.
| La FLEscue} OSAGE WAR CEREMONY A
The Chief Xthe’-ts’a-ge replies: ‘‘Wa-no™-ce a-shpa-cu tse a,
Do-do"”-ho*-ga-e,” ‘You shall point out the directions of attack, O
Do-do”-ho"-ga,”’ which is equivalent to a demand that the Wa-no™-ce
A-ba-cu ceremony be given. Then the Do-do”-ho*-ga, raising his
voice so that all can hear, says:
E’do® ha, ni-ka-wa-ga-e,
A, wi-tsi-go a-ka, ni-ka-wa-ca-e,
A, wa-no®-ce a-pa-cu ta tse e-a-ka, ni-ka-wa-ca-e.
FREE TRANSLATION
It is well, O, ye valiant men,
My grandfather says, O, ye valiant men,
That I shall point out the directions of attack, O, ye valiant men.
He then goes to a spot, several paces beyond the No™-ho"-zhi®-ga,
that is in direct line with the middle of the space between the two
groups of warriors, where he stands facing the west.
When the Do-do”-ho*-ga has taken his position he speaks, without
turning his face from the west, and says: “‘A, tse-xe-k’i" Ho’-e-ga
o®-kchi-xe hi-o, ni-ka-wa-ca-e;”’ “Ho, tse-xe-k’i", come and make for
me the Ho’-e-ga, O, thou valiant man.’”’ One of the men addressed
goes to the Do-do™-ho*-ga, pulls the grass from the ground directly
in front of him, leaving a bare round spot, and places the grass in a
pile at the feet of the Do-do”-bo"-ga. This bare spot on the ground
has a dual symbolism. It represents the center of the forehead of the
mythical elk which is called Ho’-e-ga, a term for an enclosure in which
all life takes on bodily forms never to depart therefrom except by
death. (For the dedication of the Ho’-e-ga to ceremonial use in the
war rite, see Ni-ki-e Wi’-gi-e, lines 421-426, p. 169, Thirty-sixth Ann.
Rept. Bur. Amer. Ethn.) It also stands for the earth which the
mythical elk made to be habitable by separating it from the waters.
(For the mythical story of the elk and its symbolism, see line 291,
p. 165, to line 311, p. 166, Thirty-sixth Ann. Rept. Bur. Amer. Ethn.)
The word Ho’-e-ga corresponds to the Omaha word Hu’-thu-ga, a
term which is applied to the camp of that tribe when ceremonially
pitched. The meaning of the two words, in their deepest significance,
is identically the same, both words having reference to the ancient
conception of life as proceeding from the combined influences of the
cosmic forces. (For description of the Omaha Hu’-thu-ga and the
explanation of its meaning see Twenty-seventh Ann. Rept. Bur. Amer.
Ethn., pp. 137-141.)
As the Tse’-xe-k’i" returns to his seat the Do-do”-ho*-ga begins to
recite the following wi’-gi-e:
72
—_
SOON DOP WD
BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY (BULL. 101
MYTHICAL ELK RITUAL
(Osage version, p. 165)
. O, ye valiant men,
. There is an animal that was made to be the Ho’-e-ga;
This animal is the great elk.
. It is the forehead of this animal
That I am authorized to use as a Ho’-e-ga for you.
When I use the forehead of the great elk as a Ho’-e-ga for you,
Then, even before the break of day,
. The enemy shall be drawn toward my Ho’-e-ga,
. As also in the evening,
. The enemy shall be drawn toward my Ho’-e-ga.
After a moment’s pause the Do-do’-ho™-ga begins to recite the
following wi’-gi-e, which explains the ceremonial act mentioned
above, by which he acquired from his father the authority to perform
the Ho’-e-ga ceremony and to recite the Wa-pa’-hi Wi’-gi-e (Weapon
Wi'-gi-e) that follows. The term father as here used by the Do-do”™-
ho*-ga is ceremonial and not employed as implying blood relationship.
—
a a
cn Re Ww bd
WINNING RITUAL
(Osage version, p. 165)
. O, ye valiant men, before my father,
. I placed for him an animal (buffalo), that had no fault;
. Before my father I laid down the animal,
. Whereupon, O, ye valiant men, my father said,
That if ever I am called upon to perform this ceremony,
I must recount this act and make it to be known.
When I had thus made the act to be known,
. Even before the break of day,
. The animals (enemies to be slain) shall be drawn toward me,
. As also in the evening,
. They shall be drawn toward my Ho’-e-ga.
. O, ye valiant men, before my father,
. A small animal (deer),
. L laid down before him,
. Whereupon, O, ye valiant men, my father said to me,
16.
. I must recount this act and make it to be known.
. When I had thus made the act to be known,
. I shall meet with success.
. Even before the break of day,
. The enemy shall be drawn toward my Ho’-e-ga,
. As also in the evening,
. They shall be drawn toward my Ho’-e-ga.
That if I am ever called upon to perform this ceremony,
LA FLEscHE] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 73
24.
25.
26.
a.
28.
29.
30.
ol.
32.
33.
34.
35.
oo ns oor, Wh Fe
O, ye valiant men,
Before my father,
A bird that walks between his wings’ (male turkey), good and
without fault,
I put down for him,
Whereupon, O, ye valiant men, my father said to me,
That if I am ever called upon to perform this ceremony
I must recount this act and make it to be known.
When I had thus made the act to be known,
Even before the break of day,
The enemies shall be drawn toward my Ho’-e-ga,
As also in the evening,
The animals (enemies) shall appear before me.
WEAPON RITUAL
(Osage version, p. 166)
. O, ye valiant men,
. There is a person whom they made to be their weapon,
. He is the great hawk, they said.
. My grandfather, the great hawk, is a fear-inspiring weapon,
. Even with a single stroke of his wing he will so disable his prey
. That it cannot escape beyond the brow of the nearest hill.
. There is another person whom they made to be their weapon,
. He is the wasp, O, ye valiant men,
. The posterior part of whose body seems ready to break away from
the anterior part.
. My grandfather, the wasp, is a fear-inspiring weapon,
. My grandfather, O, ye valiant men,
. With a slight stroke of a wing (a figurative and ritualistic expres-
sion) will disable his enemy,
. So that it cannot escape beyond the brow of the nearest hill.
. If I make him to be your weapon,
. When, before the break of day,
. We attack the enemy, your weapons shall not be ineffective;
. Or when we attack in the evening of the day,
. Your weapons shall not be ineffective.
. There is another person they made to be their weapon.
. He is the great blue fly.
. My grandfather, the great fly, O, ye valiant men,
. Is a person to whom nothing is beyond understanding.
7 In line 26 of the Osage text the archaic name of the turkey is used, a’-hi=-u-mo"-thi, walks between his
wings, and is descriptive of the actions of the turkey cock when mating. This name is now obsolete but
survives only in the Ho’-e-ga Wi’-gi-e. The modern name for turkey is ciu-ka, which is nondescriptive.
83773—39—_—6
74 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY {Boutt. 101
23. My grandfather
24. Knows when an animal is nearing its death;
25. Verily, he will follow it to the end.
26. There is nothing that is beyond his understanding.
27. It is he that 1 am bidden to give to you as a weapon;
28. When, before the break of day,
29. I make him to be your weapon,
30. Your weapons shall not be ineffective.
31. Also in the evening of the day,
32. I am bidden to make of him a weapon for you.
33. There is another person whom they made to be their weapon.
34. He is the great crow (raven), O, ye valiant men.
35. My grandfather
36. Is a person to whom nothing is beyond understanding.
37. He flies swiftly through and through the forests,
38. And makes his way through the carrion upon which he feeds.
39. When, before the break of day,
40. I make him to be a weapon for you,
41. Your weapons shall not be ineffective,
42. Or, when in the evening of the day,
43. I make him to be a weapon for you,
44. Your weapons shall not be ineffective.
At the close of the Wa-pa’-hi Wi’-gi-e the Do-do”™-ho"-ga takes in
his right hand a bunch of grass from a pile that had been put at his
feet by the tse’-xe-k’i" and, holding it up with outstretched arm
pointed toward the right of the setting sun, recites the first section of
the following wi’-gi-e. This is in appeal for the success of the warriors
of the Ho™-ga division.
The Do-do”-ho"-ga then points with the bunch of grass toward the
left of the setting sun and recites the second section of the wi’-gi-e.
This is in appeal for the success of the warriors of the Tsi’-zhu division.
As the Do-do”-ho*-ga recites the third section he points the bunch
of grass directly toward the setting sun. This is in appeal for the
success of the warriors of both divisions.
The Do-do”-ho®-ga then drops the bunch of grass upon the pile
from which he had taken it and recites the fourth section of the
wi’-gi-e which expresses the wish that his warriors will succeed in
destroying as many of the enemy as there are blades of grass in the
pile at his feet.
|
“La FLEScHE] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 75
POINT OF ATTACK RITUAL
(Osage version, p. 167)
1
. O, ye valiant men,
. Verily, in that direction toward which I point,
. Are the objects of my longings and supplications,
. There can be no doubt that my prayers will be granted.
2
m CO DD ee
. Verily, in the direction toward which I now point,
. Are the objects of my longings and supplications,
. There can be no doubt that my prayers will be granted,
. My prayers shall be granted, O, ye valiant men.
3
CONT OD On
9. Verily, in the direction toward which I now point,
10. Are the objects of my longings and supplications,
11. Surely my aim shall not miss its mark.
4
12. O, ye valiant men,
13. Behold this bunch of grass, the numbers of its blades,
14. My supplications are for the lives of enemies equal in number to
these blades of grass,
15. Equal to the number of blades in all these bunches.
16. This is the theme of my constant supplication, O, ye valiant men.
The symbols used and the acts performed in this ceremony are
complex in meaning. The spot made bare by the plucking of the grass
symbolizes the earth upon which life manifests itself in an infinite
variety of forms. The earth is regarded as one of the abiding places
of that All Controlling Power to whom the Do-do”-ho?-ga makes his
constant appeal. The plucked grass represents the lives of men, not
only those against whom he is leading his warriors but also those of
his own people whom he is striving to protect. In the ceremonial act
which he performs with the grass he asks for the power to destroy as
many of the enemy as there are blades in the pile of grass plucked
from the earth and by the same act he asks for the increase of his
own people.
Life is regarded as ever moving in a westerly direction, even as
the sun is ever moving from the east to the west, therefore, the Do-do”-
ho*-ga in making his appeal points with the symbol of lives, the grass,
in three westerly directions. His first ceremonial act is an appeal on
behalf of his own people of his division, the Ho”-ga. The ceremonial
position of this division, when the tribe is moving westward, is at the
76 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [BuLt. 101
north of the dividing line which is the “path of the sun,” therefore
the Do-do”-ho*-ga first points with the grass toward the west on
the north side of the “path of the sun.’”? His second ceremonial act
is an appeal on behalf of the people of the Tsi’-zhu division. The
Do-do”-ho"-ga, in this act, points toward the west on the south side
of the “path of the sun.”’? The position of this division, when the
tribe is moving westward, is at the south side of the path of the sun.
In the third act he points directly west along the path of the sun, the
great symbol of life. In his fourth ceremonial act he points upward
to the vault of the sky. The appeal in the last two acts is on behalf
of all the people of the tribe. In the first three acts there is, aside
from the symbols of the movement of life, a recognition of the seasonal
shiftings of the setting of the sun from north to south and south to
north. Therefore, in some of the wi’-gi-es the expression, “Toward
the settings of the sun,” is frequently used, the direction of the sunset
being spoken of in the plural rather than in the singular number.
When the Do-do”-ho"-ga has dropped to the ground the last bunch
of grass, at the end of the Wa-no™-ce A-ba-cu Wi’-gi-e, he takes from
the deerskin pouch which throughout the ceremony he must con-
tinually carry on his back, the sacred pipe of the Wa-zha’-zhe used
for offering of smoke to Wa-ko™-da. He also takes from the pouch
a sharpened stick with which he at once proceeds to dig the burnt
bits of tobacco adhering to the sides of the bowl of the pipe. As he
digs into the bowl he holds the pipe out at arm’s length so that the
particles of tobacco may drop on the bunches of grass at his feet, and
as he does so he repeats the words: “I give to you the sacred tobacco
of the Wa-zha’-zhe that is pleasing and satisfying to the sense of
smell, to compensate you for the life that you are to give up to me.”
These words are addressed to the bunches of grass, the blades in each
of which represent the lives of animals and men to be slain by the
war party.
At the close of the Wa-no™-ce A-ba-cu ceremony a Tse’-xe-k’1" goes
to the Ho’-e-ga and divides the pile of symbolic grass into four bunches.
These he places in a row, about a pace apart, across the cleared spot
of earth, on a line with the path of the sun. These bunches of grass
are now made to symbolize moccasins, one pair for the Tsi’-zhu
division and one for the Ho™-ga. After these four bunches of grass
have been ceremonially arranged, the Tse’-xe-k’i" returns to his place
and the Do-do”-ho'-ga steps aside as the warriors of the Ho”™-ga
division form a line and approach them. One after the other the
Ho"’-ga warriors walk upon the bunches of grass, each man being
careful to set forward his right foot first. When all the warriors of the
Ho”-ga division had stepped on the symbolic bunches of grass the
warriors of the Tsi’-zhu division formed a line and stepped on the
bunches of grass in the same manner, but every man was careful to
put forward his left foot first.
La FLEScHE] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY vi
When each warrior has taken his four ceremonial steps he at once
goes to his horse that has been brought for him already saddled,
mounts, and is ready for the march. All the warriors now move
toward the country of the enemy in two parallel lines, those of the
Ho” -ga division keeping to the right and those of the Tsi’-zhu to the
left, in consonance with the position of the symbolic tribal man.
The Do-do”-ho"-ga maintains his march on the side of his division
but he must keep at some distance from his men in order that he may
be undisturbed by the conversations of the warriors and able to
perform the duties of his office.
The No”-ho*-zhi"-ga having thus ceremonially started the warriors
on their way toward the country of the enemy, they now return to
the village without observing any particular order.
In the evening the older women of the tribe, those who have no
husbands, brothers, or sons in the war party, get together and go to
the house of each family whose relatives have gone to war. On
arriving at one of the houses these women stand abreast in front of
the door and sing songs called ‘‘We’-to" Wa-o",” a name which may
be freely translated as “Songs of Sympathy and Encouragement.”
Two or three of the women beat upon a drum carried by a man on
his back, to accentuate the rhythm of the song which all sing in
chorus. The members of the family hasten to present the singers
with gifts, as a pair of moccasins, a robe, a dress, or a supply of food,
generally corn, jerked meat, or dried squash. After a number of
songs have been sung and gifts received the singers move on and sing
at another house. The We’-to" songs are expressive of the wish of
the singers for the success of the warriors who have gone to defend
the tribe, and the relatives of the warriors accept the act and the
songs as having some telepathic virtue that will bring about success.
Wa-xthi’-zhi remembered only the following song:
SONG OF SYMPATHY AND ENCOURAGEMENT
(Osage version, p. 167)
M.M. é = 120 Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher
es
Time beats e f fi e r r ¢ pr f
Tsi?-do xa-ge the no® thi-ba-ko"e-zha-mi-ethe, Ga - thi” xage
| AI aie nana aa aa
thi - ba-ko® e-zha-mi-e the, No®-pe- wa-the xa-ge the no?
ee SO haaut Gis ts NOT Ei
i
thi - ba-ko" e-zha-mi-e the, Ga - thi" xa-ge thi-ba-ko® e-zha-mi-e the.
78 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [Buzt. 101
FREE TRANSLATION
Thy brother goes forth weeping—thy spirit is moved,
Thou hear’st his wailing—thy spirit is moved,
No®-pe-wa-the goes forth weeping—thy spirit is moved,
Thou hear’st his wailing—thy spirit is moved.
The words of this song are metaphorical and refer to the continuous
appeal made by the Do-do”-ho"-ga to Wa-ko™-da on behalf of the
warriors setting forth to struggle with the enemy, and on behalf of
the people whom the warriors have gone forth to defend.
Two tribes related to the Osage, the Omaha and the Ponca, practice
this custom and their songs bore the same title, ‘‘We’-to™ Wa-o”.”
Instead of using a drum to accentuate the rhythm of the song the
Omaha and Ponca women beat time upon a piece of rawhide. (For
examples of Omaha songs of this class, see Twenty-seventh Ann.
Rept. Bur. Amer. Ethn., p. 422; also pp. 130-132 of a “Study of Omaha
Indian Music,” by Alice C. Fletcher, published in 1893 by the Peabody
Museum, Harvard University.)
On the morning of the second day of the outward march of the
warriors the Xthe’-ts’a-ge prepare a structure for taking a ceremonial
vapor bath. A Tse’-xe-k’i" is ordered to take the sacred bird, which
had been removed without ceremony from the Wa-xo’-be of the
Do-do"-ho"-ga, and to place it on top of the house. This particular
kind of bath is called ‘I’? U-gthi®,” literally “Sitting in the Stones.”
The little house set up for this bath is well covered with robes and in
the center red-hot stones are placed. When all the men have entered
the Tse’-xe-k’i" closes the open part and the sweating begins. At the
close of the ceremony the Chief Xthe’-ts’a-ge tells the men that each
one must grasp one of the frame poles of the little house, and when
they have done so he calls out, ‘I’-thi-sho" ha thi™-ge a-tha Ni-ka
Wa-ca-e!’”’ ‘There is no other way out, my valiant men!” and all
the men, acting in concert, toss the little house upward, toward the
setting sun. As the house tumbles to the ground the Tse’-xe-k’i"
hurries to the sacred bird in order to examine the position in which it
has fallen and all the Xthe’-ts’a-ge eagerly inquire, “‘How does it lie?”
If the Tse’-xe-k’i" replies, “It lies breast upward,” the Xthe’-ts’a-ge
say: “It is well, it is well.” This they take as a sign that the expedi-
tion will succeed and that none of the warriors will be lost. If the
bird is found to have fallen breast downward they receive the report
in silence, for the bird had taken the position of a fallen warrior, a
sign that the war party will suffer losses.
After the augury ceremony the warriors move on, the men of the
two divisions always maintaining their ceremonial positions while on
the march and when pitching their camp for the night. The leader
continues to maintain his position apart from his men, both when
marching and when the men camp for the night, and constantly
LA FLESCHE] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 79
observes the rite of No™-zhi"-zho". The Xthe’-ts’a-ge keep the
scouts busy going and returning as the warriors move toward the
country of the enemy and at night place sentinels around the camp
within hearing distance of each other so as to guard against surprise.
Such is the daily routine of the war party.
After the war party enters the country of the enemy in the morning
or evening of some day, the scouts return and report that they have
found the enemy. If the circumstances are such that there is no
urgent need for haste in making an attack, the Do-do™-ho-ga opens
his Wa-xo’-be with songs and ceremony, takes therefrom the sacred
hawk, places the carrying cord around the neck of his Chief Xthe’-
ts’a-ge so that the bird hangs on his back, thus conferring upon him
the full authority to command the attack. If, on the other hand,
haste is necessary, the Do-do™-ho"-ga opens the Wa-xo’-be without
ceremony and puts the bird upon the Chief Xthe’-ts’a-ge. While the
Do-do”-ho"-ga is performing this ceremony the warriors open the little
deerskin pouches containing the powdered charcoal symbolizing the
relentless fire, and begin hastily to paint themselves and their horses
with it.
If the enemy is near, the Chief Xthe’-ts’a-ge calls out the command
to attack at once and the warriors immediately make the charge, but
if the enemy is at a distance the Xthe’-ts’a-ge leads his men forward
quietly until within attacking distance and then gives the command
to charge. :
The Do-do™-ho"-ga and some of the Tse’-xe-k’i" remain where they
were left by the attacking warriors, the former to continue the duties
of his office and the latter to care for the pack horses and the camp
utensils.
If the attack has been successful the warriors who have taken
scalps stretch them upon small hoops made from saplings and attach
them to the tops of slender poles. The warriors return to their
Do-do’-ho"-ga and present to him the scalps, the captives, and the
horses, with the other booty they had taken. Then at the command
of the Do-do™-ho"-ga the warriors at once hasten home.
When, on their return, the victorious warriors come within sight of
the village, the Chief Xthe’-ts’a-ge sends forward a Tse’-xe-k’i" to
give notice to the No™-ho?-zhi"-ga that the war party is nearing home.
Upon hearing the news all the people, men, women, and children,
run forward to meet the warriors. The Do-do™-ho"-ga, who up to
this time had been carrying the scalps attached to poles, now trans-
fers them to the Chief Tse’-xe-k’i" and, carrying only the Wa-xo’-be,
takes his place at the head of the warriors while the officer who bears
the scalps rides behind him. The first to greet the Do-do™-ho*-ga as
the people go forth to meet the warriors is the Master of Ceremonies,
who says: ‘“‘My son, have you come home?”’ To which the Do-do”-
80 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [Butt. 101
ho"-ga replies: ““Yes, my father, I have come home.” The Do-
do™-ho?-ga’s horse is at once turned over to a Tse’-xe-k’i" to be cared
for and the victorious leader then walks toward the village, followed
closely by the officer carrying the scalps. The Master of Ceremonies
follows, singing and dancing to the following Wa-tse’ Wa-tho", Songs
of Victory, while the warriors and the people of the village march
behind.
SONGS OF VICTORY
(Osage version, p. 168)
M.M. “iS 88 Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher.
(p?
Time beats | r f f f ¢ ) c f
Mo?®- thi® - ka thi-shto® bi tho®2 dse he, Wi - tsi-go ho
da- do", I- mo® -ka thea- gi bi the, the, the, he the,
f f
| | { |
i= ba i - mo® - ka thea - gi bi the,
a 5 = —e
@ cE: = c!
f f f f f f font f f
I- ba i-mo®-kathea-gi bi the, Mo®-thi®-ka_ thi-shto® bi tho® dse.
FREE TRANSLATION
1
We appealed to the god of the earth,
Behold, by the grace of our grandfather,
Our warriors come home in triumph, the, the, the, he the,
By the grace of the god of the sky they come home in triumph,
By the grace of the god of the sky they come home in triumph
We appeal to the god of the earth.
2
With their sacred war club they come home in triumph.
3
With their sacred knife they come home in triumph.
+
With their sacred charcoal they come home in triumph.
5
With their sacred standard they come home in triumph.
The translation of this song will serve for that of the second Victory
song, the two songs differing only in the music.
LA FLESCHE] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 81
SECOND VICTORY SONG
(Osage version, p. 169)
M.M. e — 182 Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher.
Time beats a fos ¢ nl ea fe ° rr
Mo® -thi2-ka thi-shto™ bi tho® dse, Da-do® i mo®-ka thea-gi be,
Se aa
eh et 8
hi f i- bs Bee a-gi bel Hoe i-mo?- ka a a-gi ne, A f Ay
by, ¥ r f xin ctralsiien Wa if f
i-mo®-kathea-gi be I-ba i-mo®-ka thea-gi be,
iS Sl
eo
P is - er r
Mo®-thi®- ka thi-shton bi chordss, Da- an i- ses ka the a-gi ia
When the Do-do”-ho*-ga arrives at the border of the village and
approaches the ‘‘House of Mystery” he sings the following song con-
taining twelve stanzas. The song is called ‘‘Tsi U-thu-gi-pe Wa-tho?,
“Songs of Entering the House.’ The song is expressive of the joy of
the Do-do’-ho®-ga as he returns safely to the border of the village;
he passes on and enters the village where the ground has been made
bare by the feet of the people; he approaches the ‘“House of Mystery”
from which he departed bearing his message of appeal for aid to the
“Great Mystery’’; he comes to the door and enters, followed by his
Chief Tse’-xe-k’i" and Xo’-ka; he passes to the left of the door and
pauses for a moment; he goes to the opposite side of the room, where
he again pauses; he goes on and pauses at the middle of the side of the
room; he approaches the sacred fireplace; he stands opposite the fire
pole whereon is the suspended kettle from which the people are fed;
he looks upward through the opening in the roof, into the blue sky
above, then the Chief Tse’-xe-k’1" with a quick movement thrusts
the slender poles on which are suspended scalps, through the opening
to the sky and pulls them in again, by which act the spirits of the
slain are released. The Do-do™-ho®-ga then sings the last stanza by
which he tells (figuratively) of his return from the darkness of death
to the light of day and to the joys of life.
82
Time beats
BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [Butt. 101
SONGS OF ENTERING THE HOUSE
(Osage version, p. 170)
Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher,
Ge alates pas
Wi-e ha-gthi® do, Wi-e hagthi® da,
Ry ¥ f
Wi-e ha gthi® do,
= SS ee
RT to nhcant-anlent aaa
wi-e ha-gthi® da, Tsi u-ho®-ge dsi ha-gthi® da,
FREE TRANSLATION
1
It is I who now return, who now return,
It is I who now return, who now return,
Lo, I come to the border of the village,
It is I who now return.
2
Wi-e ha-gthi" do.
Lo, I come to the trodden ground of the village.
3
Lo, I come to the House of Mystery.
4
Lo, I am at the door of the house.
5
Lo, I am in the room of the house.
6
Lo, I am at the left of the door.
7
Lo, I am at the opposite side of the room.
8
Lo, I am facing the door.
9
Lo, I am at the sacred fireplace.
10
Lo, I stand before the fire pole.
11
Lo, I stand beneath the opening of the roof.
12
Lo, I stand once more in the midst of the days.
La Fuescue] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 83
At the close of the last stanza the Do-do’-ho"-ga and the Xo’-ka
take their seats at the east end of the lodge and the No”-ho®-zhi"-ga,
who have also entered, take their accustomed places, according to
gentes. When all were seated the Xo’-ka, addressing the Tsi’-zhu
Wa-shta-ge and the Po"-ka Wa-shta-ge gentes, says: ‘““My. son has
brought home a captive, O Tsi’-zhu and Wa-zha’-zhe.” The leader
of the Tsi’-zhu Wa-shta-ge then replies: ‘““You have given me the
captive, and I must say, let him live.”’ The leader of the Po™-ka
Wa-shta-ge makes the same reply and the Sho’-ka, who in obedience
to the command of the Xo’-ka brings the captive in and gives him a
seat near the sacred fireplace. Then the leader of the Wa-ga’-be or
the I*-gtho”-ga gens takes the sacred knife and with its sharp point
scratches the tip of the nose of the captive, who bends over the fire
to let the blood drip into it. The leader of the Po™-ka Wa-shta-ge
now directs his Sho’-ka to bring water which is placed before the
leader, who recites the wi’-gi-e relating to the life-giving power of the
water. (For wi’-gi-e, see p. 12.) The captive is given the water, of
which he drinks and then cleanses his face.
The leader of the Tsi’-zhu Wa-shta-ge sends his Sho’-ka to bring
food that the captive may eat and live. The Sho’-ka goes to the
house of the leader, for the food therein is sacred, and returns with
corn prepared for eating. The leader then recites the wi’gi-e relating
to the life-giving power of the corn and the food is offered to the cap-
tive. When the captive has eaten of the sacred food the Sho’-ka is
given yellow clay and charcoal with which he ceremonially paints the
captive. First, the captive’s face and body are painted yellow, then
two narrow black lines are drawn from one corner of the forehead
diagonally across the face to the jaw below the ear on the opposite
side. If the captive was taken by a war party led by a Ho™-ga the
two black lines would begin at the left corner of the forehead but if
by a Tsi’-zhu the lines would begin at the right. One of these lines is
for the Ho”-ga division and the other for the Tsi’-zhu. Both shoul-
ders of the captive are painted black, as are his breast, hands, and feet.
When the captive has been thus painted the Xo’-ka sings the fol-
lowing song called ‘“‘We’-ki-shno" Wa-o"’, Songs of Delight. The
song expresses delight at the possession of a captive, who must fill
the office of Sho’-ka, the ceremonial messenger of all the people, of
the Tsi’-zhu and of the Ho™-ga division, in the tribal ceremonials,
one who will run on errands, one who will fetch water, one who will
fetch wood, a da’gthe (captive). The word “da’-gthe’’ used in the
last stanza of the song originally meant captive and is here used in
that sense. When the Osage saw the black slave of the white man
they applied this word to these slaves, but such is not its true meaning.
The da’-gthe becomes a member of the family of his captor and of his
gens. He can marry within the tribe, and because of his ceremonial
84. BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [BuLL. 101
office (tribal Sho’-ka) he is respected and honored and is always wel-
come at the “table” of every family in the tribe. He is clothed as
well as fed by the families of the tribe and is regarded and spoken of
as O’-xta, one who is a favored person.
SONGS OF DELIGHT
(Osage version, p. 171)
M.M. a — 96 Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher.
Sages ee eee
Time beats i r f f i f
Sho - kao® - to® — bi the, sho - kao® - to® bi the,
eo 9 —— a
Sho-kao® to® bi the, sho - kao® - to® bi the,
Sho-kao® to® bi the, sho - kao® - to® bi the,
ee e
SS a ee ee
f r f f f f
Sho - kao® - to® bi the, sho - kao® - to® bi the.
FREE TRANSLATION
1
We now have a sho’-ka, we now have a sho’-ka; ete.
2
We now have a servant, we now have a servant; ete.
3
We now have one to bring water, we now have one to bring water; etc.
4
We now have one to bring wood, we now have one to bring wood; etc.
5
We now have a captive, we now have a captive; etc.
On the following morning the Xo’-ka of the Do-do™-ho*-ga sends
his Sho’-ka for the leaders of the Ni’-ka Wa-ko"-da-gi gens. The
name of this gens may be freely translated as ‘“Men of Mystery.”
La FLescue] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 85
The sacred symbol of this gens is the Thunder Being. It was this
gens that gave to the people the Hawk Wa-xo’-be, and therefore the
ceremonies relating to this sacred bird must always be performed by
members of this gens.
Upon the arrival of the representatives of the Ni’-ka Wa-ko"-da-gi
gens the Xo’-ka requests permission to perform the ceremony of
dropping the sticks on the Wa-xo’-be. The members of the Ni’-ka
Wa-ko"-da-gi gens having given their consent, the No™-ho"-zhi"-ga
who had assembled for the ceremony now go out and sit in a line across
the space between the two Xthe’-ts’a-ge ceremonial houses, facing the
west, the Tsi’-zhu on the north side and the Ho™-ga on the south.
The Do-do”-ho®-ga and the Xo’-ka sit side by side in the middle of
the line. In preparation for this ceremony each member of the
No” -ho"-zhi"-ga paints his face in the following manner: The upper
part of the face, from the line of the mouth, is first painted gray with
white clay mixed with charcoal. While the paint is still moist two
figures are drawn with the fingernails at the outer corners of the eyes.
One figure is like a single ovate leaf with a stem, the other is like two
ovate leaves upon a single stem; from the inner corner of each eye a
straight line is drawn downward, suggesting falling tears; on the middle
of the forehead is painted a round spot; the lower part of the face,
below the mouth, is painted red, and on the crown of the head is
spread eagle down. The Omaha and the Ponca also use the eagle
down in this same manner in some of their religious ceremonies.
The warriors who, at this ceremony, are to claim o-do™ that have
been won by them in the war expedition are painted by the officer
having charge of the painting of the sacred hawk at initiation cere-
monies. He puts on these men only the gray paint with its designs
and omits the red paint below the mouth, the round spot on the
forehead, and the eagle down on the crown of the head. This officer
receives for his services a fee from each warrior.
As the warriors are being painted the Xo’-ka sings the songs of
opening the Wa-xo’-be and the bringing to view the sacred bird
belonging to the gens of the Do-do-ho*-ga which he had carried on
the expedition. The Wa-xo’-be of the Tsi’-zhu Wa-no" gens is also
taken out and the two birds lie upon the ground in front of the Do-
do” -ho®-ga and the Xo’-ka, that of the Do-do™-ho-ga on the Ho”-ga
side and that of the Tsi’-zhu Wa-no?® on the Tsi’-zhu side.
The first of the warriors to approach the sacred birds is the Chief
Xthe’-ts’a-ge of the Do-do™-ho"-ga. He is the officer who was in
actual command of the war party and who led the warriors to battle.
Standing in front of the Wa-xo’-be belonging to the gens of the Do-
do™-ho®-ga, he holds up a little stick painted red, about the size of a
lead pencil, and addressing the bird says: ‘‘O, Grandfather, it was you
who gave me success, and enabled me to win the o-do™ called wa-tse’
86 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [BULL. 101
[victory]. For this I place upon you this little stick.’ If this officer
had won other o-do™ in the battle he could claim these also at this
ceremony, dropping upon the bird a stick for each o-do”. The leading
Xthe’-ts’a-ge on the Tsi’-zhu side then rises and approaching the
sacred bird of the Tsi’-zhu Wa-no® makes claim to his o-do™ in the
same manner. This is done by all of the eight Xthe’-ts’a-ge of the
two divisions alternately.
When all the Xthe’-ts’a-ge have finished making their claims the
men of the warrior or the servant class who had struck one of the
enemy come forward, one after the other, and make claim to the
Wa-ga’-xthi o-do™, the striking o-do”. Each warrior as he makes
his claim drops a little red stick on the bird belonging to his division.
Those who had struck one of the enemy having finished making
their claims, the men who cut off the heads of the enemy then approach
the sacred birds and make their claims to the o-do™, which was called
Pa’-wa-thu-ce, Cutting off the Head.
Then follow the men who had not won any of the above o-do”™, but
could claim the honor of having taken part in the expedition and in
the battle. This o-do™ is called Wa/’-thu-xpe, a term that seems to
have lost its meaning. The Tse’-xe-k’1" who were not present at the
battle but who were ordered to remain behind to take care of the camp
and pack horses are allowed to claim this o-do™ as it was not of their
choice that they remained behind and did not take part in the attack.
When all the men of the war party have finished making their
claims the young men and boys who had remained at home are per-
mitted to come and offer petitions to the sacred birds, each petition
being represented by a little stick. Most of the petitions thus pre-
sented are for a wife, children, a house and plenty of horses, and soon
the birds would become buried under the piles of sticks. It sometimes
happens that a boy, belated by play or some other reason, comes upon
the scene, breathless from running, and, brushing aside the pile of
sticks from the sacred bird, would say: ‘O, Grandfather, listen not
to these petitions, they were made by foolish, trifling persons. Listen
to me! I will truly strive for the things I ask of you. Give me
health; make me grow up to be a strong man; give me long life; give
me a good woman for wife; give us children, a house, and plenty of
horses! J now place upon you these my sticks.”
Movrnine Rite (From Wa-sHa’-BE A-THI”)
Wa-xthi’-zhi states that the Wa-sha’-be A-thi" rite, the ceremonies
of which he has described above in detail, is the original and true
Wa-sha’-be A-thi" rite and that the Mourning Rite is of later origin,
although it bears the same title and resembles the earlier rite in many
of its details. The original Wa-sha’-be A-thi" relates to the organiza-
tion of a war party to engage either in defensive or offensive warfare;
La FLEscut] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 87
the later ceremony is for the organization of a war party for the pur-
pose of slaying a member of some enemy tribe in order to secure a
spirit to accompany that of a dead Osage to the spirit land. There
is a belief among the Osage that the path to the spirit land is a lonely
one and he who travels upon it craves company, therefore a man who
has lost by death his wife, son, daughter, nephew, or other loved rela-
tive, desires to have the ceremonies of the Mourning Rite performed,
provided he has the means to meet the expenses that arise therefrom.
ORIGIN AND DESCRIPTION
Sho" -to®-ca-be tells the following story of the origin of the Mourning
Rite:
It has long been the Osage custom for mourners to take upon them-
selves for a certain period of time the Fasting Rite. Many years ago
a prominent man upon the death of a relative took upon himself the
Fasting Rite. In order to be entirely alone in his fast he had wan-
dered far away from home when he suddenly heard the voice of the
relative for whom he was mourning, asking him to slay a man in order
that he might have company while on his way to the spirit land. At
once the mourner hastened home, organized a small war party and
went forth against a hostile tribe. He found the enemy, attacked
them, killing a number of the warriors. He brought back a scalp and
fastened it to a pole which he planted at the head of the grave of his
relative. By this act the mourner believed that he had sent the
spirit of the slain man to overtake and accompany on its journey the
spirit of the relative for whom he mourned. Other members of the
tribe followed the example of the man but they ceremonially organized
their war party, using the ceremonies of the Wa-sha’-be A-thi" rite,
and thus it became the custom among the Osage to secure a spirit to
accompany that of a dead member to the spirit land.
The following detailed description of the ceremonies of the Mourn-
ing Rite as given by Xu-tha’-wa-to"-i" of the Tsi’-zhu Wa-no” gens is
placed in proximity to the account of the Wa-sha’-be A-thi’, a rite
pertaining exclusively to defensive and offensive war, for the reason
that the ceremonies used in the Mourning Rite are clearly borrowed
and adapted from the war rite and afford an instructive example of
the changing and the interweaving of ceremonies.
Upon the death of a loved relative the mourner sends for a member
of his gens who is familiar with the ceremonies of the Mourning Rite.
When this man arrives he is formally told what is required of him.
If he consents to act as Master of Ceremonies in the rite he sends for
the Sho’-ka of the gens. The Sho’-ka, laying aside all personal affairs,
hastens to the mourner’s house. On his arrival the Master of Cere-
monies informs him of the duties he is to perform and bids him summon
all the No™-ho®-zhi"-ga of his division to assemble at the house of
88 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [BuLt. 101
the mourner. (The informant belonged to the Tsi’-zhu division and
gave their version of the rite.)
When the No”-ho"-zhi?-ga arrive they take their accustomed places
in the lodge. The Master of Ceremonies then tells them in a formal
manner that the mourner desires to have the mourning ceremonies for
the dead performed and craves their consent and assistance. The
No”-ho*-zhi"-ga, having given their consent, proceed at once to name
four men from four different gentes of the Ho™-ga division to be candi-
dates for the office of ceremonial mourner for the dead. The Sho’-ka
is then sent to the gens of the man first named. If the members of the
gens give their approval and the man himself consents to act as cere-
monial mourner, they send the Sho’-ka of their gens to summon all
the No”-ho?-zhi"-ga of the Ho’’-ga division to assemble at the house
of the man who is to act as ceremonial mourner. The members of
this gens also select one of their number to act as Master of Cere-
monies. This done, the Sho’-ka of the Tsi’-zhu division returns to
the house of the mourner and reports that the first man named has
consented to act as Ceremonial Mourner.
The No™-ho?-zhi"-ga of the Ho™-ga division, having duly assembled
at the house of the Ceremonial Mourner, and having formally given
their consent to the performance of the mourning ceremony, the
Sho’-ka of the gens of the Ceremonial Mourner is sent with his little
pipe, the badge of his office, to give notice to the mourner that the
No”-ho*-zhi"-ga of the Ho™-ga division has assembled. The Sho’-ka
of the mourner’s gens then hastens to give notice to the Tsi’-zhu
No”-ho*-zhi"-ga to assemble at the house of the mourner. The
No”-ho?-zhi®-ga, putting upon themselves the sign of No™-zhi"-zho",
form in single file and march solemnly toward the house of the mourner,
wailing as they go.
On the arrival of the Tsi’-zhu No”-ho?-zhi"-ga at the house of the
mourner, two men wrap the corpse in a robe and wind around it, from
the head to the feet, a long lariat. A pole is passed through the loops
of the lariat and each of the two men grasp an end of the pole, lift the
corpse, and slowly march toward the house of the Ceremonial Mourner,
followed by the No”-ho?-zhi"-ga in single file, all wailing as they go.
Arriving at the house of the Ceremonial Mourner, where had assem-
bled the No”-ho"-zhi"-ga of the Ho™-ga division, the men carrying
the corpse enter and lay it in the middle of the house. The No”-ho*-
zhi®-ga of the Tsi’-zhu division follow and take their accustomed
places by gentes at the north side of the lodge. With the corpse a
fine horse was brought and tethered near the house for the services
of the Ceremonial Mourner.
When the No”-ho’-zhi"-ga of both sides has come to order, the
Tsi’-zhu Master of Ceremonies directs his Sho’-ka to fill the pipe he
has brought with him and present it to the man chosen to act as
DA Furscne] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 89
Ceremonial Mourner. The Sho’-ka presents the pipe to the Cere-
monial Mourner, saying, as he does so: “I come to ask of you an
animal, O, grandfather!’ These words are metaphorical and mean
that the petitioner asks of the Ceremonial Mourner, as leader of a
war party about to be organized, the life of a human being. Grand-
father is used as a ceremonial term.
The Ceremonial Mourner says, as he smokes the pipe offered to
him: ‘Yes, it shall be so!”
The No”-ho"-zhi"-ga of the Ho™-ga division having thus solemnly
committed themselves to comply with the wish of those of the Tsi’-zhu
division, both divisions proceed to select two warriors from each
division, to serve the Ceremonial Mourner, who may now be termed
Do-do”-ho"-ga, during the period of fasting. These four men are
called Tse’-xe-k’i" Pa-ho"-ethe, “Leaders of the Kettle Carriers.”
The Tse’-xe-k’i" Pa-ho™-gthe are instructed by the Master of Cere-
monies of the Ho”™-ga division to set up a little house for the Do-do”-
ho"-ga to be occupied by him during the period of No™-zhi"-zho?.
The site selected by these men for the little house is at the west side
of the village, just outside of the border. When the house is finished
the four men make a forked stake, sharpened at the lower end, for the
Do-do”-ho"-ga to hang his tobacco pouch and ceremonial pipe upon
when he is at rest, he being prohibited from placing these sacred
articles on the ground.
When the Tse’-xe-k’i" Pa-ho*-gthe return to the No”-ho"-zhi?-ga
to report that the little house for the Do-do”-ho*-ga is finished, those
on the Ho™-ga side say to the Tsi’-zhu: ‘“‘You will now decide the
length of time you wish the Do-do”-ho®-ga to take the rite of No”-
zhi®-zho".”’
The period of fasting having been decided, the Master of Cere-
monies conducts the Do-do™-ho-ga and his Tse’-xe-k’i" Pa-ho®-gthe
to the little house, where the Master of Ceremonies tells the Do-do”-
ho”-ga that throughout the period of fasting he must not lie down on
the ground to sleep, but that if he felt the need of rest he could sit on
the ground and for support lean against something. Then, as they
sit within the little house, the Master of Ceremonies gives to the
Do-do”-ho"-ga the story of the finding of the four different colored
clays to be used in the fasting rite. This story he gives in conversa-
tional speech and not in wi’-gi-e form, a form used only at a regular
initiation into the mysteries of the tribal rites. The story as given
by Xu-tha’-wa-to"-1" is as follows:
PARAPHRASE OF THE RITUAL
And the people said to the Sho’-ka Wa-ba-xi (the leading Sho’-ka),
O, younger brother, it is not possible for the little ones to live upon
the surface of the water. Go, therefore, and bring to us four bugs
83773—39 —7
90 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [BuLL. 101
that dwell in the water that we may appeal to them for help. The
Sho’-ka went forth and returned to the people with the white leech.
To this water bug the people spake, saying: ‘‘O, grandfather, it is not
possible for the little ones to dwell upon the surface of the water.”
Whereupon the leech sped forth, rippling the surface of the water by
his swift movements. The leech could give no help to the people, but
he said to them: ‘‘Behold the ripples upon the surface of the water.
Make of me a part of your bodies, then the little ones shall live to be
old and have wrinkles like the ripples of the water.”
Again the Sho’-ka went forth and returned with the bug resembling
a black bean (the whirligig). The black bug could not help the people
but he promised to make the little ones live to be old and have wrinkles
like the ripples on the surface of the water.
The Sho’-ka went forth the third time and returned with the dark
leech. The people appealed to him but he could only promise to
make the little ones to reach old age and to have wrinkles like the
ripples on the surface of the waters.
For the fourth time the Sho’-ka went forth and returned with the
spider-like bug (the water strider). The people appealed to him but
he could only promise to make the little ones live long, become old,
and have wrinkles like the ripples upon the surface of the waters.
Then, in their distress, the people turned to the Ho”-ga Wa-no”
(the Elder Ho™-ga) in silent appeal. The Ho’-ga Wa-no" spake to
the Sho’-ka Wa-ba-xi, saying: ‘‘Go again and make further search for
help.”” At that very moment the people were startled by a voice that
arose toward the rising sun. Again they heard the voice as though
approaching. For the third time came the call, yet nearer, and the
people turned to the Sho’-ka and with one voice said to him: “Lead
us forth; we will send that person to the land of spirits, it matters not
whose son he is.’”? The voice called again and a man stood before
the people. They seized him to slay him when the man spake, saying:
“Spare me, O, Tsi’-zhu, and I shall be to you a Ho™-ga (a sacred
person). When you go toward the setting sun against our enemies I
shall give to you that which will bring you success, four different
colored clays with which to paint your faces.’”’ That person was
Ho”-ga Zhi”-ga (Crawfish). The Tsi’-zhu set him free that he might
live and be to them a Ho”-ga.
Still the people were in distress as it was not possible for the little
ones to dwell on the surface of the water. So they said to the Sho’-
ka Wa-ba-xi: ‘Go again and make search for help.’”’ The Sho’-ka
went forth, always willing to obey the demands of the people. In the
midst of an arrow-wood thicket he came upon the great elk and,
walking side by side with him, brought him to the people who, looking
up to him, said: “O, grandfather, it is not possible for the little ones
to dwell on the surface of the water!’ The elk made reply: “It is
well you have come to me. I shall help you. I am O’-po” to™-ga”
La FLEscuE] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 91
(the Great Elk). In a loud voice the Great Elk called to the wind
of the east, of the south, of the west, and of the north, and then
threw himself upon the water. As he arose the waters had reached
in depth to the middle of his sides. Again he threw himself upon the
water and it receded in depth to his belly. A third time he threw
himself upon the water and it receded in depth to his knee joints.
The fourth time he threw himself upon the water it receded until land
appeared and there was no water left except in the depressions of the
earth.
The people now set foot upon the land but there were other things
for the elk to do in behalf of the little ones. He shook his great body
and in response the black crawfish appeared from the soft earth and
stood before the people, holding in his claws a bit of the dark soil of
the earth; then the Great Elk said to the people: “Behold, the dark
soil of the earth. When you go forth to fast you shall put this upon
your faces and you shall shed tears while this sign is upon you. And
while you fast you shall remain awake, else the length of your lives
will be shortened.”’ Again the Great Elk shook himself and the red
crawfish appeared before the people, holding in his claws a bit of red
clay; then the Elk spake, saying: ‘“‘Behold, the red clay of the earth.
This also you shall put upon your faces, but when doing so you shall
not shed tears, for it shall be a sign of your determination to over-
come your enemies, who dwell toward the setting of the sun.”’ The
Elk shook himself again and the blue crawfish appeared from beneath
the soil having between his great claws a bit of blue clay. Then the
Elk spake, saying: ‘‘Behold, the blue clay of the earth. This also you
shall put upon your faces when you go forth to fast, and shall shed
tears when it is upon you, for it shall be a sign of your appeal for
strength to overcome your enemies who dwell toward the setting sun.”
Once more the Elk shook himself, and from beneath the soil the yellow
crawfish appeared, having between his great claws a bit of yellow clay.
Then the Great Elk spake to the people, saying: “O, Tsi’-zhu, you
shall put this yellow clay upon your faces when you go against your
enemies who dwell toward the setting sun, and you shall not fail to
overcome your enemies. Behold the right side of my body, O, Tsi’-
zhu, it is the low lying lands of the earth. Upon these lands you shall
find the animals that will supply you with food. Behold my buttocks.
They are the rolling hills of the earth, in the midst of which you shall
find the animals that will serve you as food. Behold the base of my
neck that represents the hilltops of the earth. Among the hilltops
of the earth you shall find the animals that will serve you as food.
Behold the curve of my neck, that represents the gaps of the ridges of
the earth. Among the gaps of the ridges you shall find the animals
that will serve you as food. Behold the lower tines of my antlers.
They represent the branches of the rivers. Along the branches of the
rivers you shall find the animals that will serve you as food. Behold
92 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [But. 101
the flat branches of my antlers. They represent the low-lying lands
along the rivers. Within these lands you shall find the animals that
will serve you as food. Behold the smaller branches of my antlers.
They represent the small creeks of the earth. Among the creeks of
the earth you shall find the animals that will serve you as food.
Behold the hairs of my head. They represent the forests of the
earth. In the forests you shall find the animals that will serve you
as food. Then, O, Tsi’-zhu, there shall be days, peaceful and serene,
wherein you shall find the animals that will serve you as food.”
When the Master of Ceremonies has finished telling the story of
the gift of the four symbolic clays he leaves to themselves the Do-do”-
ho®-ga and his four attendants. The Do-do™-ho*-ga at once prepares
for his fast and departs for the hills and the forests that lie heyond
the places frequented by men, where he wanders about making his
appeal to Wa-ko™-da for aid.
At four regular intervals, within the time named for the Do-do™-
ho?-ga to fast, the No-ho"-zhi*-ga assemble informally when they
discuss matters relating to the ceremonies. At the fourth gathering
of the No™-ho?-zhi®-ga the Do-do®-ho"-ga returns to join them.
The No”-ho?-zhi®-ga then proceed to select two men, one from the
Wa-ca’-be gens and the other from either the Mi-k’1” or Tse-do’-
ga-i"-dse gens, to act as ceremonial heralds. These heralds are sent
out to give notice to the people that on the following morning the
Do-do”-ho*-ga would rise. This means that other men will be called
upon to offer themselves to serve as Do-do™-ho®-ga for their gentes.
The heralds at once start out to cry aloud the notice, the one from
the Wa-ca’-be gens going around the village by way of the Tsi’-zhu
side and the other by way of the Ho”™-ga side.
On the following morning the Master of Ceremonies instructs the
four attendants of the Do-do*’-ho"-ga to set up a house for the No”-
ho®-zhi®-ga at the west end of the village. When the ceremonial house
had been erected all the No”-ho-zhi*-ga assemble there to select
eight commanders for the war party. Four are first chosen from the
Tsi’-zhu side and the other four from the Ho™-ga side. When the
commanders have been selected the Do-do”-ho"-ga advances to each
one, wailing as he goes, and taking him by the arm conducts him to
the east end of the lodge, where he assigns him to a place on the side
of the division to which he belongs.
Then follows the ceremonial making of four standards called Wa-
xthe’-xthe. Two of the standards are called Wa-zha-wa A-thi® bi
kshe, to be carried in the procession for rallying the warriors. All of
these standards are made by the Ta I-ni-ka-shi-ga gens (Deer People)
of the Wa-zha’-zhe subdivision of the Ho™-ga division.
When the standards have been finished the appointment of the two
heralds is confirmed, and each one is given a downy eagle feather to
wear on the crown of his head as a badge of his office. To the one
LA FLESCHE] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 93
chosen from the Wa-ca’-be gens is given a knife and to the one from
the Tsi’-zhu Wa-no" or the Mi-k’i” gens, a battle ax to be carried
throughout the ceremonies. The two heralds are then stationed at
the west end of the village, the one belonging to the Ho”-ga division
on his own side and the one to the Tsi’-zhu on his side.
At the close of the ceremonies relating to the selection of the Xthe’-
ts’a-ge and the confirmation of the appointment of the two heralds
the No”-ho*-zhi®-ga form a procession and march around the village.
Those belonging to the Tsi’-zhu division form one part and go by way
of the Ho"’-ga side and those of the Ho”-ga division form another part
and go by way of the Tsi’-zhu side. These two parts of the procession
meet, on their return, at the west end of the village, where they arrange
themselves in the space between the two houses which had been
erected by the Tse’-xe-k’i" Pa-ho"-gthe for the use of the Xthe’-ts’a-ge
and the volunteer warriors, the Ho™-ga%taking their places on the
north side and the Tsi’-zhu on the south side. When the two divisions
had settled down, the Dance of the Valorous is performed by the four
Tse’-xe-k’i" Pa-ho®-gthe to the accompaniment of hand clapping by
all the No™-ho®-zhi?-ga. Each man, as he dances, carries in his
right hand the rally standard belonging to his division. After the
dance the Tse’-xe-k’i" No®-ho®, or Chief Kettle Carriers of the two
Xthe’-ts’a-ge houses, tell their Criers to call to the women to bring
cooked food for the warriors. 'The women respond with alacrity and
the center of each house is soon crowded with kettles and bowls of
steaming food. The name of each contributor was called loudly by a
Crier with thanks and praise for her generosity. From this time on
the Xthe’-ts’a-ge and their warriors have morning and afternoon
processions for the purpose of rallying to their ranks the young
warriors.
In the evenings the No”™-ho?-zhi"-ga assemble in their houses to
determine upon the ceremony to be taken up on the following day.
When that is decided the two ceremonial heralds are directed to give
notice to the people of the ceremony to be performed. This they do
at midnight when the village becomes quiet. The first ceremony
usually taken up is that of the Hot Water. Xu-tha’-wa-to"-i® did not
give a description of this ceremony but he explained its purpose as
follows: It sometimes happens that one or more of the men who
volunteer to act as Do-do”-ho"-ga for their gentes have not taken the
Ni’-ki-e degree of the war rites, an act necessary to make them eligible
for the position. In order to obviate this deficiency and to make each
man eligible for the office of Do-do”-ho*-ga the ceremonies of the
Ni’-ki-e degree are performed in a modified or abbreviated form to
serve as a sort of initiation to these candidates.
On the day following the Hot Water ceremony, the ceremonial dis-
tribution of deerskins to all the Do-do™-ho®-ga takes place. These
skins are to be worn on the shoulders during the ceremonies. Downy
94 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY (BULL. 101
eagle feathers are next distributed. These are to be worn on the
crown of the head as a sacred insignia. These deerskins and the
feathers are furnished by certain gentes of the Wa-zha’-zhe sub-
division.
The next day the ceremonies are performed that relate to the making
of the sacred charcoal to be carried by each warrior for painting his
face when about to attack the enemy. As these ceremonies do not
form a part of those belonging to Xu-tha’-wa-to"-1"’s gens he did not
go into their details.
Before sunrise on the morning of the fourth day the No™-ho®-zhi"-ga
assemble at the house of the Do-do’-ho"-ga to perform the cere-
monies connected with the cooking of certain mystic foods. When
the No"™-ho®-zhi"-ga had come to order, the Master of Ceremonies
commands the Sho’-ka to bring in four stones and arrange them
within the fireplace in the following order: One is put at the east
side, one at the west, one at the north, and one at the south side. This
being done, the Sho’-ka is commanded to bring forth the Tse’-xe
Ni-ka-pu, the sacred earthen pot, and to place it upon the four stones.
The pot having been placed upon its stone supports, the Sho’-ka puts
water into it and then drops therein the mystic foods. The common
belief concerning the ceremonies is that by them some mysterious
power is given to the food cooked in the sacred pot, a power that can
reach the enemy and render them incapable of resisting the attacks
to be made upon them.
The office of reciting the wi’-gi-e that follows the placing of the
Tse’-xe Ni-ka-pu containing water upon the stones, belongs to the
Wa-ca’-be gens but a member of the Tsi’-zhu division in conducting
the ceremony is permitted, by the courtesy of that gens, to recite it.
The following is the wi’-gi-e as recited by Xu-tha’-wa-to"-i" and as
commonly given by his gens, the Tsi’-zhu Wa-no". The title of the
wi -gi-e is Pe’-dse U-k’i, Wi-gi-e of the Offering to the Fire.
OFFERING TO THE FIRE RITUAL
(Osage version, p. 171)
i
. Verily, at that time and place,
. They said to one another, ‘‘Let the Sacred Vessel
. Be placed before us.”
. Verily, at that time and place,
. They said to one another, ‘‘What shall we use to support the
Vessel?”
6. Verily, at that time and place,
7. They brought forth four stones, which they placed at the four
corners of the fireplace,
8. To elevate the Sacred Vessel from the ground.
or wd
LA FLEscut] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 95
2
. Verily, at that time and place,
. They brought to the fireplace a burning brand,
. Which they laid within the Sacred Fireplace, toward the winds
of the east, beneath the Sacred Vessel.
. This burning brand which they laid beneath the Sacred Vessel
. Is not without a meaning, they said,
. For within the burning brand they placed the man who menaces
the homes of the tribe.
. This is the meaning of the burning brand here laid.
. Verily, at that time and place,
. It also means that they shall not permit the animals to go astray.
3
. Within the Sacred Fireplace, toward the winds of the west,
beneath the Sacred Vessel,
. They laid a burning brand,
. That was not without a meaning;
. For within the burning brand they placed a man who menaces
the homes of the tribe,
. Then laid it in the Sacred Fireplace.
. Verily, at that time and place,
. It also means to them the calling of the animals,
. That they may not go astray.
4
. Verily, at that time and place,
. Within the Sacred Fireplace, toward the winds of the north,
beneath the Sacred Vessel,
. They laid a burning brand,
. That was not without a meaning, they said;
. For within the burning brand they placed the man who menaces
the homes of the tribe,
. Then laid it in the Sacred Fireplace.
. Verily, at that time and place,
. It also means to them the calling of the animals,
. That they may not go astray.
5
. Verily, at that time and place,
. Within the Sacred Fireplace, toward the winds of the south,
beneath the Sacred Vessel,
. They laid a burning brand,
. That was not without a meaning, they said;
. For within the burning brand they placed the man who menaces
the homes of the tribe,
BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [BuLL. 101
. Then laid it in the Sacred Fireplace.
. It also means to them the calling of the animals,
. That they may not go astray.
. Verily, at that time and place,
. Then, there shall come the days, fair and serene, when the hunter
. Shall, without fear, pursue the animals and make them to go to
the spirit land.
6
. Verily, at that time and place,
. They said to one another: ‘‘Behold the vapor that arises from the
Sacred Vessel.”
. That also is not without a meaning,
. It figures the actions of the animal,
. That goes forth, even before the break of day,
. Breathing forth vapor from its mouth and nostrils,
. That is the figure discerned by them in the vapor rising from the
Sacred Vessel.
. Verily, at that time and place, they said,
. It also means to them that some day they shall continue to send
the animals to the spirit land.
7
. Verily, at that time and place,
. They said to one another: ‘Behold the swirling of the boiling
water within the Sacred Vessel.”
. That also is not without a meaning,
. It is the habit of the animals to go forth,
. Even before the break of day, to wander over the earth,
. It is this figure they discern in the swirling water within the
Sacred Vessel,
. It also means to them the calling of the animals,
. That they may not go astray.
8
. Verily, at that time and place,
. They said to one another: “Behold the bubbling of the water
within the Sacred Vessel.’’
. That also is not without a meaning,
. It figures the actions of the animal,
. As it rushes forth in flight when stricken by the hunter, even
before the break of day.
. The blood bubbling from its death wound,
. It is this figure they discern as the water bubbles within the
Sacred Vessel.
. It also means to them the calling of the animals,
. That they may not go astray.
La FLEscuE] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY G7
9
72. Verily, at that time and place,
73. They said to one another: “Behold the water leaping over the
rim of the Sacred Vessel.”
74. That also is not without a meaning,
75. It figures the actions of the animal,
76. As it rushes forth in flight when stricken by the hunter,
77. Treading upon its life blood as it flees,
78. It is the figure they discern in the leaping of the water over the
rim of the Sacred Vessel.
79. It also means to them the calling of the animals,
80. That they may not go astray.
81. Verily, at that time and place,
82. Then there shall come the days, fair and serene, when the hunter
83. Shall, without fear, pursue the animals and make them to go to
the spirit land.
The words of the Fire Wi’-gi-e, and the ceremonial acts belonging
to them are allegorical and this makes them difficult to be understood
by one unfamiliar with Osage modes of ceremonial expression. Alle-
gorical wi’-gi-es and acts are common throughout the tribal rites.
The meanings of these expressions and ceremonial acts are discussed
and explained by those versed in the rites at the informal gatherings
of the No™-ho"-zhi"-ga. It is in this way that a knowledge of the
inner meanings of the words of the wi’-gi-es and their accompanying
acts are transmitted from one generation to another.
The story of the Tse’-xe Ni-ka-po, or Sacred Vessel, that is the
subject of the first part of this wi’-gi-e, is given in line 1285, page 203,
to line 1307, page 204, Thirty-sixth Ann. Rept. Bur. Amer. Ethn.,
in the Ni’-ki No®-ko" Wi’-gi-e.
In the Fire Wi’-gi-e, fire has two aspects; in one it is a constructive
power, in the other a destructive force. In the “Sacred Fireplace’
Fire is seen in its constructive aspect, where it serves to comfort the
people and make edible the food necessary to their life. The fire-
place, therefore, symbolizes the home of the people, and to guard this
center of tribal life from enemies is the duty of the warrior. In the
tribal war rites Fire is shown to be a relentless and destructive force,
one that will enable the warrior to destroy the enemy who dares to
assail the fireplace, the home of the people.
The burning brands spoken of in sections 2, 3, 4, and 5 as being
laid within the Sacred Fireplace, each toward one of the four cardinal
points, are also complex in meaning. Within each burning brand is
placed the man who threatens with destruction the fireplace, the home
of the tribe, that for the safety of the people he may be consumed by
the fire of the valor of the warriors.
98 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [BuLt. 101
The ‘Sacred Fireplace”’ also stands for the seven fireplaces of the
Tsi’-zhu division, and the seven fireplaces of each of the Ho’-ga and
the Wa-zha’-zhe subdivisions of the Ho”-ga division. Lines 1 and 2
of the Tse’-xe Ni-ka-po Wi’-gi-e of the I"-gtho"’-ga gens speaks of the
warlike character of the seven fireplaces, and characterizes the owners
as “‘a people among whom there are none that are craven.”
The act of ceremonially laying down of the burning brands in the
Sacred Fireplace allegorically expresses the determination of the people
to destroy their enemies who may dwell toward the winds of the east,
the winds of the west, the winds of the north, or the winds of the
south. This determination embraces not only the protection of the
homes of the people but of the territory in which the needed game
may be found in abundance. The words in the closing lines of these
four sections, ‘‘the calling of the animals, that they may not go astray,”
mean that by the protection of the tribal hunting grounds the animals
required for food will not fall into the hands of strange or hostile
tribes.
The remaining four sections give the imagery suggested to the minds
of the ancient No”-ho*-zhi"-ga of hunting scenes as in the play of
the rising vapor, the bubbling of the boiling water, the leaping of the
water over the rim of the Sacred Vessel. Finally, there is the forward
look to the time when the warriors shall have destroyed their enemies,
and the hunter can go forth to secure food for his children without
fear, even as on a day that is fair and serene.
The following is the Fire Wi’-gi-e of the Wa-ca’-be gens as recited
by Wa-tse’-mo*-i", a member of that gens.
FIRE RITUAL
(Osage version, p. 174)
il
. It has been said, in this house,
. These are the four winds.
. Toward the winds of the rising sun,
. They placed within the Sacred Fireplace a burning brand,
An act that is not void of a meaning.
They placed it there that by its influence the animals may return,
They placed it there for the calling of the animals,
. That they may never go astray.
2
9. It has been said, in this house,
10. That they placed toward the winds of the south,
11. Within the sacred fireplace, a burning brand,
12. An act that is not void of a meaning.
13. They placed it there that by its influence the animals may return,
14. They placed it there for the calling of the animals,
15. That they may never go astray.
LA FLEscu] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 99
3
. It has been said, in this house,
. Toward the winds of the setting sun,
. They placed within the sacred fireplace a burning brand,
. An act that is not void of a meaning.
. They placed it there that by its influence the animals may return,
. They placed it there for the calling of the animals,
. That they may never go astray.
4
. It has been said, in this house,
. Toward the winds of the north,
. They placed within the sacred fireplace a burning brand,
. An act that is not void of a meaning.
. They placed it there that by its influence the animals may return,
. They placed it there for the calling of the animals,
. That they may never go astray.
)
. It has been said, in this house,
. They said to one another: Behold, the vapor arising from the
Sacred Vessel,
. To which, also, they attached a meaning.
. Even at the break of day,
. The animals go forth, as is their habit,
. To wander over the earth, the vapor arising from their mouths and
nostrils,
. It is this movement of the animals that they see in the vapor
arising from the Sacred Vessel.
. It is that which will stir the people to a determination to overcome
their enemies,
. And put into them the courage to overcome their enemies.
6
. It has been said, in this house,
. They said to one another: Behold, the swirling of the boiling water
within the Sacred Vessel,
. To that, also, they attached a meaning.
. Even at the break of day,
. The animals go forth, as is their habit,
. To roam over the earth in circles.
. It is this movement of the animals that they see in the whirling
of the boiling water within the Sacred Vessel,
. It is that which will always move the people to a determination
to overcome their enemies.
100 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [BuLt. 101
7
47. It has been said, in this house,
48. They said to one another: Behold, the bubbling of the boiling
water within the Sacred Vessel,
49. To which, also, they said,
50. They attached a meaning.
51. Even at the break of day,
52. The animal, stricken by the hunter,
53. Rushes forth in flight, the blood bubbling from its wound.
54. It is this movement of the hunter and the animal they see in the
bubbling of the boiling water within the Sacred Vessel.
55. Itis that which will stir the people to a determination to overcome
their enemies,
56. And put into them the courage to successfully overcome their
enemies.
8
57. It has been said, in this house,
58. They said to one another: Behold, the particles leaping upward
from the boiling water within the Sacred Vessel,
59. To which, also, they attached a meaning.
60. Even at the break of day,
61. The animals go forth, as is their habit,
62. Leaping upon each other in play as they wander over the earth.
63. It is this movement of the animals they see in the particles leaping
upward from the boiling water, within the Sacred Vessel.
64. Itis that which will stir the people to a determination to overcome
their enemies,
65. And put into them the courage to successfully overcome their
enemies.
9
66. It has been said, in this house,
67. They said to one another: Behold, the boiling water leaping over
the rim of the Sacred Vessel,
68. To which, also, they attached a meaning.
69. The animal, stricken by the hunter,
70. Even at the break of day,
71. Rushes forth in flight, treading upon its lifeblood as it flees.
72. It is this movement of the hunter and the animal they see in the
leaping of the boiling water over the rim of the Sacred Vessel.
73. Itis that which will stir the people to a determination to overcome
their enemies,
74. And put into them the courage to successfully overcome their
enemies,
LA FLEScHE] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 101
10
75. It has been said, in this house,
76. They said to one another: Let us consider the value of the animals,
77. Also the days that are fair and peaceful,
78. And let those that chance to escape,
79. Live to enjoy life and the days that are fair and peaceful.
The Fire Wi’-gi-e is spoken of as belonging to all the gentes of the
two great tribal divisions and as being one. The truth of this asser-
tion is evidenced by the fact that in certain rites all the different
gentes make use of a version of the Fire Wi’-gi-e; that the complex
symbols of the Firebrand persists in all known forms of the wi’-gi-e
and that the fundamental ideas expressed and the duties demanded of
the warrior are always the same. Existing versions of the Fire Wi’-gi-e,
three of which are given above, all bear witness to this fundamental
unity in ideas and teachings and suggest that the difference between
the versions probably came about through generations of verbal
transmissions made under varying circumstances.
In the Fire Wi’-gi-e recited by Wa-xthi’-zhi (p. 48) each of the four
Firebrands is made to embody a deer, the first a young doe; the
second, a young buck; the third, a full-grown doe; and the fourth,
a matured dark-horned buck. The pairing of these animals according
to sex and their arrangement with reference to age are expressive of
the desire of the ancient No”-ho"-zhi"-ga that the deer shall continue
to increase in order that they may continually supply the needs of the
people. This “animal” has an important place in the ceremonial and
secular life of the people. Itis one of the animals that can be depended
upon for food and, therefore, to be protected against strange or
unfriendly tribes and from waste by the people themselves.
In the Fire Wi’-gi-e recited by Xu-tha’-wa-to"-1" (p. 94) each of the
four Firebrands is made to embody a man of the enemy against whom
the lives of the people, their homes, and the animals depended upon
for food must be protected.
In the Fire Wi’-gi-e recited by Wa-tse’-mo*-i" (p. 98) neither the
deer nor the man is mentioned in connection with the four Firebrands.
The closing lines, however, of each of the four sections of the three
versions of the Fire Wi’-gi-e are alike in metaphorical expression and
meaning; they all refer to the aim of the No”-ho"-zhi"-ga to provide
for the protection of the little ‘“‘animal”’ that occupies a large place in
the life of the people.
The actions of the animals pictured in the vapor arising from the
sacred vessel, in the movements of the boiling water within the vessel,
are substantially the same in all the three versions.
Both Xu-tha’-wa-to"-i" and Wa-tse’-mo?-i" omit that part of the
wi’-gi-e relating to the four mystic foods dropped into the sacred
102 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [Butt. 101
vessel. These foods are to embody four persons of the enemy,
namely: the youth in his adolescence; the maiden in her adolescence;
the married man; and the woman who has given birth to her first
child, thus covering the destruction of both the present and prospec-
tive life of the enemy.
In the evening, when the camp became silent, the two ceremonial
heralds go around the village calling to the people: ‘““Tomorrow the
Mo’-sha-ko®? Wa-ko®-da-gi (the Mysterious Burden Straps) will be
made.’ These straps are to be made for the Do-do™-ho"-gas to use
in tying the captives, should any be taken. The name Mo™-sha-ko"
Wa-ko?-da-gi refers to the finding of the first buffalo and the dedica-
tion of a certain part of its skin to ceremonial uses. Because of this
dedication, that part of the skin was believed to become Wa-ko"-da-gi,
that is, imbued with mystical powers. It was from this first con-
secrated part of the skin that the Mysterious Burden Straps were
made. These burden straps have another name, ‘‘Mo™-sha-ko®
Zhu-dse’”’ (Red Burden Straps), a name descriptive of the color put
upon the straps. This name is not used by the heralds when making
their announcement because it does not refer to the mythical story
of the consecration.
On the following morning the No”’-ho?-zhi"-ga assemble at a pri-
vate dwelling to prepare to go to the ceremonial house. When all
have taken their accustomed places a member of the Tsi’-zhu Wa-no?,
the gens to which belongs the duty of conducting the Burden-strap
ceremonies, recites the following wi’-gi-e:
PAINTING RITUAL
(Osage version, p. 176)
1. Verily, at that time and place,
2. They said to one another: What shall the little ones use for the
painting of their bodies?
3. Verily, at that time and place, they said,
4. They brought forth four stones,
5. Which they arranged in a pile, leaning one against the other.
§. Verily, at that time and place,
7 They gathered together the small dead branches of the trees that
stood all around,
8. Making a din of crackling sounds as they moved about.
9. Verily, at that time and place,
10. They placed beneath the pile of stones and in the spaces between
them the dry branches.
11. Verily, at that time and place,
12. They set fire to the dead branches placed within and about the
pile of stones,
13. And the flames leaped into the air with vibrating motions,
LA FLESCHE] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 103
14,
15.
16.
ive
18.
nO:
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
. And are met by the enemy, with weapons innumerable,
. Their weapons shall glance away against the Red Shield.
. If we make the fire,
. To bring forth the Red Shield,
. Then, when we go toward the setting of the sun,
. And are met by the enemy, with weapons innumerable,
. Their weapons shall glance away from either side of the Red
Making the walls of the heavens
To redden with a crimson glow.
Verily, at that time and place,
They said to one another: Let the reflection of this fire on yonder
skies be for the painting of the bodies of the little ones.
Verily, at that time and place,
The bodies of the people of the Tsi’-zhu Seven Fireplaces
Became stricken with the red of the fire, leaving no spot un-
touched.
Verily, at that time and place,
They said to one another: What shall we make this fire to bring
forth?
Verily, at that time and place,
The Red Shield, they said,
Let it bring forth.
If we make it to bring forth the Red Shield,
Then, when we go toward the setting of the sun,
And are met by our enemies with weapons innumerable,
Their weapons shall fail to penetrate the Red Shield.
If we make the fire,
To bring forth the Red Shield,
Then, when we go toward the setting of the sun,
Shield.
. If we make the fire, they said,
. To bring forth the Red Shield,
. Then, when we go toward the setting sun,
. And are met by the enemy, with weapons innumerable,
. Their weapons shall become harmless to us.
. Verily, at that time and place,
. They said to one another: What other power shall we make the
fire to bring forth?
. Verily, at that time and place,
. The god of day (the sun),
. Let it bring forth,
. If we make the fire,
. To bring forth the god of day to our aid,
. We shall always be feared by the other gods.
104 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [BuLt. 101
53. If we make the fire,
54. To bring forth the god of day, to our aid,
55. None of the other gods, they said,
56. Can stare us in the face with insolence.
At the close of the recitation of the Ki’-no"® Wi’-gi-e the No”-ho®-
zhi"-ga begin to paint themselves. The members of the Tsi’-zhu
Wa-no" gens paint the entire face and body red. This manner of
painting at the ceremony of the Wa-sha’-be A-thi" belongs exclusively
to the members of the Tsi’-zhu Wa-no" gens. It is commemorative
of the event given in the wi’-gi-e and bears particularly to
The bodies of the people of the Tsi-zhu Seven Fireplaces
Became stricken with red of the Fire, leaving no spot untouched.
The members of the other gentes paint only their faces red. Before
the advent of traders red color was used for symbolic painting; since
this contact vermilion has been used.
Each member of the order wore upon the crown of his head a white
downy feather taken from the under part of the tail or wings of the
eagle. This feather symbolizes the sun, and is worn as a badge of
membership in the order.
The No*”-ho®-zhi"-ga, having thus adorned themselves with the
color of the sacred fire and the symbol of the sun, march solemnly
to the ceremonial house. The members of the Tsi’-zhu Wa-no”, the
gens whose duty it is to preside at the ceremony, enter first and take
their places at the east end of the lodge, facing west. The members
of the other gentes follow and take their accustomed places, according
to gentes, along the sides of the lodge. When all have become settled
the leader of the presiding gens recites the following wi’-gi-e that
relates to the descent of the people from the sky to the earth; their
search for and the finding of a tree suitable for the making of a war
club for ceremonial use; their search for and the finding of the buffalo
and their killing it by supernatural means and the dedication of certain
parts of it to ceremonial use:
THE GREAT RITUAL
(Osage version, p. 178)
1
1. Verily, at that time and place,
. The people of the Tsi’-zhu Seven Fireplaces spake to one another,
saying:
. O, younger brothers,
. It is not possible for us to go below (to the earth),
. Let search be made for a way by which we may descend.
. Verily, at that time and place,
. They spake to the leading Sho’-ka, saying:
iw)
“IO Ol He W
La FLEscue] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 105
. O, younger brother,
. Is it not possible for us to go below, they said to him,
. Go thou and make search for a way by which we may descend.
. Verily, at that time and place,
. The bird without a stain (the dark eagle) that lay in its purity,
. He brought to his elder brothers, to whom he spake, saying:
. O, my elder brothers,
. It is this bird that shall be the means by which we shall descend.
. That is satisfying to us, the elder brothers replied.
. Verily, at that time and place,
. By means of the stainless bird that lay in its purity,
. They descended toward the earth.
. The bird made four wide circuits within the vault of the sky as
it descended.
. At the first circuit they did not take form as persons,
. At the second circuit they did not take form as persons,
. At the third circuit they still did not take form as persons,
. At the fourth circuit then it was that they became persons.
2
. Verily, at that time and place,
. The people spake to one another, saying: O, younger brothers,
. Let us descend to the earth.
. Verily, at that time and place,
. They moved forth,
. And made four pauses as they moved onward.
. Again they went forth,
. And came to the top of seven trees,
. Upon which they alighted.
. They went forth again,
. And water was beneath them.
. They moved forth again,
. And water was still beneath them.
. They went forth for the third time,
. And again water was beneath them.
3
. Verily, at that time and place,
. They went forth once more,
. And came to a great white rock,
. Where they paused and stood for a while.
. They went forth again,
. And came to a valley,
. Within which stood the willow tree that never dies.
. By the side of this tree they paused and stood.
83773—39——8
BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY {BuLt. 101
4
. Again they moved forth,
. And came to the top of the sky,
. Where they paused and stood for a while.
. Verily, at that time and place,
. They spake to one another, saying: O, younger brothers,
. In this unorganized state,
. It will be impossible for us to set forth in life as a body.
. Let a way be sought by which we can confidently move onward
as a body.
. Then to the leading Sho’-ka they spake, saying:
. O, younger brother,
. In our unorganized state,
. It will be impossible for us to set forth in life as a body.
. Then the leading Sho’-ka
. Went forth in eager haste,
. And the red rock
. He brought to his elder brothers, to whom he spake, saying:
. O, my elder brothers,
. Let this red rock be to the little ones as a foot by which they
can go forth.
. So shall it be, O, younger brother, they replied; the red rock
shall be as a foot to the little ones.
. When the little ones make the red rock to be their foot,
. Their foot shall not be wounded by the thorns that may be in
their life’s pathway;
. The little ones shall be free from all causes of death,
. They shall be able to trample down the hurtful grasses.
5
. Verily, at that time and place,
. The leading Sho’-ka
. Went forth in eager haste,
. And the black rock
. He brought to his elder brothers, to whom he spake, saying:
. O, my elder brothers,
. Let this black rock be to the little ones as their foot.
. So shall it be, O, younger brother, they replied;
. When the little ones make the black rock to be their foot,
. They shall be free from all causes of death.
. Their foot shall not be wounded by the thorns that may be in
their life’s pathway,
. They shall be able to trample down the hurtful grasses.
LA FLEScHE] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 107
6
. Verily, at that time and place,
. The leading Sho’-ka
. Went forth in eager haste,
. And the white rock
. He brought to his elder brothers, to whom he spake, saying:
. O, my elder brothers,
. Let this white rock be to the little ones as their foot.
. So shall it be, O, younger brother, they replied.
. When the little ones make the white rock to be their foot,
. Their foot shall not be wounded by the thorns that may be in
their life’s pathway.
. They shall be free from all causes of death,
. They shall be able to trample down the hurtful grasses.
e
. Verily, at that time and place,
. The people spake to one another, saying: O, younger brothers,
. The mysterious wa-xo’-be
. Lacks a necessary implement.
. Then to the leading Sho’-ka they spake, saying:
. Go thou and make search for the implement.
. With eager haste the Sho’-ka went forth,
. And the red flint
. He hastily brought to his elder brothers, to whom he spake,
saying:
. O, my elder brothers,
. Let the little ones make from this a knife for their use.
. It is not fit for a knife for the little ones, O, younger brother,
. It is wholly unfit for use as a knife, O, younger brother,
. Go forth again and make search for the implement.
8
. The leading Sho’-ka
. Went forth in eager haste,
. And the blue flint
. He hastily brought to his elder brothers, to whom he spake,
saying:
. O, my elder brothers,
. Let the little ones make from this a knife for their use.
. It is not fit for a knife for the little ones, O, younger brother,
. It is wholly unfit for use as a knife, they said to him,
. Go forth again and make search.
108
118.
1i9.
120.
121.
122.
123.
124.
125.
126.
127:
128.
129.
130.
iol.
132.
133.
134.
135.
136.
137.
138.
139.
140.
141.
142.
143.
144.
145.
146.
147.
148.
149.
150.
151.
BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [Buxe. 101
9
Verily, at that time and place,
The Sho’-ka went forth in eager haste,
And the black flint
He hastily brought to his elder brothers, to whom he spake,
saying:
O, elder brothers, he said to them,
Let the little ones make from this a knife for their use.
It is not fit for a knife for the little ones, O, younger brother,
It is wholly unfit for use as a knife, they said to him,
Go thou again and make search.
10
Verily, at that time and place,
The Sho’-ka went forth in eager haste,
And a round-handled knife
He brought in haste to his elder brothers, to whom he spake,
saying:
O, my elder brothers,
Let this be the knife for the little ones.
That is satisfying to us, they replied;
That has been the object of your search, O, younger brother,
This shall be the knife for the little ones to use in all time.
When the little ones make of this their knife,
They shall have a knife that will always remain sharp,
A knife that will never fail to cut.
11
Verily, at that time and place,
They spake to the leading Sho’-ka, saying:
O, younger brother,
The mysterious wa-xo’-be
Ts without another necessary article.
Go thou and make search for it.
The Sho’-ka went forth in eager haste,
And the young hickory tree
He brought in haste to his elder brothers, to whom he spake,
saying:
O, my elder brothers, he said to them,
Let the little ones make of this a weapon for striking.
It is not fit for the little ones to use as a weapon, O, younger
brother,
Go forth again and make search.
LA FLEScHE] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 109
152.
153.
154.
155.
156.
157.
158.
159.
160.
161.
162.
163.
164.
165.
166.
16s.
168.
169.
170.
171.
172.
Wee
174.
175.
176.
ive es
178.
B19:
12
Verily, at that time and place,
The Sho’-ka went forth in eager haste,
And the full-grown hickory tree
He brought in haste to his elder brothers, to whom he spake,
saying:
O, my elder brothers,
Let the little ones make of this a weapon with which to make
their enemies to fall.
It is wholly unfit for a weapon, they replied,
It is not for the little ones to use as a weapon for striking,
Go forth again and make search.
13
Verily, at that time and place,
The Sho’-ka went forth in eager haste,
And the bitter hickory tree
He brought in haste to his elder brothers, to whom he spake,
saying:
O, my elder brothers,
Let the little ones make of this a weapon with which to make
their enemies to fall.
It is not fit for the little ones to use as a weapon to make their
enemies to fall.
Go thou again and make search.
14
The Sho’-ka went forth in eager haste,
And the redwood tree (red oak)
He brought in haste to his elder brothers, to whom he spake,
saying:
O, my elder brothers,
Let the little ones make of this a weapon with which to make
their enemies to fall.
It is not fit for the little ones to use as a weapon to make their
enemies to fall.
Go thou again and make search.
15
Verily, at that time and place,
The Sho’-ka went forth in eager haste,
And the redbud tree
He brought in haste to his elder brothers, to whom he spake,
saying:
110 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [Butt. 101
180. O, my elder brothers,
181. Let the little ones make of this a weapon with which to make
their enemies to fall.
182. It is not fit for the little ones to use as a weapon,
183. It is wholly unfit for a weapon.
184. Go thou again and make search.
16
185. The Sho’-ka went forth in eager haste,
186. And the yellow willow tree
187. He brought in haste to his elder brothers, to whom he spake,
saying:
188. O, my elder brothers,
189. Let the little ones make of this a weapon with which to make
their enemies to fall.
190. It is not fit for the little ones to use as a weapon.
191. Go thou forth again and make search.
17
192. The Sho’-ka went forth in eager haste,
193. And the willow tree that never dies
194. He brought in haste to his elder brothers, to whom he spake,
saying:
195. O, my elder brothers,
196. Let the little ones make of this a weapon with which to make
their enemies to fall.
197. That has been the object of your search, O, younger brother,
they said.
198. The little ones shall make of the tree a weapon with which to
make their enemies to fall.
18
199. Verily, at that time and place,
200. Their round-handled knife
201. They brought forth,
202. And thrust with it the body of the never-dying willow tree,
203. Making a wound from which blood gushed forth.
204. Then, in eager haste, they shaved from the body of the tree its
bark,
205. Taking first the sides toward the four winds,
206. Then they cut from the body of the tree a piece,
207. Which they carved into the shape they desired,
208. Then a club resembling the back of a fish,
209. They produced in due time.
210. From end to end they painted the club red,
211. Which work they also finished in due time.
La FLESCH] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY abit
212.
213.
214.
215.
216.
rae
218.
219.
220.
221.
222.
223.
224.
225.
226.
227.
228.
229.
230.
231.
232.
233.
234.
235.
236.
237.
238.
239.
240.
241.
242.
243.
244.
245.
246.
247.
Uy)
Verily, at that time and place,
The club resembling the back of a fish,
They turned from side to side for view in all its parts,
They repeatedly pressed between the palms of their hands,
At which the weapon uttered thrilling cries.
Then in tones of awe they spake, saying: It is a fear-inspiring
weapon,
Verily, it is a mysterious weapon.
20
Verily, at that time and place,
They spake to one another, saying: O, younger brothers,
The mysterious wa-xo’-be of ours
Is without the necessary articles for its completion.
Let search be made for these articles.
Verily, at that time and place,
The leading Sho’-ka
Went forth in eager haste,
Then, in the evening of the day,
The elder brothers suddenly exclaimed: Behold, our younger
brother is returning,
Let us go and speak to him, they said to one another.
O, my younger brother,
What has befallen you,
It has never been your wont to show such weariness.
Verily, at that time and place,
The Sho’-ka replied, saying: O, my elder brothers,
I went forth in accordance with your wish and came to a valley,
And, verily, nothing came to my notice, he said to them.
Then the elder brothers said to him: Go forth again and make
search.
FAN
Verily, at that time and place,
The Sho’-ka went forth again in eager haste,
Then, in the evening of the day,
The elder brothers suddenly exclaimed: Behold, our younger
brother is returning,
Let us go and speak to him.
O, my younger brother,
What has befallen you; it has never been your wont to show
such weariness.
The Sho’-ka then replied: O, my elder brothers,
I went forth as you desired, passed one valley and came to
another,
And, verily, nothing came to my notice.
112 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [BULL. 101
22
248. Verily, at that time and place,
249. The elder brothers spake to the Sho’-ka, saying: O, younger
brother,
250. Go forth again and make search.
251. The Sho’-ka went forth again in eager haste,
252. As day began to dawn.
253. Far in the distance they saw his figure swinging from side to
side, as he sped onward.
254. Then, in the evening of the same day,
255. The elder brothers suddenly exclaimed: Behold, our younger
brother is returning,
256. His movements betoken his happy mood.
257. Verily, at that time and place,
258. The elder brothers spake to the Sho’-ka, saying: O, younger
brother,
259. What has befallen you; it has never been your wont to show such
weariness.
260. The Sho’-ka replied, saying: O, my elder brothers,
261. I went forth as you desired, passed two valleys and came to a
third,
262. And there I saw upon the ground the signs of a man.
263. What were those signs, the elder brothers asked.
264. The Sho’-ka then replied: O, my elder brothers,
265. They were his footprints and the grasses he had crushed beneath
his feet.
266. Verily, the prints upon the ground showed the feet of this man
to be cloven.
267. Then spake the elder brothers to the Sho’-ka, saying: That is
for whom you have been searching, O, younger brother,
268. Go forth again and make search.
23
269. As the day began. to dawn,
270. The Sho’-ka went forth in eager haste,
271. Then, in the evening of the same day,
272. The elder brothers suddenly exlaimed: Behold, our younger
brother is returning,
273. His movements betoken his happy moods,
274. Let us go and speak to him, they said to one another.
275. O, younger brother,
276. What has befallen you,
277. It has never been your wont to show such weariness.
278. The Sho’-ka then replied: O, my elder brothers,
279. I went forth as you desired, passed three valleys and came to a
fourth,
280. And there beheld the man whose signs I saw upon the ground.
La FLEScHE] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 113
281.
282.
283.
284.
285.
286.
287.
288.
289.
290.
291.
292.
293.
294.
295.
296.
297.
298.
299.
300.
301.
302.
303.
304.
305.
306.
307.
308.
309.
310.
311.
312.
313.
314.
315.
316.
24
Verily, at that time and place,
The elder brothers spake, saying: O, younger brothers,
Hasten and make ready,
We are the Tsi’-zhu of the Seven Fireplaces,
A people among whom there are none that are craven;
Whatever animal this may be,
It shall go to the spirit land,
Whatever man he may be,
He shall go to the spirit land,
Even though he be a man who walketh upright,
He shall go to the spirit land.
25
Verily, at that time and place,
They spake to one another, saying: O, younger brothers,
Hasten and make ready.
Verily, at that time and place,
They marched forth,
In a single line, making a single path.
Four times they paused on their way.
As they paused for the third time,
They arranged themselves in a line and stood abreast.
Then the Sho’-ka spake, saying: O, my elder brothers,
The man whom I beheld at the fourth valley of my journey is
still there.
What is he like in form, the elder brothers asked.
The Sho’-ka spake in quick response: He hath weapons,
That mark him as a person that can surely kill,
He has small horns on his head,
Verily, his looks betoken an angry and dangerous disposition.
26
Verily, at that time and place,
The elder brothers then spake, saying: O, younger brothers,
Hasten and make ready, they said to them,
That animal shall go to the spirit land.
Verily, at that time and place,
The club resembling the back of a fish,
They hastily brought forth,
They repeatedly pressed it between the palms of their hands,
At which the weapon uttered thrilling cries.
114 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY (Butt. 101
27
317. Verily, at that time and place,
318. They spake to one another, saying: O, younger brothers,
319. Hasten and make ready, they said to one another,
320. Then the club resembling the back of a fish,
321. They swung into the air as though in the act of striking,
322. And our grandfather (the buffalo) fell stunned to the ground but
rose again.
323. Then, a second time,
324. The club that resembled the back of a fish,
325. They swung in the air as though in the act of striking,
326. And our grandfather fell forward as though in mortal hurt.
327. Then, a third time,
328. The club that resembled the back of a fish,
329. They swung in the air as though in the act of striking,
330. And our grandfather dropped upon the knees of his forelegs as
though in mortal hurt.
331. Then, a fourth time,
332. The club that resembled a fish,
333. They swung in the air as though in the act of striking,
334. Then, with his head rearward,
335. With blood gushing from his mouth, our grandfather fell and lay
dead.
28
336. Verily, at that time and place,
337. They spake to one another, saying: O, younger brothers,
338. Hasten and make ready.
339. The younger brothers then placed their hands upon the animal,
340. And the left hind leg
341. They started to carve with their sacred knife,
342. And fat protruded from the incision made with the sacred knife.
343. The younger brothers tasted of the fat, then spake to the elder
brothers, saying:
344. O, elder brothers, they said,
345. Verily, it is satisfying to the taste and appetite,
346. Then all the brothers said to one another: This shall be food for
the little ones.
347. When the little ones make of this their food,
348. They shall dip it into boiling water to prepare it to eat,
349. It shall strengthen their arms and make them grow in length.
LA FLEScHE] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY HES
29
350. Verily, at that time and place,
351. The skin of the left leg
352. They began to cut with the sacred knife,
353. Then the younger brothers spake, saying: O, elder brothers,
354. Verily, the skin makes a strong strap,
355. We shall dedicate it to sacred uses.
356. Out of the skin of the left side,
357. Seven strips shall be taken and each shall be painted red on
both sides.
358. Among the people of the Tsi’-zhu Seven Fireplaces,
359. These shall be distributed, one for each fireplace.
360. Then other strips painted only on one side shall be made for all
the other fireplaces.
361. When the little ones go against their enemies toward the setting
of the sun,
362. They shall use these straps for overcoming their enemies.
363. Verily, at that time and place,
364. They said to one another: Behold the bladder of the buffalo,
365. It shall be dedicated to sacred uses, they said.
366. Behold, the heart/sack,
367. It shall be dedicated to sacred uses.
368. The tail, also, they said,
369. Shall be dedicated to sacred uses.
370. The hair of the head, also,
371. Shall be dedicated to sacred uses, they said.
372. Behold, the left horn of the buffalo,
373. That also shall be dedicated to sacred uses.
374. Behold, the beard of the buffalo,
375. That also shall be dedicated to sacred uses.’
This wi’-gi-e belongs to the Tsi’-zhu Wa-no? version of the Ni’-ki-e
degree of the tribal rites. It is called Wi’-gi-e To"-ga, Great Wi’-gi-e.
The ritual of this degree relates to the genesis of the people, to their
life as an organized body, and to their sacred life symbols. Therefore
when reciting it at the Ni’-ki-e ceremonies the No™-ho?-zhi"-ga must
give it in full and without any modifications. But when the wi’-gi-e
is recited at the Burden Strap ceremony of the Wa-sha’-be A-thi" rite,
which deals with war directly, some slight modifications are used in
order to have it conform strictly to the purposes of the rite. For
instance, the personal gentile names specifically mentioned in the
§ Certain omissions have been made in the free translation, owing to frequent repetitions.
116 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [Butt. 101
original wi’-gi-e, and regarded as sacred, because they have reference
to certain life symbols, are omitted when the wi’-gi-e is recited at the
Wa-sha’-be A-thi® ceremony, for the reason that the Ni’-ki-e degree
dwells upon the prolongation of the tribal life, while the Wa-sha’-be
A-thi® rite is confined to war, a movement which is always hazardous
to life and uncertain in its consequences.
That part of the Wi’-gi-e To™-ga (sec. 29) which relates specially
to the Mo”™-sha-ko" Wa-ko®-da-gi, Mysterious Burden Strap, or Mo”-
sha-ko" Zhu-dse, red Burden Strap, and which forms the theme of
the Burden Strap ceremony, could be separated and used by itself
but the No’-ho®-zhi"-ga of the Tsi’-zhu Wa-no" gens made it a rule
that the wi’-gi-e must be recited in full when used in the Wa-sha’-be
A-thi®, but with the modifications mentioned above.
At the close of the recital of the wi’-gi-e the left half of a buffalo
hide is placed before the leader of the Tsi’-zhu Wa-no” gens, who, in
accordance with lines 357 to 359 of the wi’-gi-e, proceeds to cut from
the hind leg seven narrow straps, one for each of the “Seven Fire-
places” of the Tsi’-zhu division. Each of these straps is painted red.
After making the seven red straps others are cut from the hide for dis-
tribution among the Do-do™-ho"-gas of the warriors of the other
gentes. These straps are painted red only on one side in accordance
with line 360 of the wi’-gi-e. Each strap is carefully folded and
placed in a buffalo bladder or heart-sac pouch to which is fastened
a strap for convenience of carrying. The Do-do™-ho™-ga to whom a
strap is given carries it on his back, the carrying strap going around
his neck. The buffalo bladder and heart sacs are dedicated to sacred
uses. (See lines 363 to 367 of this wi’-gi-e.) In many of the wa-xo’-
bes are to be found two or three empty pouches of buffalo bladder or
heart sac.
When the desired number of straps have been made the man con-
ducting the ceremony begins to make the Tse-ha’-wa-gthe Zhu-dse,
Red Shields, out of the remaining part of the hide, using as a measure
for the size his thumb and index fingers held in such manner as to form
a ring. These diminutive shields are painted red, the color of the
reflection of the sacred fire against the darkened heavens, referred to
in lines 1 to 20 of the Ki’-no" Wi’-gi-e. They are supposed to be thus
imbued with supernatural power drawn from the sky by the fire
(see lines 21 to 44) and also from the sun (see lines 45 to 56). These
powers will make not only the Do-do™-ho®-ga, but also the warriors
whom he leads to the attack, invulnerable to the arrows of the enemy.
The Do-do™-ho"-ga to whom one of these little red shields is given
wears it upon his breast, suspended by a slender thong that passes
around his neck.
La FLEScHE| OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 117
When the mysterious straps and the shield have been completed
and distributed among the Do-do”-ho*-gas, the man conducting the
ceremony sings the following songs.
In song 1 the first and third lines in all four stanzas are the same,
but the second line is changed in each stanza.
CEREMONIAL SONGS
Sone 1.
(Osage version, p. 189)
M.M. d= 96 Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher.
A A
= 6-1
OS i a Sa en en oe ae
Wi- tsi- go thu-e ta - bi do e ho.=_0,, © ho®-0,
"hid aon cal ein ahah ey ot cea A
Wi - tsi - go thu -e ta bi do ho - 0.
FREE TRANSLATION
1
To our grandfathers alone belong the right to speak,
To say through what lands we shall pass,
To our grandfathers alone belong the right to speak.
2
To say what paths we shall follow.
3
To say through what forests we shall pass.
4
To say what valleys we shall follow.
The words ‘“‘our grandfathers” in lines 1 and 3 of each stanza refer
to the eight men chosen as commanders, four from the Tsi’-zhu
division and four from the Ho™-ga division.
In song 2, the first, second, and fifth lines are alike in all the stanzas,
the third and fourth are alike but changed in each stanza.
118 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY (Butt. 101
Sone 2
(Osage version, p. 189)
M.M. g=96 ie , Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher.
Time beats r r f iF r
Wi-tsi - go tho-e mo®-thi® be, Wi-tse - go tho-e
Se
f f f f f f
mo®-thi® be, Mo®- zho® the- geu-tho - 6 mo®-thi® be, Mo? -
3 Par a -B-. r)
a ae Pe =
aa
f f i f f f f f
zho® the-ge u tho -e mo®-thi® be, Wi-tsi - go tho-e mo®-thi® be.
FREE TRANSLATION
1
Our grandfathers alone shall speak,
Our grandfathers alone shall speak,
To say through what lands we shall pass,
To say through what lands we shall pass,
Our grandfathers alone shall speak.
2
To say what paths we shall follow.
3
To say through what forests we shall pass.
4
To say what valleys we shall follow.
The words of song 3 refer to the supernatural power with which
the burden strap and the little shields are supposed to be imbued,
and when sung in the Wa-sha’-be A-thi" ceremony the song refers
only to these two particular sacred articles. The music of this song
is the same as that used in the Ni’-ki-e ceremony, but when used in
it refers to all ceremonial articles belonging to the gens.
All the lines of this song being the same, the translation of one
will be sufficient.
1
I
;
La FLEscut] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 119
Sone 3
(Osage version, p. 189)
M.M. é= 92 Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher.
Time beats f f
He no? hi- ga - ee a-tho®-ka, He - no" hi-ga-c¢ko®-the a -
2 a ae 7
f f
A. Ss a no® hi - - ga - — a- ey he - a he - re
fan, A SRAISA Sisal
. e—3 Ee : aa Sees
go Oo e a es cs
see Pit f i F r bea
He-ga-¢ko®-the a-tho"-ka, Heno® eh -¢ko®-the a-tho®-ka he-e he-e.
FREE TRANSLATION
Behold, they are about to test the supernatural power of these things.
The words of the fourth song, the first, second, and fourth lines are
the same in all the stanzas. The third and fifth lines are alike but
changed in each stanza.
Sona 4
(Osage version, p. 190)
Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher.
Sree |
y
al
° P P
Time beats ? © iP r
Wi-tsi - go hi-thi-gtho" ta bi the the e Wi-tsi- go hi -
77) sire
ow of f f haw Ko efi f f
thi- gtho™ ta bi the, Mo®-zho® the- ge hi-thi-gtho" ta bi
a | a a= en
6 é 2 ry
Mera aces eer ie Foe itenre eee
the the he the, Wi-tsi - go hi - thi-gtho" ta bi _ the,
Gee =
or meee kaa care
-o- -€ i -o- @
(2
f if | | | | {
Mo? - zho® ihe - ge hi - thi - gthon ta bi the the he the.
120 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [Burt. 101
FREE TRANSLATION
1
Our grandfathers shall control,
Our grandfathers shall control,
The lands through which we shall pass,
Our grandfathers shall control,
The lands through which we shall pass.
2
The forests through which we shall pass.
3
The valleys through which we shall pass.
When the ceremonies relating to the making of the burden straps
and the red shields have been concluded the No™-ho®-zhi-ga and
the warriors move in a body toward the west. When they have
gone about a mile they halt and take their ceremonial places. The
warriors sit upon the ground in two groups, facing the west; those of
the Tsi’-zhu division sit toward the south and those of the Ho™-ga
sit toward the north. Around the two groups of warriors stand the
No” -ho?-zhi®-ga, those of the Tsi’-zhu division on the south side and
those of the Ho™-ga on the north.
When all have taken their places the leader of the Wa-zha’-zhe
Wa-no® gens goes to the middle of the space between the two groups
of warriors and fills with tobacco the ceremonial pipe in the keeping
of that gens. This done, he takes the pipe to the leader of the Ho”-ga
U-ta-no"-dsi gens and offers it to him, reciting as he does so a wi’-gi-e.
At its close the representative of the Ho"’-ga U-ta-no"-dsi gens smokes
the pipe, the Wa-zha’-zhe takes four whiffs and then returns to his
place between the two groups of warriors. The Wa-zha’-zhe again
fills the pipe and this time carries it to the leader of the Tsi’-zhu
Wa-no® gens, who declines to accept it but refers the Wa-zha’-zhe to
the representative of the Mi-k’i” Wa-no" gens, who smokes the pipe.
After the Wa-zha’-zhe has taken four whiffs he returns to his place
between the two groups of warriors. He fills the pipe again and takes
it to the leader of the Tsi’-zhu gens, who now accepts the pipe and
smokes it. The Wa-zha’-zhe after taking his four whiffs goes to his
place in the line of the Wa-zha’-zhe No™-ho*-zhi’-ga. Xu-tha’-wa-
to"-i" declined to give the wi’-gi-e recited by the Wa-zha’-zhe Wa-no"
at the smoking ceremony because it belonged exclusively to that gens.
At the close of the ceremony of smoking the ceremonial pipe the
No”-ho®-zhi"-ga slowly march around the two groups of sitting
warriors, the Tsi’-zhu going around by the Ho”-ga side and the Ho™-ga
by the Tsi’-zhu side. The following songs are sung by the No*-ho?-
zhi®-ga as they move and as the leaders meet at the opposite side of
the place from which they started the leader of the Tsi’-zhu Wa-no"
La Fiescae] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 121
recites a wi’-gi-e to the Ho”-ga and Wa-zha’-zhe subdivisions. These
songs have the title of Hi®’-no™-xpe Ga-xe Wa-tho", Songs of Making
a Nest, or Tsiu’-i-btha U-thi-sho" Wa-tho", Songs of the March
Around the Village. Xu-tha’-wa-to"-i" said that this ceremony
belongs to the Ho”-ga Wa-no” gens.
In song 1 the first and second stanzas do not follow the same form;
in the third and fourth stanzas only the second line is changed.
Between the fourth and fifth stanzas a wi’-gi-e is introduced.
SONGS OF MARCHING AROUND THE VILLAGE
Sona 1
(Osage version, p. 190)
M.M. a — 80 8 Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher.
===
ine beats? Ff aaalnatcca Gal extant pula
Mo®-thi®-ka u - thi-sho"a - tha - bie-he Mo®-t hi®-ka u-thi-sho® a, -
—_ = -e -o. -o - -6-
t ae ela eee f f f a
tha bie-he, e - he Da-do® a-thi” a-do® u-thi-sho" a -tha bie-he, he.
FREE TRANSLATION
1
Around the earth our warriors shall go,
Around the earth our warriors shall go,
Bearing the mystic emblems our warriors shall go.
2
Around the earth our warriors shall go,
Bearing the mystic club our warriors shall go,
Around the earth our warriors shall go.
3
Around the earth our warriors shall go,
Bearing the mystic pipe our warriors shall go,
Around the earth our warriors shall go.
4
Around the earth our warriors shall go,
Bearing the mystic deerskins our warriors shall go,
Around the earth our warriors shall go.
The first stanza of this song speaks collectively of all the consecrated
articles used in the Wa-sha’-be A-thi" ceremonies; the second, to the
mystic club of the Tsi’-zhu Wa-no® gens, the symbol of the weapons
of the warriors; the third, to the ceremonial pipe which the people
must offer to Wa-ko™-da when calling upon Him for aid; the fourth,
to the deerskin attached to each of the wa-xthe’-xthe, or standards;
the fifth, which is sung at the close of the wi’-gi-e, to the standards
themselves.
83773—39-—-9
122 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [BULL 101
WY-cI-E
(Osage version, p. 190)
. (The Tsi’-zhu speaks.) O, Ho™-ga and Wa-zha’-zhe,
Verily, I am a person who has made a god to be his body,
. The god of day,
I have made to be my body,
. By which I have made myself to be difficult to overcome by death.
O, Ho™-ga and Wa-zha’-zhe,
If you also make that god to be your body,
. You shall be difficult to be overcome by death.
5
(Osage version, p. 191)
FREE TRANSLATION
Around the earth our warriors shall go,
Bearing the mystic standards they shall go,
Around the earth our warriors shall go.
The next song represents the two groups of warriors speaking as
one man. This man speaks of his moving forward as about to travel
around the earth as the great cat (the puma) in search of the enemy.
The puma has a dual symbolism: 1, courage; 2, fire, with its destructive
force.
This song has six stanzas. Between the first and second, the third
and fourth, the fifth and sixth stanzas, a wi’-gi-e is recited. The
second stanza, which refers to the mystic standards, is repeated as
the fourth and sixth stanzas.
LA FLEscuE] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 123
Sone 1
(Osage version, p. 191)
M.M. 4 = 92 Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher.
Mo" -thi® - kau - thi - sho® bthea- thi2 he no, ho
f f f f P
Mo®-thi® - kau - thi - sho® bthea-thi® he no, ho,
2 | ——____§Sa S
ao
o—_o—_
— 7
f f f font f cae
- gtho®-to® - ga wia -do® bthea-thi® he no, ho, Bihon - do®
SSS SS
bthea-ihi?” he no, - gtho® - to®-ga wia - do? bthea-thi2 he no,
3 — “e- as
f f f f '
Mo® - thi? - kau - thi - sho" bthea - thi® he no.
FREE TRANSLATION
1
Behold, I go forth to move around the earth,
Behold, I go forth to move around the earth,
I go forth as the puma that is great in courage,
To move onward I go forth,
I go forth as the puma that is great in courage,
Behold, I go forth to move around the earth.
WY'-GI-E
(Osage version, p. 191)
O, Ho™-ga and Wa-zha’-zhe,
Verily, I am a person who has made a god to be his body,
The god of night,
I have made to be my body,
Therefore I am difficult to be overcome by death.
O, Ho’-ga and Wa-zha’-zhe,
If you also make that god to be your body,
. You also shall be free from all causes of death.
124 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [BuLt. 101
2
(Osage version, p. 191)
Behold, I go forth to move around the earth,
Behold, I go forth to move around the earth,
Bearing my mystic standards I go forth,
To move onward I go forth,
Bearing my mystic standards I go forth,
Behold, I go forth to move around the earth.
The standards that form the theme of this stanza are made of the
skin of the swan, feathers of the eagle, and the skin of the deer, crea-
tures symbolizing the destructive fires. (See secs. 3, 4, and 5 of the
No?-xthe I-ki?-dse (Fight for Symbolic Charcoal) wi’-gi-e.
3
(Osage version, p. 191)
Behold, I go forth to move around the earth,
Behold, I go forth to move around the earth,
I go forth as the great black bear that is great in courage,
To move onward I go forth,
I go forth as the great black bear that is great in courage,
Behold, I go forth to move around the earth.
The black bear is also a symbol of courage and of the destructive
fire.
WY-GI-E
(Osage version, p. 192)
O, Ho”-ga and Wa-zha’-zhe,
There is a mysterious club
That I as a person have, verily, made to be my body,
A weapon that I carry as I go toward the setting of the sun,
Even as a half of the tribe,
With which to make my enemies to fall.
O, Ho™-ga and Wa-zha’-zhe,
If you also make that weapon to be your body,
You also can go toward the setting of the sun,
Even as a half of the tribe,
And with this weapon make your enemies to fall.
—
Se ee CS COR
—_
The fourth stanza of this song is a repetition of the second stanza
and is not necessary to be given again.
4
(Osage version, p. 192)
Behold, I go forth to move around the earth,
Behold, I go forth to move around the earth,
Bearing my mystic knife I go forth,
To move onward I go forth,
Bearing my mystic knife I go forth,
Behold, I go forth to move around the earth.
La FLEscue] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY $25
The mystic knife, the theme of this stanza, is the one found by the
Tsi’-zhu Wa-no® gens and consecrated to ceremonial use. (See Wi'-
gi-e To"-ga (Great Wi’-gi-e), pp. 108-109, secs. 9 to 12.) This mystic
knife was used in cutting the willow tree out of which the mystic club
was made and fashioned. (See same wi’-gi-e, secs. 13 to 21, pp. 109-111.)
WY -GI-E
(Osage version, p. 192)
1. O, Ho”-ga and Wa-zha’-zhe they said,
2. There is a mysterious animal (the buffalo),
3. That I as a person have, verily, made to be my body.
4. An animal (the red shields and straps) that I take with me as I go
toward the setting of the sun,
5. Even as one half of the tribe,
6. To make my enemies to fall,
7. O, Ho"’-ga and Wa-zha’-zhe.
8. This mysterious animal
9. Shall be your body, also, for all time to come,
0. And when you go toward the setting of the sun,
1. You also shall be able, by its mystic power, to make your enemies
to fall, O, Ho’’-ga,
12. Even as a body composing one half of the tribe,
13. You shall be able to make your enemies to fall, O, Ho"’-ga.
The sixth stanza of this song is a repetition of the second and
fourth stanzas.
In the four wi’-gi-es that are recited in connection with the Hi’-
no"-xpe Ga-xe, or Tsiu-i-btha U-thi-sho" Wa-tho", the offer is made
by the Tsi’-zhu Wa-no" gens to confer a share in the mystic power of
their life symbols upon the Ho"’-ga and Wa-zha’-zhe subdivisions of
the Ho™-ga tribal division. These life symbols are: 1, The god of
day that has power over all life; 2, the god of night that also has
power over all life; 3, the mystic war club, the symbol of all the weapons
of defense of the warriors of the tribe; 4, the red shields that are
imbued with the mystic power of the sun (see Painting (Ki-no*)
Wi'-gi-e, p. 103, lines 21 to 56), and the seven red burden straps (Great
(To"-ga) Wi-gi-e, p. 104).
Tue Wa-No"-cE A-Ba-GU CEREMONY
At the close of the Hi’-no"-xpe Ga-xe Ceremony, the Do-do”-
ho"-ga approaches his Chief Xthe’-ts’a-ge who sits at tbe head of his
group of warriors and says to him in a low tone: ‘‘O, grandfather,
what is your wish?”’ And the Xthe’-ts’a-ge replies: ‘‘O, Do-do™-ho’-ga,
you shall point out the directions of attack.’”’ The Do-do™-ho'-ga
then, rising to a standing position, addresses all present, saying:
“My grandfather wishes me to point out the direction of attack.”
126 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [BuLt. 101
He then goes to a place in the line of march, a few paces beyond the
ring of standing No™-ho?-zhi"-ga, and without looking backward,
calls to a Tse’-xe-k’i" (Kettle Carrier) to come and make for him the
ho’-e-ga. A Tse’-xe-k’i" rises and going to the Do-do™-do"-ga clears
the grass from the ground in front of him, leaving a bare round spot,
and then returns to his seat.
When the ho’-e-ga has been made, the Do-do’-ho"-ga proceeds to
recite the following wi’-gi-e relating to the elk, the animal that is
symbolized by the ho’-e-ga; to the puma, the animal that symbolizes
the fire that shall endure forever in the home; the four insects, the
honey bee, the small black ant, the black wasp, and the large black
ant that symbolize the unerring weapons to be used by the warriors
in defending the sacred fireplace.
POINTING OUT THE ATTACK RITUAL
(Osage version, p. 193)
. O, ye valiant men,
. My father,
. Following, no doubt, the words of my grandfathers,
. He said: There is one (animal) whom they made to be their
ho’-e-ga.
5. It was the O-po” to"-ga, the Great Elk,
6. The center of whose forehead they made to be their ho’-e-ga,
7. The forehead of the elk my father said I was to make a ho’-e-ga
of for you.
8. That if I make of the forehead of the elk a ho’-e-ga for you, O, ye
valiant men,
9. I shall make for you a ho’-e-ga that will make you free from all
causes of death.
Be wdY re
10. O, ye valiant men,
11. He has said, that even before the break of day,
12. The enemy shall be drawn toward my ho’-e-ga,
13. As also in the evening of the day,
14. The enemy shall be drawn toward my ho’-e-ga.
15. O, ye valiant men,
16. There is also another (animal),
17. My father has said.
18. Following, no doubt, the words of my grandfathers,
19. That it is I"-gtho™-to"-ga, the Great Cat, they made to be their
fire.
20. That if I made of him a fire for you,
21. I shall build a fire for you that will never burn down.
22. And my father has said that even before the break of day,
23. My enemies shall be drawn toward this fire and be in my power.
LA FLESCHE] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 127
. O, ye valiant men,
. There is a person they have made to be their weapon,
. My father has said.
. Following, no doubt, the words of my grandfathers,
. It is the bee, he said,
. He that makes his home in a hollow tree,
. Of whom I shall make for you a weapon,
. That you may have a weapon that will be effective and not glance
harmlessly away.
. O, ye valiant men,
. There is another person, he said,
. The small ant,
. The black ant,
. Of whom I shall make for you a weapon,
. That you may have a weapon that will be effective and not glance
harmlessly away.
. O, ye valiant men,
. There is still another person, he said,
. It is the wasp,
. The black wasp.
. Our grandfather has a fear-inspiring weapon,
. If I make of him a weapon for you,
. He hath said that I shall make for you a weapon that will surely
be effective and not glance harmlessly away.
. O, ye valiant men,
. There is yet another person,
. It is the ant,
. The large black ant.
. Our grandfather has a fear-inspiring weapon,
. If I make of him a weapon for you,
. He hath said that, then, I shall make for you a weapon that will
surely be effective and not glance harmlessly away.
. O, ye valiant men,°®
. In this very direction,
. Are the people that I seek,
. How can it be possible for me to miss my aim,
. I shall surely succeed in striking them, O, ye valiant men.
When the Do-do”-ho"-ga had recited the wi’-gi-e, he divided the
heap of grass in four bunches which he arranged in a line, a pace
apart, and pointing toward the setting sun. This done, the Xo’-ka
sings the following song.
9 Lines 53 and 54 cannot be translated for the reasons explained by remarks in the corresponding lines of
the wi’-gi-e written in Osage.
128 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [BuLt. 101
The words of the first, second, fourth, and sixth lines are alike.
The third and fifth are the same but are changed in each stanza.
INITIATOR’S SONG
(Osage version, p. 194)
M.M. > — 88 Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher.
aes beats f f f 7 ¢ r r r
Ci-wi" btheta’thi? he no-o (i wi" bthe ta ’thi? he no, A -
é Lag
ae aye Ch rae bob r ( Gee
thithe no-o, a-thi? he no-o (i wi" bthe ta’thi® he no-e A -
-8- -g-
ee |
“hs aN
+ bee oat ues ee ee oe >
f f ( aaa 3 f fs {od
thi®-he no-o, a-thi? he no-e (i wi! bthe ta-’thi® he no.
FREE TRANSLATION
1
Behold, I am about to go forth as one foot,
Behold, I am about to go forth as one foot,
I am about to go forth, I am about to go forth,
Behold, I am about to go forth as one foot,
I am about to go forth, I am about to go forth,
Behold, I am about to go forth as one foot.
2
Behold, I am about to go forth as one leg, ete.
3
Behold, I am about to go forth as one body, etc.
4
Behold, I am about to go forth as one arm, etc.
5
Behold, I am about to go forth as one head, ete.
The words of this song are figurative and represent the people of
each of the two great tribal divisions as speaking of their part of the
symbolic man representing the unity of the two divisions as one body.
At the close of the song the warriors walk over the four bunches of
grass, one after the other, those of the Tsi’-zhu division taking the
lead. Each Tsi’-zhu warrior puts forth his left foot first as he begins
his march over the four bunches of grass, and each warrior of the
Ho”-ga division puts forth his right, thus representing the two great
La FLEScHE] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 129
bodies as going forth as one man and with a single purpose, that of
preserving the tribal unity and life.
When the last man has taken his four ceremonial steps the warriors
hastily mount their horses that had been brought for them by their
relatives and friends. Before marching, the leaders of the two divi-
sions agree upon meeting at a given point at sunset to rest together
for the night. This arrangement being understood by all, the war-
riors of the two divisions march forth in scattered groups, those of the
Ho”-ga to the north and those of the Tsi’-zhu to the south, all moving
in the direction of the place of meeting. In this way game is secured
for sustenance of the warriors and, incidentally, a hunter of the enemy
tribe is caught and slain. The o-do™ won by the striking of an enemy
thus caught is called ‘‘“Mo"-zho® dsi Ga-xthi, A Strike in the Open
Country.”
On arriving at the designated camping place the names of the men
who had secured game, such as buffalo, deer, antelope, or elk, are an-
nounced by a Crier in grateful acknowledgment. The first animal
that was secured is placed on its breast before the Do-do”™-ho"-ga,
who takes from the deerskin pouch he continually carries a pinch of
the sacred tobacco which he sprinkles on the head and then recites
the following words, addressing the animal: ‘“I'o compensate you for
the sacrifice of your life, I put upon you the fragrant tobacco that is
sacred to Wa-zha’-zhe.”’
At the close of this ceremony the men of the two divisions busy
themselves with the kindling of fires and the dressing of the game for
cooking for the evening meal. A choice part of the animal consecrated
is given to a Tse’-xe-k’i" who thrusts through it a skewer and carefully
roasts the meat by a separate fire. When the meat is thoroughly
roasted the Tse’-xe-k’1" places it before the Do-do™-ho*-ga, thrusting
the lower end of the skewer into the ground so that it stands upright
and firm. The Do-do™-ho*ga then calls all of the subordinate Do-
do’-ho"-gas together. These form two parallel lines running west-
ward, having between them the roast on its skewer. Then begins the
ceremony called
CEREMONY OF FRAsTING TOGETHER
The first stanza of a song is sung and then the Tsi’-zhu Do-do”-
ho"-ga standing at the east end of the line approaches the roast meat,
cuts off a mouthful for himself and then returns to his place at the
head of the line. The second stanza of the song is sung and the
Ho”-ga Do-do”™-ho"-ga standing at the east end of the line approaches
the roast meat, cuts from it a mouthful for himself, and returns to
his place. This cutting of a morsel of the meat continues alternately
between the two lines of Do-do™-ho-gas until each has tasted of the
sacred meat. The Do-do”-ho"-gas then go to their various groups
of men and the Tse’-xe-k’i" place before each his share of the prepared
food and he then apportions it among his warriors.
130 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [BULr. 101
On the evening of the next day, when the men of the two divisions
meet to camp for the night, the Do-do”-ho"-ga addresses them, say-
ing: “O, ye valiant men, you have now come to a country where the
soul is pure, and the grasses and the winds are undisturbed by men
or beasts. We will, therefore, here cleanse our sacred pipe with due
solemnity as did our fathers at such times as this.”
The Do-do”-ho®-ga then goes a short distance away and calls to
him a Tse’-xe-k’i" to whom he gives the sacred pipe. The man care-
fully cleanses the orifices of both bow] and stem and returns the pipe
to the Do-do™-ho"-ga around whom the warriors now gather, when
he proceeds to recite the following wi’-gi-e.
PIPE RITUAL
(Osage version, p. 195)
1. O, ye valiant men,
2. My father,
3. Following the words of my grandfathers,
4, Has said that I shall make the hollow of this pipestem
5. To be the hollow of your own bodies.
6. If I make the hollow of this pipestem to be the hollow of your
own bodies,
7. All causes of death shall be removed from the hollow of your
bodies.
8. O, ye valiant men,
9. Behold the breast of the pipestem,
10. My father has said that I shall make the breast of this pipestem
to be your breast.
11. If I make the breast of this pipestem to be your breast,
12. All causes of death shall be removed from your breasts.
13. O, ye valiant men,
14. Behold the hip of this pipe,
15. If I make the hip of this pipe to be your hip,
16. All causes of death shall be removed from your hips.
17. O, ye valiant men,
18. Behold the sides of this pipestem,
19. My father has said that I shall make the sides of this pipestem to
be your sides.
20. If I make the sides of this pipestem to be your sides,
21. All causes of death shall be removed from your sides.
22. O, ye valiant men,
23. Behold the spine of this pipestem,
24. It is not without a meaning,
25. My father has said that I shall make the spine of this pipestem
to be your spine.
26. If I make the spine of this pipestem to be your spine,
27. All causes of death shall be removed from your spines.
LA FLESCHE] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 131
28. O, ye valiant men,
29. Behold the bowl of this pipe,
30. And the tip that joins the stem to the bowl,
31. It is the neck of the pipe which my father has said I shall make
to be your neck.
32. If I make the neck of this pipe to be your neck,
33. All causes of death shall be removed from your necks.
34. O, ye valiant men,
35. Behold the joint of the bowl and the stem of the pipe.
36. If I make that to be the joint of your spine and head,
37. All causes of death shall be removed from the joints of your
necks.
38. O, ye valiant men,
39. Behold the cavity of the bowl of the pipe,
40. My father has said that I shall make that to be the cavity of your
mouths.
41. If I make that to be the cavity of your mouths,
42. All causes of death shall be removed from the cavity of your
mouths.
The next day as the warriors break camp and resume their march,
selected men are sent out to scour the land in search of the enemy.
This search is continued day after day while the warriors are moving
in the enemy’s country. When the scouts are seen returning in haste
the Do-do™-ho®-ga runs to meet them to receive their report. The
warriors also hasten forward and gather around the Do-do™-ho*-ga,
who says to them: “O, ye valiant men, our little grandfathers have
been found. Make haste and prepare for the attack.”” The Do-do”-
ho"-ga at once puts the sacred hawk of his gens on his Chief Xthe’-
ts’a-ge. The men blacken their faces with the mystic charcoal, then
at a signal given by the Chief Xthe’-ts’a-ge all the party, except the
Do-do”-ho®-ga and the servants, rush forward to the attack.
When the warriors have slain some of the enemy, have taken the
scalps and severed the heads from their bodies, the Chief Xthe’-ts’a-ge
thrusts into the body of one of the slain his mystic standard and leaves
it standing there. Each of the Do-do’-ho"-gas who had taken part
in the attack now plants the forked stake he has been carrying to
hang his wa-xo’-be upon, near one of the slain and hangs upon it the
burden strap given him at the ceremony of making the straps. A
Do-do”-ho*-ga, however, may attach a bit of a scalp taken from one
of the slain to his own mystic strap and carry it home with him encased
in the buffalo bladder or heart sac in which the strap has been carried
during the journey.
The prescribed acts relating to the standard and the mystic straps
having been performed, the warriors hasten back to their Do-do™-
132 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [Buxy. 101
ho*-ga to whom they present the scalps and whatever booty they may
have captured in the attack. The Do-do’-ho-ga, as he receives the
scalps and the booty, exclaims in a loud voice: ‘“O, ye valiant men,
this is what I have declared I would do to the enemy!’ If he is not
confused by the excitement and remembers his prescribed duty, he
will now sing the following song:
SONG OF THE KILLING
(Osage version, p. 196)
M.M. J— 138 Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher.
eee
Time beats ? e e iy f ‘ig r
O ho ga - gi wa-mo®a-thi® he no®, Wi - e
Sa
= E =
=e ie
iecteeule f ee aes a fe Tt Sarorar
wa-mo2a-thi® he no® A he _ the,A _ he the the, O ho
Faat f proiforft) ifison offen fi al
mo®a - thi? he no®, A he the, A he the the.
FREE TRANSLATION
1
O ho, it is I who serves them thus,
I who brought these deeds to pass,
A he the, A he the the,
O ho, it is I who fell upon them unawares,
I who brought these deeds to pass,
A he the, A he the the.
2
O ho, it is I who lay them low, ete.
3
O ho, it is I who lay them reddened on the earth, etc.
4
O ho, it is I who lay them blackening on the earth, etc.
5
O ho, it is I who lay their bones to bleach on the earth, ete,
La FLEscue] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 13s
6
O ho, it is I who lay them yellowing on the earth, etc.
7
O ho, it is I who lay them darkening on the earth, etc.
8
O ho, it is I who snatch from them their remaining days, etc.
At the close of the song the Do-do™-ho*-ga recites the following
lines:
1, A’, ni-ka-wa-ca e,
2. A’, wi-tsi-go zhi®-ga, ni-ka-wa-ca e,
3. A’, ho"-ba u-¢a-ki-ba u-hi-zhi pa-xe ta a-thi" he a, ni-ka-wa-ca e.
FREE TRANSLATION
. O, ye valiant men,
. Our little grandfathers, O, ye valiant men,
. I have cut off from the divisions of the future days.
wn
The exultant utterances of the Do-do™-ho-ga as he receives the
scalps and booty from his warriors; in the lines of the song that he
sings; and in the three-lined wi’-gi-e that follows are not personal.
They are a part of the ritual and uttered, as it were, by the symbolic
man who represents the unity of the people of the two great tribal
divisions to be as one person. The words are not intended as a boast
but as a declaration that the will and the determination of the people
to defend and to maintain their life as an organized body has now
been put into execution.
When this little ceremony that was hurriedly performed comes to a
close the Do-do”-ho"-ga and his warriors hasten homeward, always
guarding against a surprise from the enemies who might be in pursuit.
As the warriors approach the village, the inhabitants, old and young,
run in the wildest excitement to meet them. The Xo’-ka greets the
Do-do”-ho"-ga and sings and dances to the song called Wa-tse’
Wa-tho® To®-ga, The Great Song of Victory, as he accompanies him
on the march toward the village.
134 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [Butt. 101
GREAT SONG OF VICTORY
(Osage version, p. 197)
M.M. = — 100 Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher.
Time beats Fe Sai ae ae
- thi? - ka thi - shto® bi tho® if J he, te - tsi -
= SS
0: ho dae do®, I - mom - cs the a- fe bi anes le the he,
We- tsi < mo? - L thea - ai bi at o tsi2 i - mo® 7 the a-
gi bi the, Mo®-thi® -ka thi-shto" bi tho" dse the _ he.
FREE TRANSLATION
1
We appealed to the Power within the earth,
And, lo, my grandfathers return in triumph,
They return in triumph with the mystic war club,
They return in triumph with the mystic war club,
We appealed to the Power within the earth.
2
They return in triumph with the mystic pipe, etc.
3
They return in triumph with the mystic deerskins, etc.
4
They return in triumph with the mystic buffalo hair, etc.
5
They return in triumph with the mystic standards, etc.
The term grandfathers, in the second line of each stanza, refers to
the eight commanders, called Xthe’-ts’a-ge, chosen to lead the war-
riors, four for the Tsi’-zhu warriors, and four for the Ho”™-ga.
As in the Hi™-no"-xpe Ga-xe Wa-tho*, Songs for Making a Nest,
Xu-tha’-wa-to®-i? places the stanza in which is mentioned the mys-
tic club before that relating to the mystic pipe. The reason for
this is, the mystic club is the most sacred of the various articles
consecrated by the Tsi’-zhu Wa-no® gens, of which he is a member,
to ceremonial use. The various gentes of the Ho™-ga division invari-
La FLEscue] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 135
ably place the pipe first, as do the Tho’-xe gens who belong to the
Tsi’-zhu division.
When the Xo’-ka has finished his song the Do-do™-ho*-ga himself
sings the following song in which he makes his acknowledgments to
Wa-ko”™-da, to whom he appealed for aid, for the success granted him.
The first two stanzas refer to the persons slain by his warriors, and as
to whether the slain are men or women. If the slain were both men
and women the Do-do”™-ho"-ga may sing both stanzas, but if only a
man or a woman is slain he must sing but one.
The warriors who have won o-do”™ also sing the same song, mention-
ing in the fourth line the particular kind of o-do™ granted to him by
the Mysterious Power.
VICTORY SONG
(Osage version, p. 197)
M.M. e = 100 Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher.
es mms ae ee
CSS SS S53
Time beats r if f i f r
I - na the he da - do® ’tha - k’i the he,
Ms ballad af voi te Gn ole oh echist fireaplaiy ah
I-na the he da-do"’tha-k’i the he, I-nathehe da-do®’tha-k’i the he,
ee or ei ee, ke ROO
‘I - na Mi-gao®-tha-k’i the he, I - na the he da-do®’tha-k’i the he,
1 ee jae the he da - do® "tha - ki the ha.
FREE TRANSLATION
1
Mother, the tokens of thy response to my ery,
Mother, the tokens of thy response to my cry,
Mother, the tokens of thy response to my cry,
Mother, thou hast given me the spirit of a woman,
Mother, the tokens of thy response to my cry,
Mother, the tokens of thy response to my cry.
2
Mother, thou hast given me the spirit of a man, ete.
3
Mother, thou hast favored me with success, etc.
4
Mother, thou hast made effective my weapons, etc.
136 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY | BULL. 101
Wa-xthi’-zhi, in his description of the Wa-sha’-be A-thi® ceremony
omits the Do-do”-ho"-ga’s songs of thanks. He offered no reason
for this omission but he gives the song in his description of the Wa-do’-
ka We-ko degree, the sixth of the seven degrees of the No™-ho?-zhi"-ga
rites.
When nearing the borders of the village the Do-do”-ho"-ga sings
the following song, of which there are twelve stanzas. This song is
expressive of the warrior’s joy: 1. When, on his return from the war
expedition, he arrives at the familiar scenes around the village; 2.
When he sets foot upon the border of the village; 3. When he passes
over the foot-worn soil of the interior of the village; 4. The feeling
of reverence as he approaches the back part of the sacred house from
which he set forth on his expedition; 5. When he marches around one
end of the sacred house to approach it from the front; 6. As he ap-
proaches the door; 7. As he enters and pauses within the room; 8.
As he comes to the kettle pole that bends over the fireplace; 9. As he
pauses at the sacred fireplace; 10. As he arrives, in his ceremonial
movements, at the opposite side of the fireplace, where he pauses;
11. As he stands directly beneath the smoke vent at the top of the
house, when he thrusts through the vent the tops of the bunch of
slender saplings to which are attached the scalps of the enemy and
quickly withdraws them; 12. The feeling of joy as he realizes that his
hazardous task is ended and he stands again in the light of day, in
the certainty of life, in the midst of the joys of his home. The title
of the song is:
SONG OF ENTERING THE VILLAGE
(Osage version, p. 198)
M.M. e — 76 Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher.
Time beats [ r ¢ (: r
A- gthi the ho, a-gthi the ho, a- gthi the ho,
r r r perro ol Cae
Wi no® mo®-zho® ge dsi a- gthi the ho-o, ho.
FREE TRANSLATION
1
I am home, I am home, I am home,
I have now come to the land that is home.
2
I have now come to the border of the village.
La FLESCHE] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY Lov
3
I have now come to the foot-worn soil of the village.
I have now come to the rear of the sacred house.
5
I have now come to the end of the sacred house.
6
I have now come to the door of the sacred house.
7
I have now come inside of the sacred house.
8
I have now come to the kettle pole of the sacred house.
9
I have now come to the fireplace of the sacred house.
10
I have now come to the middle of the sacred house.
11
I have now come to the smoke vent of the sacred house.
12
I have now come into the midst of the light of day.
A bit of the scalp of the slain enemy and the mystic standard
brought home by the Do-do™-ho"-ga are presented to the chief
mourner, who plants them at the head of the grave of the person for
whom the Wa-sha’-be A-thi” rite was performed, one at the foot and
the other at the head. This act concludes the ceremony as far as it
concerns the Chief Mourner.
There is a disagreement in the statements made by Sho” -ge-mo"-i"
and Wa-xthi’-zhi regarding the disposition of the two mystic standards
at the successful conclusion of the war expedition. The former says
that both of the ceremonial articles are left with the slain enemy
while the latter states that only one is left and the other is brought
home to be planted at the grave of the person mourned. It would
seem from these conflicting statements that some confusion may have
arisen when this ceremony was put to use as a mourning rite, for these
conflicting statements suggest that in ancient days the ceremony was
given purely as a war measure and that the two standards were left
with the slain, there being no reason for bringing either of them home,
but later when the Wa-sha’-be A-thi" became a mourning ceremony
one was left with the dead enemy and the other brought to be planted
at the grave of the person for whom the ceremony was performed.
83773—39——10
138 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [BULL. 101
The practice of disposing of the two standards, when they had served
their purpose, would indicate that no special importance was attached
to them as far as they related to the person mourned, for it appears
not to be an invariable rule to bring one of them home to be placed
at the grave. The symbol that must, without fail, be placed at the
head of the grave of the person mourned is a bit of the scalp of the
enemy, attached to a slender pole as it represents the soul of the man
sent forth to overtake that of the dead in order to accompany it on its
journey to the realm of spirits.
In speaking of this custom of leaving the mystic standards with the
slain enemy, old Sho™-ge-mo"-i" made the further statement that,
sometimes, on the return of a successful war party, the Tse’-xe-k’i"
No®-ho" (Chief Kettle Carriers) get together and have two standards
made informally. Then they invite the women of the village to the
Wa-xthe’-xthe Wa-tsi (Standard Dance). These officers plant the
two imitation standards side by side in the center of a level spot in
the village and they sit to one side of them with a drum and sing while
their guests dance around the standards to the rhythm of the songs.
At the intermissions of the dance a woman who feels inclined would
go to the standards, snatch one of them up, throw it toward the
“Setting Sun” and then make a present to the Tse’-xe-k’1" No®-ho®.
Afterwards the standard would be put back in its place by one of the
singers and the dance continued. At the close of this dance one of
the Tse’-xe-k’1" No*-ho® would plant the two standards at the grave of
the dead man in whose honor the Wa-sha’-be A-thi™ had been per-
formed. This dance, which was given only on rare occasions, was not
regarded as a necessary part of the rite.
MovuRNING FOR THE SLAIN ENEMY
Wa-tse’-mo?-i", one of the few men of the tribe well versed in the
No”-ho"-zhi"-ga rites, in speaking of the mourning ceremony of the
Wa-sha’-be A-thi", said: “In ancient times the man chosen to act as
ceremonial mourner for a deceased member of one of the two great
tribal divisions endured great hardships throughout the entire cere-
mony, but the act which was regarded as the most difficult for the
ceremonial mourner to perform was that called Mourning for the
Slain Enemy.”
When the chosen mourner had performed the final war ceremony,
happy with the thought that he had brought home his men without
disaster, he was solemnly told by the No”-ho-zhi"-ga that as he had
wept for his own dead, he must now weep for the persons he had
slain, the men and women who, perhaps, at the moment of their
destruction had contemplated no evil or acts of violence, but who were
busy with their daily occupations.
The difficulty of complying with this requirement was not so much
in the physical hardship it entailed on the ceremonial mourner as in
LA FLEscuE] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 139
the mental effort he must make in order to bring himself into sympa-
thetic touch with the slain strangers. When mourning for the de-
ceased member of the tribe he had shed tears of heartfelt sorrow,
having brought himself into close sympathy with the chief mourner
by meditating upon the cause of his grief, upon the kindly deeds of
the deceased that had won for him the affection of his people, and upon
those tribal ties that unite all the people and make them as one;
whereas between himself and the strangers whom he was credited with
slaying there existed no personal intimacy, no common ties of senti-
ment that could stir his heart, there was nothing but the naked, com-
mon bond of human sympathy that could save him from making a
mockery of this final ceremony; nevertheless, the man, without any
show of reluctance, always went forth again to fast and to suffer the
pangs of hunger and thirst for a period of seven days during the cere-
mony of Mourning for the Slain Enemy.
SENDING AWAY THE SPIRIT
(Wa-No*’-xE THE GA-XE)
According to Wa-xthi’-zhi there are two ceremonies performed for
a warrior who is lost by death during a war expedition. These two
ceremonies bear in common the name Wa-no™-xe The Ga-xe, freely
translated, The Sending Away of the Spirit. Each of these ceremonies
is a drama in which is symbolically set forth the belief of the people
relative to death. The first ceremony is performed by the warriors
themselves not long after the death of the man; the second, which
takes place after the return of the war party to the village, partakes
of a tribal character; both, however, as their common name implies,
are employed for the same purpose, the taking of a formal leave of
the Spirit of the Slain Warrior.
The first ceremony takes place the fourth day after the death of
the warrior. On the morning of that day the Do-do”-ho™-ga assembles
his men at early dawn and says to them: “This is the beginning of the
fourth day since our companion fell and his spirit has continued to
linger with us, but the time has now come when, for his own good as
well as for ours, we must perform the ancient rite handed down by
our fathers and formally dismiss him from our midst. For this purpose,
let a Tse’-xe-k’i" go forth to find a tree that is perfect in form, pleasing
to look upon, and which shall stand as a symbol of our Grandfather”
(the god of day). A Tse’-xe-k’i" at once goes forth in the pale light
of the early dawn to select the tree. When it is found he returns to
the waiting men, goes to the Do-do”-ho*-ga, takes him by the arm
and leads him to the chosen tree, all the warriors following in solemn
procession. Standing before the tree, on the east side, the Do-do”-
ho"-ga lifts his right hand as far as he can reach and with the knife
shaves a strip of the bark down the trunk to its roots. This act he
140 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [Buty. 101
repeats at the south, the west, and the north sides of the tree. Follow-
ing this act of the Do-do’-ho"-ga, each warrior takes his turn in
cutting a strip of the bark from the trunk of the tree until it stands
bare before them all. Then, standing in a massed group, the warriors
lift their open hands toward the reddening dawn, and as the rays of
the sun appear above the horizon they turn to the tree and stain its
naked trunk with red paint. By this symbolic act of baring the inner
body of the tree and painting it red, the warriors send forth the spirit
of their companion to travel with the God of Day on its endless
journey.
The second ceremony which takes place on the return of the warriors
occurs on the outside of the village proper. When the war party
arrives within sight and sound of their village they halt, sit down in
a wide circle, and begin to wail for their dead companion. The people
of the village hearing the wailing hasten to the warriors and gather
about them on the outside of the circle. Meanwhile two No™-ho"-
zhi"-ga, one belonging to the O’-po" (Elk) gens and the other to the
I’-ba-tse (Wind) gens who hold the office belonging to their gentes in
the ceremony hurriedly paint themselves, put on their ceremonial
attire, and proceed in a certain prescribed form to the place where the
war party are sitting. During their formal approach they pause four
times, as at the ceremonies of tbe war rites, and at each stop recite a
wi’-gi-e, and thus finally make their way to the center of the space
around which the warriors sit. The man of the O’-po® (Elk) gens
steps forward a little and in a loud voice calls, in appeal, to the Four
Winds: first to the East wind, then to the South, to the West, and to
the North winds. This dramatic appeal to the lfe-bearing winds by
the man of the Elk gens is made in accordance with the myth of the
genesis of the people. In response to this appeal the man from the
l’-ba-tse (Wind) gens steps forward, holding in his hand a skin pouch.
The Sho’-ka of the Elk gens now starts a fire in the center of the space.
As the flames arise the No”-ho*-zhi"-ga from the I’-ba-tse gens takes
from his pouch a pinch of fronds from the cedar, the tree of unfailing
life, and going to the fire throws them in, first on the East side; he
then passes around to the South of the fire and there drops a pinch;
next he goes to the West and drops some of the fronds; and lastly to
the North side, where he drops a pinch of the fronds. By this act of
the representatives of the Four Winds, the spirit of the dead warrior
is symbolically endowed with new life as he is believed to be borne
away by the Winds to the Spirit Land. The I’-ba-tse No™-ho?-zhi"-ga
now ignites at the fire a bundle of cedar fronds and carries the burning
bunch to each warrior, who inhales the smoke and is thereby sym-
bolically cleansed from the touch of death. After this ceremony the
warriors strip themselves of their clothing and place them, together
LA FLEscuE] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 141
with their weapons, shields, etc., in a pile. Their horses and saddles
are also brought to the same place, and all are smoked with the cedar
fronds by the I’-ba-tse No™-ho®-zhi"-ga, after which these offerings
become the property of the two men who have officiated at the cere-
mony.’ At the close of the purification rite the warriors put on new
clothing which their relatives and friends have brought for them.
Should, however, a warrior hold, for sentimental reasons, any article
as of special value he can withdraw it, but he must substitute some-
thing else of equal value.
To®-wo®-i-hi’ Zhi"-ga (now dead) said that representatives of the
Tho’-xe, Tsi’-zhu Wa-shta-ge, and Po"-ka Wa-shta-ge gentes took
part in the purification ceremony and shared in the distribution of the
property discarded by the warriors. He also said that before the
warriors are permitted to enter the village the No™-ho"-zhi"-ga of the
I’-ba-tse gens form a procession and pass around the entire village,
thus making a path over which the spirit of death will be unable to
cross in order to enter the village. When the circle around the village
has been completed by the I’-ba-tse, the warriors arise, enter their
homes with their friends, and the people go on with their usual
activities as though nothing strange had happened.
Since the early part of the last century the Osage people have been
forced by circumstances to make many changes in their mode of life,
changes that have affected their ancient form of government, their
social customs, and even some of their ceremonial practices. Concern-
ing the latter they have been obliged to adopt substitutes for many of
the materials and objects originally used as symbols in their cere-
monials to express their religious conceptions. But none of these
changes, none of these substitutes, however incongruous, has cut so
pathetic a figure as the change that had to be made in the essential
feature of the Mourning Wa-sha’-be A-thi" rite, namely, the securing
of a spirit to accompany that of the person mourned on its journey
to the realm of spirits.
This (Mourning Wa-sha’-be A-thi*) rite as performed in May, 1873,
may be regarded as the last to be given with its main feature un-
changed. The preliminary ceremonies were performed as described
in the preceding pages and the officers who were to lead the warriors
were chosen according to prescribed rules. The men who filled the
offices on that occasion were:
10 In an article entitled ‘“‘An Account of the War Customs of the Osage,”’ published in the American Nat.
uralist. February 4, 1884, pp. 123-127, J. Owen Dorsey very briefly mentions these two ceremonies without
giving their title or explaining their significance. He states, in the paragraph relating to the second cere-
mony, that ‘‘The principal man of the Kansas gens” officiates in the ceremony. It is evident that Mr.
Dorsey, from this statement, confuses the I’-ba-tse gens with the Omaha Kansas gens. The Osage gens
representing the four winds is always spoken of as “‘I’-ba-tse Ta-dse’,” sometimes as Ho’-ga O-tho-ha-ge
(last in order of the Ho»’-ga), or Ho’-ga Zhia-ga (Little Ho»’-ga), but never as Kansas,
142 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [Butt. 101
Do-do™-ho™-ga (Leader)_____- O-tha’-ga-bi.
Tha’-bthi"-wa-xthi,
Wa-ho’-to"-the-wa-no"-she,
Wa-zha’-zhe wa-da-i"-ga,
Wa’ -tse-to"-ga.
Xa-ge’-wa-the,
Tse’-xe-k’i" No™-no" (Kettle | Ka-wa-xo-dse a-gthi®
Carriers). Co"-dse u’-mo"-i"
Wa-zha’-zhe-wa-co"-dse.
Xthe’-ts’a-ge (Commanders)__
From the number of officers it would appear that this war party
belonged to the class called Tsi’-ga-xa Do-do®. The preliminary cere-
monies having been duly performed, the war party set out “toward
the setting sun.’”’ The warriors traveled westward toward that part
of the country now known as Oklahoma which, at that time, was
practically unsettled by the white race, and where the buffalo were
still plentiful. After several days of travel the war party came to
the buffalo region. One morning the Xthe’-ts’a-ge dispatched two of
the Tse’-xe-ki" No®-ho" (according to one of these two officers who
told the incident to the writer) to go and shoot buffalo in order to
supply the needed provision of meat for the party which continued to
move on. As the warriors reached the top of a slight rise in the prairie
they suddenly came upon an Indian who was cutting up a buffalo
he had just shot. The stranger was quickly surrounded and killed
and the war party at once hastened toward home, taking with them the
scalp of the hunter and also his horse.
Not long after the return of the war party some thirty or forty
Wichitas appeared at the Osage Agency to demand satisfaction for the
killing of their chief by the Osage war party. The Osage men gathered
together, collected money, horses, blankets, and other goods, amount-
ing in value to about fifteen hundred dollars, all of which they offered
to the Wichitas as compensation for their loss and grief. The Wichitas
accepted these gifts as a settlement of their claim and returned to
their homes. Later the authorities at Washington took official notice
of the killing of the Wichita Indian by the Osage war party, with the
result that a realizing sense was brought to the people of the tribe that
it would not be safe for them to continue the ceremonial killing of
innocent strangers.
The Osage, however, continue to perform the Mourning Wa-sha’-be
A-thi" whenever the relatives of a deceased member demand it, but
in a modified form. The rite as thus practiced is described as follows
by some of the Osages who have not only witnessed but have actually
taken part in it: Various sections of the ceremony are performed in
the ancient order, with all the usual ardor and excitement, and occupy
four or five days of continuous activity. Meanwhile a group of men,
chosen for the purpose, go from place to place in search of a white
La FLESCHE] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 143
man who, for money consideration, would be willing to take a certain
part in the performance. The committee are usually successful in
finding a man to fill this necessary and important part. The man is
shown a place where, at a certain time, he is to be found as though by
accident. On the morning of the fourth or fifth day the final section
of the ceremony, the Wa-no™-ce A-ba-gu, is performed. ‘The warriors
now blacken their faces with charcoal, mount their best horses, and
gallop ‘‘toward the setting sun.’”’ Suddenly they come upon the white
man, charge upon him with war cries, and he runs as though for his
life, but he is quickly overtaken, given some harmless blows, and at
the firing of a few shots falls to the ground as though killed. The
warriors at once dismount and with their knives cut a few locks from
the crown of his head, if he has any hair there, and if not, from his
flowing beard.
The Wa-sha’-be A-thi", Mourning rite, still survives, but only as a
travesty.
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OSAGE VERSION
145
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RPODMDNANRWN HE
Mo’’-sHxo’ WY-GI-E
Crawfish Ritual
(Free translation, p. 6)
. He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Ho™-ga u-dse-the pe-tho"-ba ni-ka-shi-ga ba do" a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
. Ho”-ga wi? a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Mo” -thi?-ka zhi"-ga, a bi” da, tsi ga,
. He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
No”™-be zha-ta ga-xe to” a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Mo”-thi"-ka sha-be thi"-kshe a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Ba’-ha tsi no®-zhi® to" a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
He’ shki do? a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
. We’-go®-tha ’thi" mo®-thi® bi do" shki a’, a bi", da, tsi ga,
. We’-go"-tha gi-wa-ts’e-ga ki-the mo™-thi" ta bi a’, wi-go"-ga’, a
bi? da, tsi ga,
. Wa’-zha-zhe a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Tsi’-zhu e-tho"-ba’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. [*-dse-ha ga-xa bi do" a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Tho”-dse ba-he ’to® ha no” shki do” a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
. We’-go®-tha gi-wa-ts’e-ga ki-the mo®-thi® ta bi a’, wi-co"-ga,
e’-ki-a bi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. E’-tho"-zha, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. I°-dse-ha ga-xa bi do" a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
. I”-shta-ha, ’ga-cta zhi ta tse-a, wi-co"-ga, e-ki-a bi a’ a bi" da,
tsi ga,
. I*-shta-ha ’ga-cta do” a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
21.
Ni’-ka no® da-pa ki-the mo®-thi® ta bi-a’ wi-co"-ga, e-ki-a bi-a’
a bi" da, tsi ga.
. He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
. Mo”-thi®-ka to-ho thi"-kshe a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Ba’-ha tsi-no"-zhi" to" a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
. The’, wi-co"-ga, e-ki-a bi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. We’-go"-tha ’thi" mo®-thi" ta bi-a’ wi-co"-ga, e’-ki-a bi a’, a bi" da,
tsi ga,
. We’-go?-tha ’thi? mo®-thi® bi do" shki a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
. Mi’ hi-e ge ta’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. We’-go"-tha gi-wa-ts’e-ga ki-the mo”-thi" ta bi-a’, wi-co"-ga,
e’-ki-a bi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. We’-go?-tha ’thi® mo®-thi" bi do” shki-a’, a bi" da, tsi ga.
. Tho™-dse ba-he ’to" ha no®-shki do” a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
. We’-go™-tha gi-wa-ts’e-ga ki-the mo®-thi" ta bi-a’ wi-co"-ga,
e’-ki-a bi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga.
147
BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY (Bury. 101
. He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
. Mo”-thi®-ka zhu-dse thi"-kshe a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
. Ba’-ha ’tsi-no"-zhi" to" a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
. The’ shki do" a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. We’-go"-tha ’thi" mo®-thi® ta bi-a’, wi-co"-ga, e-ki-a bi a’, a bi"
da, tsi ga,
. Wa’-zha-zhe a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
. Tsi’-zhu e-tho®-ba’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. We’-go-tha ’thi mo®-thi" ta bi-a’, wi-go"-ga, e’-ki-a bi a’, a bi" da,
tsi ga,
. We-go"-tha ’thi” mo®-thi" bi do” shki a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Tho®’-dse ba-he ’to™ ha no” shki do” a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
. We-go?-tha gi-wa-ts’e-ga ki-the mo®-thi® ta bi-a’, wi-co"-ga, e-ki-a
bi a, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. E’-tho®-zha, a bi® da, ts! ga,
. 1*-des ha ga-xe bi do” a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
. I®-shta-bthi a-ga-xto" a-zhi ta tse-a’, wi-co"-ga, e-ki-a bi a’,
a bi" da, tsi ga.
. He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Mo”’-thi®-ka ci thi"-kshe no” a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Ba’-ha tsi no®-zhi" to” a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. The’ shki do" a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. We’-go*-tha ’thi" mo®-thi" bi do” a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
. Wa’-zha-zhe a’- a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Tsi’-zhu e-tho®-ba’- a bi" da, tsi ga,
. We’-go®-tha gi-wa-ts’e-ga ki-the mo®-thi" ta bi-a’- wi-co"-ga, e’-
ki-a bi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Da’-gthe o*k’o-pi a-tha bi do” shki a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. [®-dse-ha kshi-the mo®-thi" ta bi-a", wi-co"-ga, e’-ki-a bi a’, a
bi” da, tsi ga.
Ni W1’-GI-£
Water Ritual
(Free translation, p. 12)
. He’-dsi xtsi a’- a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Wa’-zha-zhe u-dse-the pe-tho"-ba ni-ka-shi-ga ba do" a’, a bi? da,
tsi ga,
. Wa’-zha-zhe wi" a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Ni’ zhu-i-ga the xtsi ni-ka-shi ga to" a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
. He’-dsi xtsi a’ a bi? da, tsi ga,
Ni thi-u-ba-he isdu-ge ga-kshe a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
Thi u-ba-he a-gi-the a-to™ hi" da’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Zhi®-ga thi u-ba-he the mo®-thi" bi do" shki a’, a bi” da, tsi ga
. Thi u-ba-he i-ts’a thi"-ge ki-the mo"-thi" ta bi-a’, wi-co"-ga,
e-ki-a bi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. U’-no® tha bi do” shki a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
. U’-no" a bi ’the ki-the mo®-thi” ta bi-a’, zhi-ga e-to™ a’, a bi" da
tsi ga.
LA FLESCHE] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 149
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
a7.
18.
19.
No”™-ka o"-he ga kshe a’, a bi” da, tsi ga
No”’-ka o?-he a-gi-the a-thi"hi" da, e-to" a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Zhi®-ga no"-ka o"-he the mo?-thi® bi do" shki a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
U’no? a bi ’the ki-the mo*-thi" ta bi-a, zhi™-ga, e to" a’, a bi da
tsi ga.
Ni thi u’-ba-he tha-ta ga-kshe a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
Thi u’-ba-he a-gi-the a-thi® hi" da, e to" a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
Zhi”-ga thi u-ba-he the mo®-thi" bi do” shki a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
U’-no® a bi ’the ki-the mo™-thi" ta bi-a’, wi-go"-ga, e-ki-a bi a’,
a bi? da, tsi ga.
. Ni u’-ca-gi ga kshe a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Thi u-thi-xtho-k’a ’gi the a-thi" hi" da e to" a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Zhi’-ga thi u-thi-xtho-k’a gi the mo™-thi" bi do® shki a’, a bi? da
tsi ga,
. Thi u-thi-xtho k’a i-ts’a thi"-ge ki-the mo®-thi® ta bi tse-a, zhi?-
ga e to" a’, a bi da, tsi ga,
. U’-no® tha bi do" shkia’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
. U’-no" a bi ’the ki-the mo?-thi® ta bi a’, wi-co"-ga, e-ki-a bi a’,
a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Ho™-ga, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Tsi’-zhu e-tho-ba’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
U’-no" a bi ’the ki-the mo”-thi" ta bi-a’, zhi"-ga, e to" a’, a bi®
da, tsi ga.
Tsr’-zHu |--KI-THE
Sone 1
(Free translation, p. 17)
Tsi’-zhu a-ka mi hi-the ge ta
Wa-dsu-ta wi? wa-no®-xe a-dsi the tse a-ka tha,
Wa-pa-hi thi=-ge xtsi wa-no®-xe a-dsi,
The tse a-ki" da.
Ho’’-ca J-E-KI-THE
Sone 2
(Free translation, p. 17)
Ho2-ga a-ka mi hi-the ge ta,
Wa-dsu-ta wi® wa-no®-xe a-dsi the tse a-ki®= da,
Wa-pi-hi thi»-ge xtsi wa-no"-xe a-dsi,
The tse a-ki" da.
SonG OF THE RIDERS
(Free translation, p. 20)
Shi-to wa-sho-she ho®-tho®-gi-the tho»-ke tho,
Shi*-to wa-sho-she ho®-tho®-gi-the tho®-ke tho,
Shi*-to wa-sho-she ho2-tho®-gi-the tho"-ka do®,
I-tha-shto® a-thi" he tho,
Ha! Do-do*-ho®-ga, Pa-this-zhi"-ga wa-sho-she dsi thi» do,
Wa-zha-wa he-wa-wa-ka bi" do,
Shi=-to wa-sho-she ho®-tho®-gi-the tho»-ke tho,
Shis-to wa-sho-she ho®-tho®-gi-the tho"-ke tho,
Shi*-to wa-sho-she ho®-tho®-gi-the tho®-ke tho.
150 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [BULL. 101
XTHE-TS’A-GE WaA-THO®
Officers Songs
Sone 1
(Free translation, p. 23)
Shi=-to wa-sho-she e-dsi a-ba tho®-zha,
She-o®-zho® tha thi®-she,
Shi=-to wa-sho-she e-dsi a-ba tho2-zha,
She-o*-zho" tha thi*-she, she-o®-zho” tha thi-she, do-do®-ho"-ga,
U-ki-te wa-sho-she e-dsi a-ba e-she do2,
She-o2-zho2 tha thi®-she,
E-dsi hi Wa-ko"-da ho® ta bi do® he-gio" ta bi" da.
Sone 2
(Free translation, p. 24)
Shi®-to wa-sho-she o®-gi-to®-be ta sho" bi a-thi" he tho,
Shi*-to wa-sho-she 0"-gi-to®-be ta sho" bi a-thi® he tho,
Shi®-to wa-sho-she o"-gi-to®-be ta sho" bi a-thi" he tho,
Ga sho® shki do" he-go" tse he pshe a-thi" he tho, he-pshe a-thi® he tho,
Wi-zhi®-the ga-to" e-dsi a-thi he do tho.-dse thi-shi ba-zhi i= do,
Shi2-to wa-sho-she o*-gi-to®-be ta sho" bi a-thi= he tho,
Ga sho" shki do" he-go" tse he-pshe a-thi" he tho.
Sone 3
(Free translaticn, p. 25)
Wi-ko-tha ho-shko® ’go-ta be tho,
Wi-ko-tha ho-shko" ’go-ta be tho,
Ni-ka i-ta bi wa-tse-xi e-sha be tho,
Ho-shko® ’go-ta be tho,
Wi-ko-tha ho-shko® ’go-ta be tho,
Wi-ko-tha ho-shko® ’go-ta be tho,
Ho-shko® ’go-ta be tho.
Sone 4
(Free translation, p. 26)
Be i-tha-no®-zhi" mo*-zhi e ho-wa-ga-sho® e tho,
Be i-tha-no®-zhi2 mo®-zhi e ho-wa-ga-sho® e tho,
Wi-zhi"-the thi tse-do-ga he-thi-go" a-do®,
Be i-tha-no®-zhi" mo®-zhi e ho-wa-ga-sho® e tho,
Be i-tha-no®-zhi" mo®-zhi e ho-wa-ga-sho® e tho.
Do-po*’-Ho*-GaA Wa-THO*
Sone 1
(Free translation, p. 27)
Hi*-da-dsi ni-ka i-ta wa-tse-xi e-sha be tho,
Hi»-da-dsi ni-ka i-ta wa-tse-xi e-sha be tho,
Hi»-da-dsi ni-ka i-ta wa-tse-xi e-sha be tho,
Wa-tse-xi e-sha be tho, Do-do®-ho"-ga,
Ni-ka i-ta bi wa-tse-xi he-gi-e no" be tho,
Xa-ge wa-shko® do" ho-pshe no® be tho.
LA FLESCHE]
OSAGE WAR CEREMONY
Sone 2
(Free translation, p. 28)
Wa-ko*-da wa-thi-gtho" bi ho®-pa-the ko®-btha ’thi" he,
Wa-ko®-da wa-thi-gtho" bi ho™-pa-the ko®-btha ’thi" he,
Wa-ko*-da he-gi-tha bi ko=-btha ’thi" he,
Do-do®-ho®-ga tha-xa-ga bi do® ho®-ba-ko" no" tho™-zha,
Tho*-dse wi-ta ho®-pa-the ko2-btha ’thi* he,
Wa-ko®-da he-gi-tha bi ko™-btha ’thi= he.
Sone 3
(Free translation, p. 29)
Wa-ko®-da wa-thi-gtho® bi tse be hi-ba-ho® tse, wi-ko-tha
Wa-ko2-da wa-thi-gtho" bi tse be hi-ba-ho® tse,
Xa-ge wa-shko® do" ho-pshe no® be tho,
Ho-pshe no® be tho, Do-do®-ho-ga,
Ni-ka i-ta wa-tse-xi he-gi-the no" be tho,
Xa-ge wa-shko® do" ho-pshe no® be tho.
TSE-XE-K’1% No’-Ho® Wa-THO™
Kettle Carriers Elder Songs
Sone 1
(Free translation, p. 31)
Ho-wa-ga-sho® bthe tse do® wa-no®-pe o®-tha kshi-the,
Ho-wa-ga-sho2 bthe tse do" wa-no2-pe o®-tha kshi-the,
Ho-wa-ga-sho" bthe tse do™ wa-no2-pe o®-tha kshi-the,
Ko-tha he-go" ta thi= he tho tho,
Wa-xa-da-i xa-ge mo2-thi® a-do,
Wa-ko"-da e-shki do" ho-wa-tsi® ta thi® he tho,
Ho-wa-ga-sho® bthe tse do™ wa-no®-pe o®-tha kshi-the,
Ko-tha he-go® ta thi= he tho.
Sone 2
(Free translation, p. 32)
Tse-ga wa-ko"-da o®-ga-xa be tho,
Tse-ga wa-ko"-da o*-ga-xa be tho,
Tse-ga wa-ko2-da o-ga-xa be tho,
Tse-ga wa-ko"-da o®-ga-xa be tho,
He-wo® thi* the wa-shko® mo®-thi® a-do®, e tho,
Tho®-ba-wa-k’i thi-shi=-the thi=-ga bu dsi to,
He-be mo2-thi® a-do® wa-ko"-da o®-ga-xa be tho,
Tse-ga wa-ko®-da o®-ga-xa be tho,
He-wo® thi the wa-shko® mo®-thi® a-do? e.
O-THO’’-pA Wa-tTs1 WaA-THO™
In the Center! Dance Songs
Sone 1
(Free translation, p. 34)
Hiu wi tha the, hiu wi the, hiu wi the-e,
Hiu wi tha the, hiu wi the, hiu wi the-e,
Hiu wa hi tha the-e, hiu wa hi tha i the the,
Hiu wa hi the the, ha i the the, ha i the,
Hiu wi the-e, hiu wi tha, hiu wi tha, the hiu wi tha.
151
152
BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY
Sone 2
(Free translation, p. 34)
E he tha, e he tha i the the-e, tho i he the the,
Tho e he the i the the-e, tho e he tha i the the, ha wi the the
Ha wi the, e he ai tha, e he ai tha-e, tho i he tha the,
Tho e he the i the the-e, tho e he tha i the the, ha i the the
Ha i the the, e he tha, e he tha i tha.
Sone 3
(Free translation, p. 35)
Hio wi the the, hio wi the the, hio wi the the,
Pa-thi>-zhi=-ga no®-tha-pa bi" da,
U-he-ga-zhi no®-tha-pa bi da,
Hio wi the the-e, hio wi hi the the, hio wi the the,
Hio wi the the, hio wi the the, hio wi the the.
XA-GE Wa-xo¥-xo™’ Wa-THO*
Crying Broken Songs
Sone 1
(Free translation, p. 37)
Ho® the-tse no® Wa-ko®-da e-sha bi® da,
Xa-ge wa-shko" b a thi" ha,
Ho® the-tse no” Wa-ko2-da e-sha bi® da,
Xa-ge wa-shko® ba thi" ha,
Ha! Do-do*-ho"-ga Wa-ko®-da he-gi-tha bi do®
Pa-thi®-zhi*-ga tho-the the pshi ko™-bthe tho,
Ho® the-tse no® Wa-ko"-da e-sha bi® da,
Xa-ge wa-shko® ba thi" ha.
Sona 2
(Free translation, p. 38)
The-ge o2-bi-ce a-thi" he,
He, zhi»-the, He, zhi=-the,
The-ge o2-bi-cge a-thi= he,
O»-thi*-ge ta tse tho tse tho®-zha,
The-ce 0°-bi-ce a-thi® he,
He, zhi=-the, He zhi*-the,
The-ce o*-bi-ce a-thi» he.
Sone 3
(Free translation, p. 39)
The, zhi=-the wa-no®-xe de wa-no®-bthe o2-kshi-tha be,
He, zhi=-the, He, zhi-the.
The, zhi*-the wa-no*-xe de wa-no*-bthe o®-kshi-tha be.
XA-GE’ Wa-xo¥-xo*
Broken Songs
Sone 1
(Free translation, p. 41)
Ho® the tse no® Wa-ko®-da e-sha bi? da
Ksho2-ga wa-shko® ba thi? ha,
Ho® the tse no" Wa-ko"-da e-sha bi® da,
Ksho"-ga wa-shko® ba thi® ha,
Ha! Do-do®-ho®-ga Wa-ko®-da he gi tha bi do”
Pa-thi*-zhi*-ga tho-the this pshi ko®-bthe tho,
Ho®* the tse no® Wa-ko®-da e-sha bit do,
Ksho*-ga wa-shko® ba thi® ha.
[BuLL. 101
LA FLEscuE] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 153
—
—
12.
13.
14.
15.
Sp rg BE ge
Sone 2
(Free translaticn, p. 42)
Wi-gi-ci-the do" xa-ge a-thi* he tho,
Wi-gi-ci-the do" xa-ge a-thi" he tho,
Wa-thi-gtho"-thi»-ge,
Wi-gi-ci-the do" xa-ge a-thi" he tho,
Wi-gi-ci-the do" xa-ge a-thi® he tho,
Wi-gi-ci-the do" xa-ge a-thi" he tho,
Wa-thi-gtho"-thi»-ge,
Wi-gi-ci-the do" xa-ge a-thi" he tho.
Sone 3
(Free translation, p. 43)
Hi*-da-dsi 0°®-gi-to*-be hi tho,
Hi»-da-dsi o°-gi-to™-be hi tho,
O2-gi-to®-be hi tho,
Be ho*-go-ce thi"-ge,
No*-xthe i-tha-ki=-dse tho,
O2-gi-to"-be hi tho,
Hi-da-dsi 0®-gi-to*-be hi tho,
Hi»-da-dsi o”-gi-to"-be hi tho,
Hi»-da-dsi o®-gi-to"-be hi tho.
]’-n-KI-THE Wa-THO*
The Criers Song (call)
(Free translation, p. 44)
Do-do®-ho"-ga, ho»-ba ga-co®-thi" do*,
Ni da-ka-de ga-xe ta bi" da bi" da o.
Tsr’-xe N1-Ka-po WI’-GI-5
Kettle Placing Ritual
(Free translation, p. 45)
He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Ho”-ga u-dse-the pe-tho®-ba ni-ka-shi-ga ba do" a’, a bi" da, {si ga,
Xtha’-xtha thi’-ge xtsi ni-ka-shi-ga tho"-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Ha! wi-co®-ga, e-ki-e no®-zhi" bi a’ a bi" da, tsi ga,
We’-ki-k’o" wi" thi"-ge a-tha, wi-co"-ga, e-ki-a bi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Tse’-xe ni-ka-po e-go"™ to no" a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
He’-dsi xtsi a-thi" gi e do" a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Wi’-co"-ga, e-ki-a bi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. The we-ki-k’o" 0°-gi-the ta bi a, wi-co"-ga, e-ki-a bi a’, a bi® da,
tsi ga,
He’-dsi xtsi a’ a bi" da, tsi ga,
Ni’-da-ka-dse e-dsi o°-gthe ta bi a’, wi-co™-ga, e-ki-a bi a’, a bi"
da, tsi ga,
He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi™ da, tsi ga,
Ni’-da-ka-dse e-dsi-gtha ba do" a’, a bi" da, tsi ga.
83773—39-——11
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BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [BuLL. 101
Wa-No’’-BtHE U-Ho™ U-pa-Ha WY-GI-E
Food Placed in Kettle to Cook Ritual
(Free translation, p. 45)
1
. He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Da’-do" u-ho” u-pa-ha i-the o?-the ta ba do" a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
. Wi'-co"-ga, e-ki-a bi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. No”-bthe do-ba’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. We’-ki i-he-the tse o"-tho" bi a’, wi-co"-ga, e-ki-a bi a’, a bi® da,
tsi ga,
. U’-ho® u-pa-ha i-the-o"-the ta bi a’, wi-co"-ga, e-ki-a bi a’, a bi®
da, tsi ga,
. He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Ho’-xtho"-ta-xe thi"-kshe no" a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. The’, wi-go"-ga, e-ki-a bi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. U’-ho” u-pa-ha i-the-o"-the ta bi a’, wi-co"-ga, e-ki-a bi a’, a bi®
da, tsi ga,
. K’-tho"-zha’, a bi" da, tsi ga
. Wa’-thi-e-gka u-pa-ha i-the-o"-tha ba zhi tse a’, wi-co™-ga, e-ki-a
bi a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
. Mi’ hi-e ge ta’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Shi’’-to ho btho®-xe do” a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
. E’-ki-tho"-ba xtsi u-pa-ha i-the-op-the ta bi a’, wi-co"-ga, e-ki-a
bi a’, a bi®-da, tsi ga,
. Wa-zha-zhe a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Tsi’-zhu e-tho®-ba’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. We’-ki i-he-the mo®-thi® ta i tsi” da’, a bi® da, tsi ga.
2
. Shi wi” thi"-ge a-tha, wi-co"-ga, e-ki-a bi a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
. Ci”’-mo"-no®-ta-hi thi®-kshe no® a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
. E’ shki do" a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. U’-ho" u-pa-ha i-the-o*-the ta bi a’, wi-go"-ga, e-ki-a bi a’, a bi" da,
{si ga,
. E’ tho"-zha’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
. Wa’-thi®-e-cka u-pa-ha i-the o°-tha ba zhi tse a’, wi-co"-ga, e-ki-a
bi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Mi’/hi-e ge ta’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Shi’-mi ho btho®-xe do? a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
. E’-ki-tho"-ba xtsi u-pa-ha i-the o-the ta bi a’, wi-co™-ga, e-ki-a
bi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Wa’-zha-zhe a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
. Tsi-zhu e-tho™-ba’, a bi™ da, tsi ga,
. We’-ki i-he-the mo*-thi® ta i tsi" da’, a bi® da, tsi ga.
La FLESCHE] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY B55
3
31. He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
32. Shi wi" thi?-ga a-tha, wi-co"-ga, e-kia bi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
33. He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
34. Ci” thi®-kshe no" a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
35. The’ u-ho® u-pa-ha t-the o™-the ta bi a’, wi-go"-ga, e-ki-a bi a’,
a bi? da, tsi ga,
36. E’tho?-zha’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
37. Wa’-thi®-e-cka u-pa-ha i-the o®-tha ba zhi tse a’, wi-co"-ga, e-ki-a
bi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
38. Mi‘hi-e ge ta’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
39. Ni’-ka wa-k’o o-tha-ha kshe no” a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
40. K’-ki-tho"-ba xtsi u-pa-ha i-the o®-the ta bi a’, wi-co"-ga, e-ki-a
bi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
41. Wa-zha-zhe a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
42. Tsi’-zhu e-tho"-ba’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
43. We’-ki i-he the mo*-thi” ta 1 tsi" da’, a bi” da, tsi ga.
44. He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
45. Shi wi” thi? ge a-tha, wi-co"-ga, e-ki-a bi a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
46. Ho"-bthi*-cu thi"-kshe no” a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
47. K’ shki do" a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
48. U’-ho" u-pa-ha i-the o*-the ta bi a’, wi-co"-ga, e-ki-a bi a’, a bi" da
tsi ga,
49. K’-tho®-zha’, a‘bi® da, tsi ga,
50. Wa/’-thi®-e-cka u-pa-ha i-the o®-tha ba zhi tse a’, wi-co"-ga, e-ki-a
bi a’, a bi® da, tsi ga
51. Mi’-hi-e ge ta’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
52. Wa’-k’o wo" we-da-the do® a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
53. E’-ki-tho®-ba xtsi u-pa-ha i-the o°-the ta bi a’, wi-co™-ga, e-ki-a,
bi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
54. Wa’-zha-zhe a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
55. Tsi’-zhu e-tho"-ba’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
56. We’-ki i-he-the mo?-thi® ta i-tsi" da’, a bi® da, tsi ga.
Pr’-pse_ U-K’1 WY-cI-E
Fire Contributing to Ritual
(Free translation, p. 48)
. He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Ta’-dse we-do-ba thi dsi a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
Da’-wi®-xe wi®-u-tsi i-he-tha bi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Ta’-dse ga-xpa dsi a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
Da-wi®-xe wi"-u-tsi i-he-tha bi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Wa’-thi®-e-cka shki i-he-tha ba zhi a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
Ta’ wo"-ge zhi"-ga’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
. E’-ki-tho"-ba xtsi i-he-tha bi a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
. W4-thi™-e-cka shki i-he-tha ba zhi 4, a bi™ da, tsi ga,
. Wa’-dsu-ta gi ga-xe a-ka’, a bi® da, {si ga.
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156 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [BuLt. 101
11. Ta’-dse a-k’a dsi a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
12. Da’-wi®-u-tsi i-he-tha bi a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
13. Wa/’-thi®-e-cka shki i-he-tha ba zhi a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
14. Ta’ tse-he xo-dse do” a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
15. E’-ki-tho”-ba xtsi i-he-tha bi a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
16. Wa’-dsu-ta gi ga-xe a-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
17. He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
18. Ta’-dse mo"-ha dsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
19. Da’-wi?-xe wi®-u-tsi i-he-tha bi do" a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
20. Wa’-thi"-e-gka shki i-he-tha ba zhi a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
21. Ta wo"-ge he a-gtha zhi xtsi to"-ga do" a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
22. K’-ki-tho"-ba xtsi i-he-tha bi a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
23. Wa’-dsu-ta gi ga-xe a-ka’, a bi® da, tsi ga.
24. He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
25. Ta’-dse ba-co" dsi a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
26. Da’-wi?-xe wi®-u-tsi i-he-tha bi do" a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
27. Wa’-thi®-e-gka shki i-he-tha ba zhi a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
28. Ta he sha-be do” a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
29. E’-ki-tho®-ba xtsi i-he-tha bi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
30. Wa’-dsu-ta gi ga-xe a-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga.
31. He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
32. U’-ho" u-ba-wi"-xe ga thi®-kshe shki a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
33. Ho™-ba i-ta-xe tho® dsi a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
34. Wa’-dsu-ta u-ba-wi"-xe the no" no" a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
35. Sho™ xtsi pa-xe i” da’, a bi® da, tsi ga.
36. U’-ho" p’u-tho" ga thi"-kshe shki a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
37. K’-shki do" a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
38. Ho™-ba i-ta-xe tho” dsi a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
39. Wa’-dsu-ta zhi®-ga’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
40. [’u-p’u-tho® the no" no" a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
41. Sho” xtsi pa-xe i da’, a bi" da, tsi ga.
42. U’-ho" da-ci-gi-ge ga ge a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
43. Ho™-ba i-ta-xe tho” dsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
44. Wa’-dsu-ta zhi"-ga’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
45, A’-ki-wi-ci-ci the the no" no" a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
46. Sho™ xtsi pa-xe i" da’, a bi” da, tsi ga.
47. He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
48. U’-ho" ba-da-da-zhe ga-ge a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
49. K’-shki do” a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
50. Wa’-dsu-ta zhi®-ga’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
51. U’wa-bi" ba-da-da-zhe hi the no® no” a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
52. Sho™-xtsi pa-xe i" da’, a bi® da, tsi ga.
La FLEscur] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 157
ner Ue eee
. U’-ho® da-shu-shu-e ga ge a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. E’shki do” a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
. Wa’-dsu-ta zhi®-ga’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Ho”™-ba i-ta-xe tho" dsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. I’wa-bi® a-gi-no"-zhi"-zhi" the the no" no” a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Sho” xtsi pa-xe i" da’, a bi? da, tsi ga.
. Wa’-dsu-ta zhi®-ga’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Ho”-ba tha-gthi® u-hi ta thi” shki do" a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Ho”-ba tha-gthi® u-hi o°-ga-xe, o"-mo"-thi" ta bi a’, wi-co"-ga,
e-ki-e no®-zhi® bi a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
. We’-ki i-he-the shki wo-ts’e-ga o"-ki-the o"-mo-thi"™ ta bi a’,
wi-co"-ga, e-ki-e no"-zhi" bi 4, a bi® da, tsi ga.
|’-n-KI-THE Wa-THO™
The Criers’ Song (call)
(Free translation, p. 51)
Do-do” -ho®-ga, ho®-ba ga-go®-thi= do®,
Wa-xthe-xthe ga-xe ta bit da bi" da da-o.
]’-5-KI-THE Wa-THO®
The Criers’ Song (last call)
(Free translation, p. 54)
Do-do®-ha2-ga, ho®-ba ga-cgo"-thi®-do,
No*-xthe Wa-ko"-da-gi ga-xe ta bi® da bi" da-o.
No®-xtue J-K-pse W1’-GI-5
Charcoal Rush Ritual
(Free translation, p. 55)
i!
. Da’-do® no*-xthe gi-the mo®-thi® ta ba do” a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. 1*-¢tho"-ga do-ga kshe a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Ga’ no®-xthe gi-the mo®-thi" bi a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
No”-xthe gi-the mo®-thi® bi do" shki a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
Mi’ hi-e ge ta’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
No”™-xthe gi-ca-be ki-the mo®-thi" ta bi® da’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
No”-xthe gi-the mo®-thi® bi do" shki a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
We’-ki i-he-the gi-wa-ts’e-ga ki-the mo®-thi" ta bi a’, wi-go"-ga,
e-ki-a, bi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
2
. Da’-do® no*-xthe gi-the mo®-thi" ta ba do” a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Wa’-ca-be u-ca-ka thi®-ge kshe no” a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Ga’ no®-xthe gi-the mo®-thi® bi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. No®-xthe gi-the mo®-thi® bi do® shki a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Mi’ hi-e ta’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. No™-xthe gi-ca-be ki-the mo®-thi® ta i tsi? da’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Mi’ hi-e ge ta’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. We’-ki i-he-the gi-wa-ts’e-ga ki-the mo?-thi" ta bi a’, wi-go"-ga,
e-ki-a bi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga.
BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [BuLL. 101
3
. Da’-do" no®-xthe gi-the mo?-thi® ta ba do" a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
. Mi’-xa cka to"-ga thi"-kshe no? a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
. Ga’-no"-xthe gi-the mo*-thi" bi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Ci’-ha u-sha-be ga thi®-kshe shki a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Pa’-zhu-zhe i-ta-xe sha-be ga thi"-kshe shki a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
. No”™-xthe a-gi-the a-thi" he i" da’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
. Zhi’-ga no®-xthe gi-the mo”-thi” bi do” a, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. No™-xthe gi-ca-be ki-the mo*-thi® ta bi a’, wi-cgo"-ga, e-ki-a bi a’
a bi? da, tsi ga,
. Mi’ hi-e ge ta’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
. No™-xthe gi-tha bi do” shki a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
. No’-xthe gi-ga-be ki-the mo?-thi" ta bi a’, wi-co"-ga, e-ki-a bi a’,
a bi" da, tsi ga.
+
. Da’-do" no*-xthe gi-the mo®-thi” ta ba do" a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
. Wa’-zhi*-ga wa-tha-xthi thi"-ge thi"-kshe no® a’ a bi” da, tsi ga,
. E’ shki do” a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
. Ci’-ha u-sha-be ga thi"-kshe shki a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. No™-xthe a-gi-the a-thi" he 17 da’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
. I*-be i-ta-xe sha-be ga thi"-kshe shki a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
. Pa’-zhu-zhe i-ta-xe sha-be ga thi®-kshe shki a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. No™-xthe a-gi-the a-thi” he i" da’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
. Zhi’-ga no®-xthe gi-tha bi do" shki a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. No”™-xthe gi-ca-be ki-the mo*-thi" ta bi a’, wi-co"-ga, e-kia bi a’,
a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Mi’-hi-e ge ta’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
. No”™-xthe gi-the mo®-thi" bi do” shki a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. No™-xthe gi-ca-be ki-the mo®-thi® ta bi a’, wi-go"-ga, e-ki-a bi a’,
a bi? da, tsi ga.
5
. Da’-do" no®-xthe gi-the mo”-thi" ta ba do" a’ a bi” da, tsi ga,
. Ta’ tse-he-xo-dse do” a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
. E’ shki do” a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
. No™-xthe gi-the mo?-thi" ta i tsi" da’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
. Ci’-ha u-sha-be ga thi"-kshe shki a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
. No™-xthe a-gi-the a-thi" he i" da’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
. Pa’-zhu-zhe i-ta-xe sha-be ga thi"-kshe shki a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
. No™-xthe a-gi-the a-thi® he i" da’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
. Zhi”-ga no™-xthe gi-the mo?-thi® bi do” shki a’, a bi da, tsi ga,
. Mi’ hi-e ge ta, a bi” da, tsi ga,
. No™-xthe gi-ca-be ki-the mo®-thi® ta i tsi" da’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
. Tse’-xi a-shi-be a-thi" he no® i” da’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
LA FLEscHE] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 159
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
Xthi’ bi u-thi-co"-ha a-thi" he shki do" a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Wa/-pa-hi o®-bu-zha-zha-ta bi a-thi" he shki do” a’, a bi" da, {si ga,
Tse’-xi a-shi-be a-thi™-he no? i” da’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Zhi” -ga zhu-i-ga tha bi do" a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Tse’-xi ga-shi-be ki-the mo”-thi" ta bi a’, wi-co"-ga, e-ki-a bi a’,
a bi? da, tsi ga.
No’’-xtuHe J-K1'-psE Wa-THO"
Charcoal Rush Songs
(Free translation, p. 58)
1
Ni-ka gto bi ni wa tha te, ha tho, ha tho,
Ni-ka ni do", e the he, ha tho,
Ni-ka ni do", ha we, ha tho,
Ni-ka ni do®, e the he,
Ni-ka gto bi ni wa tha te, ha tho.
2
Ho»-ga to" bi ni wa tha te, ha tho, ha tho,
Ni-ka ni do®, e-the he, ha tho,
Ni-ka ni do", ha we, ha tho,
Ni-ka ni do®, e the he,
Ho-ga to ni ni wa tha te, ha tho.
3
Wa-xtha to" bi ni wa tha te, ha tho, ha tho,
Ni-ka ni do", e the he, ha tho,
Ni-ka ni do", ha we, ha tho,
Ni-ka ni do®, e the he,
Wa-xtha to bi ni wa tha te, ha tho.
4
Mot-sho® to" bi ni wa tha te, ha tho, ha tho,
Ni-ka ni do", e the he, ha tho,
Ni-ka ni do, ha we, ha tho,
Ni-ka ni do®, e the he,
Mo:-sho® to" bi ni wa tha te, ha tho.
5
Ta-ha to" bi ni wa tha te, ha tho, ha tho,
Ni-ka ni do", e the he, ha tho,
Ni-ka ni do, ha we, ha tho,
Ni-ka ni do®, e the he,
Ta-ha to" bi ni wa tha te, ha tho.
6
Pe-dse to" bi ni wa tha te, ha tho, ha tho,
Ni-ka ni do®, e the he, ha tho,
Ni-ka ni do", ha we, ha tho,
Ni-ka ni do, e the he,
Pe-dse to® bi ni wa tha te, ha tho.
160
BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY
6
No*-xthe to* bi ni wa tha te, ha tho, ha tho,
Ni-ka ni do®, e the he, ha tho,
Ni-ka ni do", ha we, ha tho,
Ni-ka ni do, e the he,
No®-xthe to" bi ni wa tha te, ha tho.
I’-ca-atHE Bo-po Wa-ts1 Wa-THO*
Loom Poles Thrust Dance Song
(Free translation, p. 61)
1
Mi-na she-tho a-tsi no®-zhi®-a no®-tsi-da,
Mi-na she-tho a-tsi-no®-zhi™-a no®-tsi-da,
O ho, no®-tsi-da, O ho, no®-tsi-da.
2
Mi-na she-tho a-tsi no®-zhi2-a no®-zha-wa,
Mi-na she-tho a-tsi no®-zhi*-a no®-zha-wa,
O ho, no®-zha-wa, 0 ho, no®-zha-wa.
3
Wi-he she-tho a-tsi no®-zhi2-a no®-tsi-da,
Wi-he she-tho a-tsi no®-zhi®-a no®-tsi-da,
O ho, no®-tsi-da, O ho, no®-tsi-da.
4
Wi-he she-tho a-tsi no®-zhi®-a no®-zha-wa,
Wi-he she-tho a-tsi no®-zhi®-a no®-zha-wa,
O ho, no®-zha-wa, O, ho, no®-zha-wa.
5
Ci-ge she-tho a-tsi no®-zhi"-a no®-tsi-da,
Ci-ge she-tho a-tsi no"-zhi®-a no®-tsi-da,
O, ho, no®-tsi-da, O ho, no™-tsi-da.
6
Ci-ge she-tho a-tsi no®-zhi"-a no®-zha-wa,
Ci-ge she-tho a-tsi no®-zhi*-a no*-zha-wa,
O ho, no®-zha-wa, O ho, no"-zha-wa.
7
I*-gtho" she-tho a-tsi no-zhi®-a no®-tsi-da,
I-gtho" she-tho a-tsi no®-zhi®-a no®-tsi-da,
O ho, no®-tsi-da, O ho, no®-tsi-da.
8
[»-gtho" she-tho a-tsi no®-zhi®-a no™-zha-wa,
I>-gtho" she-tho a-tsi no™zhi™~a no"-zha-wa,
O ho, no*-zha-wa, O ho, no™-zha-wa.
(Butt, 101
LA FLESCHE] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 161
Ni-nr-Bsa Ni-nr Wr’-GIE
Pipe Tobacco Ritual
(Wa-zha’-zhe Wa-no® Gens)
(Free translation, p. 62)
. He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Wa’-zha-zhe u-dse-the pe-tho"-ba ni-ka-shi-ga ba do" a’, a bi® da,
tsi ga,
. Xtha’-xtha thi"-ge xtsi ni-ka-shi-ga tho"-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Da’ ni-the thi"-ge xtsi ni-ka-shi-ga tho"-ka’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
. He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
No”™-ni-o"-ba wi? a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
. Zhu’-i-ga the xtsi ni-ka-shi-ga tho®-ka’, a bi® da, {si ga,
. He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Ha’, Ho™-ga e, e-tsi-the a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
. No™-ni-o"-ba wi" zhu-i-ga a-the a-thi" he a’, Ho™-ga e’, e-tsi-the
a’, a bi™ da, tsi ga,
. Zhu’-i-ga tha the tha thi?’she do” shki a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Zhu’-i-ga i-ts’a thi"-ge tha thi"-she ta tse-a’, Ho®-ga-e’, e-tsi-the
a, a bi? da, tsi ga,
. Pa’ u-sho™-sho" ga thi"-kshe shki a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
. Pa’ u-sho”-sho” a-gi-the a-thi" he-a’, Ho™-ga-e’, e to®-a’, a bi® da,
tsi ga
. Pa’ u-sho"-sho" tha the do” shki a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Pa’ u-sho™-sho” i-ts’a thi™-ge tha ki-the tha thi’she ta tse-a’,
Ho”-ga-e’, e to" a’, a bi” da, tsi ga.
. U’-thu-ga ga thi®-kshe shki a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
. I’-u-thu-ga a-gi-the a-thi™ he-a’, Ho’-ga-e, e to" a’, a bi® da,
tsi ga,
. No’-ni-o"-ba ga thi®-kshe shki a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. I’-thu-ga tha the tha thi’-she do” shki a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. I’-thu-ga i-ts’a thi™-ge tha thi"-she ta tse-a’, Ho™-ga-e, e to" a’ a
bi? da, tsi ga,
. Thi’-u-ba-he i-shde-ga ga kshe a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Thi’-u-ba-he a-gi-the a-thi" he-a’, Ho™-ga-e, e to" a’, a bi® da,
tsi ga,
. Thi’-u-ba-he i-shdu-ge kshe a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
. Thi’-u-ba-he tha gi-the tha thi"-she do” shki a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Thi’ u-ba-he i-ts’a thi"-ge tha thi™-she ta tse a’, Ho-ga-e’, e
to"a’, a bi" da, tsi ga.
=
oo
BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [BULL. 101
. No”-ka o"-he ga kshe a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. No”-ka o®-he a-gi-the a-thi" he a’, Ho®-ga-e’, e to" a’, a bi® da,
tsi ga,
. No’-ka o®-he tha the tha thi®-kshe do” shki a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
. No™-ka o"-he i-ts’a thi®-ge tha thi"-she ta tse a’, Ho™-ga-e’, e to”
a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
. Thi’ u-ba-he tha-ta ga kshe a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
. Thi’ u-ba-he a-gi-the a-thi" he a’, Ho®-ga-e’, e to" a’, a bi" da,
tsi ga,
. Thi’ u-ba-he o"-tha-the tha thi"-she do” shki a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Thi’ u-ba-he i-ts’a thi"-ge tha thi"-she ta tse a’, Ho"-ga-e, e to" a’,
a bi" da, tsi ga,
. U’-xtho-k’a ga kshe shki a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Thi’ u-thi-xtho-k’a a-gi-the a-thi" he-a tha, e to" a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Thi’ u-thi-xtho-k’a o?-tha-the tha thi? she do* shki a’, a bi™ da,
tsi ga,
. Thi’ u-thi-xtho-k’a i-ts’a thi®-ge tha thi®-she ta tse a’, Ho™-ga-e,
e to" a’, a bi? da, tsi ga.
. We’-thi® zhi*-ga i-thi-do" ga kshe shki a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
. Ni’-a-ko"-gthe a-gi-the a-thi" he a tha, e to a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Ni’-a-ko"-gthe tha gi-the tha thi"-she do® shki a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Ni’-a-ko" i-ts’a thi"-ge tha thi"she ta tse a’, Ho"-ga-e’, to" a’, a
bi” da, tsi ga,
. Mi’ hi-e ge ta’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
. We’-go"-tha a-hni tha thi®she do” shki a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. We’-go"-tha thi-wa-ts’i-ga tha ki-the tha thi®-she ta tse a’, Ho®-
; A
ga-e, e to” a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Tho"-dse ba-he e-to®-ha no" shki do" a, a bi” da, tsi ga,
. We’-go"-tha thi-u-mo*-ka tha ki-the tha thi®-she ta tse a’, Ho®-
ga-e e to" a’, a bi" da, tsi ga.
Ho’’-ca U-pse-THE PE-THO-BA W1’-GIE
Ho’-ga Fireplaces Seven Ritual
(Free translation, p. 64)
. He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Ho”-ga U-dse-the Pe-tho™-ba ni-ka-shi-ga ba do® a’, a bi® da,
tsi ga,
. Xtha’-xtha thi?-ge xtsi ni-ka-shi-ga tho"-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Da’ ni-the thi"-ge xtsi ni-ka-shi-ga tho®-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
LA FiescuE] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 163
CoO NT OS
. He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Ha’, Wa-zha’-zhe, e tsi-the a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
. [*’-zhu-dse thi"-kshe a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
. Zhu’-i-ga the xtsi a-ni-ka-shi-ga a-to" he a’, Wa-zha’-zhe, e to" a’
a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Wa’-ko"-da Ho®-ba do” thi?-kshe a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
. Zhu’-i-ga the xtsi a-ni-ka-shi-ga a-to™ he a, Wa-zha’-zhe, e to" a’,
a bi? da, tsi ga,
. I"-zhu-dse thi"-kshe a’, a bi" da, tsi ga.
. Zhu’-i-ga tha the tha thi™-she do? shki a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Wa’-ko?-da e-shki do” a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
. A’-ki-tha-zha-ta bi tha ki-the tha thi"-she ta tse a’, Wa-zha’-zhe,
e-gi-a bi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi® da, tsi ga
. I” xhu-dse thi"-kshe a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Zhu’-i-ga xtsi a-n-ka-shi-ga a-thi" he a, Wa-zha’-zhe, e to" a’, a
bi? da, tsi ga,
. Zhu’-i-ga tha the tha thi"-she do” shki a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Wa’-ko"-da e-shki do” a, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. A’-ta-kshi" bi tha ki-the tha thi’-she ta tse a’, Wa-zha-zhe’,
e-gi-a bi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. I” zhu-dse thi"-kshe a’, a bi da, tsi ga,
. Zhu’-i-ga tha the tha thi’-she do" shki a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Wa’-ko®-da e-shki do” a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
. Be’ hi o®-gtha mo*-zhi i” da’, a bi™ da, tsi ga
. Wa’-ko"-da e-shki do” a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
. Be’ hi a-gtha ba zhi tha ki-the tha thi"-she ta tse a’, Wa-zha-zhe,
e-gi-a bi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga.
. He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
. I” zhu-dse thi®-kshe a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
. Zhu’-i-ga tha the tha thi®-she do® shki a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Wa’-ko®-da e-shki do” a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Hi’ o®-ki-tha-sho® bi a-thi® he i” da’, a bi da, tsi ga,
. I” zhu-dee thi®-kshe a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Zhu’-i-ga tha the tha thi™-she do” shki a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Wa’-ko®-da e-shkie do" a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Hi’ a-ki-tha-sho® bi tha ki-the tha thi®-she ta tse a’, Wa-zha-zhe’,
e-gi-a bi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga.
164
BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY
PROCESSIONAL SONG
(Free translation, p. 68)
1
Mo>?-i»-ka u-thi-sho® a-gtha-bthi" e-he,
Mo>-i=-ka u-thi-sho® a-gtha-bthi® e-he, a-he,
T-ba ’thi= a-do® u-thi-sho? bthe hi" do, a-he he.
2
Mo?-hi® a-thi® a-do® u-thi-sho® bthe hi" do, a-he he.
3
We-tsi® a-thi® a-do® u-thi-sho® bthe hi* do, a-he he.
4
Ki-no® a-thi® a-do" u-thi-sho"® bthe hi" do, a-he he.
5
Wa-xthe a-thi® a-do® u-thi-sho® bthe hi" do, a-he he.
6
Mo:-i2-ka op-she a-gtha-bthi" e-he
Mo?-i"-ka o®-she a-gtha-bthi" e-he, a-he,
I-ba ’thi=-a-do" o®-she bthe hi® do, a-he he.
7
Mo»-hi® a-thi2 a-do® o®-she bthe hi® do, a-he he,
8
We-tsi® a-thi® a-do® o®-she bthe hi" do, a-he he.
9
Ki-no® a-thi® a-do® o®-she bthe hi* do, a-he he.
10
Wa-xthe a-thi a-do" o®-she bthe hi® do, a-he he.
11
Mo>-i»-ka ga-gi-xe a-gtha-bthi* e-he,
12
Mo?-hi® a-thi® a-do® ga-gi-xe bthe hi" do, a-he he.
13
We-tsi® a-thin a-do® ga-gi-xe bthe hi" do, a-he he.
14
Ki-no® a-thi® a-do" ga-gi-xe bthe hi" do, a-he he.
15
Wa-xthe a-thi" a-do" ga-gi-xe bthe hi> do, a-he he.
16
Ho-be a-thi® a-do® ga-gi-xe bthe hi® do, a-he he.
[BuLt. 101
{
;
LA FLEscHE] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 165
_
a
SOO ON DOP WNOFrR OTOH WAID NS WD eK
bo bw Wb
(OC Ws
dow bw
Oo OV
n
<J
Ho’-z-Ga WY-GI-E
Mythical Elk Ritual
(Free translation, p. 72)
. A, ni-ka-wa-ca-e,
. A, Ho-e-ga gi-tha bi wi" e-dsi the a bi a, ni-ka-wa-ca-e,
. A, O-po"-to”-ga a bi a, ni-ka-wa-ca-e,
A, pe-o-to” thi*-kshe, ni-ka-wa-¢a-e,
A, Ho-e-ga wi-kshi-tha bi a-thi® he ta tse a bi a, ni-ka-wa-ca-e,
. A, Ho-e-ga wi-kshi tha bi a-thi" he tho” shki, ni-ka-wa-g¢a-e,
. A, o-ga-cgo"-thi” xtsi thi"-ge, ni-ka-wa-¢a-e,
. A, ho-e-ga 0"-ta-pa bi a-thi” he ta tse a bi a, ni-ka-wa-ca-e,
. A, o-pa-ce tho™-dsi shki, ni-ka-wa-¢a-e,
. A, Ho-e-ga o°-ta-pa bi a-thi" he ta tse a bi a, ni-ka-wa-ca-e.
U-THU-HI-THE WY -GI-E
Winning Ritual
(Free translation, p. 72)
. A, 1°-da-dsi; ni-ka-wa-ca-e,
. A, wa-dsu-ta tha-gthi", ho®-i"-ka thi?-ge wi"; ni-ka-wa-ca-e,
. A, 1"-da-dsi e-dsi i-he a-kshi-the a; ni-ka-wa-¢a-e,
. A, i°-da-dsi a-ka; ni-ka-wa-ca-e,
A, the-go" a-thi" he tho® shki; ni-ka-ka-ca-e,
A, i-e o-wa-gtha-ge a-thi" he ta-tse a bi a; ni-ka-wa-ca-e,
A, i-e o-wa-gtha-ge a-thi" he tho" shki; ni-ka-wa-ga-e,
. A, o-ga-co"-thi" xtsi thi"-ge; ni-ka-wa-ca-e,
. A, wa-dsu-ta o"-ta-pa dsi shki; ni-ka-wa-¢a-e,
. A, o-pa-ce tho” dsi shki; ni-ka-wa-ca-e,
. A, Ho’-e-ga o°-ta-pa bi a-thi" he ta tse a bi a; ni-ka-wa-ca-e.
. A, 1"-da-dsi a-ka; ni-ka-wa-¢a-e,
. A, wa-dsu-ta zhi®-ga wi"; ni-ka-wa-ca-e,
. A, e-dsi i-he a-wa-kshi-the a; ni-ka-wa-¢a-e,
. A, i"-da-dsi a-ka; ni-ka-wa-ca-e,
. A, the-go" a-thi" he tho? shki; ni-ka-wa-ca-e,
. A, i-e o-wa-gtha-ge a-thi" he ta tse a bi a; ni-ka-wa-¢a-e,
. A, i-e 0-wa-gthe-ge a-thi" tho” shki; ni-ka-wa-¢a-e,
. A, 0®-wo"-pshe a-thi" he ta tse a bi a; ni-ka-wa-ga-e,
. A, o-ga-co"-thi® xtsi thi"-ge; ni-ka-wa-¢a-e,
. A, Ho-e-ga o"-ta-pa bi a-thi® he ta tse a bi a, ni-ka-wa-ca-e,
. A, o-pa-ce tho” dsi shki; ni-ka-wa-ca-e,
. A, Ho-e-ga o"-ta-pa bi a-thi" he ta tse a bi a, ni-ka-wa-ca-e.
. A, ni-ka-wa-ca-e,
. A, 1"-da-dsi a-ka; ni-ka-wa-ca-e,
. A, a-hi®-u-mo?-thi" do-ga tha-gthi® ho"-i"-ka thi" ge wi"; ni-ka-
wa-ca-e,
. A, e-dsi i-no" a-kshi-the a; ni-ka-wa-¢a-e,
© CO J Ookre wb ee
BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [Butt. 101
. A, i"-da-dsi a-ka; ni-ka-wa-ca-e,
. A, the-go" a-thi" he tho" shki; ni-ka-wa-ca-e,
. A, 1-e o-wa-gtha-ge a-thi" he ta tse a bi a; ni-ka-wa-ca-e,
. A, i-e o-wa-gtha-ge a-thi" he tho" shki; ni-ka-wa-ga-e,
. A, o-ga-co"-thi" xtsi thi"-ge; ni-ka-wa-ca-e,
. A, Ho-e-ga o"-ta-pa bi a-thi™ he ta tse a bi a; ni-ka-wa-ca-e,
. A, o-pa-ce tho” dsi shki; ni-ka-wa-ga-e,
. A, wa-dsu-ta o®-hi-tho"-be a-thi" he ta tse a bi a; ni-ka-wa-ca-e.
Wa-pa’-Ht WI’-GI-E
Weapon Ritual
(Free translation, p. 73)
. A, ni-ka-wa-ca-e,
. A, wa-pa-hi gi-tha bi wi" e-dsi the a bi a; ni-ka-wa-ca-e,
. A, gthe-do” to"-ga a bi a; ni-ka-wa-ca-e,
. A, wi-tsi-go wa-pa-hi no™-pe-wa-the thi” a bi a, ni-ka-wa-ca-e,
. A, a-hi"-u-ha-ge no" shki i-tse wa-the do"; ni-ka-wa-ca-e,
. A, a-thi" da-ge wa-thi® tha zhi no® thi? a bi a; ni-ka-wa-ca-e,
. A, shi wi" e-dsi thi" a bi a; ni-ka-wa-¢a-e,
. A, ki-gtho"-xeu-mo® thi" a bi a; ni-ka-wa-ca-e,
. A, ni-dse ce tse e-go" the no" e-wa-ka bi e-cko"; ni-ka-wa-ga-e,
. A, wi-tsi-go wa-pa-hi no™-pe-wa-the thi? a bi a; ni-ka-wa-ga-e,
. A, wi-tsi-go; ni-ka-wa-ga-e,
. A, a-hi®-u-ha-ge no” shki i-tse wa-the do"; ni-ka-wa-¢a-e,
. A, a-thi" da-ce wa-thi" tha zhi thi? a bi a; ni-ka-wa-ca-e,
. A, wa-pa-hi wi-kshi-tha bi a-thi" he tho” shki; ni-ka-wa-ca-e,
. A, 0-ga-co"-thi” xtsi thi"-ge; ni-ka-wa-¢a-e,
. A, wa-pa-hi gi-k’a zhi wi-gi-tha bi a-thi" he ta tse a bi a, ni-ka-
wa-¢Ga-e,
. A, o-pa-ce tho" dsi shki; ni-ka-wa-ca-e,
. A, wa-pa-hi gi-k’a zhi xtsi wi-gi-tha bi a-thi®-he ta tse a bi a ni-
ka-wa-ca-e,
. A, shi wi" e-dsi thi" a bi a; ni-ka-wa-ca-e,
. A, ho®-tse-ga to"-ga a bi a; ni-ka-wa-ga-e,
. A, wi-tsi-go; ni-ka-wa-ca-e,
. A, da-do" no*-thi® a-zhi xtsi ni-ka-shi-ga thi" a bi a; ni-ka-wa-ga-e,
. A, wi-tsi-go; ni-ka-wa-¢a-e,
. A, wa-dsu-ta ts’e ta thi? shki; ni-ka-wa-ca-e,
. A, i-tha-gthe the xtsi ni-ka-shi-ga thi® a bi a; ni-ka-wa-ca-e,
. A, da-do" no®-thi® a-zhi xtsi thi" a bi a; ni-ka-wa-ca-e,
. A, wa-pa-hi wi-kshi-tha bi a-thi" he ta tse a bi a; ni-ka-wa-ca-e,
. A, 0-ga-co"-thi" xtsi thi®-ge; ni-ka-wa-¢a-e,
. A, wa-pa-hi wi-kshi-tha bi a-thi" he tho® shki; ni-ka-wa-ca-e,
. A, wa-pa-hi gi-k’a zhi xtsi wi-gi-tha bi a-thi" he ta tse a bi a,
ni-ka-wa-¢ca-e,
. A, o-pa-ge tho® dsi shki; ni-ka-wa-ca-e,
. A, wa-pa-hi wi-skhi-tha bi a-thi® he ta tse a bi a; ni-ka-wa-ga-e.
La FLEScHE] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 167
33. A, shi wi" e-dsi thi" a bi a; ni-ka-wa-ga-e,
34. A, ka-xe-to"-ga a bi a; ni-ka-wa-ca-e,
35. A, wi-tsi-go; ni-ka-wa-ca-e,
36. A, da-do" no®-thi® a-zhi xtsi ni-ka-shi-ga thi" a bi a; ni-ka-wa-ca-e,
37. A, zho" u-ko” gi ko-ci-ci 1-tha-tha e-go" no"; ni-ka-wa-ca-e,
38. A, wa-dsu-ta thi-u-thi-xtho-k’a ta ko-gi-¢i i-tha-tha i-ga-cko®-the
thi" a bi a; ni-ka-wa-ca-e,
39. A, o-ga-co"-thi" xtsi thi?-ge; ni-ka-wa-ca-e,
40. A, wa-pa-hi wi-kshi-tha bi a-thi" he tho” shki; ni-ka-wa-ca-e,
41. A, wa-pa-hi gi-k’a zhi xtsi wi-gi-tha bi a-thi® he ta tse a bi a;
ni-ka-wa-¢ca-e,
42. A, o-pa-ce tho® dsi shki; ni-ka-wa-ca-e,
43. A, wa-pa-hi wi-kshi-tha bi a-thi" he tho” shki; ni-ka-wa-ga-e,
44, A, wa-pa-hi gi-k’a zhi xtsi wi-gi-tha bi a-thi" he ta tse a bi a;
ni-ka-wa-ca-e.
Wa-No”’-cE A-BA-cU WY-GI-E
Attack Point Ritual
(Free translation, p. 75)
1
. A, ni-ka-wa-ca-e,
. A, the ga o-tho-to" xtsi; ni-ka-wa-¢a-e,
. A, wa-ko®-btha a-thi" he a; ni-ka-wa-ca-e,
A, ho®-e 0°-wo"-pa mo”-zhi tse a, hi"; ni-ka-wa-ga-e.
2
A, the ga o-tho-to" xtsi; ni-ka-wa-ca-e,
. A, wa-ko?-btha a-thi” he a; ni-ka-wa-ca-e,
. A, ho®-e o®-wo?-pa mo*-zhi tse a hi"; ni-ka-wa-ca-e,
. A, 0®-wo"-pa ta a-to” he a; ni-ka-wa-ga-e.
3
9, A, the ga o-tho-to" xtsi; ni-ka-wa-ga-e,
10. A, wa-ko"-btha a-thi® he a; ni-ka-wa-ca-e,
11. A, tho-to® xtsi hi a-the ta a-to" he a; ni-ka-wa-¢a-e.
4
Hm CO DD
COMI DN
12. A, ni-ka-wa-ca-e,
13. A, ga tse e-no® xtsi; ni-ka-wa-¢a-e,
14. A, wa-ko"-btha a-thi? he a; ni-ka-wa-¢a-e,
15. A, wa-shi-shi ga tse e-no” xtsi; ni-ka-wa-¢ca-e,
16. A, a-wa-da a-thi™ he a; ni-ka-wa-ca-e.
Wer’-To® Wa-o*%
(Free translation, p. 77)
Tsi=-do xa-ge the no® thi-ba-ko" e-zha-mi-e the,
Ga-thi* xa-ge thi-ba-ko" e-zha-mi-e the,
No2-pe-wa-the xa-ge the no" thi-ba-ko" e-zha-mi-e the,
Ga-thi® xa-ge thi-ba-ko" e-zha-mi-e the.
168
BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY
Wa-TsE Wa-THO®
Victory Song
(Free translation, p. 80)
Sona 1
1
Mo?-thi*-ka thi-shto® bi tho" dse he,
Wi-tsi-go ho da-do",
I-mo"-ka the a-gi bi the, the, the, he the,
I-ba i-mo*-ka the a-gi bi the,
I-ba i-mo*-ka the a-gi bi the,
Mo?-thi»-ka thi-shto" bi tho" dse.
2
Mo?-thi*-ka thi-shto® bi tho" dse he,
Wi-tsi-go ho da-do®,
I-mo*-ka the a-gi bi the, the, the, he the,
We-tsi" i-mo*-ka the a-gi bi the,
We-tsi® i-mo*-ka the a-gi bi the,
Mo>-thi2-ka thi-shto"® bi tho” dse.
3
Mo>-thi»-ka, thi-shto® bi tho" dse he,
Wi-tsi-go ho da-do?,
I-mo-ka the a-gi bi the, the, the, he the,
Mo?-hi® i-mo*-ka the a-gi bi the,
Mo?-hi* i-mo*-ka the a-gi bi the,
Mo?-thi®-ka thi-shto® bi tho" dse.
4
Mo?-thi*-ka thi-shto® bi tho" dse he,
Wi-tsi-go ho da-do®,
I-mo*-ka the a-gi bi the, the, the, he the,
Ki-no® i-mo"-ka the a-gi bi the,
Ki-no® i-mo*-ka the a-gi bi the,
Mo»-thi2-ka thi-shto® bi tho" dse.
5
Mo»-thi=-ka thi-shto® bi tho" dse he,
Wi-tsi-go ho da-do®,
I-mo"-ka the a-gi bi the, the, the, he the,
Wa-xthe i-mo"-ka the a-gi bi the,
Wa-xthe i-mo*-ka the a-gi bi the,
Mo?-thi2-ka thi-shto® bi tho" dse.
(BULL. 101
LA FLESCHE]
OSAGE WAR CEREMONY
Sone 2
(Free translation, p. 81)
1
Mo»-thi2-ka thi-shto" bi tho” dse,
Da-do® i-mo*-ka the a-gi be,
Da-do® i-mo®-ka the a-gi be,
Da-do® i-mo*-ka the a-gi be, the, he the,
I-ba i-mo®-ka the a-gi be,
[-ba i-mo*-ka the a-gi be,
Mo»-thi*-ka thi-shto® bi tho" dse,
Da-do® i-mo"-ka the a-gi be.
2
Mo?-thi®-ka thi-shto® bi tho" dse,
Da-do® i-mo»-ka the a-gi be,
Da-do® i-mo*-ka the a-gi be,
Da-do® i-mo®-ka the a-gi be the, he the,
We-tsi" i-mo*-ka the a-gi be,
We-tsi® i-mo"-ka the a-gi be,
Mo»-thi»-ka thi-shto® bi tho» dse,
Da-do® i-mo”-ka the a-gi be.
3
Mo>-thi®-ka thi-shto® bi tho" dse,
Da-do® i-mo*-ka the a-gi be,
Da-do" i-mo2-ka the a-gi be,
Da-do® i-mo2-ka the a-gi be the, he the,
Mo?-hi i-mo-ka the a-gi be,
Mo»-hi® i-mo*-ka the a-gi be,
Mo»-thi®-ka thi-shto® bi tho® dse,
Da-do® i-mo*-ka the a-gi be.
4
Mo2-thi®-ka thi-shto® bi tho" dse,
Da-do® i-mo-ka the a-gi be,
Da-do® i-mo"-ka the a-gi be,
Ki-no® i-mo"-ka the a-gi be,
Ki-no® i-mo-ka the a-gi be,
Mo2-thi*-ka thi-shto® bi tho" dse,
Da-do® i-mo-ka the a-gi be.
5
Mo2-thi»-ka thi-shto® bi tho® dse,
Da-do® i-mo*®-ka the a-gi be,
Da-do® i-mo2-ka the a-gi be,
Da-do® i-mo*-ka the a-gi be the, he the,
Wa-xthe i-mo*-ka the a-gi be
Wa-xthe i-mo*-ka the a-gi be,
Mo?-thi®-ka thi-shto® bi tho" dse,
Da-do® i-mo®-ka the a-gi be.
83773—39——12
169
170
BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY
Ts U-THvu-Gi-pE Wa-THO*
House Entering Song
(Free translation, p. 82)
1
Wi-e ha-gthi= do, wi-e ha-gthi* da,
Wi-e ha-gthi* do, wi-e ha-gthi= da,
Tsi u-ho"-ge dsi ha-gthi= da,
Wi-e ha-gthi= da.
2
Wi-e ha-gthi® do, wi-e ha-gthi> da,
Wi-e ha-gthi* do, wi-e ha-gthi= da,
Tsi u-sda ge dsi ha-gthi= da,
Wi-e ha-gthi" da.
3
Wi-e ha-gthi" do, wi-e ha-gthi" da,
Wi-e ha-gthi" do, wi-e ha-gthi® da,
Tsi-da-ce dsi ha-gthi> da,
Wi-e ha-gthi" da.
4
Wi-e ha-gthi" do, wi-e ha-gthi= da,
Wi-e ha-gthi® do, wi-e ha-gthi> da,
Tsi-zhe-be dsi ha-gthi* da,
Wi-e ha-gthi* da.
5
Wi-e ha-gthi* do, wi-e ha-gthi» da,
Wi-e ha-gthi* do, wi-e ha-gthi= da,
Tsi-u-thu-ga dsi ha-gthi® da,
Wi-e ha-gthi" da.
6
Wi-e ha-gthi* do, wi-e ha-gthi" da,
Wi-e ha-gthi" do, wi-e ha-gthi= da,
Tsi-xi7 dse dsi ha-gthi= da,
Wi-e ha-gthi» da.
7
Wi-e ha-gthi* do, wi-e ha-gthi= da,
Wi-e ha-gthi* do, wi-e ha-gthi® da,
Thi u-ba-he dsi ha-gthi= da,
Wi-e ha-gthi" da.
8
Wi-e ha-gthi* do, wi-e ha-gthi* da,
Wi-e ha-gthi" do, wi-e ha-gthi* da,
O-ko*-cka dsi ha-gthi= da,
Wi-e ha-gthi" da.
9
Wi-e ha-gthi* do, wi-e ha-gthi* da,
Wi-e ha-gthi* do, wi-e ha-gthi* da,
U-zhe-tsi dsi ha-gthi" da,
Wi-e ha-gthi" da.
[BuLt. 101
La FLEscue] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY La
10
Wi-e ha-gthi* do, wi-e ha-gthi* da,
Wi-e ha-gthi= do, wi-e ha-gthi= da,
Thiu-xpe to" dsi ha-gthi* da,
Wi-e ha-gthi" da.
11
Wi-e ha-gthi" do, wi-e ha-gthi" da,
Wi-e ha-gthi do, wi-e ha-gthi" da,
Tsi-hu-ko®-dsi ha-gthi" da,
Wi-e ha-gthi" da.
12
Wi-e ha-gthi" do, wi-e ha-gthi" da,
Wi-e ha-gthi" do, wi-e ha-gthi® da,
Ho»-ba ge dsi ha-gthi" da,
Wi-e ha-gthi" da.
WE’-KI-SHNO” Wa-THO®
Delight Songs
(Free translation, p. 84)
1
Sho-ka o-to" bi the, sho-ka o®-to®-bi the,
Sho-ka 0®-to®-bi the, sho-ka o®-to®-bi the,
Sho-ka o®-to" bi the, sho-ka 0®-to" bi the,
Sho-ka o®-to" bi the, sho-ka o0*-to" bi the,
Sho-ka o2-to" bi the, sho-ka o®-to" bi the,
2
Waz-shi 02-to® bi the, wa-shi o®-to" bi the, etc.
3
Ni a-gi 0®-to"® bi the, ni a-gi 02-to" bi the, etc.
4
Zho® a-gi o2-to® bi the, zho™ a-gi o®-to" bi the, ete.
5
Da-gthe 0®-to" bi the, da-gthe o2-to bi the; etc.
Pr’-psE U-K’1 Wr’-GI-E
Fire Offering Ritual
(Free translation, p. 94)
1
. He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Tse’-xe ni-ka-pu zhi™-ga tse no" a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
. E’-dsi i-tse-the tse a-tha e-ki-a bi a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
. E’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Da’-do i-ga-ho*-gthe o®-kshi-the ta ba do” e-ki-a bi a’, a bi® da,
tsi ga,
6. He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
7. VY” zhi"-ga do-ba’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
8, I’-ga-ho"-gthe to" kshi the a-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga.
or WN eR
172
BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [BuLt. 101
2
. He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Da’-wi-xe wi" u-tsi i-he-tha bi do" a, a bi? da, tsi ga,
. Ta’-dse ga-xpa dsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Da’-wi?-xe wi? u-tsi 1-he-tha bi no" a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Wa/’-thi?-e-cka tsi i-he-tha zhi a-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Ni’-ka-shi’ e-ki-tho*-ba’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
. U’-tsi i-he-tha bi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Wa’-dsu-ta ha-gi tha zhi kshi-the mo?-thi" ta ba sho" a-ka’, a bi®
da, tsi ga.
3
. Ta’-dse mo™-ha dsi a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
. Da’-wi?-xe wi? u-tsi 1-he-tha bi no" a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
. Wa’-thi®-e-cka tsi i-he-tha zhi a-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Ni’-ka-shi’ e-ki-tho?-ba’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
. U’-tsi i-he-tha bi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
. Wa’-dsu-ta i-gi-bo"-ho” mo?-thi® ta ba sho" a-ka’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
. Wa’-dsu-ta ha-gi tha zhi mo?-thi” ta ba sho” a-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga.
4
. He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Ta’-dse ba-co" dsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Da’-wi"-xe wi" u-tsi i-he-tha bi kshe no? a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Wa’-thi"-e-cka tsi i-he-tha zhi a-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Ni’-ki-shi’ e-ki-tho"-ba’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. U’-tsi i-he-tha bi kshe a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Wa’-dsu-ta i-gi-bo®-ho" mo®-thi® ta ba sho" a-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Wa’-dsu-ta ha-gi tha zhi mo®-thi” ta ba sho" a-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga.
5
. He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Ta’-dse a-k’a dsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Da’-wi?-xe wi? u-tsi i-he-tha bi kshe no” a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Wa’-thi®-e-cka tsi 1-he-tha zhi a-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Ni’-ka-shi’ e-ki-tbo"-ba’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
. U’-tsi i-he-tha bi kshe a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
. Wa’-dsu-ta i-gi-bo"-ho" mo*-thi® ta ba sho" a-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Wa’-dsu-ta ha-gi tha zhi mo”-thi" ta ba sho" a-ka, a bi? da, tsi ga,
. He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Ho™-ba tha-gthi® xtsi a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
. Wa’-dsu-ta wa-no"-xe a-ta i-the mo®-thi" ta ba sho" a-ka, a bi" da,
tsi ga.
oo —
La Frescue] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 173
6
46. He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
47. U’-ho" u-p’u-tho" ga tse a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
48. Wa’-thi"-e-cka she-mo" mo”-zhi i” da’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
49. Wa’-dsu-ta, a bi” da, tsi ga,
50. U’-ga-co"-thi" thi"-ge a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
51. I’-u-p’u-p’u-tho” the no" no" a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
52. Sho” xtsi ga-xa bi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
53. He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
54. Wa’-dsu-ta wa-no?-xe a-ta i-the mo"-thi" ta ba sho” a-ka’, a bi? da,
tsi ga.
4
55. He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
56. U’-ho® u-ba-wi?-xe ga thi"-kshe a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
57. Wa’-thi?-e-cka sho" ba zhi a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
58. U’-ga-co™-thi® xtsi thi"-ge a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
59. Wa’-dsu-ta u-ba-wi"-xe the no” no" a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
60. Sho” xtsi ga-xe a-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
61. Wa/’-dsu-ta i-gi-bo"-ho® mo”-thi" ta ba sho" a-ka, a bi" da, tsi ga,
62. Wa’-dsu-ta ha-gi tha zhi mo"-thi" ta ba sho" a-ka’, a bi® da, tsi ga.
8
63. He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
64. U’-ho" ba-da-zhe ga kshe a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
65. Wa’-thi®-e-cka sho" ba zhi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
66. Wa’-dsu-ta, a bi" da, tsi ga,
67. U’-ga-cgo"-xtsi thi’-ge a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
68. U’-wa-bi" ba-da-da-zhe the no" no® a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
69. Sho” xtsi ga-xe a-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
70. Wa/’-dsu-ta i-gi-bo"-ho" mo?-thi" ta ba sho" a-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
71. Wa’-dsu-ta ha-gi tha zhi mo"-thi® ta ba sho" a-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga.
9
72. He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
73. U’-ho® a-xto” ga tse a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
74. Wa’-thi"-e-cka sho" ba zhi a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
75. Wa’-dsu-ta’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
76. U’-ga-co"-thi®-xtsi thi®-ge a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
77. ’ wa-bi® a-gi-gi-no"-zhi® the no® a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
78. Sho” xtsi ga-xe a-ka’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
79, Wa’-dsu-ta 1-gi-go"-ho” mo?-thi® ta ba sho" a-ka’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
80. Wa’-dsu-ta ha-gi tha zhi mo®-thi® ta ba sho" a-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
81. He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga
82. Ho™-ba tha-gthi" xtsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
83. Wa’-dsu-ta wa-no"-xe a-ta i-the mo®-thi® ta ba sho" a-ka’, a bi®
da, tsi ga.
174
00 MD on wo NS
BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [Butt. 101
Pr’-psE Wr’-GI-E
Fire Ritual
(Wa-ca’-be Gens)
(Free translation, p. 98)
1
. Da’ a bi? da, tsi ga,
. Ta’-dse we-do-ba the tse a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Ta’-dse ga-spa dsi a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
Da’-wi"-xe wi" u-tsi i-he-tha bi" da’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Wa’-thi®-e-cka shki i-he-tha ba zhi i" da’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
Wa’-dsu-ta i-gi ga-xe a-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Wa’-dsu-ta i-gi-bo"-ho” mo?-thi" ta ba sho” a-ka’, a bi™ da, tsi ga,
. Wa’-dsu-ta ha-gi tha zhi mo®-thi” ta ba sho” a-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga.
2
. Da’ a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Ta’-dse a-k’a dsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Da’-wi®-xe wi? u-tsi i-he-tha bi" da’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
. Wa’-thi®-e-cka shki i-he-tha ba zhi i" da’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Wa’-dsu-ta ga-xe a-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Wa’-dsu-ta i-gi-bo"-ho" mo”-thi" ta ba sho" a-ka’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
. Wa’-dsu-ta ha-gi tha zhi mo?-thi" ta ba sho" a-ka’, a bi" da, {si ga.
3
. Da’ a bi® da, tsi ga,
. Ta’-dse mo*-ha dsj a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
. Da’-wi?-xe wi? u-tsi 1-he-tha bi" da’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Wa’-thi®-e-cka shki i-he-tha ba zhi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Wa’-dsu-ta i-gi ga-xe a-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Wa’-dsu-ta i-gi-bo"-ho” mo?-thi® ta ba sho" a-ka’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
. Wa’-dsu-ta ha-gi tha zhi mo®-thi" ta ba sho" a-ka’,a bi" da, tsi ga.
4
. Da’ a bi® da, tsi ga,
. Ta’-dse ba-co® dsi a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
. Da’-wi®-xe wi® u-tsi i-he-tha bi" da’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Wa’-thi®-e-cka shki i-he-tha ba zhi i? da’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Wa’-dsu-ta i-gi ga-xe a-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Wa’-dsu-ta i-gi-bo"-ho® mo?-thi® ta ba sho® a-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Wa’-dsu-ta ha-gi tha zhi mo"-thi® ta ba sho" a-ka’, a bi” da, tsi ga.
5
. Da’ a bi? da, tsi ga,
. U’-ho" u-p’u-tho® ga tse a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
. Wa’-thi?-e-cka sho" ba zhi a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
. O”-ba i-ta-xe tho" dsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Wa’-dsu-ta, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. I’ u-p’u-tho® the no® no? a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
La FLESCHE] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 5
36. Sho™ xtsi ga-xa bi" da’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
37. I’-thi-hi-dse mo®-thi® bi do” shki a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
38. I’-thi-hi-dse gi-o-ts’e-ga ki-the mo®-thi" ta bi" da’, a bi® da, tsi ga.
6
39. Da’ a bi" da, tsi ga,
40. U’-ho" u-ba-wi"-xe ga thi"-kshe a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
41. BH’ shki wa-thi"-e-gka sho" ba zhi a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
42. O”-ba i-ta-xe tho” dsi a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
43. Wa’-dsu-ta’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
44, U’-ba-wi®-xe the no" no” a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
45. Sho” xtsi ga-xa bi" da’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
46. I’-thi-hi-dse mo®-thi" bi do” gi-o-ts’e-ga ki-the mo"-thi” ta i tsi”
da’, a bi? da, tsi ga.
7
47. Da’ a bi" da, tsi ga,
48. U’-ho" ba-da-da-zhe ga tse a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
49. E’ shki do" a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
50. Wa/’-thi®-e-cka sho" ba zhi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga
51, O"-ba i-ta-xe tho” dsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
52. Wa’-dsu-ta, a bi" da, tsi ga,
53. U’ ba-da-da-zhe the no" no" a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
54. Sho™ xtsi ga-xa bi" da’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
55. I’-thi-hi-dse mo®-thi® bi do" shki a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
56. I’-thi-hi-dse gi-o-ts’e-ga ki-the mo®-thi" ta bi"-da’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
8
57. Da’ a bi" da, tsi ga,
58. U’-ho® da-ci-ge ga tse a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
59. E’ shki wa-thi® e-cka sho" ba zhi a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
60. O'-ba i-ta-xe tho" dsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
61. Wa’-dsu-ta, a bi" da, tsi ga,
62. A’-ki-wi-ci-ci the no" no" a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
63. Sho” xtsi ga-xa bi" da, a bi? da, tsi ga,
64. I’-thi-hi-dse mo™-thi" bi do” shki a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
65. I’-thi-hi-dse gi-o-ts’e-ga ki-the mo®-thi" ta bi" da, a bi? da, tsi ga.
9
66. Da’ a bi? da, tsi ga,
67. U’-ho" a-xto® ga tse a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
68. Wa’-thi®-e-cka sho” ba zhi a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
69. Wa’-dsu-ta, a bi™ da, tsi ga,
70. O”-ba i-ta-xe tho" dsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
71. I’ wa bi® a-gino®-zhi"-zhi" the no” no" a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
72. Sho” xtsi ga-xa bi" da’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
73. I’-thi-hi-dse mo®-thi" bi do” shki a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
74. I’-thi-hi-dse gi-o-ts’e-ga ki-the mo®-thi® ta bi" da’, a bi? da, tsi ga.
176 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY (Burn. 101
10
75. Da’ a bi" da, tsi ga,
76. Wa’-dsu-ta, a bi® da, tsi ga,
77. O”-ba tha-gthi" shki a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
78. U’-hi ta thi? shki do" a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
79. O'-ba tha-gthi® shki u-hi ga-xe mo*-thi® ta ba sho” a-ka’, a bi®
da, tsi ga.
Ki’-No™ WY -GI-E
Painting Ritual
(Free translation, p. 102)
. He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
. Zhi’-ga da-do" ki-no” gi-the ta ba do" a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. E’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
[’” zhi®-ga do-ba’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
A’-ki-ko® i-tse-the a-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. E’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Ca’ zhi®-ga ha-tho"-cka ha do” a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
. Thi’-btho®-btho"-xe a-tsi a-the a-ka’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
. E’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
10. U’-ba-mo?-xe i-tse-the a-ka’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
11. E’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
12. Da’-k’o i-the ga-xe a-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
13. O’-da-bthu i-the ga-xe a-ka’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
14. Mo”™-xe a-tha k’a-be do” a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
15. Da’-zhu-dse i-no"-the a-ka’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
16. He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
17. Zhi’-ga ki-no® gi-the tse a-tha e-ki-a bi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
18. He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
19. Tsi’-zhu U-dse-the Pe-tho?-ba’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
20. U’-ca-ka thi®-ge i-he-the a-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga.
21. He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
22. Da’-do® i-tha-thu-ce tse do” e-ki-a bi a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
23. He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi'.da, tsi ga,
24. Tse’-ha-wa-gthe zhu-dse thi"-kshe a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
25. I’-tha-thu-ce tse a-tha e-ki-a bi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
26. I’-tha-thu-ce kshi-tha bifdo” a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
27. Mi’ hi-e ge ta’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
28. Wa’-pa-hi u-ki-a-sha thi™-ge a-thi? a-hi bi shki do" a’, a bi" da,
tsi ga,
29. Wa’-pa-hi a-gtha ba zhi ki-the mo*-thi" ta bi tsi™ da e tsi-the, a’,
a bi? da, tsi ga.
LA FLESCHE] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 17%
30.
31.
32.
33.
Tse’-ha-wa-gthe zhu-dse thi"-kshe a’, a bi® da, tsi ga.
]’-tha-thu-ce o0°-gi-tha bi do” a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
Mi’ hi-e ge ta’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Wa’-pa-hi a-ki-a-sha thi®-ge a-thi™ a-hi bi skhi do" a’, a bi" da,
tsi ga,
. Wa’-pa-hi a-bu-zha-ge bi ki-the mo*-thi® ta bi tsi" da e-tsi-the a’,
a bi" da, tsi ga.
. Tse’-ha-wa-gthe zhu-dse thi™-kshe a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. I’-tha-thu-ce 0°-gi-tha bi do” a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
. Mi’ hi-e ge ta’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Wa’-pa-hi u-ki-sha thi®-ge a thi" a-hi bi shki do” a’, a bi™ da,
tsi ga,
. Wa’-pa-hi a-ki-zha-ta bi ki-the mo"-thi" ta bi tsi" da e’ tsi-the a’,
a bi? da, tsi ga,
. Tse’-ha-wa-gthe zhu-dse thi"-kshe a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. I’-tha-thu-ce o°-gi-tha bi do” a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Mi hi-e ge ta’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Wa’-pa-hi u-ki-a-sha thi®-ge a-thi® a-hi bi shki do” a’, a bi” da,
tsi ga,
. Wa’-pa-hi ge-go® bi o°-ki-the o°-mo"-thi” ta bi tsi" da e-tsi-the a’,
a bi” da, tsi ga.
. He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Sho” da-do® i-tha-thu-ce tse do” e-ki-e a-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Wa’-ko"-da Ho®-ba do" thi"-kshe a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
. I’-tha-thu-ce tse a-tha e-ki-e a-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Wa’-ko®-da Ho®-ba do? thi®-kshe a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. I’-tha-thu-ce 0°-gi-tha bi do" a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Wa’-ko®-da no®-wa-pa bi o®-mo®-thi® ta bi tsi da e-tsi-the a’, a
bi" da, tsi ga,
. Wa’-ko"-da Ho-ba do” thi"-kshe a’ a bi" da, tsi ga,
. I’-tha-thug-e 0°-gi-tha bi do” a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Wa’-ko"-da e-shki do" a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. [®-dse u®-wa-ki-a-ta ba zhi o°-mo?-thi® ta bi tsi" da e-tsi-the a’,
a bi? da, tsi ga.
178
BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY (Butt. 101
WYr-cI-E To%-Ga
Ritual Great
(Free translation, p. 104)
1
. He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Tsi’-zhu U-dse-the Pe-tho"-ba ni-ka-shi-ga a-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Wi'-co"-ga, e-ki-a bi a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
Wo'-da hiu-dse o°-ga-tha ba tho” ta zhi i" da, e-ki-a bi a’, a bi®
da, tsi ga,
. U’-to"-be ga-xe tse a-tha, e-ki-e a-ka’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
. He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
. Sho’-ka wa-ba-xi to" a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Wi’-co"-ga, e-gi-a bi a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
. Wo™-da hiu-dse ta o?-ga-tha ba tho® ta zhi i? da, e gi-a bi a’, a
bi" da, tsi ga,
. O’-to"-be ga-xa thi" ha, e-gi-e a-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
. Wa’-zhi"-ga wa-tha-xthi thi"-ge kshe no" a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Zho’-gthe gi e do" a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Wi’-zhi®-the, e-tsi-the a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. The’ i-hiu-dse o°-ga-the ta bi a-tha, e-tsi-the a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
. She’ sho” e tho, e-tsi-the a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
. Wa’-zhi"-ga wa-tha-xthi thi’-ge kshe a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. I’-hiu-dse a-hiu bi a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
. U’-ga-wi"-xe do-ba ga-xe no"-zhi® a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. U’-ga-wi?-xe wi? ni-ka-shi-ga zhi a-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. U’-ga-wi"-xe tho"-ba ni-ka-shi-ga ba zhi a’, a bi® da, {si ga,
. U’-ga-wi"-xe tha-bthi® ni-ka-shi-ga zhi a-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. U’-ga-wi"-xe do-ba ni-ka-shi"-ga bi a’, a bi? da, tsi ga.
2
. He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Wi'-co"-ga, e-ki-a, bi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Hiu’-dse o®-ga-the ta bi a-tha, e-ki-a bi a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
. He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
. Ci’-thu-ca ba do" a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
. O’-ba-no"-the do-ba ga-xe a-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Ci’-thu-ca ba do” a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Zho™-pa-ce pe-tho"-ba’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
. Ga’ a-to” a-ti a-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Ci’-thu-ca ba do” a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Ni’ a-hi-no"-zhi® bi a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
La FLESCH] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 179
36. Ci’-thu-ca ba do" a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
37. Ni’ a-hi-no®-zhi® a-ka’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
38. Ci’-thu-cga ba do” a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
39. Shi’ ni a-hi-no"-zhi" bi a’, a bi” da, tsi ga.
3
40. He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi™ da, tsi ga,
41, Ci’-thu-ca ba do” a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
42. I’ pa-ci ha-tho"-cka do” a’, a bi" da, {si ga,
43. He’-dsi xtsi hi no*-zhi" a-ka’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
44, Ci’-thu-ca ba do” a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
45. U’-k’u-be ha-tho"-cka do" a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
46. Thiu’-xe ts’a-zhi to" no" a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
47. K’-dsi xtsi hi no®-zhi" a-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga.
4
48. Ci’-thu-ca ba do” a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
49, Mo”™-xe kshe a-ga-ha’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
50. Hi’ no"-zhi" a-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
51. He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
52. Wi’-co"-ga, e-ki-a bi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
53. Wo™-da ga-ni-tha’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
54. Ci’ o®-thu-ga ba tho” ta zhi a, wi’-co™-ga, e-ki-a bi a’, a bi® da,
{si ga,
55. O’-to™-be ga-xe tse a-tha, e-ki-a bi a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
56. Sho’-ka wa-ba-xi to" a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
57. Wi’-co"-ga, e-gi-a bi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
58. Wo™-da ga-ni-tha’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
59. Ci o®-thu-ca ba tho” ta zhi i” da, e-gi-e a-ka’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
60. Sho’-ka wa-ba-xi to" a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
61. Thu-e’ xtsi the do" a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
62. I”-zhu-dse thi®-kshe no? a’ a bi" da, tsi ga,
63. K’-dsi xtsi a-thi? gi e do" a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
64. Wi’-zhi"-the, e-tsi-the a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
65, The’ zhi"-ga ¢i-u-ko" tha ba tho” tse i da, e-tsi-the a’, a bi® da,
tsi ga,
66. Zhi’’-ga gi-u-ko" the ta bi tse a, wi-co"-ga, e-gi-e a-ka’, a bi? da,
tsi ga,
67. Zhi’’-ga gi-u-ko" the mo”-thi” bi do" a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
68. Ci’ ba-xthu-ga zhi ki-the mo*-thi® ta bi tsi” da, e-tsi-the a’, a
bi? da, tsi ga,
69. Ci-u’ 1 ki i-ts’a thi®-ge ki-the mo”-thi" ta bi tsi" da, e-tsi-the a’,
a bi? da, tsi ga,
70. Xa’-dse no™-sha-tha-ge ki-the mo”-thi" ta bi tsi? da, e-tsi-the a’,
a bi" da, tsi ga.
.
P
BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [BULL. 101 —
5
. He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Sho’-ka wa-ba-xi to” a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Thu-e’ xtsi the do" a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
. I” ca-be thi®-kshe no” a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
. E’-dsi xtsi a-thi® gi e-do” a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Wi’-zhi"-the, e-tsi-the a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
. The’ zhi®-ga gi-u-ko" tha ba tho” tse i" da, e-tsi-the a’, a bi® da,
tsi ga,
. Zhi’-ga ¢i-u-ko” the ta bi tse a, wi-co"-ga, e-gi-e a-ka’, a bi? da,
tsi ga,
. Zhi’-ga ci-u-ko" the mo?-thi" bi do” a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Ci-v’ i-ki 1-ts’a thi™-ge ki-the mo”-thi” ta bi tsi" da, e-tsi-the a’
a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Cl’ ba-xtho-ga zhi ki-the mo"-thi® ta bi tsi" da, e-tsi-the a’, a bi?
da, tsi ga,
. Xa’‘-dse no?-sha-tha-ge ki-the mo"-thi® ta bi tsi" da, e-tsi-the a’,
a bi" da, {si ga.
6
. K’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Sho’-ka wa-ba-xi to” a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Thu-e’ xtsi the do" a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
. P™-zhu-cka thi"-kshe no" a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
. K’-dsi xtsi a-thi" gi e do" a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
. Wyi’-zhi"-the, e-tsi-the a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
. The’ zhi®-ga gi-u-ko" tha ba tho” tse 1" da, e-tsi-the a’, a bi da,
tsi ga,
. Zhit’-ga gi-u-ko® the ta bi tse a’, wi-go”-ga, e-gi-e a-ka’, a bi® da,
tsi ga,
. Zhi’-ga gi-u-ko" the mop-thi" bi do” a’, a bi™ da, tsi ga,
. Ci’ ba-xtho-ga zhi ki-the mo?-thi® ta bi tsi" da, e-tsi-the a’, a
bi" da, tsi ga,
. Ci-u’ ki i-ts’a thi"-ge ki-the mo"-thi" ta bi tsi? da, e-tsi-the a’,
a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Xa’-dse no*-sha-tha-ge ki-the mo”-thi" ta bi tsi" da, e-tsi-the a’,
a bi? da, tsi ga.
lad
‘
. He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
. Wi’-co"-ga, e-ki-a bi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Wa’-xo-be pi-zhi a’, a bi da, tsi ga,
. We’-ki-k’o" thi-ge i" da, e-ki-e a-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Sho’-ka wa-ba-xi to" a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. O’-to"-be ga-xe thi" ha, e-gi-e a-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Thu-e’ xtsi the do" a, a bi" da, tsi ga,
LA FLEscaE] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 181
102.
103.
104.
105.
106.
107.
108.
109.
110.
cit.
112.
113.
114.
115.
116.
WaT.
118.
119.
120.
121.
122.
123.
124.
125.
126.
127.
128.
129.
130.
131.
132.
133.
Mo”™-hi"-gi zhu-dse thi"-kshe no” a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
K’-dsi xtsi a-thi" gi e do" a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Wy’-zhi"-the, e-tsi-the a", a bi® da, tsi ga,
The’ zhi"-ga mo®-hi" tha ba tho” tse i" da, e-tsi-the a’, a bi" da,
tsi ga,
Zhi”-ga mo”-hi" tha ba tho" ta zhi a, wi-co"-ga, e-gi-e a-ka’, a
bi? da, tsi ga,
K’-zhi ¢ka u-to"-ga xtsi" da, e-gi-e a-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
O’-to"-be ga-xa thi" ha, e-gi-e a-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
8
Sho’-ka wa-ba-xi to" a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Thu-e’ xtsi the do" a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
Mo?-hi"-ci to-ho thi"-kshe no” a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
K’-dsi xtsi a-thi" gi e do" a, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Wy’-zhi?-the, e-tsi-the a’- a bi" da, tsi ga,
The’ zhi®-ga mo*-hi® tha ba tho" tse 1° da, e-tsi-the a’, a bi® da,
tsi ga,
Zhi”-ga mo"-hi" tha ba tho" ta zhi, a wi-co"-ga, e-gi-e a-ka’, a
bi" da, tsi ga,
K’-zhi cka u-to"-ga xtsi" da, e-gi-a bi a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
O’-to®-be ga-xa thi" ha, e-gi-a bi a’, a bi? da, tsi ga.
9
E’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Thu-e’ xtsi the do" a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
Mo”-hi"-ci ca-be thi"-kshe no" a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
K’-dsi xtsi a-thi" gi e do” a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
Wi'-zhi"-the, e-tsi-the a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
The’ zhi"-ga mo*-hi" tha ba tho” tse i” da, e-tsi-the a’, a bi® da,
tsi ga,
Zhi*’-ga mo"-hi" tha ba tho" ta zhi a, wi-co"-ga, e-gi-e a-ka, a bi®
da, tsi ga,
K’-zhi ¢ka u-to"-ga xtsi" da, e-gi-e bi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
O’-to"-be ga-xa thi" ha, e-gi-e a-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga.
10
K’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Thu-e’ xtsi the do” a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
Mo” -hi® i-ba btho-ga kshe no? a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
K’-dsi xtsi a-thi" gi e do” a’, a bi da, tsi ga,
Wi'-zhi"-the, e-tsi-the a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
The’ zhi"-ga mo?-hi® tha ba tho” tse i" da, e-tsi-the a’, a bi® da
tsi ga,
She’ sho e tho, e-tsi-the a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
182
134.
135.
136.
137.
138.
139.
140.
141.
142.
143.
144,
145.
146.
147.
148.
149.
150.
151.
152.
153.
154.
155.
156.
157.
158.
159.
160.
161.
162.
163.
164.
165.
166.
Lez.
168.
BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY {BULL. 101
She e’shno® u-tha-dse tha to” she a’, wi-go"-ga, e-gi-e a-ka’, a bi®
da, tsi ga,
Zhi’ -ga mo*-hi" tha ba tho® tse i da, e-tsi-the a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
Zhi”-ga mo"-hi® the mo®-thi" bi do” a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
Mo”-hi® gi-pa-hi ki-the mo®-thi" ta bi tsi? da, e-tsi-the a’, a bi?
da, tsi ga,
Da’ i-ba-kshi" da zhi ki-the ta bi tsi" da, e-tsi-the a’, a bi da,
tsi ga.
11
He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Sho’-ka wa-ba-xi to” a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
Wi'-co"-ga, e-gi-a bi a’, a bi™ da ,tsi ga,
Wa’-xo-be pi-zhi a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
We’-ki-k’o" thi"-ge i" da, e-gi-a bi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
O’-to®-be ga-xa thi™ ha, e-gi-e a-ka’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
Thu-e’ xtsi the do" a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Po?-to"-ga hi zhi-ga to" no" a,’ a bi? da, tsi ga,
E’-dsi xtsi a-thi" gi e do" a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Wi'-zhi"-the, e-tsi-the a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
The’ zhi®-ga we-ga-tho"-ca ba tho” tse i” da, e-tsi-the a’, a bi" da,
tsi ga,
Zhi’-ga we-ga-tho*-ca ba tho" ta zhi a’, wi-co"-ga, e-gi-e a-ka,
a bi” da, tsi ga,
O’-to®-be ga-xa thi” ha, e-gi-e a-ka’, a bi? da, tsi ga.
12
K’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
Thu-e’ xtsi the do" a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
Po®-to"-ga hi to” no” a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
K’-dsi xtsi a-thi® gi e do” a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
Wi'-zhi®-the, e-tsi-the a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
The’ zhi®-ga we-ki i-he-tha ba tho” tse i" da, e-tsi-the a’, a bi?
da, tsi ga,
K’-zhi ¢ka u-to"-ga xtsi" da, e-gi-e a-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Zhi" -ga we-ga-tho™-ca ba tho” ta zhi i” da, e-gi-a bi a’, a bi® da,
tsi ga,
O’-to"-be ga-xa thi® ha, e-gi-e a-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga.
13
He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Thu-e’, xtsi the do" a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
Po” to"-ga t’o-xe to" no" a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
K’-dsi xtsi a-thi® gi e do" a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
Wi’-zhi"-the, e-tsi-the a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
The’ zhi®-ga we-ki i-he-tha ba tho” tse i? da, e-tsi-the a’, a bi”
da, tsi ga,
Zhi” -ga we-ki i-he-tha ba tho" ta zhi a’, wi-co™-ga, e-gi-a bi a’,
a bi? da, tsi ga,
O’-to"-be ga-xa thi" ha, e-gi-e a-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga.
La FLEscHE] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 183
169.
170.
v7 1.
172.
173.
174.
HTD:
176.
vee
178.
179.
180.
181.
182.
183.
184.
185.
186.
187.
188.
too;
14
Thu-e’ xtsi the do" a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Zho™ zhi-hi to" no" a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
K’-dsi xtsi a-thi" gi e do" a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
Wi’-zhi®-the, e-tsi-the a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
The’ zhi-ga we-ki i-he-tha ba tho? tse i7 da, e-tsi-the a’, a bi?
da, tsi ga,
Zhi” -ga we-ki i-he-tha ba tho" ta zhi a, tha e-gi-e a-ka’, a bi" da,
tsi ga,
O’-to"-be ga-xa thi" ha, e-gi-a bi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
15
He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Thu-e’ xtsi the do" a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
Zho™ sha-be to" no” a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
E’-dsi xtsi a-thi" gi e do" a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Wi’-zhi®-the, e-tsi-the a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
The’ zhi-ga we-ki i-he-tha ba tho" tse i" da, e-tsi-the a’, a bi®
da, tsi ga,
Zhi’-ga we-ki i1-he-tha ba tho? ta zhi" da, e-gi-e a-ka’, a bi® da,
tsi ga,
K’-zhi cka u-to"-ga xtsi 1" da, e-gi-a bi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
O’-to"-be ga-xa thi" ha, e-gi-e a-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga.
° 16
Thu-e’ xtsi the do" a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Thiuv’ xe ci to" no" a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
He’-dsi xtsi a-thi" gi e do" a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Wi’-zhi-the, e-tsi-the a’, a bi da, tsi ga,
The’ zhi"-ga we-ki i-he-tha ba tho” tse i” da, e-tsi-the a’, a bi®
da, tsi ga,
. Zhi’-ga we-ki i-he-tha ba tho" ta zhi a, wi-co"-ga, e-gi-e a-ka’,
a bi" da, tsi ga,
. O’-to™-be ga-xa thi" ha, e-gi-e, a-ka’ a bi™ da, tsi ga.
17
. Thu-e’ xtsi the do" a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Thiu’-xe ts’a-zhi to" no" a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
. E’-dsi xtsi a-thi" gi e do" a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Wi’-zhi®-the, e-tsi-the a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. The’ zhi*-ga we-ki i-he-tha ba tho? tse 1" da, e-tsi-the a’, a bi" da,
tsi ga,
. She’ e shno® u-tha-dse tha to™ she a, wi-co"-ga, e-gi-e a-ka’, a
bi? da, tsi ga,
. Zhi’-ga we-ki i-he-the mo?-thi" ta bi tsi" da, e-tsi-the a’, a bi™
da, tsi ga.
184 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [BuLt. 101
18
199. He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
200. Mo”-hi" i-ba btho-ga do" a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
201. Gthu’-ce a-tsi-tha bi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
202. I’-ba-¢gpo" a-tsi-a-tha ba do" a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
203. Wa-bi" ba-dsu-zhe gthe to? a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
204. Ba’-zha-be a-tsi-a-tha bi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
205. Ta’-dse the-tse e-no"-ha kshi the a-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
206. Ba’-xo" a-tsi-a-tha bi a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
207. Ba’-ge-be a-tsi-a-the a-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
208. We’-tsi" ho-no*-ka e-go" kshe a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
209. Gthi’-shto” a-tsi-a-the a-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
210. Zhu’-dse the a-sti-a-tha bi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
211. Gthu’-shto" a-tsi-a-tha bi a’, a bi® da, tsi ga.
19
212. He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
213. We’-tsi" ho-no"-ka e-go" ke a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
214. Gthi’-co"-co"-tha ba do” a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
215. No™-be u-bi zhu-zhu the a-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
216. Bi’-hu-to" u-ha-ha a-ka’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
217. We’-tsi” no"-pe-wa-the xtsi" da, e-ki-e a-ka’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
218. We’-tsi" wa-ko"-da xtsi" da, e-ki-e a-ka’, a bi" da, {si ga.
-
20
219. K’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
220. Wi'-co"-ga, e-ki-a bi a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
221. Wa’-xo-be pi-zhi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
222. We’-ki-k’o" thi"-ge i" da, e-ki-a bi a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
223. O’-to"-be ga-xe tse a-tha, e-ki-a bi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
224. He’ dsi xtsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
225. Sho’-ka wa-ba-xi to" a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
226. Thu-e’ xtsi the do" a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
227. U’-pa-ce tho” dsi a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
228. Wi’-co"-ga she gi thi® da, e-ki-a bi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
229. U’-gi-ki-a ba thi” ha, e-ki-e a-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
230. Wi'-co"-ga, e-gi-a bi a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
231. Ha’-ta-ha xtsi a’, a bi™ da, tsi ga,
232. Wa/-xpa-thi" tha-thi" sha zhi no®, e-gi-a bi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
233. He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
234. Wi’-zhi?-the, e-tsi,the a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
235. U’-k’u-be wi" pshi a tha, e-tsi-the a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
236. O-ha-go" mo"-zhi xtsi" da, e-tsi-the a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
237. U’-to®-be ga-xa thi" ha, e-gi-e a-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga.
La FLescue] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 185
238.
239.
240.
241.
242.
243.
244.
245.
246.
247.
248.
249.
250.
251.
252.
253.
254.
255.
256.
257.
258.
259.
260.
261.
262.
263.
264.
265.
266.
267.
268.
269.
270.
201.
272.
21
He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
Thu-e’ xtsi the do” a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
U-pa-ce tho" dsi a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
Wi'-co"-ga she gi thi? da, e-ki-a bi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
U’-gi-ki-a ba thi" ha, e-ki-e a-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Wi'-co"-ga, e-gi-a bi a’, a bi™ da, tsi ga,
Ha’-ta-ha xtsi, wa-xpa-thi" tha thi" sha no”, e-gi-a bi a’, a bi" da,
tsi ga,
Wi'-zhi"-the, e-tsi-the a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
U’-k’u-be tho®-ba® shi a tha, e-tsi-the a’, a bi™ da, tsi ga,
O”-ha-go" mo?-zhi xtsi" da, e-tsi-the a’, a bi" da, tsi ga.
22
K’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi da, tsi ga,
Wi’-co"-ga, e-gi-a a-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
O’-to"-be ga-xa thi" ha, e-gi-a bi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Thu-e’ xtsi the do” a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Ho”-ba i-ta-xe tho" dsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Ga’-gi-gi-dse hi the no®-zhi® a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
U’-pa-ce tho” dsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Wi’-co"-ga she gi thi" da, e-ki-a bi a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
l’-zhu-zhu-ba xtsi gi thi? we-to"-i" da, e-ki-a bi a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
Wi'-co"-ga, e-gi-a bi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Ha’-ta-ha xtsi, wa-xpa-thi" tha thi" sha zhi no", e-gi-a bi a’, a
bi" da, tsi ga,
Wi'-zhi®-the, e-tsi-the a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
U’-k’u-be tha-bthi" "shi a-tha, e-tsi-the a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Ni’-ka wi" u-shko? bi tse a-tha, e-tsi-the a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
U’-shko” ho” to" a a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
Wi'-zhi®-the, e-tsi-the a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
Xa’-dse no"-xtho"-zhe i-tse-tha bi tse a-tha, e-tsi-the a’, a bi®
da, tsi ga,
Ci’-pa zha-ta xtsi bi tse a, wi-zhi®-the, e-tsi-the a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
She’ e shno" u-tha-dse tha-to" she a’, wi-go"-ga, e-gi-e a-ka’, a
bi" da, tsi ga,
U’-to"-be ga-xa thi" ha, e-gi-e a-ka’, a bi® da, tsi ga.
23
Ho™-ba i-ta-xe tho" dsi a’ a bi" da, tsi ga,
Thu-e’ xtsi the do" a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
U’-pa-ce tho" dsi a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
Wi'-co"-ga she gi thi" da, e-ki a bi a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
83773—39——13
186
273.
274.
275.
276.
277.
278.
270.
280.
281.
282.
283.
284.
285.
286.
287.
288.
289.
290.
291:
292.
293.
294.
295.
296.
297.
298.
200.
300.
301.
302.
303.
304.
305.
306.
307.
BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [BuLL. 101
I’-zhu-zhu-ba xtsi gi thi" we-to"-i" da, e-ki-a bi a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
U’-gi-ki-a ba thi" ha, e-ki-a bi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Wi'-co"-ga, e-gi-a bi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Ha’-ta-ha xtsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Wa’-xpa-thi" tha thi"-sha zhi no", e-gi-e a-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Wi'-zhi®-the, e-tsi-the a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
U’-k’u-be do-ba pshi a-tha, e-tsi-the a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Ni’-ka wi" u-shko" bi tse e-pshe no”, e-dsi a-ka’, wi-zhi"-the, e-tsi-
the a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
24
He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Wi'-co"-ga, e-ki-a bi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Thi’-to-ge gtha ba thi" ha, e-ki-a, bi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Tsi’-zhu U-dse-the Pe-tho"-ba wi-e-bthi® da, e-ki-a bi a’, a bi" da,
tsi ga,
Xtha’-xtha thi"-ge ni-ka-shi-ga o°-ga to" i" da, e-ki-a bi a’, a bi®
da, tsi ga,
Wa’-dsu-ta wi?-o"-wo" thi", e shki do" a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Wa’-no"-xe a-ta i-the ta tsi" da, e-ki-e a-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Ni’-ka wi?-o"-wo? thi" e shki do" a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Wa/’-no"-xe a-ta i-the ta tsi" da, e-ki-a bi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
To’-ka no®-zhi® wi"-o"-wo® thi? e shki do" a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Wa’-no"-xe a-ta i-the ta tsi” da, e-ki-a bi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga.
25
He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Wi'-co"-ga, e-ki-a bi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Thi’-to-ge gtha ba thi" ha, e-ki-a bi a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Ci’-thu-ca ba do" a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
U’-zho"-ge wi?-a-ha u-ci-thu-ce a-ka’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
U’-ba-no"-the do-ba kshi-the a-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
We’-tha-bthi®-o" tse dsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
I’-ga-dsi-o" i-he-the a-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Wi'-zhi"-the, e-tsi-the a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Ni’-ka wi" e-dsi a-ka e-pshe no", e-dsi a-ka’ tha, e-tsi-the a’, a
bi” da, tsi ga,
U’-shko" ho? to", e-tsi-the a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Wa’-ka-hi to" a-ka tha, e-tsi-the a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
Da’ ni-the thi?-ge ni-ka-shi-ga to" a tha, e-tsi-the a’, a bi" da,
{si ga,
He’ zhi"-ga to" a tha, e-tsi-the a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
Wa’-zhi® pi-zhi xtsi bi a tha, e-tsi-the a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
La FLESCcHE) OSAGE WAR CEREMONY
26
308. He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi™ da, tsi ga,
309. Wi’-co"-ga, e-ki-a bi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
310. Thi’-to-ge gtha ba thi" ha, e-ki-a bi a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
311. Wa’-no"-xe a-ta i-the i" da, e-tsi-the a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
312. He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
313. We’-tsi" ho-no"-ka e-go" kshe a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
314. Gthe’-ce a-tsi-a-tha ba do" a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
315. No™-be u-bi-zhu-zhu a-ka’, a bi™ da, tsi ga,
316. Bi’-hu-to" u-ha-ha a-ka’, a bi® da, tsi ga.
27
317. He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
318. Wi’-co®-ga, e-ki-a bi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
319. Thi’-to-ge gtha ba thi" ha, e-ki-a bi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
320. We’-tsi" ho-no*-ka e-go" kshe a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
321. Gthi’-u-bthi® a-tsi-a-tha ba do" a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
322. Wi’-tsi go ga-ho-sho" ha zho" kshe a’, a bi da, tsi ga,
323. I’-tho*-bi-o® tse dsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
324. We’-tsi” ho-no"-ka e-go" kshe a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
325. Gthi’-u-bthi® a-tsi-a-tha ba do" a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
326. Wi’-tsi-go ga-ta-kshi® i-the-tha bi to" a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
327. We’-tha-bthi®-o" tse dsi a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
328. We’-tsi® ho-no"-ka e-go" kshe a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
329. Gthi’-u-bthi® a-tsi-a-tha ba do" a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
330. Wi’-tsi-go ni-dse a-ta mo®-gthe thi" kshe ga-xe a-ka’, a bi®
tsi ga,
331. We’-do-bi-o® tse dsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
332. We’-tsi® ho-no"-ka e-go" kshe a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
333. Gthi’-u-bthi® a-tsi-a-tha ba do™ a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
334. Ha’-shi pa-gthe xtsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
335. I’ wa-bi® ga-ta-the i-he-the a-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga.
28
336. Hé dsi xtsi 4, a bi" da, tsi ga,
337. Wi’-co"-ga, e-ki-a bi a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
338. Thi’-to-ge gtha ba thi" ha, e-ki-a bi a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
339. A’-bi-ta a-tsi-a-the a-ka’, a bi da, tsi ga,
340. Zhe’-ga tha-ta thi® dsi a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
341. Ga’-wi® a-tsi-a-tha ba do” a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
342. Wa’-shi® u-ba-zhi® tsi he ga-xe a-ka’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
343. I’-u-tha-btho®-ce a-tsi-a-the a-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
344. Wi’-zhi®-the, e-tsi-the a’, a bi da, tsi ga,
345. I’-u-wa-no"-be sxtis da, e-tsi-the a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
187
da,
188
346.
347.
348.
349.
350.
dol.
302.
308.
354.
355.
306.
357.
358.
359.
360.
361,
362.
363.
364.
365.
366.
367.
368.
369.
370.
371.
372.
373.
374.
375.
BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [BuLL. 101
Zhi’-ga no®-bthe the mo™-thi® ta bi tsi" da, e-tsi-the a’, a bi® da,
tsi ga,
Zhi” -ga no®-bthe the mo®-thi" bi do” a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Ni’ da-ka-dse u-bi-do® mo®-thi® ta bi tsi" da, e-tsi-the a’, a bi®
da, tsi ga,
A’-dsu-ta i-ga-ci-ge ki-the mo™-thi" ta bi tsi" da, e-tsi-the a’, a
bi? da, tsi ga.
29
K’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
Zhe’-ga tha-ta dsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Ga’-wi? a tsi-a-tha ba do" a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Wi’-zhi"-the, e-ki-a bi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
We’-thi® ca-gi xtsi" da, e-ki-a bi a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
Wa’-xo-be o°-gi-the ta bi tsi" da, e-tsi-the a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Thi’-u-ba-he tha-ta ga kshe a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Btho’-ga zhu-dse pe-tho"-ba’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Tsi’-zhu U-dse-the Pe-tho"-ba’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
K’-no"-ha kshi-the a-ka’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Mo”-co?-thi® gthe shki a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
My’ hi-e ge ta’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
We’-ki i-he-the mo®-thi® ta bi tsi" da, e-tsi-the a’, a bi" da, tsi ga.
He’-dsi xtsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Tse’-dse-xe ga thi™-kshe a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
Wa’-xo-be o-gi-the ta bi tsi" da, e-tsi-the a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Tho” -dse-u-thi-xi" ga thi®-kshe shki a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Wa’-xo-be o-gi-the ta bi tsi? da, e-tsi-the a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
Cit-dse ga kshe a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Wa’-xo-be 0”-gi-the ta bi tsi® da, e-tsi-the a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Pa’-xi" ga thi®-kshe a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Wa’-xo-be o°-gi-the ta bi tsi" da, e-tsi-the a’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
He’ tha-ta ga tse a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Wa’-xo-be o°-gi-the ta bi tsi” da, e-tsi-the a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
I’-ki ga-thi"-kshe shki a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Wa’-xo-be o°-gi-the ta bi tsi" da, e-tsi-the a’, a bi" da, tsi ga.
La FLESCHE]
OSAGE WAR CEREMONY
CEREMONIAL SONGS
Sone 1
(Free translation, p. 117)
1
Wi-tsi-go thu-e ta bi do" e ho-o, ho-o
Mo*-zho® the-ge u-tho-e ta ba do" e he,
Wi-tsi-go thu-e ta bi do® ho-o.
2
Zho2-ge the-ge u-tho-e ta ba do" e he.
3
Xtha-be the-ge u-tho-e ta ba do" e he.
4
K’u-be the-ge u-tho-e ta ba do" e he.
Sona 2
(Free translation, p. 118)
1
Wi-tsi-go tho-e mo2-thi® be
Wi-tsi-go tho-e mo"-thi be,
Mo»-zho® the-ge u-tho-e mo” thi® be,
Mo2-zho® the-ge u-tho-e mo?-thi® be,
Wi-tsi-go tho-e mo®-thi" be.
2
Zho®-ge the-ge u-tho-e mo®-thi® be.
3
Xtha-be the-ge u-tho-e mo®-thi® be.
4
Ku-be the-ge u-tho-e mo® thi" be.
Sone 3
(Free translation, p. 119)
He-no® hi-ga-¢ko"-the a-tho"-ka,
He-no® hi-ga-cko"-the a-tho*-ka
He-no® hi-ga-gko®-the a-tho"-ka
He-no® hi-ga-¢ko*-the a-tho®-ka he-e he-e
He-ga-cko-the a-tho®-ka,
He-no® hi-ga-¢ko"-the a-tho®-ka he-e he-e.
189
190 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY (BULL. 101
| OT et
Sone 4
(Free translation, p. 119)
1
Wi-tsi-go hi-thi-gtho" ta bi the the e
Wi-tsi-go hi-thi-gtho" ta bi the,
Mo»-zho® the-ge hi-thi-gtho" ta bi the the he the,
Wi-tsi-go hi-thi-gtho" ta bi the.
2
Xtha-be the-ge hi-thi-gtho" ta bi the the he the,
3
K’u-be the-ge hi-thi-gtho" ta bi the the he the.
Tsiv’-I-BTHA U-THI-sHo”’ Wa-THO*
Marching around the Village Song
(Free translation, p. 121)
1
Mo 2-thi®-ka u-thi-sho® a-tha bi e-he,
Mo>-thi2-ka u-thi-sho" a-tha bi e-he, e-he,
Da-do® a-thi® a-do® u-thi-sho® a-tha bi e-he, he.
2
Mo?*-thi*-ka u-thi-sho" a-tha bi e-he,
We-tsi2 a-thi2 a-do® u-thi-sho" a-tha bi e-he, e-he,
Mo?-thi®-ka u-thi-sho® a-tha bi e-he, he.
3
Mo»-thi*-ka u-thi-sho" a-tha bi e-he,
I-ba ’thi® a-do® u-thi-sho® a-tha bi e-he, e-he,
Mo?-thi®-k au-thi-sho" a-tha bi e-he, he.
4
Mo?-thi®-ga u-thi-sho" a-tha bi e-he,
Ta-ha ’thi® a-do" u-thi-sho" a-tha bi e-he, e-he,
Mo-thi2-ka u-thi-sho" a-tha ti e-he, he.
WI’-GI-E
(Free translation, p. 122)
Ho”-ga, Wa-zha-zhe e-tho"-ba’ a bi" da, tsi ga,
Wa/’-ko?-da wi" zhi-i-ga-the xtsi a-ni-ka-shi-ga a-thi® he i" da’, a
bi" da, tsi ga,
. Wa’-ko"-da ho®-ba do” thi®-kshe a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Zho’-i-ga the xtsi a-ni-ka-shi-ga a-thi® he i" da’, a bi® da, tsi ga,
Ts’e wa-tse-xi a-thi” he i” da’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
Ho”™-ga, Wa-zha-zhe e-tho"-ba’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
Zho’-i-ga the tha thi"-she do" skhi a’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
Ts’e wa-tse-xi tha thi™-she ta tse a’, Ho"-ga e-gi-e a-ka’, a bi® da,
tsi ga.
LA FLEscae] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 191
5
(Free translation, p. 122)
Mo?-thi®-ka u-thi-sho® a-tha bi e-he,
Wa-xthe a-thi® a-do" u-thi-sho® a-tha bi e-he, e-he,
Mo?-thi*-ka u-thi-sho" a-tha bi e-he, he.
Sone 1
(Free translation, p. 123)
1
Mo?-thi®-ka u-thi-sho® bthe a-thi" he no, ho,
Mo?-thi®-ka u-thi-sho" bthe a-thi" he no, ho,
J»-gtho-to®-ga wi a-do" bthe a-thi" he no, ho,
Bthe a-do® bthe a-thi" he no,
I-tho"-to®-ga wi a-do" bthe a-thi" he no,
Mo?-thi®-ka u-thi-sho® bthe a-thi" he no.
WI -GI-E
(Free translation, p. 123)
Ho’-ga, Wa-zha-zhe e-tho"-ba’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
Wa’-ko"-da wi? zho-i-ga the xtsi a-ni-ka-shi-ga a-thi" he i" da’, a
bi? da, tsi ga,
Wa’-ko®-da ho® do” thi"-kshe a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Zho’-i-ga the xtsi a-ni-ka-shi-ga a-thi® he i" da’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Ts’e’ wa-tse-xi a-thi" he i" da’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Ho"’-ga, Wa-zha-zhe e-tho"-ba’, a bi™ da, tsi ga,
Zho’-i-ga the tha-thi"-she do" shki a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
I’-ts’a thi®-ge tha-thi"-she ta tse a’, Ho™-ga e-gi-e a-ka’, a bi" da,
{si ga.
noe
2
(Free translation, p. 124)
Mo:-thi2-ka u-thi-sho" bthe a-thi= he no, ho,
Mo:-thi®-ka u-thi-sho® bthe a-thi he no, ho,
Mo?-thi*-ka u-thi-sho" bthe a-thi" he no, ho,
Wa-xthe a-gtha-thi bthe a-do" bthe a-thi" him do, ho,
Bthe a-do® bthe a-thi" hi" do,
Wa-xthe a-gtha-thi" bthe a-do" bthe a-thi® hi" do,
Mo:-thi2-ka u-thi-sho® bthe a-thi" hi do.
3
(Free translation, p. 124)
Mo>-thi®-ka u-thi®-sho" bthe a-thi" hi" do, ho,
Mo:-thi2-ka u-thi-sho" bthe a-thi2 hi= do, ho,
Ca-be to®-ga bthi" a-do" bthe a-thi* hi" do, ho,
Bthe a-do® bthe a-thi hi= do,
Ca-be to"-ga bthi* a-do” bthe a-thi* hi" do,
Mo?-thi2-ka u-thi-sho" bthe a-thi= hit do.
192 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [Butt. 101
ped ek
pet
—
Ww bo
KH ODON DAP WN
WI -GI-E
(Free translation, p. 124)
. Ho”-ga Wa-zha-zhe e-tho"-ba’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. We’-tsi® pe-zhi wi" a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
. Zho’-i-ga the xtsi a-ni-ka-shi-ga a-thi" he 1" da’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Mi’ hi-e ge ta’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Mo”-co®-thi" gthe xtsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
We’-ki i-he a-the a-thi" he i” da’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Ho™-ga Wa-zha-zhe e-tho™-ba’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Zho’-i-ga the tha-thi®-she do" shki a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. My’-hi-e ge ta’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Mo”-go"-thi® gthe xtsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. We’-ki i-he-the tha thi»-she ta tse a’, Ho»-ga, e-gi-e a-ka’, a bix da,
tsi ga.
4
(Free translation, p. 124)
Mo>-thi®-ka u-thi-sho® bthe a-thi= hi» do, ho,
Mo?-thi2-ka u-thi-sho® bthe a-thi® hi? do, ho,
Mo t-hi® ho"-ga ’bthi® a-do® bthe a-thi= hi do, ho,
Bthe a-do® bthe a-thi® hi= do,
Mo?-hi* ho"-ga ’bthi® a-do" bthe a-thi hit do,
Mo2-thi2-ka u-thi-sho® bthe a-thi* hi" do.
WI -GI-E
(Free translation, p. 125)
. Ho®-ga Wa-zha-zhe e-tho™-ba’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
. Wa’-dsu-ta pe-zhi wi" a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
. Zho’-i-ga the xtsi a ni-ka-shi-ga a-thi" he i" da’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Mi’ hi-e ge ta’, a bi” da, tsi ga,
Mo”-co"-thi" gthe xtsi a’, a bi? da, tsi ga,
We’-he-mo? a-thi" he i” da’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
Ho”-ga Wa-zha-zhe e-tho™-ba’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Wa’-dsu-ta pe-zhi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Zho’-i-ga the tha thi"-she ta tse a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. Mi’ hi-e ge ta’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. We’-ki i-he-the tha thi"-she ta tse a, Ho™-ga, e-gi-e a-ka’, a bi” da,
tsi ga,
. Mo”-co®-thi® gthe xtsi a’, a bi" da, tsi ga,
. We’-he-zho" tha-thi®-she ta tse a, Ho™-ga e-gi-e a-ka, a bi® da,
{sl ga.
La FLEscHE] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 193
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Wa-no®-ce A-Ba-cu WI’-GI-E
Attack Pointing Out Ritual
(Free translation, p. 126)
. A’, ni-ka-wa-¢a e,
. A’, i"-da-dsi a-ka, ni-ka-wa-ca e,
A’, wi-tsi-go e-gi-tho" ba do” sha bi e-cko", ni-ka-wa-ga e,
. A’, ho-e-ga gi-the bi wi® e-dsi thi" a bi a, ni-ka-wa-¢a e,
. A’, O-po?-to"-ga a bi a ni-ka-wa-ca e,
A’, pe-o-to” thi"-kshe, ni-ka-wa-¢a e,
. A’, ho-e-ga wi-kshi-the a-thi"-he ta tse a bi a, ni-ka-wa-ca e,
A’, ho-e-ga wi-kshi-the a-thi® he tho” shki, ni-ka-wa-¢a e,
. A’, ho-e-ga i-ts’a thi"-ge wi-gi-the a-thi" he ta tse a bi a- ni-ka-
wa-¢a e,
. A’, ni-ka-wa-ca e,
. A’, u-ga-cgo"-thi" xtsi thi™-ge, ni-ka-wa-¢a e,
. A’, ho-e-ga o"-ta-pa bi a-thi” he ta tse a-bi a, ni-ka-wa-ca e,
. A’, o-pa-ce tho” dsi shki, ni-ka-wa-¢a e,
. A’, ho-e-ga o®-ta-pa bi a-thi" he ta tse a bi a, ni-ka-wa-g¢a e.
. A’, ni-ka-wa-ca e,
. A’, pe-dse gi-tha bi wi" e-dsi thi a, a bi a, ni-ka-wa-ca e,
_ A’, i"-da-dsi a-ka, ni-ka-wa-ca e,
. A’, wi-tsi-go e-gi-tho" ba do” sha bi e-cko", ni-ka-wa-ga e,
. A’, i°-gtho"-to"-ga a bi a, ni-ka-wa-ca e,
. A’, pe-dse wi-kshi-the a-thi" he do” shki, ni-ka-wa-¢a e,
. A’, u-dse-the o0®-gi-xi-tha mo?-zhi" a-thi" he ta tse a bi a, ni-ka-
wa-¢a @,
. A’, u-ga-co"-thi" xtsi thi"-ge, ni-ka-wa-¢a e,
. A’, u-dse-the 0°-ta-pa a-thi® he ta tse a bi a, ni-ka-wa-¢a e.
. A’, ni-ka-wa-¢a e,
. A’, wa-pa-hi gi-tha bi wi" e-dsi thi? a bi a, ni-ka-wa-ga e,
. A’, i"-da-dsi a-ka, ni-ka-wa-¢a e,
. A’, wi-tsi-go e-gi-tho" ba do" sha bi e-cko", ni-ka-wa-¢a e,
. A’, ki-gtho"-xe-u-mo” thi" a bi a, ni-ka-wa-g¢a e,
. A’, zho® u-tsi a bi a, ni-ka-wa-¢a e,
. A’, wa-pa-hi wi-kshi-the a thi" he tho” shki, ni-ka-wa-¢a e,
. A’, wa-pa-hi gi-k’a zhi xtsi wi-gi-tha bi a-thi® he ta tse a bi a, ni-
ka-wa-¢a e.
. A’, ni-ka-wa-¢a e,
. A’, shi wi" e-dsi this a bi a, ni-ka-wacca e,
. A’, zha-biu-cka a bi a, ni-ka-wa-¢a e,
. A’, ga-be a bi a, ni-ka-wa-ca e,
. A’, wa-pa-hi wi-kshi the a-thi® he tho® shki, ni-ka-wa-¢a e,
. A’, wa-pa-hi gi-k’a zhi xtsi wi-gi-the a-thi® he ta tse a bi a, ni-
ka-wa-ca e.
194. BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY (BULL. 101
38. A’, ni-ka-wa-ga e,
39. A’, shi wi" e-dsi thi” a bi a, ni-ka-wa-ca e,
40. A’, ki-gtho"-xe u-mo” thi” a bi a, ni-ka-wa-ca e,
41. A’, ca-be a bi a, ni-ka-wa-g¢a e,
42. Wi’-tsi-go wa-pa-hi no"-pe-wa-the thi" a bi a, ni-ka-wa-ca e,
43. A’, wa-pa-hi wi-gi-the a-thi" he tho" shki, ni-ka-wa-¢a e,
44. A’, wa-pa-hi gi-k’a zhi xtsi wi-gi-the a-thi" he ta rse a bi a, ni-
ka-wa-g¢a e.
45. A’, ni-ka-wa-ca e,
46. A’, shi wi" e-dsi thi" a bi a, ni-ka-wa-¢a e,
47. A’, zha-biu-cka a bi a, ni-ka-wa-ca e,
48. A’, ca-be a bi a, ni-ka-wa-ca e,
49. Wi’-tsi-go wa-pa-hi no™-pe-wa-the thi” a bi a, ni-ka-wa-ca e,
50. A’, wa-pa-hi wi-gi-the a-thi" he tho” shki- ni-ka-wa-¢a e,
51. A’, wa-pa-hi gi-k’a zhi xtsi wi-gi-the a-thi” he ta tse a bi a, ni-
ka-wa-c¢a e.
52. A’, ni-ka-wa-g¢a e,!
55. A’, the ga a-tho™-to” xtsi, ni-ka-wa-ca e,
56. A’, wa-ko"-btha a-thi” he a, ni-ka-wa-¢a e,
57. A’, ho" a-do® pa-kshi-dse tse a hi", ni-ka-wa-c¢a e,
58. A’, tho-to” hi a-the ta a-to"™ he a, ni-ka-wa-¢a-e.
Xo’-KA Wa-THON
fnitiator Song
(Free translation, p. 128)
1
Ci wit bthe ta ’thi" he no-o
Ci wit bthe ta ’thi= he no,
A-thi" he no-o, a-thi® he no-o
Ci wit bthe ta ’thi" he no-o,
A-thi* he no-o, a-thi" he no-o
Ci wit bthe ta ’-thi* he no.
2
Hi wi® bthe ta ’thi® he no-o, ete.
3
Zho wi® bthe ta ’thi he no-o, etc.
4
A wi bthe ta ’thi= he no-o, ete.
5
Pa wi" bthe ta ’thi2 he no-o, ete.
1 Lines 53 and 54 are indistinct and unintelligible on the record. At the time the records of this ritual
were made Xu-tha’-wa-to®-in was about to leave for his home and there was no time for him to make the
corrections. The old man died before the next visit could be made to him, therefore, these two lines
remain uncorrected.
La FLESCcHE] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 195
NIOOP WH re
N1-n1-BA WY-GI-E
Pipe Ritual
(Free translation, p. 130)
. A’, ni-ka-wa-ca e,
. A’, 1°-da-dsi a-ka, ni-ka-wa-ca e,
. A’, wi-tsi-go e-gi-tho" ba do" sha bi e-cko", ni-ka-wa-¢a e,
A’, no®-ni-o"-ba zho” xtho-k’a ga kshe, ni-ka-wa-g¢a e,
. A’, thi-u-thi-xtho-k’a wi-gi-the a-thi" he ta tse a bia, ni-ka-wa-¢a e,
. A’, thi-u-thi-xtho-k’a wi-gi-the a-thi" he do® shki, ni-ka-wa-¢a e,
. A’, thi-u-xtho-k’a i-ts’a thi®-ge wi-gi-the a-thi" he ta tse a, bi a,
ni-ka-wa-¢a e,
. A’, ni-ka-wa-ca e,
. A’, mo"-ge-o"-he ga kshe, ni-ka-wa-¢a e,
. A’, mo"-ge-o"-he wi-kshi-the a-thi" he ta tse a bi a, ni-ka-wa-ca e,
. Mo”™-ge-he wi-kshi-the a-thi® he do" shki, ni-ka-wa-ca e,
. A’, mo™-ge-o"-he i-ts’a thi"-ge wi-gi-the a-thi" he ta tse a bi a,
ni-ka-wa-c¢a e.
. A’, ni-ka-wa-ca e,
. A’, ni-dse-u-thi-ce ga thi"-kshe, ni-ka-wa-¢a e,
. Ni’-dse-u-thi-ce wi-gi-tha bi a-thi" he tho® shki, ni-ka-wa-¢a e,
. Ni’-dse-u-thi-ce i-ts’a thi®-ge wi-gi-the a-thi" he ta tse a bi a,
ni-ka-wa-¢a e.
. A’, ni-ka-wa-ca e,
. A’, thi-u-ba-he ga-kshe, ni-ka-wa-ca e,
. A’, thi-u-ba-he wi-gi-the a-thi® he ta tse a bi a, ni-ka-wa-ca e,
. A’, thi-u-ba-he wi-gi-the a-thi" he tho” shki, ni-ka-wa-ca e,
. A’, thi-u-ba-he 1i-ts’a thi"-ge wi-gi-the a-thi" he ta tse a bi a,
ni-ka-wa-¢a e.
. A’, ni-ka-wa-ca e,
. A’, no®-ka-o"-he ga kshe, ni-ka-wa-ca e,
. A’, wa-thi"-e-cka sho" ba zhi bi" da, ni-ka-wa-ca e,
. A’, no®-ka-o?-he wi-gi-the he ta tse a bi a, ni-ka-wa-ca e,
. A’, no"-ka-o"-he wi-gi-the a-thi® he do" shki, ni-ka-wa-¢a e,
. No”-ka-o®-he i-ts’a thi®-ge wi-gi-the a-thi" he ta tse a bi a, ni-
ka-wa-ca e
. A’, ni-ka-wa-ca e,
. A’, no®-ni-o"-ba ga thi"-kshe, ni-ka-wa-¢a e,
. A’, ba-cki-da ge, ni-ka-wa-¢a e,
. A’, ta-hi-u-k’a-be wi-gi-tha bi a-thi® he ta tse a bi a, ni-ka-wa-ga e,
. Ta’-hi-u-k’a-be wi-gi-tha bi a-thi® he do" shki, ni-ka-wa-ga e,
. Ta’-hi-u-k’a-be i-ts’a thi®-ge wi-gi-the a-thi" he ta tse a bi a, ni-
ka-wa-¢a e.
196 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [Butt. 101
34. A’, ni-ka-wa-ca e,
35. A’, no"-ni-o"-ba u-sho"-sho", ga tse, ni-ka-wa-ca e,
36. A’, pa-u-sho"-sho" wi-gi-the a-thi" he tho" shki, ni-ka-wa-ca e,
37. Pa’ u-sho"-sho" i-ts’a thi"-ge wi-gi-the a-thi™ he ta tse a bi a, ni-
ka-wa-¢a e.
38. A’, ni-ka-wa-ca e,
39. No™-ni-o"-ba u-thu-ga ga thi" kshe, ni-ka-wa-ca e,
40. A’, i-u-thu-ga wi-gi-the a-thi" he ta tse a bi a, ni-ka-wa-ca e,
41. A’, i-u-thu-ga wi-gi-the a-thi" he do” shki, ni-ka-wa-ca e,
42. A’, i-u-thu-ga i-ts’a thi"-ge wi-gi-the a-thi" he ta tse a bi a, ni-
ka-wa-ca e.
Wa-Ts’E-THE Wa-THO*
Killing Song
(Free translation, p. 132)
1
O ho ga-gi wa-mo® a-thi he no2,
Wi-e wa-mo® a-thi® he no2,
A he the, A he the the,
O ho da-¢e, a-wa-the a-thi® he no,
Wi-e wa-mo? a-thi® he no2,
A he the, A he the the.
2
O ho ki-he a-wa-the a-thi2 he no®, etc.
3
O ho zhu-dse a-wa-the a-thi™ he no®, etc.
4
O ho ga-be a-wa-the a-thi= he no®, ete.
5
O ho gco®-ho" a-wa-the a-thi= he no?, etc.
6
O ho gi-hi a-wa-the a-thi= he no®, ete.
Z
O ho sha-be a-wa-the a-thi® he no, ete.
8
O ho ho -ba e-no®-she a-thi" he no®, ete.
LA Fiescue] OSAGE WAR CEREMONY 197
Wa-Tsr’ Wa-THO™ To*-Ga
Victory Song Great
(Free translation, p. 134)
1
Mot-thi*-ka thi-shto® bi tho" dse the he,
Wi-tsi-go, ho da-do.,
I-mo"-ka the a-gi bi the, the the he,
We-tsi" i-mo"-ka the a-gi bi the,
We-tsi® i-mo®-ka the a-gi bi the,
Mo»-thit-ka thi-shto® bi tho" dse the he.
2
I-ba i-mo"-ka the a-gi bi the, etc.
3
Ta-ha i-mo2-ka the a-gi bi the, etc.
4
Tse-hi" i-mo2-ka the a-gi bi the, ete.
5
Wa-xthe i2-mo®-ka the a-gi bi the, etc.
Wa-tst’ Wa-THO®
Victory Song
(Free translation, p. 135)
1
I-na the he da-do® ’tha-k’i the he,
I-na the he da-do® ’tha-k’i the he,
I-na the he da-do® ’tha-k’i the he,
I-na Mi-ga o®-tha-k’i the he,
T-na the he da-do® ’tha-k’i the he,
I-na the he da-do® ’tha-k’i the he.
2
I-na Ni-ka, o®-tha-k’i the he, ete.
3
I-na wa-k’o® ’tha-k’i the he, etc.
4
I-na wa-pa o’-tha-k’i the he, etc.
198
BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY
TsI-U-THU-GI-PE WaA-THO®
Village Entering Song
(Free translation, p. 136)
1
A-gthi the ho, a-gthi the ho, a gthi the ho,
Wi no® mo*-zho® ge dsi a-gthi the ho-o, ho.
2
Wi no® tsi u-ho"-ge dsi a-gthi the ho-o, ho.
3
Wi no® tsi u-sda ge dsi a-gthi the ho-o, ho.
4
Wi no? tsi da-ce dsi a-gthi the ho-o, ho.
5
Wi no? tsi-xi®-dse dsi a-gthi the ho-o, ho.
6
Wi no? tsi-zhe-be dsi a-gthi the ho-o, ho.
tf
Wi no? tsi ta ge dsi a-gthi the ho-o, ho.
8
Wi no® tse-xe i-ko®-the dsi a-gthi the ho-o, ho.
9
Wi no® o-zhe-tsi dsi a-gthi the ho-o, ho.
10
Wi no® o-¢ko"-gka dsi a-gthi the ho-o, ho.
11
Wi no® tsi-ho-ko" dsi a-gthi the ho-o, ho.
12
Wi no" ho®-ba ge dsi a-gthi the ho-o, ho.
[BuLL. 101
WA’-WA-THO*, OR PEACE CEREMONY
199
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WA’-WA-THO*’, OR PEACE CEREMONY
By Francis La FLEScHE
INTRODUCTION
For an indefinite period in the past the people of the Wa-zha’-zhe or
the Osage tribe have lived in three separate villages, each village mov-
ing from place to place. The largest of the village group is called
Pa-ci’-u-gthi", Dwellers on the hilltop; at the present time these people
are living in and around the town of Gray Horse, Okla. The village
next in size is Co™-dse’-u-gthi", Dwellers in the hillside forest; these
people are now living in and around the town of Hominy, Okla.
The smallest of these villages is Wa-xa’-ga-u-gthi", Dwellers in the
thorny thicket; these people are today living near the town of Paw-
huska, Okla. There are two small village groups but they have
merged with the larger villages. One of these small villages was
called Tho"’-tse-wa-cpe, Hearts contented. The people of this village
were so called because they were content to dwell in one particular
spot, always returning there after their hunts. The other small
village was called U-tse’-ta, Dwellers below, at the foot of the hill.
According to tradition, the Wa-zha’-zhe once dwelt beside a large
river when a flood came upon them from which they fled, some to a
hilltop where they erected their wigwams, hence the name, Dwellers
on the hilltop. A forest covering a hill is called ¢o"-dse’ as distin-
guished from a forest along a river, and so the people who fled to the
forest covering the hill were called Dwellers in the hillside forest.
Some of the fleeing people happened to push their way into a thicket
of thorny trees where they set up their wigwams and so were called
Dwellers in the thorny thicket. Tradition is silent as to the identity
of the river where the flood took place. The first historic location of
the Osage is that given on Marquette’s map of 1673, placing them on
the Osage River. It is not probable that the Osage River is the one
referred to in the tradition, for the memory of an event so momentous
to the tribe could not have become completely lost in so short a time
as 250 years, particularly as the people have not moved far away from
that part of the country.
The tribal organization seems not to have suffered from this per-
manent separation of the tribe into village groups, as was the case in
201
83773—39—-—14
202 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [BULL. 101
earlier separations in the Siouan linguistic family. The only change
that has taken place is found in certain localisms of speech, to be
observed in the pronunciation of some words and the use of new
terms incident to contact with the white race. In each of these
village groups the gentile system continued undisturbed, for in each
one there remained sufficient numbers of the gentes to give full repre-
sentation required in the tribal ceremonies. Frequently the villages
united in their annual buffalo hunts and at such times the members
of the No™-ho®-zhi?-ga (a tribal order) from each gens took part in
the great tribal ceremonies. In consequence of this mingling of the
people on the tribal hunts none of the essential parts of the tribal
rites have become lost owing to the breaking up of the tribe into
villages. When at home there were annual ceremonial visits between
the three villages, at which time some of the members of the tribe
took occasion to have tribal ceremonies performed, such as the
Wa’-wa-tho".
At no time has there been a confusion in the gentile system and
there is no tradition pointing to the extinction of any one of the gentes.
This is mainly due to the fact that in the division of the tribe into
gentes each gens was entrusted with a certain part in the religious
rites of the tribe and no ceremony could be performed unless all its
parts were represented. While there was a rule that the representa-
tive of a gens must be one who had been initiated into the order of
the No”-ho®-zhi*-ga, yet in the absence of such a representative, in
order to have the ceremony proceed, a member of the gens, even if
uninitiated, would be called upon to represent the gens, and so secure
the full complement. Furthermore, each gens has its permanent
position in the place of meeting, whether this be in a dwelling or out-
of-doors, and this position cannot be changed or shifted There is
one exception, and that is that the gens to which the person belongs
who is instrumental in having the ceremony performed must tem-
porarily occupy the eastern end of the dwelling or the space set apart
for the ceremony, while all the other gentes remain in their fixed
location.
The conception of the ancient No™-ho?-zhi"-ga of the cosmical
forces which has an important place in the religious rites of the tribe
has also come down to the present time without any material loss.
This conception is expressed in the great tribal rites and also in the
gentile system. It is shown in the two great tribal divisions. One,
the Tsi’-zhu, representing the sky; its position is always at the north.
The other, the Ho”-ga, representing the earth; its position is always
at the south. In the Tsi’-zhu (sky) division there are gentes with
rites pertaining to the sky by day and to the sky by night. In the
Ho’’-ga (earth) division there are gentes whose rites are concerned
with the dry land and others whose ceremonies related to the water.
LA FLEscuE] OSAGE PEACE CEREMONY 203
The diagram here given (fig. 1) shows the position of the two great
divisions and also of their gentes at the place of meeting when the
tribal ceremonies are performed.
The order and position of the gentes on the diagram is that given
by Wa-xthi’-zhi (pl. 1) and Pe’-dse-mo™-i", who said the Ho™-ga
U-ta-no"-dsi should be by itself, but is counted as the seventh in the
Ho”-ga group. In all the ceremonies the Ho™-ga U-ta-no-dsi is
always the first to be mentioned.
NORTH
ST 4 3
7S/-ZHU DUAL DIVISION Se
e499
see
WweSsT QQUREPLACE FIREPLACE Q ued ¢ | fas
HO™-GA DUAL DIVISION ha
WA-ZHA-ZHE HOW-GA ‘ ss
CaO Se SP ON. Out: ST ca a
SOUTH
FIGURE 1.—Order of position of gentes
NORTH SIDE 2. Wa-ca’-be (Black Bear people).
. In-gtho»’-ga (Puma people).
. O’-po2 (Elk people).
Tzi’-zhu Division ;
5. Mo»’-shko® or Little Ho»’-ga (Crawfish people).
6.
7
. Tsi’-zhu Wa-no® or Wa-ko= -da Not-pa-bi (Sun
people).
2. Tse-do’-ga-i2-dse (Buffalo Face people).
3. Mi-k’in’ Wa-no2 (Elder Sun Carriers),
_
. I’-ba-tse (Wind people).
. Ho»’-ga U-ta-no2-dsi (Earth people).
Mi-ka’-k’e (Star people). Wa-zha’-zhe group
Mi’-o2-ba (Moon people). 1. Ke’-k’i (Turtle Carriers).
4, Tsi’-zhu Wa-shta’-ge (Dawn people), Peace gens. | 2. Wa’-tse-tsi (Meteor people).
5. Hor’-I-ni-ka-shi-ga (Night people). Wa-zha’-zhe ¢ka (Pure Wa-zha’-zhe),
Wa-ca-be (Red Bear people). Po-ka Wa-shta-ge (Peace gens).
Pe’-dse (Fire people). Ni (Water people).
6. Ni’-ka Wa-ko2-da-gi (Men of Mystery). Mi-ke’-the-ste-dse (Cattail people).
. No»’-po=-da (Deer people).
. E-no»’-mi=-dse-to2 (Keepers cf the bow).
. Hot I-ni-ka-shi-ga (Night or Fish people).
. Ta I-ni-ka-shi-ga (Deer people).
. Ba’-cu (Hail people).
Tsi Ha’-shi (Those who came last).
Gtho»’-i2 (Thunder people).
. Tho’-xe Pa-thi-ho= (Buffalo Bull people).
SouTH SIDE
Ho»’-ga Division
~I
Ion» w
Ho*’-ga group
. Hor’-ga A-hiu-to> (Winged Ho»’-ga or Eagle
people).
_
Wa’-wa-tho™! is the term applied by the Osage to the rite incor-
rectly spoken of by some writers as “the Calumet dance,” or “the
Pipe dance.’”’ The meaning of the Osage term is practically the same
as that used by the Omaha (Wa’-wa*), which is, to sing to or for some
one. Itis true that there are certain rhythmic movements like dancing
in a part of the ceremony, but that does not seem to have been regarded
as of sufficient importance to warrant the use of the term dance as a
name for the rite. The ceremonies of this rite consist of songs, rit-
uals, and ceremonial forms that set forth its teachings. These songs,
1 A number of the early writers in their narratives concerning the Indians with whom they came in contact
speak of the Wa’-wa-tho= Ceremony, or Calumet dance, as they usually styled it, but none of them at-
tempted to give a detailed account of it, excepting Marquette (1673), Charlevoix (1721), and Le Petit (1730).
The later writers who have given lengthy accounts of this ceremony are Long (1823), J. ©. Dorsey (1881),
Alice C. Fletcher (1900), and Fletcher and La Flesche (1911).
204 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY (Butt. 101
rituals, and forms are collectively spoken of as Wa-tho™ or songs,
because of which these two related tribes, the Osage and the Omaha,
fell naturally into the use of the terms Wa’-wa-tho" and Wa’-wa? in
speaking of the rite. The Yankton, a tribe of the Dakota group,
Siouan linguistic family, who practice this ceremony, call it by a name
having a similar significance, Ho’-ga O-do"-wo", Ho”™-ga songs.
The vital principle of the Wa’-wa-tho" rite is the promotion of
peace and friendly relations, not only between the various gentes
within the tribe, but it has a wider purpose, in that it aims to bring
about similar relations between the Osage and other tribes. The
Osage, Omaha, Ponca, Kaw, Oto, and Pawnee tribes, all of whom
practice this rite, never lose sight of its ceremonial forms as used by
them.
’ ‘The Osage people have a profound reverence for the Wa’-wa-tho"
rite, which has for its object peace, happiness, and the rearing of
their “‘little ones’ in safety. The belief that the man who formulated
the rite had received supernatural aid gave rise to this profound
reverence, for it is said, ‘‘When the men of ancient times took upon
themselves that task they sought divine aid through the rite No™-
zhi-zho".”’
As with other tribal rites, the transmission of the Wa’-wa-tho? was
through individuals who had accepted it when it was offered to them
and for whom all the ceremony had been performed. When an indi-
vidual had done his part, that is, made suitable gifts either by himself
alone or with the aid of his relations and friends, to the person per-
forming the ceremony, he won the right to make use of the ceremony
for his own benefit and also to hold the title of Ni’-ka Do™he, good
(honorable) man. The right to perform the ceremony carried with it
the privilege of employing a Xo’-ka, or prompter, consequently the
man who had that privilege was not required to commit to memory
the ceremony in all its details, but the ceremony had to be performed
four times, once every year for four consecutive years, before the
person for whom it was given could claim the right to perform it.
Upon the acceptance of the rite by the person to whom it was
offered an artificial relationship of father and son was instituted
between himself and the man offering it. This relationship was based
upon the belief that no man would offer harm to his own son and that
no one could be better fitted than a father to instruct his son in
matters of importance, consequently, all through the four years the
two men addressed each other as father and son, as did also their
respective adherents. The duties and obligations that naturally
obtain between an actual father and son were strictly observed by
these two men, and, as will be shown later, the tribe lends its sanction
and assistance to the “father’’, thus giving to the obligations that he
takes upon himself in performing the ceremony a sanctity which he
cannot profane without incurring supernatural punishment,
La FLEscHE] OSAGE PEACE CEREMONY 205
The Wa’-wa-tho® held an important place in the great tribal cere-
monies of the Osage. Through its influence friendly relations have
been maintained between the many gentes composing the tribe. It
was also the means by which friendship was established and kept with
other unrelated tribes. Some of the early French travelers mention
this ceremony as being performed by the Osage among one of the
tribes of the Illinois confederacy during the second decade of the
eighteenth century. From Wa-xthi’-zhi, one of the two surviving men
who know most about the details of the ceremony and who used to
take part in its performance, the following information concerning
the Wa’-wa-tho" has been obtained:
When a man decides to perform the ceremony of the Wa’-wa-tho"
rite he first collects the following materials to be used in making the
two arrow shafts or pipestems and other symbolic articles.
1. The skins of the heads of two pileated or ivory-billed wood-
peckers, both with the maxilla left attached.
2. The tail feathers of the golden and imperial eagles.
Before enumerating the various symbolic articles used in making
the two ceremonial pipes it may be well to make a brief statement
concerning the eagle feathers required for the fan-shaped pendants
attached to the two pipes.
When Wa-xthi’-zhi was identifying the birds known to the Osage
from the mounted specimens in the U. 8. National Museum he pointed
out an eagle that was labeled ‘‘Imperial eagle” as being the Ho’-ga,
or Sacred eagle. Upon inquiry, it was ascertained that the Imperial
eagle is a European bird and not to be found in this country.
There are two kinds of eagle feathers used by the Osage and cognate
tribes as well as by the Pawnee for the fan-shaped pendants of the
ceremonial pipes belonging to the Wa’-wa-tho".
1. The tail feathers of the eagle the Osage call Xiu-tha Ho”-ga,
sacred eagle. These feathers are peculiarly marked and closely
resemble the markings on the tail feathers of the Imperial eagle
(pl. 2, c). The Xiu-tha Ho"™-ga is regarded as sacred by the Osage,
because it was this bird, according to the myths, that led the people
from the sky to the earth.
2. The tail feathers of the eagle called by the Osage Wa-zhi"-ga
Wa-tha-xthi thi"-ge, the bird without stains. The tail feathers of
this bird are white with black tips. The charcoal used by the war-
riors to paint themselves when going to battle symbolizes the black
tips of these feathers. The pipe to which these feathers are attached
(pl. 3) is sometimes used as a war symbol and even carried on the
war path. This usage also obtains among the Pawnee.
The Osage and the other tribes mentioned above consider that these
two kinds of feathers belong to eagles of different species, each one of
which has a distinct name; but ornithologists say that all these feathers
206 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [Butt. 101
belong to the Golden eagle. The Indians say that the two birds from
which these different appearing feathers are taken are the same as to
size and the tail feathers are always the same as to length.
There being no distinct English name for the immature Golden
eagle, the term Imperial eagle will here be used to indicate the pipe
having attached to it the fan-shaped pendant of mottled eagle feathers.
3. Two large downy feathers taken from the undertail covert of
the eagle.
4. A forked stick.
5. A bit of fat taken from the back of the buffalo.
6. Two large downy feathers taken from the undertail covert of
the i®’-be-ci-ga or yellow-tailed hawk.
7. Leaves of the cat-tail (Typha latifolia).
8. Two straight sticks for the arrowshafts or pipestems.
9. Owl feathers.”
When the articles have been collected and the man is ready to
proceed with the ceremony he chooses from among his friends the
following persons who form the official part of his coinpany:
1. A Xo’-ka or prompter, one who knows the songs, rituals, and
forms of the ceremony.
2. Two Xthe’-ts’a-ge, or commanders.
3. A Tse’-xe-k’i" No®-ho", chief kettle carrier or servant.
4. Two Tse’-xe-k’i", kettle carriers or servants.
Upon the completion of this organization of the Wa’-wa-tho? party,
one of the subordinate Tse’-xe-k’i", or servants, is sent by the Xo’-ka,
who now becomes master of ceremonies, to call together the members
of the No™-ho®-zhi"-ga.
The Wa’-wa-tho" rite, like that of the Wa-xo’-be, another great
tribal rite, is composite in character, and each component part is in
the keeping of some one of the tribal divisions, a gens or subgens.
During the preparatory acts or the performance of the ceremony
itself each of these keepers must be either present or represented, as
none can act independently of the others. A person who has been
initiated into either the Wa’-wa-tho" or the Wa-xo’-be rite is vested
with authority to call together the members of the order of No”-ho?-
zhi®-ca from the gentes having in their keeping the component parts
of the rite which he may wish to perform for his own benefit. The
No”-ho®-zhi"-ga who receives such a call regards it as a tribal duty to
attend the assembly. No actual penalty is prescribed for the neglect
of this duty, yet so strong is the fear of a supernatural visitation for
such negligence that the No™-ho"-zhi"-ga who has received a sum-
mons makes every effort to attend.
2 The skin of the neck of the mallard duck is not mentioned by Wa-xthi’-zhi in this list of ceremonial
articles, although the bird is given a place in the ritual preceding the “‘Sky influencing Songs”. The neck
of the duck is attached to the pipe, secured from Wa-thi-gtho thi»-ge.
La FLEscuE] OSAGE PEACE CEREMONY 207
The act of summoning the No”-ho"-zhi"-ga to assemble, for either
the Wa’-wa-tho" or Wa-xo’-be ceremony, is called ‘‘U’-thu-dse
U-tha-ge’”’, a term which may be freely translated as “the notice (to
the No”-ho®-zhi"-ga) to come and partake’’. According to an estab-
lished custom, the person issuing the summons provides food supplied
for the comfort of the No™-ho®-zhi"-ga and their families during the
performance of the ceremony, which takes from three to four days,
and it is the apportionment of these supplies to which the term refers.
The Xo’-ka in issuing the call acts for the man who is to perform
the ceremony. The response to the call by the No™-ho®-zhi?-ga and
the ceremonial making of the symbolic articles to be used in the
coming ceremony is a tribal recognition of the right of the man to
call them to his assistance because of his having been himself made,
at some previous time, a Ho™-ga or “‘son.”’
When the No”-ho"-zhi"-ga arrive they enter the house to which
they have been summoned in the same order as that observed at the
ceremony of the Wa-xo’-be and all the gentes occupy the same relative
position, excepting the gens to which the man belongs who is to give
the ceremony. The members of his gens act with him as host, and
their place is at the east.
After all are seated the Tse’-xe-k’i" No®-ho", Chief Kettle Carrier,
places before the Xo’-ka all the materials to be used in making the
pipes and various other symbolic objects for the ceremony. The
Xo’-ka then proceeds with the ceremony of Wa-the’-the, a term which
means the act of sending. Each symbolic article is handed by the
Xo’-ka to the Tse’-xe-k’1" No®-ho® with directions to take it to a No™-
ho®-zhi"-ga belonging to the gens that has the keeping of the ritual
which pertains to its symbolic use. A blanket or some other article
of value is sent with each object as a fee for the person who is to recite
the ritual. Should the person to whom the object is sent feel that he
is not sufficiently versed in the ritual to accurately recite it he may
pass it on with the fee to another man of the gens who can perform the
service.
If the Wa’-wa-tho" party happens to be made up of members of a
gens belonging to the Tsi’-zhu side of the two great tribal divisions,
the Xo’-ka, as a matter of etiquette, will begin the distribution on
the Ho”-ga side; he will send the next object to a gens on the Tsi’-zhu
side, thus sending to each side, alternately, until he has finished If
the party was made up from the Ho*’-ga side, the first object would be
sent to the Tsi’-zhu side, and the distribution would proceed in the
same alternating manner as follows:
1. Tsi’-zhu Wa-no", Elder Tsi’-zhu. (Tsi-zhu great division.)
Wa-zhi”-ga-pa, literal translation, bird heads. These are the skins
of the heads of two pileated or ivory-billed woodpeckers, each with
the maxilla left attached.
208 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [BuLL. 101
2. Ho”-ga A-hiu-to", the Winged Ho”-ga. (Ho"’-ga great division.)
The tail feathers of the Wa-zhi’-ga Wa’-tha-xthi Thi’-ge, or the bird
without stains, that is the golden eagle. The tail feathers of the
Ho”-ga, or sacred bird, that is the imperial eagle.
3. Tsi’-zhu Wa-shta-ge, the Gentle Tsi’-zhu. (Tsi’-zhu great
division, Dawn people gens.) Two Cka-’gthe Zhu-dse, white headed,
decorations red; white fluffy feathers dyed red, taken from the tail
covert of an eagle.
4. Mo”™-shko", Crawfish or Ho™-ga-zhi"-ga, Little Ho”-ga. (Ho™-
ga great division.) The forked stick upon which the symbolic arrows
or pipes are to recline during the intermission of the ceremony.
5. Tho’-xe Pa-thi-ho", Buffalo bull people. (Tsi’-zhu great divi-
sion.) Tho’-xe is said to be the archaic name for the buffalo. The
modern name is Tse or Tse-do’-ga. Tho’-xe is sometimes confused
with the name for willow, Thiu-xe; this gens has charge of the we-
cda-the, to grease with; fat taken from the muscles in the back of
the buffalo for ceremonial uses.
6. Ho™-ga U-ta-no™-dsi, the Isolated Ho™-ga. (Ho-ga great
division.) Two large white fluffy feathers taken from the undertail
coverts of the 1°’-be-ci-ga or yellow-tailed hawk.
7. Wa-ke’-the-ste-dse, Cattail. (Ho™-ga great division.) Leaves of
the cattail (Typha latifolia) to be woven into wreaths.
8. E-no™-mi"-dse-to", Only Possessors of the Bow. (Ho"-ga great
division.) Two straight sticks for use in making the arrow shafts or
pipestems.
9. Ta’-i-ni-ka-shi-ga, Deer People, or Ta-tha’-xi, Deer Lungs.
(Ho"-ga great division.) Owl feathers used as symbols for the lungs
of the deer.
Each symbolic article having been placed on the ground in front
of the No’-ho"-zhi"-ga who is to recite the ritual which treats of its
emblematic use, the Tse’-xe-k’i1" No®-ho? returns to his place among the
Wa’-wa-tho” party and then, as though by a given signal, each No”-
ho®-zhi"-ea begins to recite his ritual. None of the nine rituals are
alike, and when they are recited at the same time, with all the force
of the human voice, the noise is distressing, yet every man is so com-
pletely absorbed in his own part that he goes on to the end, apparently
unmindful of what the others are doing. It takes about fifteen min-
utes to recite some of these rituals. Wa-xthi’-zhi likened the noise
of the recitations to that of a swarm of “‘ba-the,’”’ or locusts.
It was not possible to secure the rituals belonging to and explaining
the symbols of each of the nine symbolic articles enumerated above,
for the reason that the men who knew them are all dead. It has
been said by Wa-xthi’-zhi that some of these rituals appear in the
war rites, but when recited at the Wa’-wa-tho" ceremony they were
modified in such manner as to avoid all those parts that relate to
war and to the shedding of blood.
LA FLEScHE] OSAGE PEACE CEREMONY 209
A sham attack on the Ho™-ga forms a part of the Wa’-wa-tho?
ceremony. During the preparation for this part charcoal is cere-
monially made for the men who are to make the attack. The ritual
recited at the making of the charcoal is a modified form of that
belonging to the Wa-sha’-be A-thi®.
The recital of the rituals having come to a close, the Tse’-xe-k’i"
No*-ho® goes to the No™-ho?-zhi"-ga before whom he has placed the
forked stick and the two pipestems, and gathering these up he brings
them to the Xo’-ka, placing them on the ground before him. The
Xo’-ka takes them up, holding them in a bunch in his hands, and
gives them to the Tse-xe-k’1" No"-ho" with instructions to place them
before the No*”-ho"-zhi"-ga of the Tho’-xe gens to whom has been
sent the bit of buffalo fat. This No”-ho?-zhi"-ga, taking up the sticks
one by one, reverently anoints each with the buffalo fat.
When the No”-ho*-zhi?-ga of the Tho’-xe gens has finished anointing
the sticks and laid them down, the Tse’-xe-k’i" No™-ho” gathers them
up and takes them to the No™-ho-zhi"-ga of the Mo’-shko" gens,
who paints all three sticks red.’
The Mo”™-shko® gens was the keeper of the rite that pertains to the
forked stick upon which were to be suspended the wa-xo’-be at the
war ceremony, and upon which the symbolic pipes were to lean when
at ceremonial rest, during the performance of the Wa’-wa-tho" cere-
mony. This gens was also the keeper of the rite having to do with the
various colored earths consecrated to ceremonial uses.
The Mo”-shko" No”-ho"-zhi'-ga having painted the forked stick
and the pipestems and laid them down, the Tse’-xe-k’i" No®-ho” gathers
them up and carries them back to the Xo’-ka, who directs the Tse’-xe-
k’1" No"-ho" to carry them on to the No”-ho®-zhi"-ga of the Tsi’-zhu
Wa-no" gens, to whom had been sent the skins of the heads of the
pileated or ivory-billed woodpeckers. The No”-ho?-zhi*-ga takes up
one of the pipestems and fastens close to the mouthpiece one of the
skins of the woodpecker heads. This he does by pulling the skin
lengthwise on the stem and tying down to the stem with a deerskin
thong the maxilla which is pointed toward the mouthpiece; he then
wraps around the stem a bit of the skin taken from the neck of a male
mallard duck so that it laps over a portion of the woodpecker skin
and ties it to the stem with a deerskin thong. The Osage manner of
putting the woodpecker’s head on the stem is different from that of
the Omaha and Pawnee (pl. 3). The other stem is prepared in the
same way and then both are laid on the ground.
The Tse’-xe-k’i? No®-ho®? now picks them up together with the forked
stick and carries them to the No”-ho"-zhi"-ga of the Ho™-ga A-hiu-to”
gens, to whom had been sent the tail feathers of the golden and
imperial eagles. This is one of the eagle gentes which represent the
3 Te-o-ko-ha, an Omaha, gave the information that before the introduction of European paints by traders
the Omahas colored their pipestems with wa-ce’-zhi-de ni-ka (red ochre) and ni-xthi’ (algae) for the green.
210 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [Buzt. 101
eagles that led the people down from the sky to the earth in four
soarings.
During the time that the pipestems and the forked sticks are being
taken from one gens to another the No™-ho"-zhi"-ga of the Ho"’-ga
A-hiu-to" gens worked upon the eagle feathers, preparing them to be
fastened to the pipestems. This he did by piercing with an awl the
end of each quill of the golden eagle feathers and drawing a slender
deerskin thong through the hole. Then in the same way a hole was
made through the shaft of each feather at about half its length, through
which was drawn another deerskin thong. In this way all the feathers
were strung together. By pulling the thong that ran through the
ends of the quills the feathers were brought together in such a way as
to give them a fan-shaped form. He treated the feathers of the
imperial eagle in the same way, after which these pendants were ready
to be attached to the pipestems, and his work was done.
The Tse’-xe-k’i" No"-ho® now carries the pipestems and the forked
stick to the No"’-ho™-zhi"-ga of the Tsi’-zhu Wa-shta-ge gens (the
Dawn people), to whom had been sent the large feathers taken from
the undertail covert of an eagle. These had been dyed red. The rite
pertaining to peace is in the keeping of this gens, its name, Tsi’-zhu
Wa-shta-ge, signifying a household of gentle people, to whom human
blood is sacred and not to be profaned. They recognize the sanctity
of all forms of life; even the caterpillar that happens to come into the
house of one of them, instead of being killed, is gently urged out into
the open air and to freedom. If a murderer takes refuge in the house
of one of these people he is protected, or if a warrior of a hostile tribe
steals into the camp intent on doing harm and is detected and pur-
sued, should he by chance flee into the house of one of these people
he is saved. The red dawn that promises a clear and calm day is
emblematic of peace to this gens. For ceremonial purposes this red
dawn was symbolized by a feather taken from the undertail covert of
an eagle and dyed red. It is this symbolic object that the No™-ho?-
zhi"-ga attaches to each of the pipes of peace when they are brought
to him, tying the feather to the lower end of one of the slender thongs
upon which were strung the feathers of the golden and imperial eagle.
After this the Tse’-xe-k’i1" No"-ho® carries the pipes and the forked
stick to the No”-ho®-zhi"-ga of the Ho”-ga U-ta-no"-dsi gens to whom
had been sent the large white feathers taken from the undertail covert
of an i”-be-ci-ga or red-tailed hawk. This bird is one of the sacred
symbols of the Ho™-ga U-ta-no"-dsi gens. The No™-ho?-zhi?-ga ties
a feather to the lower end of one of the thongs upon which were strung
the golden and imperial eagle feathers, as was done by the No™-ho?-
zhi"-ga of the Tsi’-zhu Wa-no” gens with the red feathers.
The pipes and the forked stick are now carried to the No™-ho?-
zhi®-ga of the Ta I-ni-ka-shi-ga, Deer people, sometimes spoken of as
Ta-tha’-xi, Deer’s lung people of the Wa-zha’-zhe tribal subdivision,
‘else [elteduy] ‘9 “JeyoId pooM poet ‘9 *[MO pouJoY yealy ‘Dv
e€31V1d 10! NILA1INaA ASOTONHL]A NVOIMAWY AO NVvsayna
BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY BULLETIN 101 PLATE 3
Ceremonial pipe of the Omaha, Ponca, Otoe, and Pawnee.
BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY BULLETIN 101 PLATE 4
a, Rattle belonging to the golden eagle.
b, Rattle belonging to the imperial eagle.
*B3-U0Y-,nOP-OC] OL, ‘D
GA3LV1d 101 NILATINGA ASOTONHL]A NYOIMAWYV AO NVaYNSs
LA FLESCHE] OSAGE PEACE CEREMONY Pallas
to whom had been sent the owl feathers. The No™-ho®-zhi"-ga split
all the feathers the full length and removed the pith, so that when they
are arranged around the pipes in a bunch they will give a fluffy appear-
ance. To each of the pipestems, at about the length of a span from
the lower end, the No”-ho"-zhi"-ga fastened a bunch of these feathers
by tying the quills to the stem with a deerskin thong in such a way as
to have the tops of the feathers point toward the mouthpiece of the
stem. When the owl feathers had been attached to the stem the cere-
monial making of the symbolic pipes was complete.
All the time during which the pipes and forked stick were passing
from one gens to the other eight wreaths were being woven by the
No”-ho*-zhi"-ga of the Mi-ke’-the-ste-dse, cattail subgens, of the
Wa-zha’-zhe, Cka gens of the Wa-zha’-zhe group, from the leaves that
had been sent to him. The cattail (Typha latifolia) is the sacred
symbol of thissubgens. These wreaths are to be worn by the members
of the Wa’-wa-tho" party and the person for whom the ceremony is to
be performed.
When these wreaths have been finished the Tse’-xe-k’i" No®-ho®
carries them to the Ho"-ga A-hiu-to" gens. Then some of the No”’-
ho"-zhi"-ga of this gens fasten to the knot of each wreath, where it
joins, a white feather taken from the undertail covert of the golden
eagle. This fluffy feather stands erect from the knot that is placed
at the middle of the forehead when the wreath is worn. The decorator
of the eight wreaths with the white eagle feathers completes the cere-
monial making of all the various symbolic articles belonging to the
Wa’-wa-tho? rite.
The Tse’-xe-k’i" No?-ho" gathers together the wreaths, the pipes,
and the forked stick, and places them before the Xo’-ka, who then
addresses the No”-ho*-zhi"-ga of the Ho’-ga U-ta-no"-dsi gens, say-
ing: “Ho! Ho”-ga, I wish to make use of your gourd rattles in this
ceremony.”’ The No”™-ho?-zhi"-ga who is addressed recites a ritual
and then paints the rattle with white clay. He draws upon the
middle of the one that is to accompany the pipe having the tail
feathers of the golden eagle a narrow white line from which, on either
side, he draws a line running down to the handle (pl. 4, a). This
painting is made to correspond to that which will later be put
upon the Ho™-ga or “‘son’”’. On the rattle to accompany the pipe
having the tail feathers of the imperial eagle he draws seven white
narrow lines from the top down to the handle (pl. 4, 6). Then he
hands the two rattles to the Tse’-xe-k’i", who delivers them to the
Xo’-ka.
There remains one more ceremonial act to be performed by the
No”-ho?-zhi"-ga before the symbolic articles of the Wa’-wa-tho" can
be finally turned over to the person who is to perform the ceremony,
and that is the act of offering smoke to the sacred articles, including
the rattles borrowed from the Ho'-ga U-ta-no"-dsi gens. These
symbolic articles, when made with all the established ceremonial
2k BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [Burn 101
forms, become sacred, imbued with supernatural power, and believed
by the people to be capable of hearing supplications and receiving
offerings. With this in mind the Xo’-ka fills a pipe, hands it to the
Tse’-xe-k’1" No™-ho" and directs him to take it first to the No®’-ho®-
zhi"-ga of the Mi-ke’-the-ste-dse gens, together with the sacred
articles. The Tse’-xe-k’i" No?-ho" places the articles on the ground
before the No™-ho®-zhi"-ga and then offers him the pipe, holding for
him the fire brand as he lights it. He then blows four whiffs of the
smoke upon the sacred articles, and says to them: ‘“‘We offer you smoke,
and ask that you grant success to him who is to make use of you in
this ceremony.” The Tse’-xe-k’i? No*-ho” then carries the pipe and
the sacred articles to each of the No™-ho*-zhi"-ga of the other gentes
who had taken part in their ceremonial making, each of whom makes
a similar smoke offering and the same supplication. At the conclusion
of the ceremony the Tse’-xe-k’i" No®-ho® carries the Wa’-wa-tho”
pipes, the forked stick, and the wreaths back to the Xo’-ka and places
them before him. Then the No”-ho"-zhi'-ga of the Mo*-shko® or
Ho’-ga Zhi®-ga gens addresses the person who is to perform the
ceremony, saying: ‘Ho! Ho”-ga, the Tsi’-zhu (great division) and the
Ho”™-ga (great division) have done for you their part in this ceremony.
It remains for you to do your part.”
When the No”-ho"-zhi*-ga of the Mo”-shko" or Ho™-ga Zhi’-ga
gens has given formal notice to the Wa’-wa-tho" part of the comple-
tion of the sacred articles he sends to the members by the Tse’-xe-k’i”
No?-ho® red and white clay with which to paint their faces. The man
who is to perform the ceremony, the Do-do™-ho"-ga, paints all of his
face red, then draws a narrow white line from the middle of one cheek
up to the side of the forehead, across the forehead to the opposite
side, and down to the middle of the other cheek (pl. 5, a). The Xo’-ka
paints all of his face red and draws seven white narrow lines up and
down the face (pl. 5, b). The Xthe’-ts’a-ge and all the three Tse’-xe-
k’i2 paint their faces in the same manner as the Xo’-ka. Then each
one of the seven officials puts on his head a ceremonial wreath.
The No”-ho"-zhi*-ga not only make the pipes and other symbolic
articles for the man who desires to perform the Wa’-wa-tho® rite but
they also assist him in finding a person worthy of the tribal honor
that is to be conferred by the ceremony. This is done in the following
manner: The No”-ho"-zhi"-ga of the Ho™-ga great division nominate
for the honor four individuals from their own people and the No”-
ho*-zhi®-ga of the Tsi’-zhu great division nominate an equal number
from their people, making in all eight individuals from which one is to
be selected. The No-ho*-zhi®-ga of each great division make the
nomination by passing around four sticks, each of which is given the
name of the person nominated. The person nominated must be one
who by his hospitality and kindliness has won many friends in the
tribe and the love and esteem of his own family and kin.
La Fuescue] OSAGE PEACE CEREMONY 213
When the nominations have been made by the two great divisions
the two sets of sticks are brought separately by the Tse’-xe-k’i"
No®-ho® to the Xo’-ka, who arranges them in a row before him, taking
care to keep the two sets of four apart. This done, the Tse’-xe-k’i"
No™-ho® by the direction of the Xo’-ka brings before him the wife of
the man who is to perform the ceremony. The Xo’-ka, addressing
the woman by a term of relationship, bids her select one stick from
among the eight. The person represented by that stick becomes the
Ho”™-ga, the ceremonial ‘‘son” of the woman and her busband who
now assumes the title of Do-do™-ho"-ga, or leader in the ceremony.
After the selection of the Ho"’-ga, as above described, the Do-do”-
ho"-ga takes in his left hand the pipe having the tail feathers of the
imperial eagle and in his right hand the rattle that goes with it. The
Xo’-ka in the same manner takes the other pipe and its rattle, then
both rise and stand side by side. At the left the Do-do™-ho"-ga, one
of the Xthe’-ts’a-ge, or commanders, takes his place and the other
stands at the right of the Xo’-ka. Behind these four men stand the
three Tse’-xe-k’i" with the tse’-xe-ni drum. All of the songs of the
ceremony, which now begins, are led by the Xo’-ka and the Do-do”-
ho"-ga, and the three tse’-xe-k’i" join in the singing. The Do-do”-
ho®-ga and the Xo’-ka accentuate the time of the songs by up-and-
down strokes of the rattles and at the same time wave the pipes from
side to side, keeping in strict accord with the rhythm of the music
and the strokes of the drum.
The songs of the Wa’-wa-tho® ceremony are divided into groups or
sets. Each set has a name which refers to the object or theme of the
songs composing the set. Sometimes there is only a single song and
again there may be several songs in a set.
The man performing the Wa’-wa-tho”, or his Xo’-ka, is in duty
bound to give, in their established sequence, all the sets of songs in
the ceremony. This he is required to do as a mark of his reverence
for the sacred teachings of the ceremony and of his respect for the
person whom he is to initiate.
In order to meet this obligation the man has had to memorize the
title of each set of songs, being careful to keep each set in its proper
place, and also the number of songs in each given set. To aid him in
this task he makes use of two mechanical devices, both of which are
called zho™-xa wa-zhu; zho™-xa, rods; wa-zhu to place upon; as
though the rods were placed upon the songs.
One of these devices is a flat stick, about 1 inch in width and from
16 to 18 inches in length. Across the width of one side of this stick,
from one end to the other, lines are cut, each line representing a song.
The lines are single or in groups, according to the number of songs in
each set. One side of this flat stick represents Part I of the cere-
mony, which is divided into two great divisions. The reverse side
of the stick, marked in a similar manner, represents Part II. If the
214 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [BuLt. 101
man has thoroughly memorized this index he may be able to go through —
the ceremony without referring to the stick. But if his memory is
poor he will use the stick in the following manner: He grasps the
lower end of the stick in his left hand, with Part I side toward him,
and presses the edge of the thumbnail in the first lower line while he
sings the song for which it stands. He then presses his thumbnail on
the next line as he sings the songs it represents, and so on to the top
of the stick. When he has reached the top of the stick he turns that
end downward, thus bringing the reverse side toward him, and begins
to sing the songs of Part IJ. This index stick is really a permanent
record of the number of songs in the ceremony and is, figuratively,
spoken of as zho™-xa wa-zhu, because each line stands for a counting
rod as well as for a song.
The other device is a bundle of rods, each one of which is about the
size of an ordinary lead pencil and is from 16 to 18 inches in length.
This bundle of rods, which is also called zho’-xa wa-zhu, is used by
the man for keeping tally of the sets of songs while performing the
ceremony. It is also used when instructing a candidate in the titles
of the sets of songs and the number contained in each set. The rods,
which number about 70, when not in use are arranged in a bundle.
This is held together with thongs and tied at both ends and at the
middle.
Zho™-xa Wa-zhu, the name of the two mechanical devices described
above, is also applied to the list of names of the sets of songs used in
this ceremony.
The following is the list or index of Wa’-wa-tho" songs as given by
Wa-xthi’-zhi:
PART I
. Mo”™-sho® Ga-sdu-dse, Wa-tho”, rods 4.
Tsi Ta-pe Wa-tho?®, rods 2.
Wa-po’-ga Wa-tho?, rods 2.
Ni’-dsi Wa-tho?, rod 1.
O’-po® Wa-tho?, rods 2.
Ho’-ga A-ki-tse Wa-tho”, rods 4.
Mo”-xe Thi-hi-dse Wa-tho”, rods 2.
. Xa-ge’ Wa-tho’, rods 2.
PART II
9. No®-xthe’ I-ki"-dse Wa-tho®, rod 1.
10. No®-xthe’ Wa-tse Wa-tho?’, rod 1.
11. Wa-ko"-tha The-the Wa-tho?, rod 1.
12. Wa-tse’ Wa-tho?, rod 1.
13. Ki’-no" Wa-tho”, rods 2.
14. I-ko’-tha Ki-ka-xe Wa-tho’, rod 1.
15. Ta Wa’-tho?, rods 4.
16. Ho’-e-ga Gi-pshe Wa-tho?, rod 1.
Part I
OPENING CEREMONY
Mo’’-sHo’ Wa-tTHO*
Feather Songs
Sone 1
(Osage version, p. 261)
M.M. e — 80 Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher.
Maret fo Lee eras ween
Zhi®-ga ga-the ha - ni da, Ha _ hi- tha -the ha,
> ea a a ee 6 «
MAK Gotioeh if 1 bm Take etiaa Gnimd
hi-tha-the ha, Hi-tha - the ha, Ho®-ga, Ha, hi-tha - the, Ho®-ga.
The literal translation of the words does not and can not carry the
true meaning of the song, which is really an expression of joy that a
“little one’, a child of the people, has been found worthy of the
tribal honor given through the Wa’-wa-tho®" rite. The song is ad-
dressed to the people, saying: “I have found among you a ‘little
one’, a child who is a Ho™-ga’”’. This song is sung four times.
Sone 2
(Osage version, p. 261)
M.M. a 76 Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher.
4 — a
——— He
Timehestsf =f ff Fe ate
Zhi®-ga ga-the the ha- ne, hi- tha Ho? -
CES IE SSA
Fe Pt PACA
pi is -the the elt A hi-tha Hot-ga Zhi®-ga ga-the ihe ha- i
The first song refers to the finding of the “‘little one’? who is worthy
of the tribal honor. The second song asks for the ‘“‘little one’ to be
made the Ho™-ga.
215
216 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [BuLn. 101
Sone 3
(Osage version, p. 261)
M.M. e — 80 Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher.
/ SSS Set oe =
-—@---4 1 @——g—_ 6-0
are SS
-g-
Time beats =
ji Ps She aa rs pets tas, etd Bae
Zhi®- ga ho - wa, ho - wa, Zhi®9-ga ho-wa, ho - wa, Zhi®-ga ho-
a S
ier hl.
fries ociel’ arate eer
wa, ho- wa,Zhi®-ga ho - wa,
Gs Wel aehi as cela y cote ate f
CC
wa, ho-wa,Zhi®-ga ho-wa, ho - wa. Zhi®-ga ho - wa, ho-wa ho-wa, ho - wa.
The translation of one phrase will be a translation of all of the
song. Zhi"-ga ho-wa, where is the child. This song is sung four
times.
Sone 4
(Osage version, p. 261)
M.M. a= 76 Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher.
5 SEED TTD ron
= 6
Time beats r ‘s r r p r
Zhi® - ga ho - wa - the, ho - wa- nei?’ da we,
SS
4a —e oe ee
lon
SS SS 6
f f Mae. fk ea ake f 7 Fi a ol
Zhi®-ga ho- wa-the,ho-wa-ne i" da we, Zhi®-ga ho-wa-the ho-wa-ne i?
ae oy
=< SS SSS
> ae | |: Ace a eeeeemeninen rs
ieee ies b f f f Few
da ho® - ga Zhi®-ga ho - wa-the ho-wa-nei® da _ we.
The translation of the first line will be a translation of the second:
Zhi®-ga ho-wa-the, ho-wa-ne i" da we, Where is he, I am searching
for him. This song is also sung four times.
During the singing of this song the Do-do”-ho"-ga and the Xo’-ka
change the manner of holding the pipes. They take the mouthpieces
between the tips of the fingers and thumb, letting the stem hang
downward, and only the rattles now accentuate the time and rhythm.
At the last note the pipes are allowed to slip from the fingers, but
before they touch the ground they are caught up by the two Xthe’-
LA FLEScHE] OSAGE PEACE CEREMONY 2h
ts’a-ge who, holding the pipes, rush with them out of the house and
run to that of the person chosen to be Ho”™-ga to apprise him of the
honor that has now come to him.
This song completes the group of songs in which conception and
gestation and birth are figuratively presented. It was the wife of
the Do-do™-ho®-ga, who stands “father” to the ‘‘son’’, who selected
the “little one” or Ho”-ga. The songs that follow her act voice the
expectancy of the child, and the “letting slip’ of the stems is the
birth.‘
In this ceremony as practiced by the Omaha, Ponca, and Oto, the
‘little one’ or Ho”-ga typifies peace and innocence, for the child is
one incapable of harboring malice. ‘The Ho™-ga also stands for the
uninterrupted continuity of the race. In the Osage rite the latter
aspect of the “little one” is given greater prominence.
The people of the camp who, upon hearing the first songs, had
hastened out of their homes, all eager to know who was chosen for
Ho”-ga, now stand watching the Xthe’-ts’a-ge as they run, holding
aloft the symbolic pipes. The two men enter the house of the man
chosen and give the formal notice of the selection. The honor is
promptly accepted for the man by his relatives, whereupon the two
Xthe’-ts’a-ge at once begin in a loud voice to recount their o-do™
(war honors), for only men who have won such honors can be chosen
for the Xthe’-ts’a-ge at the Wa’-wa-tho" ceremony.
At the conclusion of the recounting the two men hastily leave with
cries of triumph, and still having the pipestems, they run toward the
house of the Do-do”-ho*-ga who, on their approach, goes forth to
meet them. All three men reenter the house, take their respective
places, plant the forked stick in the ground, lay the mouthpieces of
the pipes in the crotch and let the lower ends of the stem rest on the
eround. This act is the signal for the No”-ho?-zhi"-ga to rise and go
to their homes. This they do, saying: “It is done, it is done! It is
well!’ as they pass out of the house and leave the Do-do”-ho*-ga and
his men to themselves. Meanwhile the village is busy talking over
the wisdom of the choice that has been made and discussing the
worthiness of the person selected to be Ho”-ga.
Soon after the departure of the No™-ho"-zhi"-ga the Do-do™-ho*-ga
and the Xo’-ka take up the pipes and rattles, rise and go out of the
door, followed by the Xthe’-ts’a-ge and the Tse’-xe-k’i". Standing
side by side near the door, with their followers behind them, the
Xo’-ka and the Do-do™-ho"-ga sing the first of the songs of ceremonial
approach to the house of the Ho™’-ga, where the ceremony is to take
4 During a case of protracted and difficult childbirth this part of the Wa’-wa-tho™ ceremony is appealed
to and the third song is sung, accompanied by the movements of the pipes and rattles in order to bring about
the desired birth. In this connection it should be remembered that the preparation of the symbolic pipes
was accompanied by ceremonies fraught with reverent feeling and that through these ceremonial proceed-
ings it was believed that these symbolic articles had become imbued with a supernatural power and were
therefore able to bring benefits to the people.
83773—39 15
218 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [Butt. 101
place. Four stops are made by the procession, beginning with the
stop just outside of the door of the Do-do”-ho*-ga’s house and ending
with one made near the door of the house of the Ho”-ga. At each
stop one of the songs of approach is sung, of which there are only two.
First one is sung and then the other up to the final stop at the door
of the Ho™-ga.
Wa-sho’-she, another Osage who was present when Wa-xthi’-zhi
was describing the Wa’-wa-tho", spoke of this part of the ceremony as
being very impressive. All the people of the camp turned out to see
it, for the men of the Wa’-wa-tho” party were ‘‘o-ta’-ca’’, meaning that
they made an appearance pleasing and satisfying to the eye.
CEREMONIAL APPROACH TO THE HousE Soncs
Sone l
(Osage version, p. 261)
M.M. Als 66 Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher.
,
Ha-we the ha-we, ha-we the ha- we, Ha-we the ha- we,
se eg ee a a a
ha- we the ha- we, Ha-we the ha-we the Ho®-ga Ha-we the ha- we,
-o- oe «o eo -~
ha- we the ha-we, Ha-we the ha- we, ha-wethe ha-we the Ho® - ga.
Words of this song can not be literally translated; the prolongation
of the last syllable of the word “‘ha-we’”’ is to accommodate the music;
the meaning and refrain of this song is “greeting to the Ho™-ga.”’
Sone 2
(Osage version, p. 262)
M.M. es 69 Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher.
3 3 8 3
SS
o— o—
— ———S a fata ae oe
Caer
Ha, the Ho®-ga the Hoga Ho®-ga, the Ho"-ga, the Ho®-ga,
i Te a a Na
Ho®-ga, the Ho® - ga, the Ho®- ga, Ho®-ga, the Ho®-ga, the Ho®-ga,
LA FLEScHE] OSAGE PEACE CEREMONY 219
The word Ho”™-ga used in this song has a broader meaning. It is
applied to a person, an object, or a collection of objects or ceremonial
forms consecrated to religious uses. The refrain, ‘““Ha the Ho*’-ga,
the Ho*’-ga,”’ “Ho! this is the Ho*’-ga, this is the Ho™-ga,” refers to
every part of the ceremony and text collectively, including persons,
sacred objects, and ceremonial forms. The song is in praise of the
rite, of its fundamental principle, which is to bring peace and good
will between the men of the tribe.
After the ceremony of approach the Do-do™-ho®-ga, the Xo’-ka,
and their followers enter the house of the Ho”-ga and take their
places at the east. The two fireplaces of the long house and the earth
floor have been cleaned for this occasion and blankets and robes
spread upon the ground for the Wa’-wa-tho" party and guests who
will be invited to take part.
The Wa’-wa-tho" party arriving at the place assigned to it, the
Xthe’-ts’a-ge and Tse’-xe-k’1" sit down while the Do-do™-ho*-ga and
the Xo’-ka stand side by side with the pipes and rattles still in their
hands. The Xo’-ka now recites the following wi’-gi-e:
Tue Great Gray Own RitTvaAL AND SONGS
(Osage version, p. 262)
1
1. Ho! little ones, he was heard to say, off in the distance,
2. He, the male great gray owl, lifted his voice and spoke,
3. He, whom we call grandfather.
4. At a time when the god of night was at his greatest strength,
5. He, whom we call grandfather,
6. With repeated calls, prolonged, lifted up his voice and spoke,
saying:
7. I am one whose cries are ever listened to by Wa-ko™-da.
8. When the little ones make me a part of themselves,
9. Their cries, also, shall always be heard by Wa-ko’-da.
0. When the little ones make me a part of themselves,
1. They shall be enabled throughout their life’s journey to be heard
by Wa-ko”™-da.
2
12. At that time and place another voice was heard, off in the distance,
13. It was that of the female great gray owl, lifting her voice to speak,
14. At a time when the god of night was at his greatest strength,
15. With repeated calls, prolonged, she spoke, saying:
16. I am one whose cries are ever listened to by Wa-ko™-da.
17. When the little ones make of me a part of themselves,
18. They shall be enabled, throughout their life’s journey, to be heard
by Wa-ko”-da.
220 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY (BULL. 101
19. At that very time and place she was again heard to speak,
20. Of all the creatures, I only, live in a house, spacious and secure.
21. I am a person whose children are born in safety, one after the
other.
22. When the little ones make of me a part of themselves,
23. They also shall give birth to their children in safety, one after the
other.
24. And if they also make of me the means by which to reach old age,
25. Their craving, throughout their life’s journey, to reach old age
shall be satisfied.
Sone 1
(Osage version, p. 263)
M.M. pie 72 Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher.
SS =
Pal ae) anew E
ia E > SLC
Time beats P f ¢ IE Ng f 5 t
Ko - ko we tha ne, ko- ko we tha ne A - ho,
tual eee Fike a eho Re i ee hes’
ko-ko wetha ne, A-ho, ko-ko we tha ne, ko-ko we tha ne.
The music of this song appears among the Oto Wa-wo" songs col-
lected by Alice C. Fletcher and Francis La Flesche in February 1895.
The translation of two phrases will be a translation of all the words.
Ko-ko is said to be the archaic name for Wa-po-ga, the great gray
owl; we tha ne, you have; a ho, behold now. This is sung four times.
Sone 2
(Osage version, p. 263)
Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher.
a ee
A ho, ko-ko we, a ho, ko-ko oa e tha ha ha-ne,
Saas.
a so — : - -
a ho, ko-ko we, E tha ha ha - ne, a ho, ko-ko we.
The translation of two phrases of this song will be a translation of
all the words. Aho, behold now; ko-ko, owl; we, an; e-tha-ha,
behold; ha-ne, you have. This song also is sung four times.
In the wi’-gi-e (ritual) a teaching is set forth in the form of a parable
so that none who listen can mistake its meaning. The songs that
LA FLEscur] OSAGE PEACE CEREMONY 221
follow are expressions of the emotion of joy awakened by the parable.
The words are few and fragmentary for in Indian songs the words
are of secondary importance and are sparingly used. The Indian
prefers musical tones as a means by which to express his happiness
and his reverent feeling.
Rituals and songs that go together are collectively spoken of as
wa-tho" or songs. The title of this ritual and accompanying songs
is Wa-po’-ga, the great gray owl; Wa-tho", songs. This ritual and
accompanying songs are a supplication for success in bringing about,
through the Wa’-wa-tho® rite, peace and good will between the differ-
ent groups and tribes, for, not until this end has been attained can the
people rear their “little ones’’ in safety and without fear. The same
care is craved from Wa-ko"™-da as that bestowed upon the Wa-po’-ga
who can give birth to their “little ones’”’ one after the other and rear
them in entire safety and without fear. The mysterious calls of these
birds which are often heard ‘‘when the god of night was at his greatest
strength,” the building of their houses in hollow trees, and the success-
ful rearing of their “little ones’’ in security inspired the ancient
No”-ho?-zhi-ga with the thought that these birds were specially
favored by Wa-ko™-da, so this supplication has been handed down
through successive ages that ‘‘Wa-ko™-da give to us the same thought-
ful care as that bestowed upon the Wa-po’-ga, so that we also may rear
our young in safety and start them on the path toward a good old age.”
Nr-pst Wa-THO*
Water Song
The Wa-po’-ga song is followed by the Ni’-dsi Wa-tho", water song,
which is sung to the beating of the rattles and the waving of the pipes
when one of the subordinates, a Tse’-xe-k’1", is sent to bring water
for the people to drink. Going to the brook for water is a common
and simple act, yet in this ceremony it is performed with a reverent
thought of Wa-ko’-da, whose aid is continually invoked throughout
this rite. In this song, as in the song of the Wa-po’-ga, a supplication
is made; in this instance the otter is thought of, although no mention
is made of its name in the song, for this little animal, it was believed,
has the same peculiar care of Wa-ko™-da as the owl. The otter’s
home is as much in the water as it is on the land. This dual nature
of the otter seems to have excited the wonder of the ancient No™-
ho®-zhi"-ga, and the apparent safety with which it rears its young
gave rise to the belief that it is one of the creatures having the special
favor of Wa-ko™-da. This song is, therefore, sometimes called the
otter song.
222 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [BuLt. 101
WatER SonG
(Osage version, p. 263)
M.M. JS = Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher,
So
Time beats r r ¢
Bee dsi ni a ml dse Hs - ie, i dsi wa - ge,
= P=
Poses = pe eeaas Cr
-@ wv
fo). thee shoe Ch food 2a ae
He-dsi nia ha dse wa- ge, i he He-dsi nia he-dse wa -ge,
Pagage !
e aa
| ' '
he-dsi wa - ge, He-dsi nia ha dse wa - ge, he-dsi wa - ge.
The meaning of this song is, Go to the brook and bring water. It
is sung four times. After the singing of the Ni‘-dsi Wa-tho® the pipes
ire ceremonially set down to rest and an intermission follows.
Success CEREMONY
WA-DSU -TA I-HI-THO-BE
Animals made to appear
For the purpose of having the Wa-dsu’-ta I-hi-tho"-be ceremony
performed, the Tse’-xe-k’i" No"-ho” is sent out to summon all within
reach who have had the Wa’-wa-tho" ceremony performed. ‘The
literal translation of the title of this ceremony is: Wa-dsu’-ta, animals;
I, by which; hi-tho"-be, appear. In the Ni’-ki No"-k’o® rite there is a
ritual which, if ceremonially recited, it is believed, will give success
to a hunter by causing the animals to appear before him. When the
invited guests arrive and are seated, all who know the Wa-dsu’-ta
I-hi-tho"-be ritual are asked to recite it. This ritual, it is said, is a
modified form of the one in the Ni-ki No"-k’o" rite, and is recited for
the purpose of bringing success to the party performing the Wa’-wa-
tho". During this ceremony there is an U’-thu-dse, in which all the
invited guests have a share.
After the recital of the Wa-dsu -ta I-hi-tho®-be rites a Wa-sha’-be
A-thi" Wa-zho’-wa-gthe or ceremonial war leader is chosen by the
invited guests to be a leader of a sham attack to be made upon the
Ho”-ga at a certain part of the Wa’-wa-tho™ ceremony. The leader
LA FLEscuE] OSAGE PEACE CEREMONY 223
who has been chosen now goes to his house to prepare for the war
ceremony. The Wa’-wa-tho" party and the invited guests follow.
Arrived at the house of the war leader, the Wa’-wa-tho" party take
their place at the east end and the invited guests arrange themselves
according to their respective gentes as at the ceremonial gatherings
of the No”-ho®-zhi"-ga.
While the Wa’-wa-tho" party and the invited guests are on their
way the ceremonial war leader sends for the Sho’-ka or official mes-
senger of his gens. The Sho’-ka now appears for the first time in the
Wa’-wa-tho" ceremony, as his services belong exclusively to cere-
monies that pertain to war. Upon the arrival of the Sho’-ka the war
leader sends him out to get some zho™-sha-be-the-hi, or redbud wood,
with which the charcoal paint for the war leader is to be made. When
the sacred wood has been brought in by the Sho’-ka, a No™-ho?-
zhi*-ga of the Tsi’-zhu Wa-shta-ge gens prepares the fireplace and
recites, in a modified form, the ritual relating to fire and charcoal.
Sometimes the Wa’-wa-tho" pipes are taken on the war path in place
of the wa-xthe-xthe. On such occasions a No™-ho'-zhi"-ga of the
Black Bear or the Puma gens prepares the fireplace and makes the
charcoal. A No™-hon-zhi"-ga of one of these gentes may officiate at
the charcoal-making ceremony in the Wa’-wa-tho". At such times
he can recite only the White Swan ritual and omit the parts that
relate to the Black Bear and the Puma, as these are recited only at
war ceremonies.
The No”™-ho'-zhi*-ga of the Tsi’-zhu Wa-shta-ge having finished
the making of the charcoal, the war leader paints himself with it in
the following manner: He makes a black band across the mouth,
running from the lower part of one ear to the other, including the
chin; a round spot is put on each shoulder, and one over the heart,
also below the knee and both hands. When the leader has painted
himself with the sacred charcoal the organization of the war party
proceeds as at a regular ceremony.
While the Wa-sha’-be A-thi", or Charcoal ceremony, with its dances
and processions, is in progress, the Do-do™-ho"-ga and Xo’-ka go on
with the Wa’-wa-tho". The next songs they sing are the O’-po?
Wa-tho" or Elk songs. These songs belong to the gens that has for
its zho’-i-ga-tha or ‘“‘body”’ the elk who gave to the people the ho’-e-ga
and the wa-xthe’-xthe, sacred symbols by which they could easily
overcome their enemies. It also gave to the people by its subgens,
the Mo™-shko" (Crawfish), the forked stick to give success in war.
This forked stick is also contributed to the Wa’-wa-tho" to give suc-
cess in its aim to bring about peace and good will among men.
224 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [BULL. 101
E.K Soncs
Sone 1
(Osage version, p. 263)
M.M. g Transcribed by Alice ©. Fletcher.
_———S SS ad
n-ga the - hi tha, Hon-ga the - hi tha
VST
Ho®-ga the-hi tha Ho® - =
D-Be E eee
“6 eS ee - 6
hom 10% Ho® - ga the - hi tha Ho® - ga.
The translation of a phrase in this song will be sufficient for the
entire song: Ho*’-ga thi a-hi a tha, The honor of Ho™-ga has alighted
upon you. This song is sung four times.
Sone 2
(Osage version, p. 263)
M.M. J —80 Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher.
Ho®-ga da-we, Ho®-ga da -we Ho®-ga da- we-e Ho® - ga
-6-
“—
wi-tha ha- ne - e, A wi-tha ha- ne - e Ho®- ga
-ga da-we, Ho®-ga da-we, Ho"-ga da-we-e Ho®- ga.
§ 8
The words of the second line of this song, A wi-tha ha-ne-e, etc.,
can not be translated separately, but the meaning of the line is “You
are the one, you are the one.”
GUARDING THE Ho’’-Ga
HOYN’-GA A-KI-TSE
Watching over the Ho’-ga
The next songs in order are the Ho™-ga A-ki-tse Wa-tho", four in
number, but Wa-xthi’-zhi said he could not remember them.
LA FLEscur] OSAGE PEACE CEREMONY 225
Sxy Rirvau
MO’’-XE THI-HI-DSE WA-THO’
Sky Controlling Songs
Mo”-xe Thi-hi-dse Wa-tho" is the title of the songs that are next in
order in the Wa’-wa-tho® rite Although there is with these two
songs a ritual of six chapters, all are spoken of collectively as songs.
Sky Controlling Songs is a translation of the title that is the nearest
approach to its real meaning as used with reference to the interest and
purpose of the rite. Mo*’-xe, sky; Thi-hi-dse, controlling; Wa-tho?,
songs.
In its ordinary use the meaning of the word Thi-hi-dse is pranks,
such as are played by one brother-in-law upon another, or to tease,
as when a child teases a pup.
Sometimes when a steady rain comes during the performance of
the Wa’-wa-tho" ceremonies the ritual of the Mo-xe Thi-hi-dse
Wa-tho" is recited and the songs are sung to make it stop raining by
their supposed magical influence, or a hunter who has the right to
use the Wa’-wa-tho" will recite the ritual and sing the songs to bring
clear weather when he is kept indoors by a long-continued rain. The
use of the rite, in a magical way, came about as much from a mis-
conception of the ideal which the Ancient No”-ho?-zhi"-ga endeavored
to set forth by ritual and song as from the belief that a rite that has
been divinely inspired must have some supernatural quality.
The sky mentioned in the ritual here given, of the Ancient No”-
ho"-zhi"-ga, is not the material sky that surrounds us but the sky
of conduct of men toward one another, a sky which might be overcast
with dangerous and destructive clouds of war, but which could be
influenced by men, through self-restraint, self-denial, and good will,
which alone can avert the storms of hatred and malice, and make the
sky of conduct clear and serene.
THE WI’-GI-E (RITUAL)
(Osage version, p. 263)
1
ar
. Ho! little one, he was heard to say, in the distance,
2. When he, in appeal, spoke to him in this wise: The little ones
have no means by which to control the sky.
3. At that very time and place he was heard in the distance to make
reply.
4. He, the bird, who sits as though he had been struck with a tinge
of red,
5. Was heard to make reply, in the distance, even from the open
prairies.
6. When, in appeal, the little ones spoke to him, thus: “Ho! grand-
father,
226 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [BuLt. 101
7. The little ones have no means by which to control the sky,”
8. At that very time and place, he was heard to make reply far in
the distance,
9. ‘You have said the little ones have no means by which to control
the sky.
10. I shall be the means by which the little ones can control the sky.
11. Behold my body which is as though it had been struck with a
tinge of red,
12. And behold the god who lies in the upper region,
13. Whose body is as though struck, here and there, with a tinge of
red,
14. Verily, I am a person who has made himself to resemble this god,
15. And when the little ones make of me the means to control the sky,
16. This god who lies in the upper region,
17. They shall be able, as a people, to control at will through their
life’s journey,’”’ he was heard to say.
2
18. At that very time and place,
19. He, the ki-ta-ni-ka, the bluejay, was heard to say in the distance,
20. When, in appeal, he was addressed in this wise, ‘‘Ho! grand-
father,
21. The little ones have no means by which to control the sky.”
22. Then, at that very time and place, he was heard to make reply,
23. ‘You have said the little ones have no means by which to control
the sky.
24. I shall be the means by which the little ones can control the sky.
25. Behold, my body which is colored with blue,
26. And behold, the god who lies in the upper region,
27. Whose body is, here and there, colored with blue,
28. Verily, I am a person who has made himself to resemble this god,
29. And when the little ones make of me the means by which to control
the sky,
30. This god, who lies in the upper region,
31. They shall be able, as a people, to control at will, through their
life’s journey.”
3
32. Verily, at that time and place,
33. He, the redbird, the scarlet tanager,
34. Was heard to say, in the distance, at the beginning of the day,
35. “Behold, the god who is ever the first to appear,
36. The god, who is as though struck with a color of red,
37. And behold the color of my own body, which is red,
38. Verily, I am a person who has made himself to resemble that god,
LA FLEscue] OSAGE PEACE CEREMONY 2275
39.
40.
And when the little ones make of me the means by which to con-
trol the sky,
They shall be able, through their life’s journey, to make that
god appear, clothed in red, and leading forth a tranquil day.”’
4
. Verily, at that time and place,
. He, the spotted duck, was heard to say in the distance,
. When, in appeal, he was called to, in this wise, ‘“Ho! grandfather,
. The little ones have no means by which to control the sky.”
. Verily, at that time and place, he was heard in the distance to
make reply:
. “You have said, the little ones have no means by which to control
the sky.
. Behold, the spot with which my body is crossed,
. And behold, the god who lies in the upper region,
. Whose body, also, is covered with spots,
. Verily, I am a person who has made himself to resemble that god.
. When the little ones make of me the means by which to control
the sky,
52. This god who lies in the upper region,
. They as a people, through their life’s journey, shall be able at will
to control him.”
5
. At that very time and place,
. He, the great curlew, was heard in the distance,
. When, in appeal, he was called to, in this wise: ‘‘Ho! grandfather,
. The little ones have no means by which to control the sky.”
. He was heard in the far distance to make reply, saying, ‘‘You
have said the little ones have no means by which to control
the sky.
. I shall be the means by which the little ones can control the sky.”’
. Then, at a time, when the night had not yet turned toward the
MOrrow
. He arose and breathed forth a loud call;
. Then he was heard to say, in the distance: ‘This is my call,
. With the force of which I strike in the very center, the god of the
upper region,
. And thus I have ever cleared away the harmful clouds from him.
. When the little ones make of me the means by which to control
the sky,
. In like manner they shall strike in the very center, the god of the
upper region,
. And ever be able, through their life’s journey, to clear away the
angry clouds from him.”’
228 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [BuLr. 101
6
68. At that very time and place,
69. He, the great white swan, was heard to say,
70. When, in appeal, he was called to, in this wise: ‘Ho! grandfather,
71. The little ones have no means by which to control the sky.”
72. Then, in the distance he was heard to make reply, saying: ‘‘Ho!
little ones,
73. You have said the little ones have no means by which to control
the sky.
74. I shall be the means by which the little ones can control the sky.
75. Behold, the whiteness of my body,
76. And behold the whiteness, the purity of the sky,
77. Verily, J am a person who has made himself to resemble the sky
in purity.
78. When the little ones make of me the means by which to control
the sky
79. They shall be able, through their life’s journey, to make the god
of the upper region
80. To lie in perfect purity.”
From the ritual of the Mo™-xe Thi-hi-dse it can be seen that the
ancient No’-ho*-zhi"-ga gave much thought to the ever-changing
mood of the sky which has an important place in the religious con-
cepts of the Osage. The dark clouds that bring lightning, hail, and
destructive winds inspired them with awe and they associated them
with the terrible actions of men in their strife with each other. In
the ceremonies that relate to war many of the rituals and songs refer
to the dark clouds, the lightning, and the winds, and their destruc-
tive character is dramatized in ceremonial form. War was regarded
by these ancient teachers as a necessary evil, but necessary only for
self-preservation, therefore, the honor awarded a warrior for the per-
formance of heroic deeds in defending the village and the fields is
counted as higher than any that might be won in aggressive warfare.
This rule existed among the Omaha. (See Twenty-seventh Ann.
Rept. Bur. Amer. Ethn., p. 48.) No o-do™ (war honor) can be
recounted in the Wa-xo’-be ceremony by a warrior unless he can
also count an honor awarded him for a heroic deed performed in
defending the village, and particularly the field where women work.
War was not thought of by the No’-ho?-zhi"-ga as desirable, for while
the warriors of the tribe might triumph over their enemies in a single
encounter or in a number of battles the fear of attack in retaliation
would always follow them while engaged in hunting the deer or chas-
ing the buffalo, and the women would be in constant dread while
working in the fields. War meant to them only malice, hatred, and
death.
LA FLEScHE] OSAGE PEACE CEREMONY 229
When the No’-ho?-zhi"-ga directed their thoughts toward peace
they discerned in it all that was desirable, mutual friendship and love,
not only among the people within the tribe but also among the people
of all other tribes; in it they saw a liberation from the restraints of
fear. Like other teachings that touch closely the life and welfare of
the people, the teaching of peace could not be preserved or transmitted
in any other way than by rites, with rituals and songs that were more
or less allegorical in character, of which the Mo’-xe Thi-hi-dse ritual
and songs are an example. The No™-ho?-zhi"-ga, in this ritual, chose
the sky and the variety of changes it assumes when in a peaceful
mood, and the activity of the birds at such times, to illustrate and
set forth their teaching of peace. ‘The bird who sits as though he
had been struck with a tinge of red’’ (cardinal, pl. 6, a) is associated
with the soft morning clouds that are struck with a tinge of red by
the rising sun, and which promise a calm day. The bluejay (pl. 6, 6),
with the sky, which although clouded, is serene and shows its color of
blue through intervening spaces; the scarlet tanager, with the red
dawn that is an unfailing sign of a bright day; the spotted duck, with
the sky flecked with harmless blue clouds; the “great curlew,” with
the sunny day, the coming of which he predicts by his cry, even before
dawn; and lastly, the white swan, with the sky that is perfect in
purity and peace.
These songs which follow the recital of the wi’-gi-e voice the emotion
of the people.
Sone 15
(Osage version, p. 266)
M.M = 80 Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher.
SS SS Se ee
Ho®-ga thi hi tha, ha - we, ae mee Hot®t-ga thi hi tha,
——
———— wow : ae on pew ew
ha -we, da we, Ho®-ga thi hi tha, ha-we, da we, Ho®-ga thi hi
—— —- -+- —s
ea ee Shag BG LS Sr
tha, ha-we, da we, Ho®-ga thi hi tha, ha-we, da we.
This song is sung four times, during which the pipes are not moved
and only rattles are used to accompany the voice. The song is
addressed to the clear sky, the most important of all the symbols of
peace. During the first singing the pipes are held toward the east at
right angles to the extended arm and on a level with the face. During
5 The music of this song is a variant of an Oto Wa-wo" collected by Alice C. Fletcher and Francis
La Flesche in 1895. The Oto song has been transcribed but not yet published,
230 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [BuLt. 101
the second singing the pipes are held in the same manner toward the
north on a line with the top of the head. At the third singing they
are similarly held only a little higher and toward the west. While
singing the song for the fourth time they are held in the same way
high above the head and toward the north as though offering them
to the sky.
Sone 2
(Osage version, p. 266)
Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher.
a a
Ko - we ko - we tha, Da-do®a, thi? a-do®
[SSS
ko-we_ tha, Ko-we tha mo2-sho® a-thi® a-do®,Ko - we tha,
When singing this song the Do-do™-ho"-ga and the Xo’-ka beat
time with the rattles and wave the pipes to the rhythm of the song,
which is a call to the sky of peace to come and unfold itself over the
people and over the land, to bring with it the peace and happiness that
is symbolized by the various objects used in the Wa’-wa-tho? rite, the
feather pendants of the pipes, the symbolic face painting, the fluffy
feathers, all of which refer to the bringing of the day of peace to all
men.
In the month of August 1914, Te-o’-ko"-ha (pl. 7) gave to the
writer the following list of the birds used by the Omahas as symbols
of a clear and serene sky. He also stated that sometimes the Omaha
makers of the Wa-wo® pipes put little black marks upon that part of °
the stem covered by the neck and head of the mallard duck, to repre-
sent the necks and throats of these sacred birds. Te-o’-ko®-ha be-
longs to the Ni-ni’-bato" gens of the Omaha I*-shta-co"-da gens and
is well informed on the symbolisms of the Omaha Wa-wo? pipes, he
having often assisted in making them.
1. Ki’-ko"-to"-ga, long-billed curlew (pl. 8, 6). This bird clears
away the clouds from the sky with the magical power of its voice. The
personal name Ki’-ko"-to"-ga appears in the I"-ke’-cga-be gens of the
Omaha tribe as a Ni’-ki-e name.
2. To-1", curlew. The song of this bird is distinctly heard in the
sunshine that follows a rainstorm and the hearts of the people are
gladdened because they know from the song that the storm is over
and that a clear and tranquil sky is coming.
3. Te’-i"-shta-tha-xu-be, probably the Savannah sparrow. This
bird in building its nest makes a hole in the ground which it lines with
the fiber of the milkweed and the silky hairs of the seeds. The site
chosen for the nest is always under a bunch of grass which not only
shelters it from the rains and the winds but also hides it from harmful
PLATE 6 .
BULLETIN 101
BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY
b, Bluejay.
a, Cardinal,
*(SMOIA OPIS PUB JOT) VY-n03-,0-d,],
ZLALV1d 101 NILST1INa ASOTIONHL]A NYOIMAWY AO NVayHNa
BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY BULLETIN 101 PLATE 8
a, White swan.
b, Long-billed curlew.
BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY BULLETIN 101 PLATE 9
a, Mallard duck.
b, Scarlet tanager.
La FLEscHE] OSAGE PEACE CEREMONY Zan
animals. After a rain this little bird perches itself on a stalk of the
gum weed, throws up its head and tail and joyously greets, with its
thrilling song, the sunshine and the blue sky. The bird is not much
larger than a man’s thumb but it has a voice that is sweet and far-
reaching. When the people hear the song of this bird they also rejoice
and welcome the sunshine and the unclouded sky. The song of this
bird is always taken by the people as a sure sign that the storm has
finally passed away.
4. Ta-cka’-cka, spotted thrush. This bird has a beautiful voice.
When it sings it throws its head upward as though singing to the sky
and twitches its tail in an excited manner. When the song of this
bird is heard at the coming of day the people say: ‘The ta-cka’-cka
sings; it will be clear and peaceful to-day,” and thus this bird secured
a place among the sacred birds.
5. Pa’-hi-tu, mallard duck (pl. 9, a). When the call of this bird is
heard along the streams and lakes at break of day, the persons first
hearing the call would say: ‘‘A-ho! I hear the call of the pa’-hi-tu; a
clear and peaceful day is coming.”” The skin of the neck and breast
of this bird is put upon the Wa-wo" pipes of the Omaha, Osage, and
Pawnee tribes.
6. Wa-zhi®’-ga-pa, pileatd woodpecker (pl. 2, 6). Unlike the birds
of its kind, the wa-zhi"’-ga-pa is wild and difficult to approach. It very
seldom calls throughout the day and its whereabouts can be known
only by the sounds of its loud knocking on the dead branches of a
tree. But its call and knocking may sometimes be heard at dawn
when those hearing the sounds would say, ‘‘A-ho! the wa-zhi"’-ga-pa
calls and knocks; it knows that the day will be clear and gentle.”
The skin of the head of this bird with the maxilla attached is fas-
tened to the stem of the Omaha, Osage, and Pawnee pipes. The red
on the head symbolizes persistency and perseverance.
7. Pa’-nu-hu, owl (pl. 2, a). When the hooting and the cries of the
owl are heard just about the break of day it is said that the coming
day will be clear and mild. The feathers of this bird are put upon
the Omaha, Osage, and Pawnee pipes.
The Do-do”-ho"-ga, before rising with his Xo’-ka to sing the next
set of songs, addresses the members of the Ho™-ga U-ta-no™-dsi, a
war-like gens, and those of the Tsi’-zhu Wa-no’, a gens of peace, say-
ing: ‘Ho! Ho”-ga U-ta-no™-dsi and Tsi’-zhu Wa-no’, it has always
been the custom for you to assist in this part of the ceremony and,
appealing to your sympathy, I now ask of you the assistance which
you have never refused to give.”
Then those present who belong to these gentes hasten to select two
men from their members to act out a little comedy that takes place
soon after the singing of the songs next in order. These two men, as
soon as they have been chosen, go to their homes, dress and paint
232 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [Butr. 101
themselves like the men of strange tribes, then, mounted on their
best horses, ride side by side in and around the camp while the Weep-
ing Songs which form the next set are being sung.
WeeErpine Sones
Toward evening, after an intermission following the singing of the
Sky Controlling Songs, the Do-do"-ho*-ga and the Xo’-ka rise with
the pipes and rattles to sing the Weeping Songs. Before the singing
is started the Do-do”-ho®-ga addresses the people who have come to
witness the ceremony, saying: ‘‘A ni-ka-shi-ga, A’ wi® ge tha-k’e
o"-tha gi-the do” tha-no”-zhi® ta tse a bi" da, ni-ka-wa-ca e,”’ which
may be translated in this wise: ‘Oh! brethren, it has been said that
if any one has any compassion for me at the performance of this part
of the ceremony he will rise.” To a stranger who is unfamiliar with
the customs of the Osage this address would be meaningless, but to
one who has been born and bred in this ceremonial life it means that
all who are in mourning are asked to terminate their period of mourn-
ing with the Wa’-wa-tho" ceremony, which means the granting of
life and happiness to all men, instead of carrying out their intentions
of giving the Wa-sha’-be A-thi" ceremony, which brings no comfort
but death and sorrow to others.
At the starting of the songs all who are in mourning willingly rise
and begin to weep as a final shedding of tears for the dead.
Sone 1
(Osage version, p. 267)
Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher.
reeseeeeee
Time beats
Sorone on at
The xa- ge, the xa-ge, the xa- ge the Xa- ge the Ho®-
e, the xa -ge the Ho® - ga The xa - ge, the xa - ge.
8 g g
LA FLESCHE] OSAGE PEACE CEREMONY 233
Sone 2
(Osage version, p. 267)
Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher.
Xa - ge- Ho® - ga,
SS
a -
xa- ge Ho®-ga Xa - ge Ho® - ga, Xa - ge nile
After this ceremony the mourners throw away the ragged deel
they have been wearing as a sign of mourning and the men mourners
cut their hair and paint their faces as when not in mourning, and all
forget their sorrow.
When the singing of the Weeping Songs comes to a close the two
Pa’-thi", or make-believe strangers, ride to the door of the house of
the Wa’-wa-tho" party. One of the Tse’-xe-k’i" meets them and con-
ducts them into the house, where they are assigned to places near the
Do-do™-ho"-ga and the Xo’-ka. Then food is brought and placed
before them, as are also presents of blankets. They eat quietly but
hastily, as though suffering from hunger, while the members of the
Wa’-wa-tho® party and their other guests make remarks among them-
selves about the strangers, such as, ‘“They must have come from a
long distance; they seem to be pretty hungry. The one sitting nearest
to the Do-do”-ho"-ga looks as though he might be a Ho™-ga U-ta-
no"-dsi and the other a Tsi’-zhu Wa-no?,”’ at which there would be a
general nudging with the elbows, followed by smiles and laughter.
Without a smile or the slightest notice of these remarks the strangers
go on with their eating; then, when they have finished and indicated
by signs and flourishing gestures the satisfaction of their hunger, the
Xo’-ka speaks to them, by signs, saying, ‘‘Where did you come from?”
After some gibberish between the two, both strangers reply by stretch-
ing out their right arms and pointing to the west, then drawing in
the hands, with the index finger point upward. This occasions further
remarks among the Wa’-wa-tho® party and their other guests, meant
to be very amusing, at the expense of the strangers, particularly the
representative of the Ho™-ga U-ta-no®-dsi gens whose symbol is the
striped skunk.
Although enjoying the jokes of their hosts, the strangers give no
outward signs of understanding them.
When all have had their fun and have quieted down the strangers
inform their hosts, by a series of graceful manual signs, that the
warriors of two hostile tribes were approaching to attack their camp.
The strangers, being friendly to the tribe, had come to give timely
83773—39—16
234 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY (BULL. 101
warning to their friends so that they may prepare themselves for the
attack.
When the visitors have given their friendly warning they take leave
of their hosts to depart, first thanking them for their hospitality and
generous gifts.
The little comedy is enacted for the purpose of introducing the
ceremonies connected with the sham attack to be made upon the
Ho”™-ga on the following morning. The pleasantries in this play of
the two strangers, as well as in the Name Taking ceremony, to be
next described, are for the purpose of emphasizing the idea of the
friendly feeling and relations which the people aim to bring about
through the influence of the Wa’-wa-tho" ceremony.
When the two make-believe strangers have gone the Wa’-wa-tho?
party choose an I’-e-ki-the, crier, from the Black Bear gens or from
its subgens, the Puma. If they can not get one from either of these
gentes they select one from the Tsi’-zhu Wa-no". This crier is then
sent out to give warning throughout the camp, saying: “Ho! two
great war parties are reported to be advancing to attack the village
and the young warriors are bidden to prepare to meet them.”
Name TAKING
The fun-loving young men and boys who are eager to take part in
the attack hasten to their maternal uncles, as soon as they hear the
voice of the crier, each carrying a pair of moccasins, a pair of leggings,
a blanket, or some other article of value. Each youth lays his present
before his uncle and says: ‘“‘Uncle, I want you to give me a name to
use to-morrow morning, if I should win an honor in the attack.”
“Ffo!” the uncle would reply, ‘‘your name shall be, He-who-is-always-
last-to-get-up-in-the-morning.”” Another might say to his young
nephew who is just beginning to make himself attractive to the
maidens, ‘‘Ho! my nephew, I have a name for you, it 1s, ‘He-who-is-
always-being-jilted’.””. Or one would say, “‘Ah, my nephew, you have
given me a beautiful present. In return I will give you a fine name;
you shall be ‘Sore-back’.” This refers to the inattention of the lad
to the discomforts of his pony.
Thus the early part of the night would be spent in merriment and
laughter at the expense of the nephews, who take good-naturedly these
thrusts at their faults or peculiarities, made by their uncles, who never
joke with their nephews except on this occasion. The nephews go
about the camp loudly proclaiming their new names, meeting shouts
of laughter, until at last a “smoky” feeling in their eyes drives them
to seek their resting places.
Part II
CHARCOAL FIGHT
No*-xthe I-ki"-dse Wa-tho" is the title of the ritual and songs to
be next recited and sung. The literal translation of the title is:
No"-xthe, charcoal; I, for; ki®-dse, fight; Wa-tho", songs; Fight for
the Charcoal Songs.
Before the break of day a small house is set apart by the Tse’-xe-
ki”, near the dwelling occupied by the Wa’-wa-tho" party, in prepara-
tion for the dramatic attack to be made upon the Ho™-ga. For this
part of the ceremony the Ho™-ga is dressed with a new blanket,
ornamented leggings, moccasins, jacket, and ear ornaments. When he
is dressed and painted (pl. 10) he is ceremonially conducted to his little
house with the pile of blankets and other articles of clothing, brought
by the Wa’-wa-tho® party for distribution to the winners of honors
in the dramatic attack. Then the two Xthe’-ts’a-ge stand guard over
the Ho"™-ga’s house to protect it against the young men who, while
preparing for the attack, and waiting for the preliminary ceremonies,
will try to steal past them and enter it to get the ceremonial clothing.
Should one succeed in entering he will be entitled, not only to the
pile of blankets, but also to the clothing and ornaments worn by the
Ho”™-ga, thus bringing to a premature close the dramatic attack.
When the Ho”™-ga is seated in his little house the Sho’-ka kindles
the sacred fire in the open air near the dwelling occupied by the Wa’-
wa-tho" party and the Ho™-ga’s house. As the flames of the fire,
which is built of sacred wood, begin to roar and to leap upward, the
Do-do”-ho®-ga and the Xo’-ka rise with the pipes and the rattles and
ceremonially approach the fire. At the same time the Wa-sha’-be
A-thi® Wa-zho-wa-gthe and all the young men and boys who are to
take part in the dramatic attack gather around the fire in a great ring.
Then standing in the glare of the flames as the sky reddens with the
approach of dawn, the Xo’-ka begins to recite the Charcoal Wi’-gi-e or
Ritual, while he and the Do-do”-ho"-ga hold the pipes pointed toward
the fire.
235
236 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [Buxx. 101
CHARCOAL RITUAL
(Osage version, p. 267)
1
. Far in the distance one was heard to say: ‘‘Ho! little ones,
. What shall the little ones use as a symbol for their charcoal?”
3. Then, far in the distance there came the reply, ‘“There is a bird
without stain,
4. Let the little ones use this bird as a symbol for the charcoal.”
5. Then, verily, at that time and place the bird without a stain was
heard to speak, far in the distance,
6. Saying: ‘“‘Behold, how dark is the skin of my feet,
7. I have made that, always, to be my charcoal.
8. When the little ones also make of it their charcoal,
9. Black indeed shall be the charcoal they make for themselves
throughout their life’s journey.
10. Behold, how dark are the tips of my tail feathers,
11. Which I have made always to be my charcoal.
12. When the little ones also make of them their charcoal,
13. Black indeed shall be the charcoal they make for themselves
throughout their life’s journey.”
14. Verily, at that time and place he was heard to speak in the
distance,
15. Saying: ‘‘Behold, the black part of my body also,
16. Which I have made always to be my charcoal.
17. When the little ones also make of them their charcoal,
18. Black indeed shall be the charcoal they make for themselves.
19. Behold, how black is the tip of my beak,
20. That also I have made, always, to be my charcoal.
21. When the little ones also make of it their charcoal,
22. Black indeed shall be the charcoal they make for themselves
throughout their life’s journey.”
Ne
2
23. Verily, at that time and place, one was heard to speak in the
distance,
24. Saying: “What shall the little ones use as a symbol for their
charcoal?” .
25. Then the great white swan was heard to speak in the distance,
26. When, in appeal, he was addressed, in this wise: “Ho! grandfather,
27. The little ones have nothing to use as a symbol for their charcoal.”
28. Verily, at that time and place he was heard to reply in the
distance,
La FLEScHE] OSAGE PEACE CEREMONY 237
29. “You have said, The little ones have nothing to use for their
charcoal,
30. I shall be charcoal for the little ones,’ he was heard to say.
31. ‘Behold, how dark is the skin of my feet,
32. Which I have made always to be my charcoal.
33. When the little ones also make of it their charcoal,
34. Black indeed shall be the charcoal they make for themselves
throughout their life’s journey.
35. Behold, how dark is the tip of my beak,
36. That also,
37. I have made always to be my charcoal.
38. When the little ones also make of it their charcoal,
39. Black indeed shall be the charcoal they make for themselves.”
With the exception of certain omissions, this ritual is the same as
the Charcoal Ritual used in the war rite. The war Charcoal Ritual,
from which this one was taken, is divided into five parts, each of
which mentions an animal as the giver of the charcoal symbolic insig-
nia, namely: 1, the puma; 2, the black bear; 3, the white swan; 4, the
golden eagle; and 5, the deer. The parts relating to the puma, the
black bear, and the deer are omitted altogether from the Charcoal
Ritual of the Wa-wa’-tho", for the reason that these symbols are
expressly dedicated to war, as stated in the closing lines of each part.
The two parts relating to the white swan and the golden eagle are used
for the Wa’-wa-tho® charcoal ceremony because the words employed
in dedicating them to war were not so definite as those used for the
puma, the black bear, and the deer.
A further omission or modification is made in the two parts taken
for use in the Wa’-wa-tho® charcoal ceremony. Instead of the words
“A bi® da, tsi ga,’ “it has been said in this house,” an expression that
occurs at the end of each line of the war Charcoal Ritual, only the
words ‘‘a be tho,’’ it has been said, are used at the end of each line of
the Wa-wa-tho" Ritual, for the reason that the words ‘in this house’”’
in the war ritual refer to the house that is set apart solely for the war
ceremonies.
The line that frequently occurs in both these rituals, “no™-xthe
gi-ca-be ki-the mo®-thi" ta bi" da,” “Black, indeed, shall be the char-
coal they make for themselves, throughout their life’s journey,’ is
understood to mean that only by a united effort and the use of one
insignia could people be sure of success in overcoming their enemies
or bringing about peace and good will between all men.
238 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [BuLt. 101
CHARCOAL SONG
(Osage version, p. 268)
Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher.
Ni - ka gto bi i wa tha tse, E tha we
eo -o
5 eo
ha ne, he tha we tha ne, He tha we tha ne, he tha we
far
tha- a, ha - a, Ni- ka gto bi ni- wa tha tse.
At the end of the sixth stanza the Do-do”-ho"-ga and the Xo-ka
point to the sacred fire with the pipes. At that instant the Wa-sha’-be
A-thi" Wa-zho’-wa-gthe, his Xthe’-ts’a-ge and Tse’-xe-k’1", together
with the young men and the boys, rush from all sides upon the blazing
fire, kicking the brands and live coals in every direction, uttering yells
and war cries, pushing each other in an attempt to secure a brand or a
handful of the coals. Without a pause, amid this tumult, the Do-do™-
ho"-ga and the Xo’-ka go on to the next stanza, keeping perfect time
in their movements with the music, and unmindful of the discordant
yells and cries.
The first stanza of this song sings of the gathering of the men of the
tribe to take part in an act of importance. The second stanza sings
of the joining of the Wa’-wa-tho" party with the men of the tribe in
the performance of the act. The third stanza sings of the aged men
who have come to do their share in the performance of the act. The
fourth stanza sings of the sacred pipes which have brought the people
together to perform the ceremony of peace. The fifth stanza sings of
the sacred fire around which all have gathered for the act of impor-
tance. The sixth stanza sings of the charcoal from the burning fire
which shall be the insignia of the people who unite to bring to pass
the important act. The seventh stanza sings of the accomplishment
through which the aim and purpose of the ceremony is made to stand
in the broad light of day.
The rush for the charcoal is done so quickly that the “fight”’ is over
almost before the last stanza of the song is finished.
La FLEscue] OSAGE PEACE CEREMONY 239
TOUCHING THE CHARCOAL SONG
No»-xthe Wa-tse Wa-tho2
(Osage version, p. 269)
M.M. e — 126 Transcribed by Alice ©. Fletcher.
eee Og gtk+
Ni - ka gto bi ni ~wa tha tse, he he
=
-o- ‘-@ -@- -# * -@- -@-
i eo
Ni-ka ¢to bi ni wa tha tse, he he he A we hetha ha ha
oe @o — + + -@- * -@ oe -o
-o- -o -o-
A-we ne tha ha Ni-ka gto bi ni wa tha tse, he _ he.
This song refers to the securing of some of the charcoal, the symbolic
insignia, by each one of the participants in the “‘fight.’’ During the
singing of this song the Wa-sha’-be A-thi® Wa-zho’-wa-gthe, his officers
and the young men and boys, hurriedly paint their faces and bodies
and also their horses with the charcoal, in preparation for the dramatic
attack on the Ho™-ga.
This and the preceding song are alike except the tune and vocables
occurring in each. The vocables that make up the third line of each
stanza of this song do not suggest any meaning, but when the symbolic
pipes were to be taken on a war expedition, which used to be done
sometimes, and the charcoal ceremony referred to war, the following
words take the place of the vocables: U-wi-hi, I have won from you
the game. War is here likened to a game of chance which may be
won by a well-organized force.
GoING TO THE ATTACK
When all who are to take part in the dramatic attack have painted
themselves and their horses with the sacred charcoal, and the sun
has risen, the Wa-ko™-tha The’-the Wa-tho", The Song of Going to
the Attack, is started by the Do-do"-ho"-ga and the Xo’-ka. Then
the Wa-sha’-be A-thi" Wa-zho’-wa-gthe, his Xthe’-ts’a-ge and Tse-xe-
k’i", the young men and boys, mount their horses, go to the end of a
smooth course, about ‘‘a running distance of horses’’ (a mile). There
they arrange themselves in a line and at a signal given by the Wa-
zho’-wa-gthe, urge their horses to their utmost and with wild shouts
and war cries make for the little house of the Ho™-ga.
240 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [But. 101.
Sone or GoING To THE ATTACK
(Osage version, p. 269)
Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher,
4 Sn SS
Ko we ko we Da - do® a- thi? a-do®
aoe eae 2 SSS
Ko we ko we tha, Mo®-sho® a-thi® a-do® Ko we tha.
The words that make up the first, third, and fifth lines of each
stanza, Ko we tha, are archaic and now obsolete. It is said that they
mean ‘Come hither” or “Come ye.”
In the second line of each stanza is the word Da-do?®, things. This
refers to all of the various articles used as symbols in the Wa’-wa-
tho" ceremony. This, however, does not mean the articles themselves,
but peace and happiness, of which they are symbols.
The word Mo?-sho?®, feathers, in the fourth line of the first stanza
refers to the pipes, which also symbolize peace and happiness for all
men, the theme of the Wa’-wa-tho® rite.
As in the first stanza, the fourth line in each of the following stanzas
makes a particular reference to one of the various articles used as
symbols of peace and happiness in the ceremony.
That of the second stanza craves the peace and happiness sym-
-bolized by the Ki-no*—symbolic face painting of the persons taking
part in the performance of the ceremony.
In the third stanza it is the Wa-gthe or fluffy feathers worn by
each person taking part in the Wa’-wa-tho" ceremony.
In the fourth stanza the word Wa-pa, a weapon, here refers to the
rod carried by each one of the men and boys who take part in the
dramatic attack upon the Ho”-ga, a weapon that bring gifts, peace,
and happiness, instead of death and grief.
Ho”-ba, day, in the fifth stanza refers to the day when through the
influence of the Wa’-wa-tho? rite all men will finally live in peace and
rear their young without fear.
Wa-xthi’-zhi declined to give the meaning of this song. Later,
Wa-no*-zhe-zhi"-ga, who has taken part a number of times in the
performance of the Wa’-wa-tho" ceremony, and whose father was
familiar with the meaning of each part of the rite, stated that his
father had said that the song is addressed to the mild and gentle
winds that are themselves used as symbols in the rite calling them to
bring the peace and happiness sought through the influence of the
ceremony.
LA FLEscHE] OSAGE PEACE CEREMONY 241
Victory Sone
Wa-tse Wa-thor
The title of this song may be literally translated as Wa-tse, touching,
from I’-tse, to touch; Wa-tho", song. The word wa-tse, however, as
used here in the Wa-tse Wa-tho" of the war rites has a different
meaning, that is, victory. The organization of the Osage people as
a military body, or bodies, is typified by the hawks that form the
central figure of the elaborate ceremonies pertaining to war. It is to
these emblems that all the military achievements of the warriors are
accredited and in the victory songs these birds are addressed by name,
“Thou blackbird, thou gray bird, thou little hawk, the victory is thine,
or thou hast won a victory.”’ This victory song of the Wa’-wa-tho?
which corresponds to those of war ceremonies when the men and boys
with glad shouts rush by the little house in which the Ho”-ga sits,
giving it a stroke with his rod, as though giving an enemy in battle a
stroke. This scene, which symbolizes the triumph of peace, is wit-
nessed by all the people of the village with a feeling of friendliness and
good will toward one another, the attainment of which is accredited to
the symbols of peace by the song.
Sone 1
(Osage version, p. 270)
— 120 Transcribed by AliceC, Fletcher.
Time beats f fi f f
eh ha, fs ae ha, ni a ha fe tse he,
(sca esl atl epee ld a aloe MO saan es
Ab ha, ni wa ha, ni wa hatha tse he, Mo®-sho®haha, tha tse.
The first and second lines of each stanza are alike and may be
translated thus: ah ha, behold; ni wa ha, modified form of thi-egphou;
tha-tse, have touched or won a victory; he, vocable.
In the third line of the first stanza, mo®-sho", feathers or pipes;
ha ha, modified form of ‘‘a,’”’ word sign of an address to a person.
In the third line of the second stanza the ki’-no" or symbolic face
painting of the persons taking part in the performance of the ceremony
are similarly addressed.
So too, in the third line of the third stanza the Wa’-gthe or fluffy
feather worn by each member of the Wa’-wa-tho” party.
The word Wa-k’o™ in the third line of the fourth stanza refers to
the effort to bring about peace and good will between men through
the influence of the Wa’-wa-tho" Ceremony.
242 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [BULL. 101
In the third line of the fifth and last stanza the Ho™-ba, day, is
addressed, which witnesses the success of the effort.
DELIVERY OF GIFTS
After the attack the Ho”™-ga is taken back to the house of the
Wa-sha’-be A-thi" Wa-zho’-wa-gthe, together with the blankets and
other articles of clothing to be distributed among the men and boys
who took part in the attack, and the goods and the Ho™-ga are placed
before the men and boys, who select two or three men of their number
to make the distribution. These men look over the blankets and other
articles and grade them according to quality and value and proceed
to distribute them, beginning with the one who was first to strike the
Ho”™-ga’s house. When all the blankets and other articles have been
exhausted the distributers strip from the Ho™-ga the clothing worn
by him, as well as ornaments, bracelets, armlets, and silver earrings,
which they divide among those who received none of the other goods.
When the distributers have finished each man and boy gives his share
to the Wa-sha’-be A-thi® Wa-zho’-wa-gthe, who receives the offerings
of the men with thanks, but when the boys come to him with their
gifts he asks each one his new name given to him by his uncle the pre-
ceding night. This he now loudly calls out, at the same time thanking
the lad. Upon hearing a name as ‘‘Sore-back”’ or ‘“‘He-who-is-always-
last-to-get-up-in-the-morning”’ the people set up shouts of laughter.
These foolish names are soon forgotten. The Wa-zho’-wa-gthe shares
the blankets and other things with his Xthe’-ts’a-ge and Tse’-xe-k’i".
ERECTING THE Rack CEREMONY
Wa’-dsi-zhu
At the close of the distribution of the gifts to the Wa-zho’-wa-gthe
and his officers, the Tse’-xe-k’i" of the Wa’-wa-tho" party proceed to
erect a rack about 7 feet high and 30 feet long, in preparation for the
ceremony called Wa’-dsi-zhu. This rack consists of forked posts
planted firmly in the ground about 10 or 12 feet apart and poles placed
hori@@ntally in the forks of the posts. The name Wa/-dsi-zhu, which
may be freely translated as placing things upon, refers to the hanging
of the blankets upon the rack and the hitching to the upright posts of
the horses to be brought as gifts to the Wa’-wa-tho" party. Near
the end of this rack is planted a forked post about 6 feet high, upon
which a shield is suspended by its strap.
The Ni’-ka Wa-ci-ci-ge, or honored warriors, are the first to bring
the gifts they intend to present to the Wa’-wa-tho" party. The war-
rior wears all his regalia. He either goes before or follows his wife,
who always leads the horses and carries in a bundle the blankets or
other articles to be given away. The woman is thus publicly recog-
nized as the home maker whom every warrior is bound in duty to
La FLESCHE] OSAGE PEACE CEREMONY 243
protect. While the woman stands near the rack with the gifts the
warrior goes to the post on which the shield is hung. There he pauses
and in a loud voice recounts his valorous deeds,® performed when
defending the women and the village. He gesticulates with the stick
or war club that he carries in his hand, and at the close of the recital
of each deed he gives the shield a whack, in imitation of the stroke
he gave the enemy. When he has finished the recounting of his
valorous deeds his wife ties the horses to the long rack and hangs the
blankets or other articles on the horizontal poles.
In the meantime the Wa-dse’-pa-i" men and women go from house
to house and ask for presents for the Wa’-wa-tho" party. The Wa-dse’-
pa-i" give liberally of their possessions, consequently their request is
almost equivalent to a demand. The position of Wa-dse’-pa-i* is
held for life and is a peculiar one. A person holding the position is
a servant to all of the people and can be sent on errands of any kind,
even to the carrying of secret messages between lovers, which they
keep inviolate.
In the Wa’-wa-tho® ceremony the part taken by the Wa-dse’-pa-i"
is a feature which all enjoy and find delight in witnessing. When
going from house to house to solicit gifts for the Wa’-wa-tho® party,
the Wa-dse’-pa-i" act out, in a ridiculous manner, the quarrels and
fights that had taken place in the tribe during the year, such as
scenes of wife beating or husband beating through jealousy, and
scenes where grown people have taken part in fisticuffs of children.
No one resents the thrusts made by the Wa-dse’-pa-i” in their buffoon-
ery, for they are privileged characters and are fully protected by the
usages of the tribe.
During an intermission in the delivering of the presents by the
Ni’-ka Wa-ci-ci-ge, the Wa-dse’-pa-i" come loaded with bundles of
blankets and some leading horses. These they bring to the rack and
the shield where both men and women recount their generous deeds
when the Wa’-wa-tho" ceremony was performed at some time in the
past. They also strike the shield at each count and cause much
merriment by the jokes they make, often at their own expense.
PaiInTING CEREMONY
At the conclusion of the ceremony of delivering the gifts to the
Wa’-wa-tho® party, the Ho™-ga is conducted by the Do-do™-ho*-ga
and the Xo’-ka to his house, where the Ki’-no", painting ceremony, is
performed. First the Ho’-ga’s face is painted red, which is the sym-
bol of the sun, after which a narrow blue line is drawn from the middle
6 Some of the early writers, among them Le Petit and Charlevoix, in describing the ‘‘calumet dance’ as
practiced by the tribes with whom they came in contact, make particular mention of this feature of the
ceremony. It is not practiced by the Ponca, Oto, Omaha, and Pawnee, although in certain parts of the
ceremony warriors recount their valorous deeds, but without striking a post or shield. Of the later writers,
Long (1823) states that it was practiced among the Omaha, but among the older people having a full knowl-
edge of all the rites none could be found to confirm his statement.
244 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY (Butt. 101
of one cheek to the side of the forehead, across the forehead to the —
opposite side, down to the middle of the other cheek. This blue line, —
which runs partly around the face of the Ho™-ga, is called Ho’-e-ga,
which means an enclosure into which life enters and appears in various
forms; in other words, it is the symbol of the earth. During the
symbolic painting of the Ho™-ga, the Ki’-no® Wa-tho?, painting songs,
are sung. After the painting the Ho™-ga is clothed again with a new
pair of moccasins, leggings, jacket and blanket, also neck and ear
ornaments are put upon him, and the wreath of cattail leaves placed
on his head.
Sone 1
(Osage version, p. 270)
Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher.
Mi- ki-no" thi hi tha, . ha - ni
pias =
tha ha - ni
tha ha -ni da,
All the words in this song except the first one of each of the five
stanzas are the same, therefore the translation of the first stanza
covers all the others, save the first word: Mi, sun; ki-no", painting
(symbolic); thi hi tha, has descended upon you; E tha, behold; ha-ni
da, it is thine. The next and last line is: a ni-da, it is thine; e-tha,
behold; ha ni da, it is thine. In the second stanza the first word,
Zhi®-ga, little one or child; third stanza, Ho™-ga, is the title of a person
or object consecrated to religious use; fourth stanza, Wa-pa, the head;
fifth stanza, Ho’-ba, day, referring to the final accomplishment of an
act and its standing in the broad light of day.
Sone 2
(Osage version, p. 271)
M.M. J—80 Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher.
+ =m
SS oe SS =
eo ged Mass iI Ase piel Dal Betis!
EK, mi wi? no® ki-no® tse KE, mi wi? no® ki-no® tse tha,
f [oe
E - @, a - no? nt ite uc mi us no® ki-no"® tse _ tha,
LA FLEscHE] OSAGE PEACE CEREMONY 245
The translation of the first line of each stanza is a translation of all
the other lines. The word ‘‘tha’”’ at the end of each of the other lines
is a word sign showing that the sentence is complete, but is left out
of the first line to accommodate the rhythm of the music.
FREE TRANSLATION
1
Ho! let him be painted with the symbol of the sun (Mi).
2
Ho! let him be painted with the symbol of the little one (zhin’-ga).
3
Ho! let him be painted with the symbol of the sacred one (Ho*’-ga).
4
Ho! let him be painted with the symbol of the head (wa-pa).
5
Ho! let him be painted with the symbol of the day (ho®-ba).
FRIENDSHIP CEREMONY
After the ceremony of putting upon the face of the Ho™-ga the
symbolic paintings of the sun and the earth, dressing him in new
clothing and decorating him with new ornaments, the Xo’-ka send
the Tse’-xe-k’i? No®-ho® to the brook to get some mud and some
mo*-hi®-ts’a-zhi—mo?-hi", grass; ts’a, dies; zhi, not. (Carex, species
of sedges.) This grass grows along the edges of the little streams,
remains green all the year, so it is called by the Osage ‘‘the grass that
never dies,’ and is used by them as a symbol of unending life.
When the Tse’-xe-k’i" No®-ho® brings in the mud and the grass the
Xo’-ka divides the mud into four parts, each of which he rolls into a
ball. ‘These four balls of mud the Xo’-ka arranges in squares, in front
of the pipes, placing them about the distance of a footstep apart.
Then he puts upon each one of the balls a bunch of the mo?-hi"-
ts’a-zhi. When this is done the Do-do"-ho"-ga addresses the Ho™-ga,
saying: ‘Friend, you will now arise.’”’ The Tse-xe-k’1" No™-ho" steps
forward and taking the Ho™-ga by the left arm, helps him to rise.
The Do-do™-ho"-ga and the Xo’-ka sing the I-ko’-tha Ki-ka-xe
Wa-tho"—I-ko’-tha, friend; ki-ka-xe, make each other; Wa-tho’,
song—which may be freely translated as The Friendship Song.
During the singing of the song the Tse’-xe-k’i" No"-ho” helps the
Ho”-ga to take his four steps into the new life, which is symbolized
by the four balls of mud and the “grass that never dies.” The
Ho”-ga places a foot upon each ball, beginning with the right, going
from left to right and ending with the left, when he takes his seat.
246 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY (BULL. 101
THE FRIENDSHIP SonG ?
(Osage version, p. 272)
M.M. atl — 84 Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher.
Ha - ni da - a, ha - ni - ni
Ha-ni da, he ni as Ho? - ; ga, Zhit-ga-zhi®-ga i2 -da-ko-tha
= ae = = = ae
ha - da, Ha - ni da, ae ef = Gh, ha - ni
There is but one stanza to this song. In it the Do-do™-ho*-ga
addresses the Ho™-ga and refers to the three steps by which their
present relation to one another has been reached. First, by his part
in the ceremony which gives him the title of Ho"-ga or Sacred One,
the symbol of peace. Second, through the rite they were made father
and son. Third, the establishment by means of the ceremony of a
friendship sacred in character.
The words ha-ni da, that are repeated five times in the first and
second lines, mean thou art; the word Ho”™-ga, at the end of the second
line, means Sacred One. The words in the third line, My child thou
art my friend. The last line is the same as the first.
This song is sung four times, as are all songs of one stanza.
Dancre CEREMONY
The group of songs that follow the Friendship Ceremonies is termed
I’-no"-tse Wa-tho"; I, at which; no*-tse, dance; Wa-tho®, songs;
meaning that at this part of the ceremony there is a dance by the
Wa’-wa-tho® party. This dance corresponds to the final dance of the
Omaha, Ponca, Oto, and Pawnee in their version of this ceremony.
This dance is always a joyous one, indicative of the satisfaction felt
by both parties at the successful conclusion of the ceremony.
The first three songs of this group are called Ta Wa-tho"; Ta, deer;
Wa-tho", songs. These songs are fast in time, different in this respect
from the ceremonial and processional songs, which are slow and dig-
nified. At this part of the ceremony the Do-do™-ho*-ga and the
Xo’-ka give the pipes and rattles to the two subordinate Tse xe-k’i”
and take a drum that is set before them. Beating time with the drum,
the Do-do™-ho"-ga and the Xo’-ka sing and the two Tse’-xe-k’i?
dance with the pipes and the rattles.
7 The music of this song is a variant of an Oto Wa-wo® song that refers to hunting, collected by Alice C.
Fletcher and Francis La Flesche in 1895.
La Fiescur] OSAGE PEACE CEREMONY 247
Deer Sones
Sone 1
(Osage version, p. 272)
M.M. d — 96 Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher.
— =—
os __0__*_
I-ho"u - gi - dse gi -ba- dse, I-ho®u- gi-dse_ gi - ba - dse,
ae gi- es gi - ba - dse, My de ri ida: gi ba dse
‘= oe === = =
I ho®u-gi-dsi gi ba_ dse, I- Ge -gi-dse gi ba dse,
ao e: r
hi tha, hi a gi ba dse, I-ho"u - gi-dse gi ba dse.
This song is to the young deer seeking for its mother. The transla-
tion of the words of the first line will cover all the rest except the fourth
and seventh: I-ho", mother; u-gi-dse, seeking for its; gi-ba-dse, come
hither.
The words ‘‘A hi tha, hi tha” of the fourth and seventh lines are
vocables, and the words “gi-ba-dse”’ at the end of each are, come
hither. There being but one stanza to the song, it is sung four times.
Sona 2
(Osage version, p. 272)
M.M. a = 100 Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher.
——_ =
Ta gthe-zhe, ta gthe-zhe, ta gthe-zhe the, Ta gthe-zhe, ta gthe - zhe
SSS aie
= -6-°
ta gthe - zhe Ta gthe-zhe the, ta gthe-zhe, ta gthe- zhe.
The translation of the first two words of the first lines of each
stanza of the song will cover all of the rest:
First: Ta, deer; gthe-she, spotted: Spotted deer.
Second: Ta, deer; zhi"-ga, young: Young deer.
Third: Ta, deer; wo"-ga, archaic for female: Female deer.
Fourth: Ta, deer; to"-ga, great; This is the term used for the full-
grown male deer.
248 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [But. 101
Sone 3
(Osage version, p. 273)
M.M. P| — 104 Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher.
—
He-dsi xtsi mo®-hi? wa - ga, He - dsimo®-hi® wa - ga,
oe ers moar DU lt De a,
He - pe cat xtsi mo®-hi® wa-ga, E, mo®-hi® wa-ga, E, mo®-hi" wa - ga.
He - Miata sts xtsi mo® - hi® aes - ga,
He - dsi xtsi mo” -hi® wa - ga, E, mo®-hi® wa - ga.
This song refers to the butchering, in the field, of the deer by the
hunter and to the curing of the meat for future use. The words are
disconnected and do not make sense,: but they suggest the story.
The title of the song is Wa-pa’-dse, butchering; Wa-tho", song. The
song having but one stanza is sung four times.
First line: E, an exclamation; Mo*-hi®, knife; wa-ga, slicing the
meat for curing.
Second line: He-dsi, at the place of killing; Xtsi, very; mo?-hi",
knife; wa-ga, slicing the meat for curing.
Third line: He-dsi, at the place of killing; mo®-hi", knife; wa-ga,
slicing the meat for curing.
Fourth line, same as the second.
Fifth line, same as the first.
SYMBOL OF THE EARTH SONG
The title of this song is Ho’-e-ga, a symbol of the earth. This
refers to the four balls of mud on which the Ho™-ga took four foot-
steps at the Friendship Ceremony. The arrangement of these balls
of mud is here referred to as Ho’-e-ga, a symbol of the earth; Gi’-pshe,
walking over, referring to the dance of the two Tse’-xe-k’i" on the
LA FLEscue] OSAGE PEACE CEREMONY 249
four balls at this song; Wa-tho®, song. In this song the four balls
of mud become symbols of the houses of the otter and the beaver,
both land and water animals.
WALKING OVER THE SYMBOLS OF EARTH SONG
(Osage version, p. 273)
M.M. d — 100 Transcribed by Alice ©. Fletcher.
To - hno® tsi-he wa-no"- tse, tsi-he wa-no" tse, To -
hno® tsi-he wa-no®- tse, tsi- he wa-no® tse, Tsi- he wa-no® tse, To -
hno® tsi- he -wa-no® - tse, '['si-he wa-no® tse, tsi- he wa -no® - tse.
There are two stanzas to this song, one referring to the otter and the
other to the beaver. The translation of the first line of each stanza
will cover all the other lines.
First line: To-hno®, otters; tsi-he, nests or houses; wa-no"-tse, I am
dancing on, etc.
Second line: Zha-be, beavers; tsi-he, nests or houses; wa-no*-tse, I
am dancing on, etc.
CARRYING SONG
This is the fourth deer song belonging to this group of songs and its
title is Wa-k’i", carrying; Wa-tho", song. It refers to the finishing of
the work of the hunter of slicing the meat for curing and carrying it
home. There is nothing in the words of the song to indicate this, but
the explanation of its meaning is gathered from the words of the
title.
The Ho’-e-ga Gi’-pshe Wa-tho" is placed before this song because
in former days these last two songs were used in the war ceremonies
when the pipes were taken to war, and on such occasions they referred
to the capturing of the houses of the enemy and the bringing home of
the spoils and other war trophies. The words tsi-he wa-no*-tse, I am
dancing on their houses, in the Ho’-e-ga Gi’-pshe Wa-tho", when the
song was sung as part of the war ceremony, were changed to tsi-he,
houses of the enemy; a-wa-no"-she, I have captured from them their
houses.
83773—39——17
250 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [Butt. 3
Sone 4
(Osage version, p. 273)
M. é= = 100 Transcribed by Alice C. Fletcher.
SS Sa
He - dsi xtsi wa - ga, he - dsi wa - ga, He - dsi xtsi wa - ga,
= = 3 =
i= eee oees _ aa
ee: —
he-dsi wa - ga, He - dsi xtsi wa - ga, he-dsi wa - ga, He -dsi xtsi
SSS Saas
wa - ga, He-dsi wa - oe. He -dsi xtsi wa - ga, he-dsi wa - ga.
The translation of the words of the first !ine will cover the words of
all the other lines: He-dsi, at the place of killing; xtsi, verily; wa-ga,
slicing the meat for curing.
There being only one stanza to this song, it is sung four times.
After the singing of the Wa-k’i" Wa-tho®, the pipes are laid down,
then the Xo’-ka directs the Tse’-xe-ki" to bring four grains of corn, a
bunch of cedar fronds, a wisp of sedge grass, and a wooden bow] filled
with water. The Tse’-xe-k’i" having had these articles in readiness,
quickly places them before the Xo’-ka, who puts the bunch of cedar
fronds and the wisp of grass in the water.
The Xo’-ka then rises and lifting the bowl high over the head of
the Ho”-ga makes a circle with it in the air and says: ‘O-ga’-wi"-xe
wi" xtsi,”’ one circle. A second time he makes the circle, bringing the
bowl toward the head of the Ho™-ga, and says: ‘‘O-ga’-wi?-xe tho"-ba,”
two circles. He makes a third circle with the bowl, lowering it still
a little more, and says: ‘‘O-ga’-wi®-xe tha-bthi",” three circles. Then
he makes a fourth circle, bringing the bowl down close to the head of
the Ho™-ga, and says: ‘‘O-ga’-wi®-xe do-ba,’’ four circles. “It was
thus that the Ho™-ga, the sacred (Imperial) eagle came from above,
in four circles, alighting upon the earth, to make it his abode. In
like manner you have come from above to make the earth your
abode.” He sets the bowl down and removes the wreath of cattail
leaves from the head of the Ho™-ga and bids him to rise. Then taking
the wisp of sedge grass from the bowl, the Xo’-ka places it upon the
crown of the head of the Ho™-ga, brings it down the side of the head
to the right arm, and on to the foot. Placing the grass again on the
crown of the Ho™-ga’s head, the Xo’-ka brings it down his face, his
breast, and down to his feet. He goes through the same motions with
the grass on the left side of the Ho”-ga and finally on the back part
of his body and says: ‘Never ending is the life of the plant with
La FLescue] OSAGE PEACE CEREMONY 251
which I have blessed you. So may your life be never ending, ever
continuing.”” The Xo’-ka then takes up the bunch of cedar fronds
and goes through the same motions and repeats the same words.
Putting down the bunch of cedar fronds the Xo’-ka takes up the four
grains of corn, puts them into the mouth of Ho”-ga, bidding him to
eat of the sacred food so that his body may be nourished and his life
strengthened. This concludes the Wa’-wa-tho® ceremony of the
Osage.
Tue Osace Form Contrastep With THAt or OTHerR TRIBES
The ceremony of blessing the Ho™-ga with the sedge grass and the
cedar fronds corresponds to the closing ceremony of the Omaha,
Ponca, and Oto, differing only in the symbols used to represent long
life. Among the Omaha this ceremony is performed behind closed
doors. The pipes, wrapped within the wild-cat skin, are placed in the
arms of the Ho”-ga; then he is made to face the east, the south, the
west, and the north.
In the month of August 1909, the Ponca performed the Wa’-wa-
tho" ceremony among the Omaha. Mo?-chu’-hi"-xte, Hairy Bear, at
the blessing of the Ho™-ga had the Ho™-ga rise and face the east.
Wrapping the two pipes within the wild-cat skin, he took hold of the
lower end with his right hand, the upper end with his left, then lifting
the bundle as high as he could, brought it down upon the head of the
child, then down his breast to his feet, when the pipes were laid down
on the ground in front of the child. This action was repeated on the
right side of the body of the child, at his back, and lastly at his left.
Then the pipes were placed in the arms of the child, who was made to
take four steps toward the east. (See Twenty-seventh Ann. Rept.
Bur. Amer. Ethn., p. 401.)
In August 1913, the Oto performed the Wa’-wo" ceremony among
the Omaha. When about to perform the blessing of the Ho™-ga the
man giving the ceremony addressed the audience, saying: ‘This
ceremony is usually performed in a house with the door closed, but
if it is the wish of any of those who took part in receiving us, it can
be performed openly.’”’ One man asked that it be given openly so
that all might see it. The Ho™-ga was asked to rise, then the leader
of the Wa’-wo® party wrapped up the pipes within the wild-cat skin
and approached the child from the north side, or at his left as he stood
facing the east. Then grasping the pipes at the lower end with his
right hand and the upper end with his left, he raised them as high
as he could reach and brought them down on the head of the child,
then down his side to his feet, and let the pipes rest for a moment on
the ground. As the man brought down the pipes he uttered a magical
ery, ‘Hi, hi,’ the tone diminishing and dying out in a faint breath
when he brought the pipes to the ground. Picking up the pipes, he
252 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [Buzu. 101
approached the Ho™-ga from the west and repeated the motion with
the same cry; he did the same thing from the south and from the east.
He then put the pipes in the arms of the child and made him take
four steps toward the rising sun.
The ceremony as given by Hairy Bear was received with expressions
of approval from all sides, but after the Oto ceremony the audience
remained silent while the leader stood with an embarrassed and
inquiring expression. An Omaha relieved the situation by asking
why the leader reverses the order and did not “follow the sun’?
According to the Omaha belief “going against the sun” when turning
with child meant death to the Ho™-ga. Almost in one voice all the
Oto replied: ‘It is our way of performing the ceremony; we do it
this way for our own children.’”’ Then from all sides there arose an
expression of satisfaction among the Omaha.
With these three tribes, the sun, the sky, and the earth are the
symbols of enduring life. The little red groove that runs the full
length of each pipe symbolizes the path of the sun and also the path of
life; the blue color that is put upon one of the stems symbolizes the
sky; the green put upon the other, the verdure of the earth. The
beasts of the earth and the birds of the air are represented, so that
when the child takes the pipes in his arms he embraces the universe
and shares with it a never-ending life.
“No satisfactory information could be obtained as to the date when
the Wa’-wa-tho" ceremony was last performed by the Osage. Wa-
xthi’-zhi and Tse-zhi®-ga-wa-da-i"-ga (Saucy Calf) both said that a
number of years ago they, together, performed the ceremony, but
neither could give the exact date. Tse-zhi-ga-wa-da-i"-ga (pl. 11)
was killed in the month of February, 1912.
On March 10, 1898, Sho™-to®-ca-be, Black Dog, gave the following
information concerning the Osage Wa’-wa-tho" ceremony.
“The Wa-zha’-zhe (Real), Ho™-ga, O’-po", Wa-zha’-zhe cka, Tsi’-
zhu Wa-shta-ge, and the Tho’-xe (Buffalo Bull) are the keepers of the
rituals relating to the various symbolic articles used in making the
ceremonial Wa’-wa-tho® pipes.
“The Wa-zha’-zhe (Real) recite the ritual and make the wreaths of
Wa-ke’-the-ste-dse, cattail leaves, to be worn by the persons per-
forming the ceremony. The Ho’’-ga put together the pendants made
of the tail feathers of the golden and imperial eagles. The Wa-zha’-
zhe cka recite the ritual relating to the two stems. The O’-po’, elk,
recite the ritual relating to the crotched stick for the support of the
pipes when at ceremonial rest. The crotched stick symbolizes the
horns of the elk.’
8 The information here given by Black Dog does not agree in some of its details with that obtained from
Wea-xthi’-zhi, but a closer study of the Osage rites shows that his knowledge was that of a layman, while
Waz-xthi’-zhi is a recognized authority on this as well as on other ceremonies. It is evident that Black Dog
confused two symbolic articles when he said that the crotched stick for the support of the pipes symbolized
the horns of the elk. It is the ceremonial war staff that symbolizes the horns of the elk. The crotched
stick of the Wa’-wa-tho= ceremony symbolizes the cloven claws of the Mo=-shko= or crawfish.
La Fiescue] OSAGE PEACE CEREMONY 253
“Tsi’-zhu Ci2-dse-a-gthe recite the ritual relating to the ivory-billed
or pileated woodpecker heads. The Tsi’-zhu Wa-shta-ge (Red Eagle)
give the ritual of the red fluffy feathers. The Tho’-xe (Buffalo Bull)
recite the ritual relating to the fat used for anointing the two pipe-
stems, the crotched stick, and the hair and body of the Ho”-ga.
“The face of the Ho™-ga is painted red with a blue band around his
face. He is given one of the cattail wreaths with a feather to wear
on his head.
“When the rituals have been recited and the ceremonial pipes are
finished, the men who are to perform the ceremony put on their
heads the wreaths of cattail leaves and then send the pipes to the
man chosen to be the Ho”-ga. The man may decline or accept the
honor as he chooses. If the pipes are refused, on the return of the
party they are taken apart and the various symbolic articles are sent
back to their respective keepers. After the lapse of four years, and
not before, the pipes may again be made up ceremonially and offered
to the man who had refused to accept them.
“There are lengthy rituals connected with the pipes. These are
recited when the pipes are in the process of making.
“Tf it should rain at any time during the ceremony it could be
made to stop by the singing of certain songs and waving of the pipes.”
In May 1911, an Osage Wa’-wa-tho® pipe (pl. 12, a, 6) was
secured from Wa-thi’-gtho"-i?-ge, perhaps the only one in existence.
It was, according to Wa-thi’-gtho"-i"-ge, ceremonially made for Hi"-
sha’-to®-a or Wa-zha’-zhe Wa-da-i"-ga at a time when the Osage used
to receive annuities of only $3 each from the Government, a period
from which the Osage calculate time. This was before 1870.
In the United States National Museum there is a pipe assigned to
the Smithsonian Institution in 1874 as part of a collection made in
1842. This specimen, No. 14845, resembles in every detail the cere-
monial pipe of the Osage referred to above, except that the specimen
has a groove along its full length painted red and the pipe is perforated.
DESCRIPTION OF PIPES
1. The stem is of ash, painted green. There is no sign of a groove
running its full length, to be seen on the Omaha, Ponca, Oto, and
Pawnee pipes, which is a symbol of the path of the sun and of life.
(Twenty-second Ann. Rept. Bur. Amer. Ethn., p. 38.) There is no
perforation or the suggestion of one, as in the pipes of these other
tribes. The upper end is cut so as to resemble, in a rough way, the
mouthpiece of a pipestem.
2. The skin of the head of a pileated woodpecker, with the maxilla
left attached, is tied to the stem, about 2 inches from the mouth-
piece, as on the Omaha pipe, an illustration of which is here given
254 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [Buxx. 101
(pl. 3). The maxilla is not turned back over the skin as the
woodpecker head of the Omaha and Pawnee pipes, but is laid flat
on the stem, under side down, with the maxilla pointed toward the
mouthpiece, and tied to the stem with a bit of deerskin thong.
3. A part of the skin from the neck of a mallard duck is put around
the stem so as to lap partly over the woodpecker skin. This duck’s
skin is put on the stem under side downward, and tied on with a bit
of deerskin thong. In the Omaha and Pawnee pipes the mallard
duck skin is put on the lower end of the stem and has intact the
mandibles, head, neck, and a part of the breast (pl. 3).
4. Streamers of horse hair, dyed red, and strips of some white
woolen cloth are tied on the Osage pipestems, close to the mouth-
piece, with bits of deerskin thong. On the Omaha and Pawnee pipes
three streamers of red horsehair are put on at different places from
the middle to the top. The strips of red cloth are put on in two
places at the lower end. There is nothing on the Osage pipe to cor-
respond to the bunches of cotton twine put on the Omaha pipestem
at three places. Before the introduction of manufactured articles
among the Indians by traders, strips of the skin of the breast of the
rabbit were put on the pipes, but in recent times the cotton twine
was used because it was easier to procure.
5. As with the Omaha, the Osage pipe is feathered with three wing
feathers of the eagle in the same manner as arrows are feathered.
These wing feathers are split the full length of the shaft and the pith
removed so that they can be conveniently glued on the stem. It is
in reference to this feathering of the pipes that the Osage sometimes
call the pipestems ‘“‘mo™-ca,’’ arrowshafts, that is before they are
feathered, and when in the finished state, mo", arrow. The act of
feathering the pipestems is called by both the Osage and Omaha,
A’-tha, the same as the act of feathering arrows. In the Osage pipe
the wing feathers are tied down at the ends to the stem with deerskin
thongs; in the Omaha and Pawnee pipes they are held down with
glued sinew.
6. A bunch of owl feathers, which are said to symbolize deer’s
lungs, are tied to the Osage pipes, about 6 or 7 inches from the lower
end. These feathers are split the full length of the shaft and the
pith removed so as to render them pliable. To the tops of these
feathers are fastened bits of other feathers, dyed red. ‘These owl
feathers are tied at the lower end to the pipestem with a bit of deerskin
thong.
7. This Osage pipe happens to be the one having for its pendant
seven tail feathers of the golden eagle, as on one of the Omaha pipes.
The manner of putting these tail feathers together so as to give them
a fan-shaped appearance and the fastening of them as a pendant to
BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY BULLETIN 101 PLATE 10
Ho»’-ga face painting.
BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY BULLETIN 101 PLATE 11
Tseezhi®’-ga-wa-da-i9-ga (Saucy Calf).
‘sodid jeruoureie9 asescQ
el ALlvid 101 NILaA1INa ASOTONH LA NVYOIMAWYV AO NVaYNNaA
BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY BULLETIN 101 PLATE 13
Position when holding pipe and rattle.
La FLEscuE] OSAGE PEACE CEREMONY 255
the stem is described on page 210. Each feather is supported and orna-
mented on the under side with a little flattened stick from the middle
to the top and fastened on at both ends with sinew to the shaft.
These braces are painted with little red stripes crosswise and to each
end a little feather is fastened (pl. 12, b).
8. To the loose end of one of the thongs upon which the golden
eagle tail feathers are strung is fastened a feather taken from the under
tail covert of the eagle. This feather is dyed red and hangs down
on the thong from the pendant.
9. The other deerskin thong upon which are strung the golden eagle
feathers has two loose ends which hang down about 6 or 8 inches. To
each of these ends is fastened a white feather taken from the under
tail covert of the eagle. These feathers correspond to those on the
Omaha pipe which are said to symbolize the dropping of the immature
feathers of the eagle as it rises to take its flight in full strength and
maturity. The childish prejudices and animosities that keep men in
constant turmoil are here likened to the immature feathers of the
eagle that are dropped as the bird makes its flight in its full vigor of
maturity, to which are also likened the thought that inspired men to
rise and reach out for the relationship which alone could bring happi-
ness and peace to all.
Contrasted with the Omaha pipes, that of the Osage looks crude as
to finish, but the appearance of these symbolic articles bears no special
significance, for it is the spirit of the ceremony and its aim that has
the most important place in the minds of the people. An Omaha
said to Miss Fletcher, when she was studying the Wa-wo" ceremony
in 1883, ‘‘So great is the affection and respect we feel for these pipes
that were we to see them imitated in corn husk we would show them
honor.” ® By this he meant that it is the teachings of the rite and
not the actual pipes, which are employed as symbols, that are rever-
enced by the people. At a time when the Omahas lived in villages in
the early seventies, O-po®-no®-zhi", who was too poor to secure the
proper materials out of which to make the pipes, made them out of
dried weed stalks and corn husks and with them performed the cere-
mony for Thi-gthi’-ce-no®-thi", another Omaha, who accepted the
honor on being satisfied that it was offered with all sincerity.
The Osage in performing the Wa’-wa-tho® ceremony hold the pipes
and rattles in the same manner as the Omaha and Pawnee (pl. 13)
except when singing the fourth song (p. 216), and while singing the first
song of the last set.
9 Alice C. Fletcher, Personal Studies of Indian Life. Century Magazine, vol. XLV (n. s. XXII), No. 3, Dp.
453, New York, 1893.
: * 7
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OSAGE VERSION
257
oediabearp tty
KEY TO PRONUNCIATION
eRe oS Se ee SS eo as in father.
Den poet See eS Se ies ei as in bad.
(io. Stes eee as in thin, thong.
ace cee ea a as in dog.
Dee oe LS SE aan ae ea es eee as in prey.
ln 2 ee ee exploded e.
ee eae ee Se, ee ooh as in go.
lo ae BES Se eee Se ee as in he.
Thee ets Soe ne le as in pierce.
ee eco eo ee ee exploded i.
Tee ee Le ee ee nasalized i.
ne a ee ee nasalized exploded i.
eee A ew hoes eee as in kin, kind.
[ce en eee es Se as medial k (between k and g).
Mls 6 SSeS eee Ne as in men, mine.
Dine oe Cee SEU gE eee as in no, nap.
2 JUG ee eee The sound of the initial letter is expelled
from the nostrils and is scarcely
audible.
fe eae ke Se ce See as in note.
i) eee Re yh ie Se EL Se exploded o.
Cy epee Se ee ee ee nasalized o.
REI eee es a SS Sk oss as in pipe.
ee eae sok ene as medial p (between p and b).
Se ee Ste Se eee a eloe as in sit, sing.
E10). See ee ee as in shun.
(eS Are ke Laces as in ten.
en oe eee a medial t (between t and d).
Decco cod eee eee as in rule.
lt eeee eeeeeeee exploded u.
Ween ae ee ee as in wet, win.
i Ne A ea aR en rough German ch.
TB scx cn So ee as in azure.
259
wera tt a
“ie if a8
remedy ty ye wis
Pooh ted eet
TO th aS
am tll SPOT MN
AML GM
oe aa nal eat
eyroicy al an
of DOMMCERE
t Dept Dreant
r T hatintieo Ginalimeae
miter lt et Lt har
Nib. ee LP AT) Ah Cae ae
fis t 4% (Trt im
A tebe Wie ial bu:
Pee aD ALO? Tet sclt a Benircey e
rie teies we cy alberto Ole ite
TL rta
ofot nt an
t. DAMON
ih ae '
‘ ONtLe { og
He) Dak ghey! o Latbydt.an
(Lit Ite Aa BD
ial eA
th \ (stor OF) ae
“ Oy Sighed ‘ame iaa
viet @ BE
ol ee Ta By
; me ri
Oak
ao aetay
ae ha
MOVPATOMO MORE OF HoEH
“ ,
« 's 4
Part I
Mo?’-sHo™ Wa-THO*®
Feather Songs
Sona 1
(Musie, p. 215)
Zhi®-ga ga-the ha-ni da,
Ha hi-tha-the ha, hi,tha-the he,
Hi-tha-the ha, Ho*-ga,
Ha, hi-tha-the, Ho»-ga.
Sone 2
(Music, p. 215)
Zhi®-ga ga-the the ha-ne,
A hi-tha Ho®-ga
Zhi2-ga ga-the the ha-ne,
A hi-tha Ho*-ga
Zhi®-ga ga-the the ha-ne.
Sona 3
(Music, p. 216)
Zhi®-ga ho-wa, ho-wa, Zhi®-ga ho-wa’ ho-wa
Zhi-ga ho-wa, ho-wa, Zhi®-ga, ho-wa, ho-wa, ho-wa, ho-wa
Zhi®-ga ho-wa, ho-wa, Zhi®-ga ho-wa, ho-wa.
Zhi*-ga ho-wa, ho-wa, ho-wa, ho-wa.
Sona 4
(Music, p. 216)
Zhi®-ga ho-wa-the’ ho-wa-ne i da we,
Zhi®-ha ho-wa-the, ho-wa-ne i= da, Ho®-ga
Zhi*-ga ho-wa-the ho-wa-ne i" da we.
Tst Ta-pE Wa-tTHO"
House Approach Song
Sona 1
(Musie, p. 218)
Ha-we the ha-we, ha-we the ha-we,
Ha-we the ha-we, ha-we the ha-we,
Ha-we the ha-we, ha-we the ha-we the Ho’-ga
Ha-we the ha-we, ha-we the ha-we,
Ha-we the ha-we, ha-we the ha-we the Ho»-ga.
261
|
|
262 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [BULL. 101
Sone 2
(Music, p. 218)
Ha, the Ho®-ga, the Ho®-ga
Ho-ga, the Ho®-ga, the Ho-ga,
Ho*-ga, the Ho®-ga, the Ho*-ga,
Ho»*-ga, the Ho-ga, the Ho*-ga,
Ho-ga the Ho®-ga-e, the Ho®-ga.
Wa-po-ca Do-ca To*-ca WY-GI-E
Gray Owl Male Great Ritual
(Free translation, p. 219)
1
. Ha! Zhi®-ga, e tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
. Wa’-po-ga do-ga thi®-kshe tsi-gthe, a be tho.
. Wi’-tsi-go e tsi-gthe, a be tho,
W’-ko®-da ho" u-to®-ga xtsi thi"-kshe dsi e’ tsi-gthe, a be tho,
. Wi’-tsi-go e’ tsi-gthe, a be tho,
. Tha’-po" u-ha-ha thi"-kshe tsi-gthe, a be tho,
. Wa’-ko"-da ho a-no®-k’o" bi a-thi hi” da e tsi-gthe, a be tho,
. Zhi’-ga zhu-i-ga o"-tha bi do” e tsi-gthe, a be tho,
. Wa’-ko®-da ho a-no®-k’o® bi ki-the mo®-thi® ta bi tsi” da e’ tsi-
gethe, a be tho,
10. Zhi®’-ga zhu-i-ga o"-tha bi do” e’ tsi-gthe, a be tho,
11. Wa’-ko"-da ho a-no"-k’o" bi ki-the mo®-thi" ta bi a’, zhi®-ga, e
tsi-gthe, a be tho.
ConwoanFFrwond re
2
12. He’-dsi xtsi e tsi-gthe a be tho’
13. Wa’-po-ga mi-ga thi®-kshe mo” e tsi-gthe a be tho,
14. Wa’-ko"-da ho? u-to"-ga xtsi thi?-kshe dsi e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
15. Tha’-po" u-ha-ha thi®-kshe’ tsi-gthe a be tho
16. Wa’-ko"-da ho a-no*-k’o" bi a -thi" hi" da e tsi-gthe a be tho,
17. Zhi’’-ga zhu-i-ga o®-tha’ bi do” e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho,
18. Wa’-ko"-da ho a-no®-k’o" bi ki-the mo"-thi" ta bi tsi® da e’ tsi-gthe
a’ be tho,
19. He’-dsi xtsi e tsi-gthe a be tho,
20. Wi’ shno® tsi u-thu-ga tha-gthi® xtsi u-wa-gthi" mi-kshi® da e’
tsi-gthe, a be tho
21. Zhi”-ga u-ki-wa-wa a-ni-ka-shi-ga mi-kshi® da e tsi-gthe, a be tho,
22. Zhi”-ga zhu-i-ga o°-tha’ bi do" e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho,
23. Zhi’’-ga u-ki-wa-wa-the xtsi ’the ki-the mo™-thi" ta tsi" da e tsi-
gthe, a be tho,
24. U’-no” o"-tha bi do” shki e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’.
25. Zhi”-ga u®-no" a bi ’the ki-the mo”-thi” ta bi tsi" da e’ tsi-gthe a
be tho’.
La FLEscuE] OSAGE PEACE CEREMONY
Wa-po-aa Wa-THO*
Owl Songs
Sone 1
(Music, p. 220)j
Ko-ko we tha ne, ko-ko we tha ne
A ho, ko-ko we tha ne,
A ho, ko-ko we tha ne, ko-ko we tha ne.
Sona 2
(Music, p. 220)
A ho, ko-ko we, a ho, ko-ko we,
E tha ha ha-ne, a ho, ko-ko we,
E tha ha ha-ne, a ho, ko-ko-we.
Nr-pst Wa-THO*
Water Song
(Music, p. 222)
He-dsi ni a ha dse wa-ge, he-dsi wa-ge,
He-dsi ni a ha dse wa-gehe, he
He-dsi ni a ha dse wa-ge, he-dsi wa-ge,
He-dsi ni a ha dse wa-ge, he-dsi wa-ge.
O’-po’ Wa-THO®
Elk Songs
Sone 1
(Music, p. 224)
Ho»-ga the-hi tha, Ho*’-ga the-hi tha ho-o
Ho2-ga the-hi tha Ho*-ga,
Ho®-ga the-hi tha the-hi tha ho-o
Ho*-ga the-hi tha Ho™-ga.
Sona 2
(Music, p. 224)
Ho*-ga da-we, Ho®-ga da-we, Ho®-ga da-we-e Ho*-ga
A wi-tha ha-ne-e, A wi-tha ha-ne Ho2-ga
Ho*-ga da-we, Ho-ga da-we, Ho®-ga da-we-e Ho?-ga.
Mo’’-xr THI-HI-DSE Wa-THO™
Sky Controlling Songs
THE W1’-GI-5
(Free translation, p. 225)
263
264 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [BUrt. 101
1
1. Ha’, zhi®-ga e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
2. Zhi”-ga mo*-xe thi-hi-dse ha tho" a zhi a-tha e’-gi-a bi e’ tsi-gthe
a’ be tho’,
. He’-dsi xtsi e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
. Wa’-zhi"-ga u-zhi-hi thi®-kshe no*-e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
. Tse’-xe xtsi ge dsi e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’
. Ha’, wi-tsi-go e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’.
Zhi’’-ga mo®-xe thi-hi-dse ba tho" ta zhi a-tha e’-gi-a bi e’ tsi-gthe
a’ be tho’,
8. He’-dsi xtsi e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
9. Zhi’’-ga mo®-xe thi-hi-dse ba tho" ta zhi e’ she do” e’ tsi-gthe a’
be tho’,
10. Zhi*’-ga mo*-xe i-thi-hi-dse o°-tha ba tho™-ta mi kshi™ da e’ tsi-
gthe a’ be tho’,
11. Zhu-i’-ga zhi-hi ga kshe’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
12. Wa’-ko"-da Mo*-shi ta ga-kshe’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
13. Zhi’-ni ge no" no’ e tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
14. I’-tha-ga-cko"-the xtsi a-ni-ka-shi-ga mi kshi" da e’ tsi-gthe a’
be tho’,
15. Zhi®-ga mo®-xe i-thi-hi-dse o°-tha bi tho®-shki e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
16. Wa’-ko"-da mo*-shi ta ga kshe’ tsi-gthe a’ bo tho’,
17. Ho™ xtsi o” xtsi ni-ka-shi-ga ki-the mo®-thi” ta bi" da e’ tsi-gthe
a’ be tho.
IO OF WwW
2
18. He’-dsi xtsi e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
19. Ki’-da-ni-ka thi*-kshe no” e tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
20. Ha’, wi-tsi-go e’-gi-a bi e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
21. Zhi*’-ga mo*-xe thi-hi-dse ba tho? ta zhi a-tha e’-gi-a bi e’ tsi-gthe
a’ be tho’,
22. He’-dsi xtsi e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’
23. Zhi’-ga mo*-xe thi-hi-dse ba tho" ta zhi e’-she do" e’ tsi-gthe a’
be tho’,
24. Zhi’-ga mo*-xe i-thi-hi-dse o®-tha ba tho® ta mi kshi® da e’ tsi-
gthe a’ be tho’
25. Zhu’-i-ga to-ho ga kshe’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’
26. Wa’-ko"-da mo*-shi ta ga kshe’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
27. To’-ho ge no" no’ e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
28. I’-tha-ga-gko™-the xtsi a ni-ka-shi-ga mi kshi" da e’ tsi-gthe a’ be
tho’,
29. Zhi’-ga mo?-xe i-thi-hi-dse o°-tha bi tho” shki e’ tsi-gthe a’ be
tho’,
30. Wa’-ko"-da mo*-shi ta ga kshe’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
31. Ho® xtsi o" xtsi ni-ka-shi-ga ki-the mo*-thi® ta bi? da e’ tsi-gthe
a’ be tho’.
LA FLEscHE] OSAGE PEACE CEREMONY 265
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
ol.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
3
. He’-dsi xtsi e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
. Wa’-zhi"-ga zhu-dse thi-kshe no” e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
. O”-ba i-ta-xe tho" dsi e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
. Wa’-ko"-da tse-ga xtsi i-tho™-be hi no? bi e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
. Wa’-ko™-da u-ga-zhu-dse zhi-hi no" no? e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
. Zhu’-i-ga zhu-dse ga-kshe’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
. I’-tha-ga ¢ko"-the xtsi a-ni-ka-shi-ga mi kshi® da e’ tsi-gthe a’ be
tho’,
. Zhi"-ga mo*-xe i-thi-hi-dse o°-tha bi tho® shki e’ tsi-gthe a’ be
tho’
Wa’-ko"-da u-ga-zhu-dse i-he-the mo?-thi® ta bi tsi" da e’ tsi-gthe
a’ be tho’.
4
He’-dsi xtsi e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
Mi’-xa gthe-zhe thi*-kshe no® e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
Ha’, wi-tsi-go e’-gi-a bi e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
Zhi”-ga mo-xe thi-hi-dse ba tho" ta zhi a-tha e’-gi-a bi e’ tsi-
ethe a’ be tho’,
He’-dsixtsi e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
Zhi’-ga mo"-xe thi-hi-dse ba tho" ta zhi e’-she do” e’ tsi-gthe a’
be tho’,
Zhu’-i-ga gthe-zhe ga-kshe’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
Wa’-ko"-da mo*-shi-ta ga-kshe’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
Gthe’-zhe kshe no? no? e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
I’-tha-ga-cko"-the xtsi a-ni-ka-shi-ga mi-kshi" da e’ tsi-gthe a’ be
tho’,
Zhi’-ga mo*-xe i-thi-hi-dse o°-tha bi tho® shki e’ tsi-gthe a’ be
tho,
Wa/’-ko"-da mo*-shi ta ga-kshe’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
Ho” xtsi 0 xtsi ni-ka-shi-ga ki-the mo?-thi ta bi" da e’ tsi-gthe a
be tho’.
5)
He’-dsi xtsi e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
To™-i" to"-ga thi®-kshe no” e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
Ha’, wi-tsi-go e’ gi-a bi e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
Zhi’-ga mo®-xe thi™hi-dse ba tho" ta zhi a-tha e’-gi-a bi e’ tsi-
ethe a’ be tho’,
Zhi”-ga mo"-xe thi-hi-dse ba tho" ta zhi e’-shi do" e’ tsi-gthe a’
be tho’,
Zhi’-ga mo*-xe i-thi-hi-dse ba tho" ta mi-kshi® da e’ tsi-gthe a’
be tho’,
U’-ga-co"-thi® xtsi thi"-ge’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
83773—39-—18
BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY {BuLL. 101
. Niu’ the-the to” e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
. Niu’ wi-ta e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
. Wa’-ko"-da u-cko"-cka xtsi e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
. U’-tha-ko" i-no®-a-the a-thi" hi® da e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
. Zhi’-ga mo"-xe i-thi-hi-dse o"-tha bi tho" shki e’ tsi-gthe a’ be
tho’,
. Wa/’-ko"-da u-cko*-cka xtsi e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
. U’-tha-ko" i-no"-the mo"-thi" ta bi tsi" da e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’.
6
. He’-dsi xtsi e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
. Mi’-xa cka to"-ga thi™-kshe no® e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’
. Ha’, wi-tsi-go-e’ gi-a bi e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
. Zhi’-ga mo™-xe thi-hi-dse ba tho" ta zhi a-tha e’-gi-a bi e’ tsi’-
ethe a’ be tho’,
. Ha’, Zhi®-ga e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
. Zhi’-ga mo®-xe thi-hi-dse ba tho" ta zhi e-she do” e’ tsi-gthe a’
be tho’,
. Zhi”’-ga mo™-xe i-thi-hi-dse o"-tha ba tho" ta mi kshi da e’ tsi-
gthe a’ be tho’,
. Zhu’-i-ga cka ga kshe’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
. Mo”™-xe cka ga kshe’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’
. I’-tha-ga-cko*-the xtsi a-ni-ka-shi-ga mi kshi® da e’ tsi-gthe a’ be
tho’,
. Zhi’’-ga mo®-xe i-thi-hi-dse o°-tha bi tho" shki e’ tsi-gthe a’ be
tho’,
. Wa’-ko?-da mo*-shi-ta ga-khse’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
. U’-xthi thi?-ge i-he-the mo®-thi" ta bi" da’, zhi"-ga, e’ tsi-gthe a’
be tho’.
Sone 1
(Music, p. 229)
Ho-ga thi hi tha, ha-we, da we,
Ho-ga thi hi tha, ha-we, da we,
Ho»-ga thi hi tha, ha-we, da we,
Ho-ga thi hi tha, ha-we, da we,
Ho-ga thi hi tha, ha-we, da we.
Sone 2
(Music, p. 230)
Ko-we tha, ko-we tha,
Da-do® a-thi® a-do® ko-we tha,
Ko-we tha mo®-sho® a-thi® a-do®,
Ko-we tha.
Ko-we tha, ko-we tha,
Da-do® a-thi® a-do® ko-we tha,
Ko-we tha ki-no® a-thi" a-do®,
Ko-we tha.
La Fizscut] OSAGE PEACE CEREMONY 267
Ko-we tha, ko-we tha,
Da-do® a-thi= do" ko-we tha,
Ko-we tha wa-gthe a-thi® a-do®,
Ko-we tha.
Ko-we tha, ko-we tha,
Da-do® a-thi® a-do" ko-we tha,
Ko-we tha ho2-ba thi2 a-do®,
Ko-we tha.
XaA-GE Wa-THO®
Weeping Songs
Sone 1
(Music, p. 232)
The xa-ge, the xa-ge, the xa-ge, the
Xa-ge the Ho»’-ga, the Ho*-ga the xa-ge,
The xa-ge, the xa-ge, the xa-ge the Ho*-ga
The xa-ge, the xa-ge.
Sona 2
(Musie, p. 238)
The xa-ge, xa-ge ho"-ga
Xa-ge Ho-ga, xa-ge Ho™-ga
Xa-ge Ho*-ga, xa-ge Ho*-ga
Xa-ge Ho -ga, xa-ge Ho*-ga.
The xa-ge, the xa-ge,
The xa-ge, xa-ge Ho*-ga
Xa-ge Ho®-ga, xa-ge Ho®-ga.
No®-xtue’ J-Kr-psz Wr‘GI-E
Charcoal Fight for Ritual
(Free translation, p. 236)
1
. Hal’ zhi®-ga e tsi-gthe a! be tho’,
. Zhi’-ga da-do" no™-xthe the mo®-thi" ta ba do" e’ tsi-gthe a’ be
tho’,
. Wa/’-zhi®-ga wa-tha-xthi thi"-ge do" e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
. Zhi’’-ga no®-xthe gi-the mo®-thi® ta bi a-tha e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’
. He’-dsi txsi e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
. Ci’-ha u-sha-be ga thi®-kshe skhi e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
. No-xthe a-gi-the a-thi® hi" da e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’
. Zhi’-ga no"-xthe gi-the mo?-thi" bi do” e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
. No®-xthe gi-cga-be ki-the mo-thi" ta bi" da e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
. [*’-be i-ta-xe sha-be ga thi™-kshe shki e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
. No”™-xthe a-gi-the a-thi" hi" da e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
. Zhi’-ga no®-xthe gi-the mo®-thi" bi do” e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
. No™-xthe gi-cga-be ki-the mo*-thi" ta bi" tsi" da e’ tsi-gthe a’ be
tho’,
. He’-dsi xtsi e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
. Zhu’-i-ga ca-be ga ge shki e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
. No™-xthe a gi-the a-thi" hi da e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY (BULL. 101
. Zhi*-ga no*-xthe gi the mo*-thi® bi do” e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
. No”™-xthe gi-cga-be ki-the mo”-thi” ta bi® da e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
. Pa’-zhu-zhe i-ta-xe sha-be ga thi®-kshe shki e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
. No”-xthe a-gi-the a-thi" hi" da e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
. Zhi’-ga no"-xthe gi-the mo*-thi" bi do" e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
. No’-xthe gi-ca-be ki-the mo”-thi" ta bi" da e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’.
2
. He’-dsi xtsi e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
. Da’-do® no®-xthe tha bi go" no" shku a hi® a’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
. Mi’-xa cka to™-ga thi®-kshe no? e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’
. Ha!’ wi-tsi-go-e’ gi-a bi e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
. Zhi’-ga no"-xthe bi thi’-ge a-tha, wi-tsi-go-e’ gi a bi e’ thi-gthe
a be tho’,
. He’-dsi xtsi e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
. Zhi*’-ga no™-xthe gi-tha bi thi"-ge she do" e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
. Zhi”-ga no®-xthe o°-gi-tha ba tho" ta mi-kshe" da e’ tsi-gthe a’
be tho’
. Ci’-ha u-sha-be ga thi®-kshe shki e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
. No™-xthe a-gi-the a-thi" hi" da e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’
. Zhi”-ga no®-xthe gi-the mo?-thi" ta bi" da e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
. No’-xthe gi-ca-be ki-the mo*-thi" ta bi” e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
. Pa’-zhu-zhe i-ta-xe sha-be ga-thi"-kshe shki e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
. He’-dsi xtsi e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
. No™-xthe a-gi-the a-thi" hi" da e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’
. Zhi’’-ga no®-xthe gi-the mo®-thi" bi do” e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’,
. No’-xthe gi-ga-be ki-the mo*-thi" ta bi” da e’ tsi-gthe a’ be tho’.
No®-xtTHeE [-x1®-psz Wa-THO*™
Charcoal Rush for Song
(Music, p. 238)
1
Ni-ka cto bi ni wa tha tse,
E tha we tha ne, he tha we tha ne,
He tha we tha ne, he tha we tha-a, ha-a,
Ni-ka ¢to bi ni-wa tha tse.
2
Ho®-ga cto bi ni wa tha tse,
E tha we tha ne, he tha we tha ne,
He tha we tha ne, he tha we tha-a, ha-a.
Ho2-ga cto bi ni wa-tha-tse.
3
Ts’a-ge ¢to bi ni wa-tha-tse,
E tha we tha ne, he tha we tha ne,
He tha we tha ne, he tha we tha-a, ha-a
Ts’a-ge cto bi ni wa-tha-tse.
La FLESCHE]
OSAGE PEACE CEREMONY
4
Mo*-sho® ¢to bi ni wa-tha-tse,
E tha we tha ne, he tha we tha ne,
He tha we tha ne, ha tha we tha-a, Ho®-ga
Mo?-sho® ¢to bi ni wa-tha-tse.
5
Pe-dse gto bi ni wa-tha-tse
E tha we tha ne, he tha we tha ne,
He tha we tha ne, he tha we tha ne,
He tha we tha ne, he tha we tha-a, Ho*-ga
Pe-dse cto bi ni wa-tha-tse.
6
No®-xthe ¢to bi ni wa-tha tse,
E tha we tha ni, he tha we tha ne,
He tha we tha ni, he tha we tha-a, ha-a,
No*-xthe ¢to bi ni wa-tha-tse.
ri
Ho-ba cto bi ni wa-tha-tse,
E tha we tha ne, he tha we tha ne,
He tha we tha ne, he tha we tha-a, Ho®-ga
Ho*-ba cto bi ni wa-tha-tse.
No®-xtHe Wa-TsE Wa-THO™
Charcoal Touching Song
Music, (p. 239)
Words same as preceding song.
Wa-xo"’-THA THE-THE Wa-THO*
Attack Going to Song
(Music, p. 240)
1
Ko we tha, ko we tha,
Da-do® a-thi" a-do®
Ko we tha, ko we tha,
Mo?-sho® a-thi2 a-do"
Ko we tha.
2
Ko we tha, ko we tha,
Da-do® a-thi™ a-do®
Ko we tha, ko we tha,
Ki-no® a-thi® a-do®
Ko we tha.
3
Ko we tha, ko we tha,
Da-do® a-thi® a-do®,
Ko we tha, ko we tha,
Wa-gthe a-thi® a-do"
Ko we tha.
269
270 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [BULL. 101
4
Ko we tha, ko we tha,
Da-do® a-thi® a-do®
Ko we tha, ko we tha,
Wa-pa ’thi2 a-do®
Ko we tha.
5
Ko we tha, ko we tha,
Da-do® a-thi" a-do",
Ko we tha, ko we tha,
Ho?-ba ’thi2 a-do2,
Ko we tha.
Wa-TsE Wa-THO"
Victory Song
(Music, p. 241)
1
Ah ha, ni wa ha, ni wa ha tha tse he,
Ah ha, ni wa ha, ni wa ha tha tse he,
Mo*-sho® ha ha, tha tse.
2
Ah ha, ni wa ha, ni wa ha, tha tse he,
Ah ha, ni wa ha, ni wa ha tha tse he,
Ki-no" ha ha tha tse.
3
Ah ha, ni wa ha, ni wa ha tha tse he,
Ah ha, ni wa ha, ni wa ha tha tse he
Wa-gthe ha ha, tha tse.
4
A ha, ni wa ha, ni wa ha tha tse he
A ha, ni wa ha, ni wa ha tha tse he,
Wa-k’o" ha ha tha tse.
5
Ah ha, ni wa ha, ni wa ha tha tse he,
Ab ha, ni wa ha, ni wa ha tha tse he,
Ho®-ba ha ha, tha tse.
Ki’-no™® Wa-tTHO*
Painting Songs
Sone 1
(Music, p. 244)
1
Mi-ki-no® thi hi tha,
E tha ha-ni da, E tha ha-ni da,
A-ni da, E tha ha-ni da.
LA FLESCHE]
OSAGE PEACE CEREMONY
2
Zhi®-ga ki-no® thi-hi tha,
E tha ha-ni da, E tha ha-ni da,
A-ni da, E tha ha-ni da.
3
Ho*’-ga ki-no" thi-hi tha,
E tha ha-ni da, E tha ha-ni da,
A-ni da, E tha ha-ni da.
4
Wa-pa ki-no® thi hi tha,
E tha ha-ni da, E tha ha-ni da,
A-ni da, E tha ha-ni da.
5
Ho-ba ki-no® thi-hi tha,
E tha ha-ni da, E tha ha-ni da,
A-ni da, E tha ha-ni da.
Sona 2
(Music, p. 244)
1
E, mi wi" no® ki-no" tse,
E, mi wi" no® ki-no® tse tha,
E-e, ki-no® tse tha,
E, mi wi" no® ki-no® tse tha.
2
E, zhi®-ga wi" ki-no® tse,
E, zhi®-ga wi ki-no® tse tha,
E-e, ki-no” tse tha,
E, zhi®-ga wi" ki-no® tse tha.
3
E, Ho*-ga wi" ki-no® tse,
E, Ho2-ga wi? ki-no® tse tha,
E-e, ki-no® tse tha,
E, Ho»-ga wi" ki-no® tse tha.
4
E, wa-pa wi ki-no® tse,
E, wa-pa wi® ki-no® tse tha,
E-e, ki-no" tse tha,
E, wa-pa wi® ki-no® tse tha.
5
E, ho=-ba wi ki-no® tse,
E, ho®-ba wi" ki-no® tse tha,
E-e, ki-no" tse tha,
E, ho®-ba wi® ki-no® tse tha.
271
272
BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY
]-Ko’-THA KI-KA-xE Wa-THO*
Friend Make Each Other Song
(Music, p. 246)
Ha-ni da, ha-ni da, ha-ni da,
Ha-ni da, ha-ni da, Ho*-ga,
Zhi®-ga-zhi®-ga i2-da-ko-tha ha-ni da,
Ha-ni da, ha-ni da, ha-ni da.
Ta Wa-tTHO*
Deer Songs
Sone 1
(Music, p. 247)
I-ho® u-gi-dse gi-ba-dse,
I-ho® u-gi-dse gi-ba-dse,
J-ho" u-gi-dse gi-ba-dse,
A hi tha, hi tha gi ba dse
I-ho"® u-gi-dse gi ba dse,
I-ho® u-gi-dse gi ba dse,
A hi tha, hi tha gi ba dse,
I-ho" u-gi-dse gi ba dse.
Sona 2
(Music, p. 247)
1
Ta gthe-zhe, ta gthe-zhe, ta gthe-zhe the,
Ta gthe-zhe, ta gthe-zhe, ta gthe-zhe the,
Ta gthe-zhe the, Ta gthe-zhe, ta gthe-zhe.
2
Ta zhi®-ga, ta zhi2-ga ta zhi>-ga,
Ta zhi"-ga, ta zhi*-ga, ta zhi®-ga,
Ta zhi*-ga the, ta zhi=-ga, ta zhi>-ga.
3
Ta wo"-ga, ta wo®-ga, ta wo"-ga,
Ta wo-ga, ta wo®-ga, ta wo -ga,
Ta wo"-ga, ta wo®-ga, ta wo"-ga.
4
Ta to"-ga, ta to™-ga, ta to™-ga,
Ta to™-ga, ta to™-ga, ta to™-ga,
Ta to*-ga, ta to™-ga, ta to-ga.
[Buxt. 101
La FLESCcHE]
OSAGE PEACE CEREMONY
Wa-pa’-DsSE WaA-THO™
Butchering Song
Sone 3
(Music, p. 248)
EK, mo®-hi" wa-ga, E, mo®-hi® wa-ga,
He-dsi xtsi mo®-hi" wa-ga,
He-dsi mo®-hi® wa-ga,
He-dsi xtsi mo®-hi® wa-ga,
E, mo®-hi® wa-ga.
Ho’-r-Ga Gi-psHE Wa-THO*
Symbolsofearth walking over song
(Musie, p. 249)
1
To-hno® tsi-he wa-no®-tse, tsi-he wa-no® tse,
To-hno® tsi-he wa-no®-tse, tsi-he wa-no® tse,
To-hno® tsi-he wa-no®-tse, tsi-he wa-no® tse,
Tsi-he wa-no®-tse, tsi-he wa-no"-tse.
2
Zha-be tsi-he wa-no®-tse, tsi-he wa-no®-tse,
Zha-be tsi-he wa-no®-tse, tsi-he wa-no"-tse,
Tsi-he wa-no"-tse, Zha-be tsi-he wa-no?-tse,
Tsi-he wa-no®-tse, tsi-he wa-no"-tse.
Wa-k’r Wa-THO®
Carrying Song
Sone 4
(Music, p. 250)
He-dsi xtsi wa-ga, he-dsi wa-ga,
He-dsi xtsi wa-ga, he-dsi wa-ga,
He-dsi xtsi wa-ga, he-dsi wa-ga,
He-dsi xtsi wa-ga, he-dsi wa-ga,
He-dsi xtsi wa-ga, he-dsi wa-ga.
273
Ee ey veel “Ati
ae etn a aS
he iy ha mea aah
hee Coe Preys marble eM i
CF
f nh a Rely
agen one himodl:
ene silane Yel, Teoh
i “Map sgt Shek shay, Am
nana VE THB ese). bd rod
BOVE gine pata Neath ilpwwl, atone dl
Ne te ge ge it
Ree Cock a) x ME Go aes
Paha Df, ite a ey an 5 a }
t" a a{h Pome tc Th of te th
Tee ND to
FRE ea is Let ae are Pes
al aly A Seema Bai 94 Abele Kia CAC nail
4 Marat yt Hy, a i Ned ew ALtes UE oc) ad ot
AU OUT Alar eG Gea nto
a te es ee Te 6,
us i his ve ae 1 gad aa ee
eet Abeer eat Oey nil
‘ ; sh Riis =
A har ae tar)
Tips sal ae th
finery eel che Pil
ve : * \
y w ih
, 5 on oe f ‘
we ; ny eed lA a orale}
Basho Ve Reed vo any: OG MA Vids
nega ive jacana dese pine Saito
INDEX
Page
APPROACH TO THE Hovss, songs
tia. eee 218, 261-262
Attack, on the Ho’-ga__----_- 239
ATTACK, SONG OF:
AMIS CLO Ps 322 oa 240
Osage words of___------- 269-270
BELIEFS:
concerning birds____----- 230-231
concerning childbirth~ ----- 217
concerning peace--_-------- 229
concerning the dead__ 87, 138, 140
concerning the otter_------ 221
Brrps:
as symbols of clear sky_-_--- 230
association of, with the sky. 229
sacred, ceremony connected
SUuilitg Tn Meee es oe 5 ch hes ee 85-86
Buack BEAR GENS, relation of, to
IBM ao CNS oe eee 3
Buack Doe, information fur-
TENS) OKEX LOS, cs a 252
BROKEN SONGS:
TNO Ci Ses See ee 41-43
Osage words of____-_----- 152-153
BURDEN STRAPS, MySTERIOUS,
making Of 22.622 222 264 102, 116
BUTCHERING SONG:
in Osage language- -------- 273
UIST CHOLSe Se ee see! Se SS 248
CALL OF THE CRIERS____------
Cau TO THE PEOPLE, songs of--
CatuMET Dance, discussion of
fee iris = ee 203
CAPTIVES:
ceremony concerning-_-_----- 83
StabUSiOls\ == = ee eS 83-84
CARDINAL POINTS, named for the
WTO ee Se Se 50
CARRYING SONG:
meaning OL ss So Ss So
TELUS LCE O lees Sar Atte eee
Osage words of____--------
CENTER DANCE SONGS:
in Osage language- --- ---
MNISICIOls sc = Ee 34, 35
Page
CEREMONIAL Mourner, selec-
tionvandidutiesiofas ea 88-89
CEREMONIAL PRACTICES, neces-
sabyechanges! ine = — sae aa 141
CEREMONIAL SONGS:
in Osage language- ------ 189-190
MUSICHOlo A= tena ee 117-119
CEREMONIES:
dramatizing cosmic forces - - 59
Erecting the Rack__----- 242-243
Beasting sss 22-2220 eae 129
Priendships-22 <5." so 245
Hot Waterson =a se 93
INiime nue in 234
of heating the water _------ 44-45
of smoking the pipe-------- 66
Ofjsuccess = fee eae 222-223
of the ‘Dance in the Cen-
Les gai Dep ia ee gs PE 33-36
of Wa-no»’-ce A-ba-cu- ---- 69-70
CHARCOAL, CEREMONIAL:
division and use of____-- 19-20, 30
MAKIN OO fee ee ee 53-54
recitation of fight for__---- 55-56
Sime cle One esas === Se 57
symbolism: 0f5 225525402 ee— 3
trees used in making__----- 18
CHARCOAL FIGHT:
CeremonyiOfes see] sae 235-239
ritual of__ 55-56, 236-237, 267-268
CuarcoaL Rusu RITUAL, in Osage
lan eua eee b= ote oS eS 157-159
CHARCOAL RUSH SONGS:
TSC YO Lee ey oe ee 58, 238-239
Osage words of__ 159-160, 268-269
CHILDBIRTH, protracted, use of
songs in. s-2.") = Se see PAN (
CLAY, SYMBOLIC:
ritual concerning --~-------- 6-7
story of finding of_-__------ 89-92
CuuB, CEREMONIAL, symbolism
Obs ht Sa eee eee 15
Comepy, enactment of--------- 233
276 INDEX
Page Page
CONTRIBUTION TO THE FIRE, ELK SONGS:
PiU Ohe see LE i ee Oe 48-49 in Osage language-_--_-_-_--_-_- 263
CooKING, CEREMONIAL, of mystic Musiciohe= 222 22 nee 224
(Po 00 | Reape eg ge a Oa ee Abaya St 94| “ENTERING THE Hovusn” sona:
Costume of the dancers-------- 22 music Of... =.2..-2 52-45" 82
CouNCcIL: Osage words of____-__--- 170-171
GqlnG Ofoce es soot Se 4| “ENTERING THE VILLAGE” SONG:
OLWAR ee ee kee 2 14-16 explanation of... ---=-28= 136
CRAWFISH RITUAL: musi¢.of _2222 1) Se eee 136
in Osage language --------- 147 Osage words, of... ee 198
FOCIGATION: OF 2-52 22 <5 Seas 6-7 | FACE AND BODY PAINTING:
Criers, notice called by------ 44, 51, 54 at the Success ceremony--_ 223
CRIERS’ SONGS: symbolic_____-_-= ee 104
MAISTO TOBE be oe vt rps, 2 51, 54| FACIAL PAINTING:
Osage words of_-_-------- 153, 157 for ceremony-_------------ 212
Cryinac AND BROKEN SONGS: of captives___------_------ 83
meaning of___-_---------- 36 of the Ho®’-ga_____---- 243-244
FTO GE ee ne 37-39 of the No®’-ho®-zhi®-ga____- 85
Osage words of__---------- 152 of warriors__---_---------- 85
Cur ew, belief concerning---_-- 230 See also FacE AND BODY
CURLEW, LONG-BILLED, belief PAINTING:
eOneeIMINg=-0 2 oe eee 230 | FastTine:
DANCE CEREMONY, songs of-_ 246-250 of the Ceremonial Mourner. —_—92
DaNczs: of war leader_2-2.-2552255" 9-11
accompanied by handclap- Feast, serving of --_----------- 35-36
Pings ee oie ee 15, 53 Frastinc TOGETHER, ceremony
“Dance in the Center’.... 33-36|_ Called---------------------- 129
of the Valorous./=..-222_- 93 | FEATHER SONGS:
relative importance of_____- 3 figurative meaning of_______ 217
WithelOomupoleseey= === se 59-60 a Osage language-..-.___-_ 261
With) stan@ardss) = 42) es 21 music of__--.----------- 215-216
with symbolic weapons-__--- 15 | FEATHERS, EAGLE:
discussion of use of_---_ - -- 205-206
Deer, place of, in ceremonial
1 a ae a De On ze Oe yh 101
DEER SONGS:
in Osage language- -- ------ 272
MmuUsicoOf..22220 2 0°22. 2 2ai—250
DELIGHT SONGS:
in Osage language- -- --- -- -
MUSIC Of See ee ee ae 84
DIVISIONS OF THE OSAGE_-_-_~_--
Dorsey, J. OWEN, reference to_- ol,
141, 203
DucK, MALLARD, call of, as an
231
EAGLE FEATHERS. See FEATH-
ERS, EAGLE.
EARTH SONG:
in Osage language---------
MUSICOlLe. ee Cee
preparation of, for use____ 209-210
symbolic use of. 22.25 ee 104
symbolism of 222222 eeee 210
use of, on ceremonial objects. 208,
254
FEATHERS, HAWK, ceremonial
use Of usse cee eee 210
FEATHERS, OWL, ceremonial use
) ree 211
FIGHT FOR SYMBOLIC CHARCOAL__ 55-56
FIRE, SYMBOLIC:
collection of wood for______- 47
making of. ....2-2.5eeeee 47
two aspects of__.._.. 32488 97
FIRE OFFERING RITUAL:
in Osage language._.-__-__ 171-173
recitation of. 2. 2a 94-97
FIRE RITUAL:
in Osage language-_--_-_---- 174-176
recitation Of. == _-- ae 98-101
—_
INDEX aE
Page Page
FIREBRANDS, symbolism of_-_____ 47| KeTTLe PLACING RITUAL:
FLeTcHeEr, Auice C., cited_-____- 78, in Osage language--__-_-_-_- 153
203, 229, 255 recitation -Of 222 = 1-2 See Sek 45
Foon, Osage tradition of_______ 201 | K1Luina sona:
Food RITUAL: in Osage language_-______- 196
in Osage language________ 154-155 MIUSIE Oh ee 132
recitation of.___..__.___.__._ 45-47| KNIFE, CEREMONIAL, symbolism
FRIENDSHIP CEREMONY--_-__-__-__- QAg, . (Ole = Ue Sa ite SAR 15-16
FRIENDSHIP SONG: KNIFE, STONE:
in Osage language__________ 272 children named for-_----_-_- 14
PNT TS 2S eee re aes ee 246 Substitute fore o] 2) fae 14
GAME, Offering of tobacco to_____ 129| Lirs, sAancTITY or, among Osage. 210
GENTES, OSAGE: Loom Potr DANCE SONG:
EST ee St 2k ee ee 203 in Osage language______-___ 160
position of,inceremonies___ 203 MUSIC OF. fs vse ce ee 61
Girts, distribution of___._____- 242 | Mazz, reference to ritual of___. 12-13
GRASS, SYMBOLIC, meaning of cer- MARCH, CEREMONIAL, song of
SUS a COS bo) FIGSTS MD oc. 17 ek en Boe 20, 149
Great Gray OwL: “MARCHING AROUND VILLAGE”
MMsvOE_ <5... ==- =. 219-220, 262] sona:
SOE Ce ee ee ee ee 220, 263 in Osage language_-_-_-_-____-_ 190
GREAT RITUAL: HNISiC.O12 4. | 121
comments on____________ 115-116| ‘“‘Men or Mystery” gens, sym-
Sere version, Of... ==+, 104-115)» bol) of -= -...2- =»-2. 2-3 ee 84-85
Osage version of_________ 178-188 | MNEMONIC DEYICcEs, use of, for
GREAT Sone or VIcToRY: Songsetearen” . Ke aa 213-214
Lo STE it (0 of Ee 134| MouRNING RITE:
ene words Of... 2.2. =. 197 changes made in_-_-_-_-_---_-- 141
GUARDING THE HON’-ga, mention deseription of 420.3077 aa 86-89
oF 1 5770) 5 aR a 224 for slain enemy --_-_-_----- 138-139
HANDCLAPPING, dances accom- last performance of-_-_---_-_-- 141
PRION Se 8 Lk 15, 93 modern modification of___ 142-143
HatcHet, OsaGs, history of__-___ 14 origin: Of..2+. ==" Ue eee 87
HON’-Ga: Murp_Er, compensation for_---- 142
ceremonial approach to Myruicat ELK RITUAL____- 70, 72, 165
MGMBOOb st. 2. fv > | 217-218 | Name TAKING CEREMONY. ----- 234
Belechiomolat). s22oseaulsse 217| NaMEs, JOKING, bestowal of__--_ 234
Hous, CEREMONIAL, return to__ 21| NoMINATIONS FOR PEACE CERE-
House or HoN’-ca, ceremonial MONT be 2002.2. ee 212
monmroseh to... 2... 22228 217-218 | OrricERs’ sONGs:
House or Mystery, ceremony in Osage language__------ 150-151
Tin, Nr 51-52, 81-83 MUSIC Ofte ee See eee 23-29
“Houspr” oF THE OsaGB, use of __ 3| OMAHAS:
HunrtTING, ceremony for aidin_ 222-223 Peace ceremony practiced
INITIATOR’S SONG: by<22 So sesso eee 204
in Osage language- -_-__-__--- 194 symbolic use of birds by_-_- 230
TADVYSTCE: (Ch 7c Mee ean eee 128 | OSAGE TRIBE:
KAW TRIBE, Peace ceremony prac- location of ts feb See 201
MGGUSD YAM see ane ae Soe 204 two great divisions of___._ 202-203
KertLe CarRIER’s SONGS: Villages OF 2 ose) ees 201
UE Eee ea 30-33|OrTro triIBE, Peace ceremony
Osage words of____-------- Ebt, . practiced byt 224 22225 7 204
278 INDEX
Page Page
Otter, belief concerning------- 221) PoInTING oUT THE ATTACK,
231
254
Ow1, hooting of, as an omen__-_-_
OWL FEATHERS, use of, on pipes-_-
Ow. sonas. See Great Gray
OwL.
PAINTING:
materials used for________-_
See also FACIAL PAINTING.
209
PAINTING CEREMONY_-__--_---_- 243-245
PAINTING RITUAL:
in Osage language__-_--___ 176-177
TECItAplON Oh esas 22 eee 102-104
PAINTING SONGS:
in Osage language ------ 270-271
MUSICKO lee ee ee eee 244-245
PAWNEE TRIBE, Peace ceremony
practiced by] -=ee eae 204
PmACH teaching Ofs =. 22 =.= 229
PEACE CEREMONY:
ACCOUNTOL == eee eee oe = 199-273
attendance ath@a-s2 eee 206
distribution of materials
MISCG vines Spies eee | 207-208
Omaharform ofa 2 = - = 251, 252
opening) Of 2. - 2653225525 215-218
Osage form of, compared
Wit hkobhers eee = saan eee 251
Otorform ofa pee see eo
Roncatormuohse aa sas 251
preparation for_________-_ 205-206
TNEVETENCe OTs ss ue ee 204
BON CSO fis nee pe Soe Ss 213
transmission) Of2- =e ee ee 204
tribes practicing_________-- 204
vital principle of. = _=-=2_==- 204
PIPE AND TOBACCO RITUAL:
in Osage language_______ 161-162
HAO UKYAVOID, Ore oe 62-63
PIPE RITUAL:
in Osage language_______ 195-196
TECitabionlOls = see eee 130-131
PIPES, CEREMONIAL:
descripion of.-- 2. 22. -
Omaha, compared with
Osageun los sore. fe cave 255
Smokin glOfs = eee le 120
symbolic decoration of___ 251, 252
use of, at war council_____-_ 4-5
PIPESTEMS, CEREMONIAL, decora-
HONSOL Sete = ss SNe ee 209
PLANTS, symbolic use of________ 47
Pornt or ATTACK RITUAL:
explanationiofa22 2 242252 5— 75-76
Osareiwords of. 2.2 le 2s 167
Tibual olsen 126-127, 193-194
PoNcA TRIBE, Peace ceremony
practiced bya. 2222 32=) aaa 204
PROCESSION:
around the village______ 36, 40, 53
equestrian, meaning of____- 22
PROCESSIONAL SONG:
explanation 0f22222-===== 66-67
in Osage language_-______-- 164
music of. ._:-.5_ 5-32 68
PUMA GENS, relation of, to Black
Bear gens... .---.>_ =e 3
PURIFICATION RITE______2222 140-141
RITUALS:
Contribution to the Fire___ 48-49,
155-157
Crawfish. ....--__ ee 6-7, 147
Pires. ee 98-101, 174-176
Greate: .£ eee 104-115, 178-188
Great Gray Owl____- 219-220, 262
Mythical Elk__.--2338 70, 72, 165
of Placing Food in Kettle__ 45-47,
154-155
of Placing the Kettle_____ 45, 153
Offering to the Fire_ 94-97, 171-173
Paintings 25222 102-104, 176-177
Pipes 2 nee 1380-131, 195-196
Pipe and Tobacco_ 62-63, 161-162
Point of Attack-—_2==5 75-76, 167
Pointing out the Attack. 126-127,
193-194
Seven Fireplaces__ 64-65, 162-163
Sky___._________ 225-228, 263-266
Waters 20222555 12, 148-149
Weapon____.__ 70, 73-74, 166-167
Winning = 22" 70, 72-73, 165-166
RIvER, symbolism of_____-_-_-_- 11
Rock, symbolism of, among
Siousn Indians__.--___ Saga 65-66
“SACRED FIREPLACE,” discussion
of the term... = 97
SAVANNAH SPARROW, song of, as
aniomen:_- s+... 230
Scatps, graves marked by-_---- 87, 138
SEVEN FIREPLACES RITUAL:
in Osage language_------ 162-163
recitation Of2_-_--.>-=-=== 64-65
SHIELDS, Rep, supernatural
power of: =_.2.-..-.22 ae 116
Sxy CoNnTROLLING SONGS:
MuUslG Of2-=244=2>.2———=— 229, 230
Osage version of_____------ 266
INDEX
Page
SKY RITUAL:
Osage words of_____----- 263-266
reciiation Ore == - 222-52 225-228
BONCS Olea 2s. 22S 229, 230, 266
use and symbolism of_----_- 225
SMOKE, Offering of__--------- 211-212
Sones:
Prokene 2. se 5 41-43, 152-153
Bubehering =. 2. .-- 248, 273
Call to the People_-_------- 17
So 249-250, 273
Ceremonial______ 117-120, 189-190
fnsreonl. = fe. 8 238-239
@riense=-o2 c= 51, 54, 153, 157
Crying and Broken_-___ 36-39, 152
DEG 247-250, 272
difficulty of translating___-- 42
irre ete 2 22 It 249, 273
Un 22 Se ee 224, 263
Heathers. == 26 25.5. 215-217, 261
Bmesaship.. —~.2..----< 246, 272
Great, of Victory_-_------ 134, 197
faOr ss —2=- 225.24 128, 194
Loom Pole dance____----- 61, 160
i) 240, 269-270
of Ceremonial Approach__.. 218,
261-262
Ui) DG) 84, 171
of Entering the House__---- 82,
170-171
of Entering the Village___-- 136-
137, 198
of Marching Around the
Walla perc: be i Sh an 121-122
of Peace Ceremony, discus-
SIOMROL Ss =e Serer ye 213
of Sympathy and Encour-
Bremente so ao os Se 77-78
of the ‘Dance in the
Genter 5 ek 34-35
of the Do-do®’-ho-ga______ 26-29
of the Elder Kettle Car-
ICTS eee ea ei 30-33, 151
of the Great Gray Owl_---- 220
of the Killing. ----_-- 132-133, 196
Olathe: Riders=2a222-.-22% 20, 149
of the War Leaders_23—26, 150-151
80-81,
OMicCers 5.2 2-221 23-29, 150-151
Painting. ==- 244-245, 270-271
processional = 2-2. = 66-69, 164
Symbol of the Earth. 248-249, 273
279
Page
Sones—Continued.
tothe skys Je eo. 229-230, 266
Wictory = see ence 80-81, 1384-135,
168-169, 197, 241, 270
Water. 3223.44 soe 222, 263
Weeping. «-.20 ie 232-233, 267
SPIRIT, WARRIOR’S:
farewell'tos22 252 Ah 139
murder committed for_____ 142
OMense ee eewee Ba fee ee 231
STANDARDS:
ceremonial making of_____- 18-19,
52, 92
discussion of disposition of. 137-
138
Story:
connected with fasting rite. 82-92
of animals as emblems_-_-__-_ 56-57
SUCCESS CEREMONY, description
ODE a eee ea. COE ap ana 222-223
TRADITION, OsaGE, of flood_____ 201
TRIBAL ORGANIZATION OF THE
OSsaGwie . = S285 a 2 eet 201-202
Unitep States Nationat Mv-
SEUM, specimen pipe in_______ 253
VAPOR BATHS, ceremonial_______ 78
VICTORY SONGS:
explanation(of. =< 22 = 552 241
in Osage language___-_-_-- 168-169,
197, 270
music. Ofe-=— = 80, 81, 134, 185, 241
VILLAGE, setting of, in ceremonial
ORG ET eh Ie eer a ae era 16
VILLAGE ENTERING SONG:
in Osage language- -_-_------ 198
MUSICtOl=He- = See 136
VILLAGES OF THE OSAGE_-_-_-_-___ 201
WaR CLUB, change from, to
natcheto eo 22 Se alee ee 14
WAR HONORS:
claimin gota ss] esse 86
rule concerning____.-___--- 228
WAR LEADER:
breaking of fast of_______-- 13
SOngSs Ole 2— =e 23-26, 150-151
supernatural aid sought by- 8
WAR MOVEMENT, initiation of __- 4
WAR PARTY:
NAT CHO lee oe eee 78
TepurneOhe == ee 79-80, 133
selection of officers in_-~--~-- 5, 138
Start Ole. sae] et eee Tih
280 INDEX
Page Page
WARRIORS: WEEPING SONGS:
attack of, on the enemy____ 181 explanation oOf_ 2. 22222 sas 232
slain, ceremony for____-- 139-141 in Osage language_________ 267
valorous deedsrecountedby_ 243 miUsic\Of22.2 =... 4ee.e 232-233
WATER RITUAL: Wicuita INDIAN, murder of, by
Osage version of_____---- 148-149] | Osage_....-...<.. EL 255 142
recipation Ol. <'.22 Siu yew = 11-12} Winps, Four, appeal to, for the
WATER SONG: dead... f)_.2.-..ce ee 140
in Osage language--_-----_- 263 | WINNING RITUAL:
MuUBICIOL 1.328 Aen MP explanation of _.___-_--_-- 70, 72
WEAPON RITUAL: in Osage language_--_--__-_ 165-166
in Osage language --_--_--_- 166-167 recitation of. _-__ =e 72-73
recitationvor US AoF $e 73-74| WoopPEcKER, call of, as an
symbolism Of... 2 Uo5- = 70) omen _< 645... Ue 231
WEAPONS, SYMBOLIC:
GISCUSSIONLOfe = eee aa 14, 15-16
SLInArchwibhwee 2 oa 39
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i ne :
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_
4%
7 ry Piles) jo ae
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8465