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Show 202 THE MIDE'WIWIN OP THE OJIBWA. edge is believed to have been lost through the reticence and obstinacy of former chief priests, the so- called higher secrets are now imparted at the first and second degree preparatory instructions. The third and fourth degrees are very rarely conferred, chiefly because the necessary presents and fees are beyond the reach of those who so desire advancement, and partly also because the missionaries, and in many instances the Indian agents, have done their utmost to suppress the ceremonies, because they were a direct opposition and hindrance to progress in Christianizing influences. When the preparatory instruction has come to an end and the day of the ceremony of initiation is at hand, the preceptor sings to his pupil a song, expatiating upon his own efforts and the high virtue of the knowledge imparted. The pipe is brought forward and an offering of tobacco smoke made by both preceptor and pupil, after which the former sings a song ( PI. x, A.), the time of its utterance being tediously prolonged. The mnemonic characters were drawn by Sikas'sigS, and are a copy of an old birch- bark scroll which has for many years been in his possession, and which was made in imitation of one in the possession of his father, Baie'dzlk, one of the leading Mide' at Mille Lacs, Minnesota. WT- ka- no'- shi- an- d. My arm is almost pulled out from digging medicine. It is full of medicine. [ The short sigzag lines signifying magic influence, erroneously designated " medicine."] We- wi'- ka- ni'- an. Almost crying because the medicine is lost. [ The lines extending downward from the eye signifies weeping; the circle beneath the figure is the place where the " medicine" is supposed to exist. The idea of " lost" signifies that some information has been forgotton through death of those who possessed it.] Me- shi'- ak- klnk mi- sui'- a- klnk. Yes, there is much medicine you may cry for. [ Refers to that which is yet to be learned of.] Pe- i'- e- mi- ko- ya'- na- klnk'. Yes, I see there is plenty of it. [ The Mide' has knowledge of more than he has imparted, but reserves that knowledge for a future time. The lines of " sight" run to various medicines which he perceives or knows of.] Rest. |
