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Show 250 BASIS OP AMERICAN HISTORY [ 1500 by the general mode of life. Among the plains Indians the spirit of the buffalo was the one to be considered above all others; while among other tribes the sun, rain, spirits of various crops, etc., were the powers to be propitiated. In the cult of these great or class manitous the tribal rites and ceremonies developed, reaching the elaboration already described in preceding chapters. They were characterized by dancing and symbolic dramatic performances of gr6at complexity, often lasting for weeks. Hysterical manifestations of all sorts were usual and the excitement was often intense. Intoxicants and narcotics were employed to aid in the production of the nervous state, which was regarded as indispensable for intimate association with the spirits. These dances were usually invocations for abundant harvests, for rain, for success in hunting or war, or were festivals of thanksgiving for favors already bestowed. \ I n the more highly developed of the ceremonials the custom of sacrifice had been introduced, reaching in Mexico a point where human beings were made the victims. \ The religious customs relating to death and burial forth a class by themselves, but are based upon the same animistic ideas which underlie all the religious beliefs. The soul of the dead man was believed to exist after death and to have needs similar to those of the body in life; consequently, offerings of all sorts were made at the grave,\ wljiefr could be utilized by the soul in its spirit life. A curious |