OCR Text |
Show DENSMORE] NORTHERN UTE MUSIC 127 TREATMENT OF THE SICK Two native methods of treating the sick were in use among the Utes at the time this material was in preparation ( 1914- 1916). In both these methods there was a dependence on supernatural aid, but in one method no material means were employed, while in the other method it was customary to administer herbs or other remedies. These two methods were also used by the Chippewa and Sioux, 20 and following the precedent of those volumes the term " medicine man" will be used to designate the person who depended entirely upon supernatural means and the term, " doctor" to designate the person administering herbs. The following section comprises information given by Pa'gitS ( pi. 10, c), a representative of the first- named method, and Mrs. Washington, a representative of the second. Pa'gitS explained the distinction between the two methods by saying that a medicine man, when treating a sick person, proceeded according to directions from his supernatural adviser, given him at the time, while a doctor, under similar circumstances, stated first the authority by which he practiced his profession, describing a long- past vision, usually of a bird or animal. He said that medicine men did not buy songs of each other, as every medicine man possessed the ability to secure songs in a supernatural manner. Doctors, on the other hand, were accustomed to buy and sell songs, the older doctors frequently transferring songs to younger men. A good reihedy was worth a horse, this price including the herb, the history of its medicinal use, and the song without which it would not be effective. Pa'gitS, whose material will first be presented, said that he was entirely independent of material means, not even using a rattle or wearing amulets or " charms" when treating the sick. He said that after seeing and questioning a sick person he could tell whether he could cure him. On being asked whether he ever began the treatment of a case concerning which he felt uncertain, he replied without hesitation that he never did so, saying, " We believe that if a doctor begins on a case which he is not sure he can cure he will certainly fail." Continuing, he said, " I always tell the person that he will get well because I know it is true; 11 also, " If the sick person does not think I can cure him I do not talk about it; I just cure him and prove it." 21 Concerning the source of his power, Pa'gitS said that he treated the sick under the tutelage of a " little green man" and that numerous » Bull. 45, Bur. Amer. Ethn., pp. U9- 124; Bull. 61, Bur. Amer. Ethn., pp. 244- 278. n These statements are given in the words of the interpreter. Care was taken that the form of a question did not suggest a possible answer, there being no desire to demonstrate the existence of mental treatment among Indians, |