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Show 158 THE MIDE'WIWIN OF THE OJIBWA. by sucking them through tubes, and startling tales are told how the Jgs'sakkid' can, in the twinkling of an eye, disengage himself of the most complicated tying of cords and ropes, etc. The lodge used by this class of men consists of four poles planted in the ground, forming a square of three or four feet and upward in diameter, around which are wrapped birch bark, robes, or canvas in such a way as to form an upright cylinder. Communion is held with the turtle, who is the most powerful man'ido of the Jes'sakkid', and through him, with numerous other malevolent man'idos, especially the Animiki', or thunder- bird. When the prophet has seated himself within his lodge the structure begins to sway violently from side to side, loud thumping noises are heard within, denoting the arrival of man'idos, and numerous voices and laughter are distinctly audible to those without. Questions may then be put to the prophet and, if everything be favorable, the response is not long in coming. In his notice of the JSs'sakkid', Schoolcraft affirms1 that " while he thus exercises the functions of a prophet, he is also a member of the highest class of the fraternity of the Mid& win- a society of men who exercise the medical art on the principles of magic and incantations. The fact is that there is not the slightest connection between the practice of the JSs'sakkid' and that of the MidS'wiwin, and it is seldom, if at all, that a Mide' becomes a Jgs'sakkid', although the latter sometimes gains admission into the Mide'wiwin, chiefly with the intention of strengthening his power with his tribe. The number of individuals of this class who are not members of the Mide'wiwin is limited, though greater than that of the WabSno'. An idea of the proportion of numbers of the respective classes may be formed by taking the case of Menomoni Indians, who are in this respect upon the same plane as the Ojibwa. That tribe numbers about fifteen hundred, the Mide' Society consisting, in round numbers, of one hundred members, and among the entire population there are but two W& b8no' and five JSs'sakkid'. It is evident that neither the Walbgno' nor the Jgs'sakkid' confine themselves to the mnemonic songs which are employed during their ceremonial performances, or even prepare them to any extent. Such bark records as have been observed or recorded, even after most careful research and examination extending over the field seasons of three years, prove to have been the property of W& b8no' and J8s'- sakkld', who were also Mide'. It is probable that those who practice either of the first two forms of ceremonies and nothing else are familiar with and may employ for their own information certain mnemonic records; but they are limited to the characteristic formulae of exorcism, as their practice varies and is subject to changes according to circumstances and the requirements and wants of the applicant when words are chanted to accord therewith. ! Op. cit., vol. 5, p. 423. |