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Show HOFFMAN.] N0TE8 ON INITIATION CEREMONIES. 251 Osh'- kcVsh- na- na' pi- na'- wa nin- bosh'- i- na'- na. With the bear's claws I almost hit him. [ The Mide' used the bear's claw to work a charm, or exorcism, and would seem to indicate that he claimed the powers of a Wabeno'. The one spoken of is an evil man'ido, referred to in the preceding line, in which he speaks of having heard him.] At the'conclusion of this protracted ceremony a few speeches may be made by a Mide', recounting the benefits to be enjoyed and the powers wielded by the knowledge thus acquired, after which the chief priest intimates to his colleagues the advisability of adjourning. They then leave the Mide'wig& n by the western door, and before night all movable accessories are taken away from the structure. The remainder of the evening is spent in visiting friends, dancing, etc., and upon the following day they all return to their respective homes. DESCRIPTIVE NOTES. Although the mi'gis shell of the several degrees is generally of the same species, some Y> f the older Mide' priests claim that there were formerly specific shells, each being characteristic and pertaining specially to each individual grade. The objects claimed by Sika's-sig8 as referring to the third degree are, in addition to the Cypr » a monata, L., a piece of purple wampum, and one shell of elongated form, both shown on PL xi, Nos. 3 and 5, respectively. The fact of a Mid § ' having been subjected to " mi'gis shooting" for the thircj time is an all- sufficient reason to the Indian why his powers are in a corresponding manner augmented. His powers of exorcism and incantation are greater; his knowledge and use of magic medicines more extended and certain of effect; and his ability to do harm, as in the capacity of a WabSno', is more and more lauded and feared. He becomes possessed of a greater power in prophecy and prevision, and in this state enters the class of personages known as the JSs'sakkid', or jugglers. His power over darkness and obscurity is indicated on PL in, A, No. 77, upon which the head, chest, and arms are represented as being covered with lines to designate obscurity, the extended arms with outstretched hands denoting ability to grasp and control that which is hidden to the eye. The Jfis'sakkid' and his manner of performing have already been mentioned. This class of sorcerers were met with by the Jesuit Fathers early in the seventeenth century, and referred to under various designations, such as jongleur, magicien, consulteur du manitou, etc. Their influence in the tribe was recognized, and formed one of the greatest obstacles encountered intheChristianiza-tion of the Indians. Although the JSs'sakkid' may be a seer and prophet as well as a practitioner , of exorcism without becoming a |
