.MTM1OA.MTE0Nzcz

20a The Gaulsten (Sious) Dakota in our illustration exhibits fewer articles of finery than is customary for the indian to wear, but this is acccounted for by the fact that he has most likely given away those he had. In the feasts and ceremonies held by the indians it is a common practice for an indian to give to one person and another all his possessions, and when he has reduced himself to nakedness he feels that he is again in the condition the Great Spirit made him and he is happy. However this happy state does not last long, nor will his religious fervor prevent his stealing all the goods and chattles of a white man he can find. He will not steal from his kind, but the goods of a white man are legitimate plunder. When an indian through the workings of the spirit has denuded himself it is very rarely the case that some of his presents are not returned to him or that some other indian does not give him of his abundance so that the loss is made up. Women are not so prone to make presents probably because the opportunities are not so frequent with them as with the men.