.MTA1Mg.NzA0MzI
73 12 75 or perhaps the time for purifying warriors, differed in different periods of their history. The same priest & counselors who sanctified the warriors for the war, now purified them from the pollution contracted by it. Warriors were polluted by killing any one, - by touching a dead person, or the bone, or the grave of one dead. Various ceremonies were observed in purification, but the most important seem to be puking to cleanse the body inwardly and washing? to cleanse it outwardly. Having spent the set time at the council house, the last night was observed as a vigil. Two dances in particular engaged their attention. In the morning, just at sun rise a sacrifice was offered, - burnt with the same fire they had taken to war. The warriors then all repaired to a stream of water, in which they plunge entirely seven times, four times with their heads to the east, and three times towards the west. This being done all repair to their homes, and associate with their wives & friends as usual. But such as had been wounded must continue at the council house a long time in a state of? separation. They might dance with others, yet they must always carry a certain kind of staff by which they would be distinguished, and must not associate with their wives till the time for their purification had expired. The musical instruments of the ancient Cherokees were First a drum. This consisted of an earthern pot, or kettle having a skin drawn over the top. Sometimes little bells were fastened to the rim. Second, flute. This was made of cane, - was a foot or more in length, having six holes in the side, but was blown at the end. Third, Pipe. This was also made of cane, - was three or four inches long, having one hole in the side, and was blown at the end. Fourth, Trumpet. Trumpets were made differently, and used for various purposes both in peace & war. Some were mere Buffalo horns, some were made of long neck goards and some, that is, the war trumpets were made of the thigh bone of the large white crane.