.MTA1Mg.NzA0ODk

From Newberry Transcribe
Jump to navigation Jump to search

176

on a seat proposed for the occasion. This stood immediately before the middle & most distinguished war seat, occupied now by his predecessor in office. The seat was

four or five feet high, having a back to lean against; all painted red. Having seated the candidate, the four men commenced marching round him, and singing a song of four verses. Having sung one verse, and marched round him once, they batted for a moment, and then proceeded again till they had gone round him four times and sung the four verses. These verses were considered dangerous for common people to repeat, and therefore but few ever learned them.

This ceremony being ended, a man appointed for the purpose, stepped forward and undressed the candidate entirely leaving only his breeches (or flap). The the man who had

the paint or ointment, went to him and made seven stripes across each side of his face, red and black alternately. Then with the paint on the same forefinger of his right hand, he drew a mark from the top of his forehead down over his nose to his breast. There two marks, in the same manner, from his forehead to the back part of his head, leaving the tuft between them. Then putting his finger on the thumbnail of his right hand, drew it up his arm to his breast, and then down his left arm to his thumbnail. Then putting his finger on the great toenail of his right foot, drew it up to his breast and thence down his left leg, to the great toe nail. All the marks were red except the alternate black stripes across his face. The man who carried the eagle feather then fastened it on his head. This was done as follows viz. the quill end of the feather was inserted into a short piece of cane, and then the cane was tied to that tuft or lock of hair left on the crown, in such a manner that the feather stood erect on his head. This feather had as many red stripes across it as the candidate had killed of their enemies. This being done, the man whose appointed duty it was came forward with his official dress, and put it on him. This was of a deep red colour throughout. The coat, belt, legings, garters, mocasins &c all were entirely red. The war club was also put into his hands.

The above ceremonies being ended, his predecessor in office arose and addressed the young warriors, charging them to obey implicitly the orders of the young
A ska yo gu ste ga, and never go forward in any war expedition with his knowledge, advice and direction. He then publicly resigned his authority and his seat to his successor.

This address was a little before noon. The door being always in the east side of the council house, & all the sacred seats facing the door, the speaker of course while speaking faced the east. The newly inducted