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294

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Ojibway. "Ba.ga.o.ko.kwan." (stick.to.beat the drum.) (Haupt del.)

length. 26" inches diameter. 3/4 " diameter of ring. 3. "

intercessions go up through the drum to the Manito and hence the drum being the emblem of the Manito is so far modified and renovated. To beat the drum each drummer carries a "Bagaokakwan." "Stick to beat the drum." This is a piece of hard wood usually "ash" twenty six inches long. with the end curled up. the curl and stick except the handle is covered with strips of fur wound about it. Each drum. for there may in a band be more than one. has an [?] or a petty chief who owns the drum it is his business to take care of it. see that no injury or harm reaches it. and it must always asleep or awake be in his presence. He has a band of such as may Join him; as his followers, or more correctly those who Join the drum. who are bound if necessary to support him. if he fail by reason of his attendance upon the drum to procure a living his followers must keep him. If [?] any one of them refuse he is turned out of the drum circle and an Ojibway had rather die than be turned out.

  Each day of the dance the ceremony is similar with the exception that one or another special feature will be added or circumstances require.
  We attended the dance throughout. and the preliminary council being held the day of our arrival we armed ourselves with a present of tobacco and with our interpreter James chose applied at the west door of the floor for admission which was granted.  and approaching the Chief Speaker. presented him with the tobacco. which he took in a very stoical manner and placed with the rest at his feet. the drummer was rigorously beating the drum. when this had  ceased. we having in the mean time seated ourselves in the seat.  "Madwa os ong." "Shaken by Wind" the chief Speaker. Arose and addressing the drummer said. "I rise asking the drummer to delay a moment:  I wish to speak of this tobacco that was Just brought in and that it