Connecticut western news., 1886-07-14
INDIAN SUN DANCE.
A Barbarous Rite that Has
 Been Abolished.


 Fasting and Feasting Followed by a
 siokening Display of self-Torture
 The wi'd Indian Sun Dance, which was held for the last time during June, 1883, with its barbarous and cruel in- flictions, is one of the historical features of savage superstition that will never again be repeated. Prior to the compile tion of the sun dance circle, when three days are taken to feasting on dog soup, dancing, giving away ponies, cattle and everything else that gives evidence that the "heart is good," the chiefs, sub- chiefs and head men meet in council in some woodland, where they select twelve virgins who are to do the honor of cut ting the pole. A number of young h. dlans are appointed to make search for good pole for the occasion (which has, however, been selected long time be- fore) and finally, after considerable de- lay, the twelve virgins each take an axe, and give the pole one cut, the young bucks finishing the job. The crossing of stream is superstitiously forbidden, and when the young Indians are ready they march in triumph to the place se- lected for its planting" Before them rush thousand young braves on ponies, who fire off rifles and revolvers until out side the limits the encampment, which, together with their yells, would drive off any evil spirits that might be hang ing around; and that is their part in the play. The pole is raised and green brush is placed in circle about it, while the pole itself is gorgeously decorated with strips of calico in all the brilliant hues, which have been placed there as offerings from some dusky maiden or old squaw.
 The sun dance among these wild pco- pie is barbarous religion with them. During the year an Indian has prayed to the Great Spirit for fortune in hunting, restoration of health or some other wish, for which he promises, if the prayer is granted, to make some sacrifice or dance at the annual sun dance, which was usually held during the month of June. It is composed of fasting and feasting combined, the ones who have made VOWS fasting for several days, and those who are to "see them through" feasting on delicious young dogs made into soup. Mothers who have asked the Great Spirit for some favor bring their babes and young children to be ''gouged" in the ears with anything but sharp knives by the "medicine men' (who are on hand in great numbers), the girls receiving two infictions in each ear and the boys one, for which the medicine man receives a pony or two. Women have their arms, shoulders or face cut as they may have promised at the time. Groups of men and women dance with upturned faces to the burning sun, footing continuously whistle made of an antelope's bone. All these are preliminary to the most barbarous and painful task of being brave. The young men who have fixed their hearts upon this torture by going through the ordeal of being cut in the two breasts and sinew passed through the wounds, are tied to rope attached to the stationary sun dance polo, which they endeavor to break out by continu. ous dancing and jerking. Their faces are lifted to the scorching June sur while they blow on the antelope bono whistle. To contribute to their success, some near friend or relative throws out sticks to the surrounding crowds, and a scramble is made to secure them, as eacI stick entities the holder to pony. h. voking the Great Spirit for success is general by the medicine men, while groups of dancers with whistles an6 bands of nearly naked wild men, painted in all colors, yellow, green, red, blue, black, white or purple, in whole, il part or combinations, with the designs of hands, horse shoe prints, horses, Indi. ans, etc., go through mournful singing to the beats of dozen great drums, making the conglomeration of noise! anything but what band leader would term "harmony" On the occasion tt winch this article refers but one out o the three succeeded in breaking the desl from the breasts-and he proved the meauest as we'll as bravest-the other fainting; and some of the few whites present became faint themselves durlns the progress of this horrible torture.
 At the close of this festival, lastin. about eight days the Indians returned to their homes to find themselves eithe
 richer or poorer than when they left; bu large storehouse of rations furnished b
 the government supplied their wants t
 at least limited extent. On their re
 turn home they found what few crop they had put in before they left ha
 either got behind the growth of tn
 weeds or eaten ty stray stock. Thu
 the progressive Indian failed to progress
 and the government did most sensibl
 act when it abolished the sun dance
 which every Indian was compelled to at
 tend or be held in disgrace by the lead
 ers.- Creighton (Neb.) Pioneer.