The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1886-08-06
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The Indian Sun Dance.

The wild Indian sun dance, which
was held for the last time during June,
1888, with its barbarous and cruel in
tlictions. is one of tie historical parts
that will never again be repeated. The
writer was present at that sun dance,
and the only scenes thas will again
greet his or any other eyes are views
mat were taken on the spot. and which,
but for the iron will of the Indian
agent, would never have been taken,
80 superstitious were the Indians
against it.
Prior to the completion Of the sun
dance circle. when three days are taken
to feasting on dog soup. giving away,
ponies, cattle and everything else that
gives evidence that the 'heart is good, !"
meet in council in some woodland,
where they select twelve virgins who
are to do the honor of cutting the pole.
A number of young Indians are ap-
pointed to make search for a good pole
for the occasion (Which has, however,
been selected long time before; but
they must go through certain preten-
sions so as to make themselves appear
proper), and finally, after considerable
delay, the twelve virgins each take an
axe, and give the pole one cut, the
young bucks finishing the job. The
crossing of a stream is superstitiously
forbidden, and when the young Indians
are ready they march in triumph to the
place selected for its planting" Be-
fore them rush a thousand young
braves on ponies, who fire OFF rifles and
revolvers until outside the limits of the
encampment which together with their
yells. would drive off any evil spirits.
that might be hanging 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 isI
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 peo-
pie is barbarous religion with them.
During the year an Indian has prayed
to the Great Spirit for fortune in hunt
ing, restoration of health or some other
wish, for which he promises, If the
prayer is granted, to make some sacri-
flee or dance at the annual sun dance,
which was usually held during the
month of June. 1t is composed Of
fasting and feasting combined the
ones who have made vows fasting for
several days, and those are to .tsee
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
intlictions in each ear and tho boys one,
for which the medicine man receives 8
pony or two. Women have their arms,
have promised at the time. Groups Of
men and women dance with upturneA
faces to the burning sun, footing con-
tinuously q whistle made OF an ante
lope's bone. Ali 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 a sinew passed
through the wounds, are tied to rope
attached to the stationary sun dance
pole, which they endeavor to break out
by continuous dancing and jerking.
Their faces are lifted to the scorching
June sun while they blow on the ante
1 lope bone whistle. To contribute to
their success, some near friend or rela-
tive throws out sticks to the surround
ing crowds, and scramble is made to
secure them. as each stick entities the
holder to pony. Invoking the Great
Spirit for success is general by the
medicine men, while groups of dancers
with whistles and bands of nearly naked
wild men, painted in all colors, yellow,
green, red, blue, black, white or pur-
| pie, in whole, in part or combinations,
with the designs Of hands. horse shoe
prints, horses, Indians, etc, go through
mournful singing to the beats Of dozen
| great drums, making the conglomera-
ton of noises anything but what band
leader would term "harmony." On
the occasion to which this article refers
but one out Of the three succeeded in
breaking the flesh from the breasts
and he proved the meanest as well az
bravest-the others fainting; and some
of the few whites present became faint
themselves during the progress OF this
horrible torture.
At the close of this festival, lasting
about eight days. the Indians returned
! to their homes to fpd themselves either
richer or poorer than when they left;
| but large store-house of rations fur
nished by the government supplied
their wants to at least a limited extent.
On their return home they found what
few crops they had put in before they
left had either got behind the growth
of the weeds or eaten by stray stock.
Thus the progressive Indian failed to
progress, and the government did q
most sensible act when it abolished the
sun dance, which every Indian was
compelled to attend or be held in dis
grace by the leaders. Creighton (Neb. }
Pioneer.