PREPARATIONS FOR THE DANCE
On several occasions the dance ground was consecrated before the performance, one of the leaders going all about the place, sprinkling some kind of sacred powder over the ground and praying the while.
PL. CXI
SACRED OBJECTS FROM THE SIOUX GHOST DANCE
a, Staff; b, c, Bow and bone-head arrows; d, Gaming wheel and sticks
Frequently in the dance one or more of the leaders while sitting within the circle would beat upon the earth with his extended palm, then lay his hand upon his head, afterward blow into his hand, and then repeat the operation, praying all the time. Sometimes the hypnotist would beat the ground in the same way and then lay his hand on the head of the subject ([plate cxv]). No satisfactory explanation of this ceremony was obtained beyond the general idea that the earth, like the sun, the fire, and the water, is sacred.