Now I am lonely.
He left me and went to the Spirit World.
Where I want to join him soon.”
Shortly after this, the woman committed suicide by jumping from a cliff in view of the people of her camp.
In former days, when the Indians were free, there was self-torture at the Sun Dance, by warriors who had made vows to the Sun in time of peril. Slits were cut on both sides of the breast and sticks were inserted under the muscles. By means of rawhide ropes hanging from the center pole and fastened to these sticks, the warriors danced before the people, amid the beating of drums and applause of the spectators, until the sticks were torn loose from the flesh. Many of these warriors did not live long after the torture. It was believed they gave themselves to the Sun and the Sun took them.
Throughout the ceremonies, Mad Wolf and Gives-to-the-Sun came regularly to the dancing-lodge. He took his pipe and plenty of tobacco and gave to those who sat near. She wore her best clothes—deerskin trimmed with elk teeth and with leggings and moccasins to match.
TWILIGHT IN THE CIRCLE CAMP
Tepees illuminated by inside fires
Then the men’s societies, the All-Brave-Dogs, Pigeons, and Mosquitoes, gave their rituals and dances; and their members told of brave deeds in war. They also gave war dances and counted “coups,” accompanied by the beating of drums and of rattles on a rawhide; they had a feast and [[315]]passed around a Medicine Pipe for every one to smoke and pray.