Abstract

In the Driftway

The article presents information related to Indian dance. On an Indian reservation recently at dance for white people was in progress. Suddenly the orchestra stopped short in the middle of a tune. Through the door glided a sleek dark body of an Indian boy of 18, naked except for a loin-cloth, his face daubed fantastically with lampblack. On investigation it was found that for several weeks, in the homes of some of the older Indians, the annual Chinook dances have been in progress. At these dances the weird medicine-making performances of olden days are still indulged in. There are many preparations for the medicine dances and they are religiously performed. "Fire-water" not permitted, as the Good Spirit will not work with it in the room or tent where the dance is carried on.