The Religion of the Crow Indians
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322 Anthropological Papers American Museum <strong>of</strong> Natural History. [Vol. XXV,<br />
having various animals play shinney for <strong>the</strong>m with <strong>the</strong> sunrise and sunset<br />
as <strong>the</strong>ir goals.<br />
Sun's players were on <strong>the</strong> east side and included <strong>the</strong><br />
silver fox, coyote, and jackrabbit; Morningstar's players were in <strong>the</strong><br />
west and included <strong>the</strong> elk ;<br />
deer species called u u xkace.<br />
white-tail and black-tail deer, and ano<strong>the</strong>r<br />
During <strong>the</strong> game both Sun and Star caused<br />
storms; Star made <strong>the</strong> snow very deep so that <strong>the</strong> little animals could<br />
not run. At last <strong>the</strong> elk, being long-winded, won.<br />
<strong>The</strong> sacred Tobacco about which center <strong>the</strong> performances <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Tobacco society, is quite generally identified with <strong>the</strong> stars,—sometimes<br />
it would seem with all <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m collectively, <strong>the</strong>n again more specifically<br />
with <strong>the</strong> Morningstar.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Dipper (i'g'e-s&'pud = Seven Stars) is mythologically conceived<br />
as a group <strong>of</strong> seven human bro<strong>the</strong>rs who had become displeased with <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
terrestrial experiences and decided to change <strong>the</strong>ir shape into something<br />
that should last forever. At <strong>the</strong> close <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir discussion <strong>the</strong>y decide to<br />
transform <strong>the</strong>mselves into <strong>the</strong> constellation. 1 <strong>The</strong> Dipper not infrequently<br />
blessed fasters with a vision : Lone-tree was among those adopted<br />
by <strong>the</strong>m. 2 <strong>The</strong> Stars <strong>of</strong>ten appeared painted in a particular way, holding<br />
a pipe or with wreaths <strong>of</strong> medicines, which <strong>the</strong>y turned over to <strong>the</strong><br />
visionary. As a result he would capture Horses and become a chief.<br />
One <strong>Crow</strong> said that one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Seven Stars is blind and that he has <strong>the</strong><br />
greatest power <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m all.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Four Winds are mentioned as recipients <strong>of</strong> smoke <strong>of</strong>ferings but<br />
play a minor part. On <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r hand, <strong>the</strong> Thunder (sud) is important<br />
both mythologically and religiously. As usual, he is identified with <strong>the</strong><br />
eagle (perhaps more commonly with <strong>the</strong> bald-headed eagle) . In myth he<br />
is represented as <strong>the</strong> enemy <strong>of</strong> a water-monster, which destroys his young<br />
Various <strong>Indians</strong> have<br />
but is overcome with <strong>the</strong> aid <strong>of</strong> an expert hunter. 3<br />
been adopted by <strong>the</strong> Thunder, among <strong>the</strong>m Lone-tree and Big-ox, both<br />
<strong>of</strong> whom were still alive in 1911.<br />
Ano<strong>the</strong>r mythic personage who appeared in visions is <strong>the</strong> uniformly<br />
benevolent Dwarf, who, in spite <strong>of</strong> his diminutive stature is represented<br />
as very powerful physically. 4<br />
In addition to <strong>the</strong> mainly cosmic beings described above <strong>the</strong>re are<br />
<strong>the</strong> host <strong>of</strong> spirits—mostly in beast or bird shape—who appear in visions<br />
and whose characteristics will appear more clearly from <strong>the</strong> account in<br />
<strong>the</strong> following section.<br />
Hbid., 126,210, 211.<br />
2<br />
This series, vol. 16, 41.<br />
3<br />
This volume, 144 seq.<br />
Hbid., 165, 171 seq.