Untitled - Smithsonian Institution

oLbrechts] the swimmer MANUSCRIPT 255
the theory, it is caused by the insect ghosts, which effect an entrance
into the throat, where they multiply, causing the throat to swell and
producing a choldng sensation.
The curing spirit addressed is the t'e'oa', a small species of frog,
which is represented as living in the great pond, and is expected to
come and devour the mischievous worms and insects, as is the habit
of the frog. The medicine is a poultice of tso-'ltyu'sti v'ntkw't*-
c'na, Verhascum thapsus L., common mullein leaves, beaten up in
warm water and applied to the throat with the hand of the medicine
man, who recites the formula at the same time, blowing once at the
end of each paragraph. The operation is repeated, thus making
four blowings in all.
While under treatment the patient is forbidden to eat the larvae of
the yellow jacket or locust, both of which are roasted as food [and
considered a great delicacy] by the Cherokee, or to taste honey, the
reason being that both larvae and honey are derived from insects,
and would consequently serve to aggravate the disease. Pumpkins,
cymlings, tomatoes, and all other juicy fruits and vegetables must
also be avoided, for the reason stated (p. 65), these same insects
being held responsible for all kinds of boils, blisters, and similar
complaints.
sGe" I
57
li'af a^nisko''li a'Da*n9"'wo*tT
this their head to cure anyone with
no""Gwo'' Vt'or)a''nfGa' *t'skuya' tsAsti-'oa
now, theni now thou hast come to listen thou man thou little
DtG€'Mo.'S€"°.i' I
i;-lsGe-'DO° tV'DiGa'le'i-Ga' I
thou penetratest
*a'no"Gwo°'
ha! now it important thou hast come and
them, App. pushed it away
| utst^nawa' aoo'^nrGa' | 'ya* Ga-^le"
beyond it stretched it has been said Sharplyl
Ga°le'' I
Ga^le"
|
This (for) Their Head (is) the Medicine
FREE TRANSLATION
Ga^le*'
Now, then! Now thou hast come to listen, thou Little Man, thou
penetrator. Ha, now thou hast come to push away the important
thing. Relief has been caused. Sharply!
Galeh. (Four times.)
EXPLANATION
This short formula for the cure of headache is addressed to the
Little Man, [possibly] one of the Thunder Boys. The title of
"penetrator" is frequently bestowed on a spirit invoked, and implies
that he has the power of going irresistibly through all obstacles.
7548°—32 18