ts
working at the sand painting really inconvenienced themselves and
allowed us to crowd them that we might observe closely the many minute
details which otherwise could not have been perceived, as many of their
color lines in the skirt and sash decorations were like threads. The
accompanying sketches show every detail.

The green or dressing room was a circular inclosure of pine boughs at
the end of the avenue. It was about 10 feet high by 20 feet in diameter
made of pinon branches with their butts planted in the ground, their
tops forming a brush or hedge. Within this inclosure the masks were
arranged in a row on the west side. A large fire burned in the center
affording both heat and light. The different sets, when a change of
dress from one set of men to another was to be made, repaired to this
green room for that purpose. This inclosure was also the resort during
the night for many Indians who assisted the dancers in their toilets.

At 10 o'clock the ceremonies opened by the entrance upon the avenue of
the song-priest who came from the green room. He wore a rich red blanket
and over this a mountain lion skin; immediately after him followed
Hasjelti, leading the four Etsethle (the first ones). These represented
first, natan (corn); second, natin (rain); third, nanase (vegetation);
fourth, jadetin (corn pollen). Their masks were blue ornamented with
feathers and were similar to the masks worn by the dancers; their bodies
were painted white with many rare beads around their necks, and they
wore loin skirts with silver belts; a gray fox skin was attached pendant
to the back of the belt, and blue stockings, tied with red garters, and
moccasins completed their dress. They carried in their right hands gourd
rattles painted white. The handles of these may be of any kind of wood,
but it must be selected from some tree near which lightning has struck,
but not of the wood of the tree struck by lightning. Corn pollen was in
the palms of their left hands and in the same hand they carried also a
pinon bough. Hasjelti wore a suit of velvet ornamented with silver
buttons; he never speaks except by signs. They advanced single file with
a slow regular step and when within 20 feet of the lodge the priest
turned and faced Hasjelti and repeated a short prayer, when the Etsethle
sang.

SONG OF THE ETSETHLE.

From below (the earth) my corn comes
I walk with you.
From above water young (comes)
I walk with you.
From