The Mide'wiwin or "Grand Medicine Society" of the Ojibwa

Excerpt: ...degree post and plant it at the head of the wig¿iwam-that part directly opposite the entrance-occupied by the new member. Two stones are placed at the base of the post, to represent the two forefeet of the bear Man¿id¿ through whom life was also given to the Ani¿shinâ¿b¿g. If there should be more than one candidate to receive a degree the entire number, if not too great, is taken into the Mid¿¿wigân for initiation at the same time; and if one day suffices to transact the 220 business for which the meeting was called the Indians return to their respective homes upon the following morning. If, however, arrangements have been made to advance a member to a higher degree, the necessary changes and appropriate arrangement of the interior of the Mid¿¿wigân are begun immediately after the society has adjourned. DESCRIPTIVE NOTES. The m¿¿gis referred to in this description of the initiation consists of a small white shell, of almost any species, but the one believed to resemble the form of the mythical m¿¿gis is similar to the cowrie, Cypræa moneta, L., and is figured at No. 1 on Pl. XI . Nearly all of the shells employed for this purpose are foreign species, and have no doubt been obtained from the traders. The shells found in the country of the Ojibwa are of rather delicate structure, and it is probable that the salt water shells are employed as a substitute chiefly because of their less frangible character. The m¿¿gis of the other degrees are presented on the same plate, but special reference to them will be made. No. 2 represents the m¿¿gis in the possession of the chief Mid¿ priest of the society at Leech Lake, Minnesota, and consists of a pearl-white Helix (sp?). Plate XI. Sacred Objects. The Mid¿¿ sack represented in No. 7 (Pl. XI .) is made of the skin of a mink-Putorius vison, Gapp. White, downy feathers are secured to the nose, as an additional ornament. In this sack are carried the sacred objects belonging...