Page:Folk-lore - A Quarterly Review. Volume 2, 1891.djvu/483

 Rh approached General Crook and remonstrated against the retention of this sure prognostic of defeat.

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Zunis and Moynis possess many idols, not merely fetiches, but well-defined images of wood and stone, and the gigantic Koyamashe, or terror-inspiring exaggerations of the human form, composed of basket framework, covered with sacred blankets, and surrounded by a fearful head with an ugly, projecting beak or snout of hard wood.

These Koyamashe, or Shalocu, are borne openly through the streets of Zuni upon the shoulders of the "medicine-men", who acknowledge the humble prayers and sacrifices of the devotees by making the idol's beak snap with a series of loud, sharp cracks; and by calling out from their coverlet in shrill cries, which may or may not be oracular responses.

Among the Apaches no such idols are to be seen, but their "medicine-men" certainly act as oracles at times.

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Three divisions of prayers may be recognised among the Apaches: smoking, vocal supplications, and gibberish.

Smoking is at all times an act of praise, or prayer, or a thankoffering, and this whether among the Indians of the great plains of the Missouri or the fierce denizens of the mountains of Arizona and Sonora.