Page:Natalie Curtis - The Indians' Book.djvu/82

PLAINS INDIANS the poison is first sucked out by the medicine-man and then healing drugs are applied. The sweat-bath is a means of purification and is connected with the Indian's religion, having its place in many ceremonies.

Broadly speaking, the character and functions of the Holy Man are the same in most Indian tribes. The Indian conception of healing is through divine power; and be the healing agent some supernatural charm, or be it medicine in the ordinary sense of the word, the act of cure is usually accomplished amid song, ceremony, and prayer.