The magical drum-sticks are ornamented with down, and
heads of birds or animals are carved on them. This makes them _Wakan_.
The flute called _Cho-tanka_ (big pith) is of two varieties--one made of
sumac, the pith of which is punched out. The second variety is made of
the long bone of the wing or thigh of the swan or crane. They call the
first the _bubbling chotanka_ from the tremulous note it gives when
blown with all the holes stopped. Riggs' _Tahkoo Wahkan_, p. 476, et
seq.
_E-ne-pee_--vapor-bath, is used as a purification preparatory to the
sacred feasts. The vapor-bath is taken in this way: "A number of poles,
the size of hoop-poles or less, are taken, and their larger ends being
set in the ground in a circle, the flexible tops are bent over and tied
in the center. This frame-work is then covered with robes and blankets,
a small hole being left on one side for an entrance. Before the door a
fire is built, and round stones about the size of a man's head, are
heated in it. When hot they are rolled within, and the door being closed
steam is made by pouring water on them. The devotee, stripped to the
skin, sits within this steam-tight dome, sweating profusely at every
pore, until he is nearly suffocated.
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