Unit 2: Set 3. The Little River Women Society - Typewritten Transcripts

Densmore then typed up her notes. Though these notes tell more about the song, they are still incomplete. She added to her typewritten notes as her understanding of the song’s ceremonies and history became clearer to her. She interviewed several people over a period of three years (1912 – 1915) to be sure that her understanding was correct.

(Download pdf version of Densmore's typed notes)

Mrs, Holding Eagle

In Olden times there were certain Spirit Women who lived in every hill and timber. All these Spirit women got together (made up a society or ceremony)and planned to take it to (the) Mandan Tribe. It started on (a) bare peak 15 miles below Mandan this side (of) Eagle Nose

So started it-

(The) Eagle came along and said he wanted to join them- and have a part of the feast. He gave them each a present of a feather. Each woman wore one . Before (they) got to the village the Coyote came and said to them . If I dont belong to your society things wont go well. He gave them a song and told them to make grass wreaths. Bear came along, he wanted to join too and have part of the feast. Bear gave them a song also his claws Bears claws)worn by two women,the leader and the one that came last.

They just made one trip next day [and] got to village.

These spirit women came to (the) village and when (they) entered. Their feet didnt touch (the) ground. They told every young maiden to get food (and help) start this Society. I bring this Society to you because you are people of(the ) Missouri (River).(They) took (the) things(the maidens brought) with (them into a)certain lodge sat around (and) ate. Because they were spirit women they didnt talk aloud, Just whispered. Took off their head-dresses [of] grass and laid them down. Then had a feast and taught songs to (the) maidens, and sang all songs given by (the) Spirits . They were easy to learn,so they learned them all at that one time.

The Spirit women showed the head-dresses to the maidensAand told them to make some like them. These Spirit women had snakes around their heads, but said instead of snakes you can braid grass and wear it in your head-dress. When they had given this Society to (the) maidens they went away. Since (that time) the older women give it to the younger women

She (probably Mrs. Holding Eagle) was one who wore (a) bear necklace at time of Ceremony, the older women made head dresses and sold it -with right to make and sell others at value of horse or buffalo robe, the head dress was thrown away after the ceremony but the buyer could make a new one next year.

Mrs. Holding Eagle sold this right to Mrs. Sitting Crow

Then they came in (to the village) Often they went around in (the) open space in (the) middle of the village making head-dresses and singing

Bear -Shell - said

Coyote- said I am

When they came where Bear and Eagle came to Creek, and a shell said I want to join too So (they) used shell for (a) necklace. Green water Snake wanted to join, which was reason for braided head-dress.

2 -only- wore shell, but were not same who wore-'1 bear claws

After two villages united in the Ceremony there were four wearing shell and claws

The right to wear claws and shell was handed, down by an older woman to her Neice - never daughter -

She joined the Society when 16(Mrs. Holding Eagle?)

SHSND Mss 10335

Address:
612 East Boulevard Ave.
Bismarck, North Dakota 58505
Get Directions

Hours:
State Museum and Store: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. M-F; Sat. & Sun. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
We are closed New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. We are closed at noon Christmas Eve if it falls on Mon.-Thurs. and are closed all day if it falls on Fri.-Sun.
State Archives: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. M-F, except state holidays; 2nd Sat. of each month, 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Appointments are recommended. To schedule an appointment, please contact us at 701.328.2091 or archives@nd.gov.
State Historical Society offices: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. M-F, except state holidays.

Contact Us:
phone: 701.328.2666
email: history@nd.gov

Social Media:
See all social media accounts