The late James Wolf related an interesting Thunder myth, which will be found in the paper on Lenape Mythology to appear later, stating that the Minsi called the Thunders _Pileʹswak_, or _Pileʹsoak_, and believed them to exist in the form of gigantic partridges, although really persons, or rather _manĭʹtowŭk_. They used to live in Niagara gorge beneath the cataract, and could sometimes be seen coming out, in the form of a cloud, in which, as it rose, a play of lightning was visible. There were said to be three bands or parties of these mysterious beings, each band consisting of three Thunders. Zeisberger[22] says, “Thunder is a mighty spirit dwelling in the mountains,” and Heckewelder,[23] “Indians, at the approach of a storm or thunder gust, address the Mannitto of the air, to avert all danger from them.” As a rule, however, the early writers do not seem to have noticed this belief, or have included it loosely under the worship of “gods” representing the elements. KEEPERS OF THE HEAVENS The Lenape now in Oklahoma believe that each of the twelve heavens, in the highest of which lives the Great Spirit, is presided over by a _manĭʹto_ who serves as a messenger to repeat the prayers of men until they reach the ear of the Creator. They are represented by the carved faces upon the posts inside the temple, and are mentioned in the ritual of the Annual Ceremony. I can find no mention of them in early accounts of the Lenape, however, unless the twelve gods mentioned by Loskiel,[24] most of whom have already been spoken of in this chapter, may represent the same concept. The Lenape today speak of these as being related to the Living Solid Face, who will now claim our attention. MĬSINGHÂLIʹKŬN, OR LIVING SOLID FACE [Illustration: FIG. 1.—Mask of the Oklahoma Lenape. (Height, 14.5 in.)] [Illustration: FIG. 2.—Rattle of turtleshell used by Mĭsiʹngʷ‛. (Length, 16.7 in.)]