Some people question these customs, and actually call them mere “Indian superstitions.” It is revealing to note, however, that less than a century ago Anglos believed that the childhood disease, rickets, could be cured by splitting an ash tree at dawn, and passing the stricken child head-first through the opening in the tree. This set of three baskets, handed down from generation to generation, was secured from a medicine man. The baskets were made prior to 1860 and no one living today seems to know how to weave them. As a result, the baskets are quite rare, and it is doubtful if another such set could be obtained. (See Plate 18a) MOURNING BOWL c. 1870 _Menominee_—Wisconsin Case No. 4: This rare, small birch bark pail is called a “Mourning Bowl.” It is used during the _Feast of the Dead_, a sacred ceremony which is held one year after burial to honor the deceased. During the Ceremony of the Mourning Bowl, food is placed in the bowl and passed to the mourners. After the ceremony, the basket containing food is giving a final blessing and is placed on the grave of the deceased. (See Plate 17d) INITIATION CEREMONY _Hopi_—Arizona Case No. 4: The _Soyal_ (Prayer Offering Ceremony) of the religious organization, _Kwan Kwan Tu_ (One Horn Fraternity), is part of a boy’s initiation ceremony at puberty. The ceremony is held mainly in the _Kiva_ (underground ceremonial chamber), from December through April. Here the novice meets his godfather for the first time. The design of the large plaque (at top of plate) represents a sand painting which is executed on the floor before the _Kiva_ altar. The novice wears only a breechcloth as his godfather instructs him to kneel on the painting and rubs him with sacred corn meal, which has been blessed by the _Cacique_ or religious leader. The significance of this ritual is that the novice’s sins and evil thoughts are washed away. The corn meal is then taken outside and cast to the winds, thus purifying the boy. (Center of plate 20: basket bowl with corn meal.) The wicker basket (at bottom of plate 20) is used in carrying bean sprouts and young corn during the “February Twelve Day” _Kiva_ ceremony. The sprouts and corn, signifying new life for the initiated, are eaten by him as he takes the numerous vows of faith. The two small trays (on either side of the top-center tray) represent the badges, which are given to the newly initiated boy. (See Plate 20) WEDDING BASKET _Navajo_—Arizona Case No. 4: