"The dance then commences without change of place, except from right to left. The women sing in a plaintive tone [laughter being expressly forbidden during the whole continuance of the ceremonies], accompanying themselves by striking a _wooden drum_." Compare Catlin, _sup._, 257. It is also said (Guinnard, p. 198), "The drum is composed of a sort of wooden bowl, more or less large, over which a wild-cat skin is stretched, or a piece of the paunch of a _horse_. _This instrument_ ... is much used by them, _especially in their religious festivals_ and character dances." The drum is "decorated with colours and designs similar to those on their faces. The men pirouette, limping upon the opposite leg to that of the women." Compare Catlin, 254, 260. "At a signal given by the cacique presiding over the festival, cries of alarm are raised, the men spring into their saddles, abruptly _interrupting the dance_ to take part in a fantastic cavalcade round the site of the festival, all waving their weapons, and raising the sinister cry they utter in their pillages." "In the intervals of these exciting diversions everybody _goes visiting_ in the hope of tasting a little rotted _milk_ kept in a horse-hide." Compare Pongol Festival, p. 280. "At a very early hour on the fourth day, to close the ceremony, a young _horse_, an _ox_, and two sheep, given by the richest men amongst them, are sacrificed to their god. The head turned towards the east, and the heart still palpitating is hung upon a lance and inclined towards the rising sun."