This is one of a class of ceremonies common among Indians, in which the
actors masquerade as animals. Bears, wolves, buffalo, elk, and others
are represented with elaborate costuming and imagery. The Bear is the
emblem of courage.
In this dance one of the players is chosen to represent the Bear, and
should be made up if possible with the skin and head of that animal as a
disguise, otherwise with a painted mask. A small arbor of green boughs
forms the den, from which he issues from time to time in short rushes,
growling as savagely as possible, and is teased with switches in the
hands of the other players. If any one can touch the Bear without being
himself touched, he scores one point, but if touched, he loses five
points. If he trips and falls while running, he is out of the game.
Whenever the pace becomes too swift for him, the Bear may retreat to his
den, where he is safe. This game should last a given number of minutes,
say twenty, at the end of which the scores are reckoned by two tellers
previously detailed, and the winner announced. The drum and Indian songs
may accompany this entertainment, which should be followed by a feast of
Indian dishes, such as corn, venison, maple sugar, etc., served in
Indian style, all the guests being seated cross-legged in a circle.