The Searcher

        As dusk settles over the Cheyenne camp, one man stands apart, looking into the distance.  He does not hear the sounds of preparation for the all-night feast and celebration.  He is reliving the events leading up to the hunt and feeling gratitude for his animal helper, the antelope.
        The antelope had appeared to him many years ago in a deprivation-induced vision.  The animal helper has very practical applications.  By studying and praticing this animal's habits throughout his early manhood, he learned to be still, focus, observe and search for natural phenomena much more acutely than normal human skills would allow.
        Because of drought, the buffalo herds had not moved into their traditional summer pastures.  It was now late summer and the tribe needed a successful hunt to survive the coming winter.  A week ago, the searcher was the first in camp to locate a distant buffalo herd.  It first appeared as a dark shadow on the plains, so distant that only a keen abserver would have noticed.  The searcher drove a stake in the ground for a focal point and, over a period of time, was able to discern movement of the dark shadow.  With the herd finally located, a successful hunt unfolded and the people now had ample provisions for the cold months ahead.
       The searcher wears the grass-stuffed head and horns of his animal helper.  He also wears a grizzly claw necklace spaced with large trade beads acquired from Spanish traders out of Santa Fe.  His braids are wrapped in strips of otter fur.
         The searcher turns and walks toward camp, now aware of the excitement and sounds of the preparation for the coming celebration.  It will be a good night for feasting and telling stories of the hunt.