Artist: George Catlin Copyright: Digital Reproduction © 2010 ScienceViews.com Date Added: 2010/07/10 Location: American

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Caption

Rainmaking among the Mandan/Numakiki, a very curious custom. Medicine-men performing their mysteries inside of the lodge, and young men volunteer to stand upon the lodge from sunrise until sundown, in turn, commanding it to rain.

Each one has to hazard the disgrace which attaches (when he descends at sundown) to a fruitless attempt; and he who succeeds acquires a lasting reputation as a Mystery or Medicine man. They never fail to make it rain as this ceremony continues from day to day until the rain comes.

by George Catlin, 1796-1872, American.