with proper respect, and is — or was — kept always in a secret
place away from the house to guard against sacrilegious handling.
Somewhat similar talismanic power attached to the down from the
young antler of the deer when properly consecrated. So firm was
the belief that it had influence over •"anything about a deer" that
eighty and a hundred years ago even white traders used to bargain
with the Indians for such charms in order to increase their store of
deerskins by drawing the trade to themselves. The faith in the exist-
ence of the miraculous Little Deer is almost as strong and universal
to-day among the older Cherokee as is the belief in a future life.
The bears (i/i'iiii'i) are transformed Cherokee of the old clan of the
Ani'-Tsa'guhi (see story. "Origin of the Bear"). Theiraccount of its leanness. It is believed that new-born cubs are
hairless, like mice.
The wolf ()/',/' ya) is revered as the hunter and watchdog of Kana'ti.
and the largest yens in the tribe bears the name of Ani'-wa' ya, "Wolf
THE FOURFOOTED TRIBES 265
people." The ordinary ( Iherokee w ill never kill one if he can possibly
avoid it, but will let the animal go by unharmed, believing that the
kindred of a slain wolf will surely revenge his death, and that the
weapon with which the deed is done will be rendered worthless for
further shooting until cleaned and exorcised by a medicine man. ( ler
tain persons, however, having knowledge of the proper atonement
rites, may kill wolves with impunity, and are hired for this purpose
t>\ others who have suffered from raids upon their fish