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1930 LION Akela and the "Going Up" Ceremony:
Akela encouraged the craftsmen of the tribe, those most skillful in arrow making, in building canoes, in painting, in working with war-bonnets to let boys watch them at their work. As a result, early in life, these Indian boys had the chance to try these things themselves and learn by doing. When a boy began to show skill, it was reported to the Chief or the "Council of Braves" and the boy received helpful suggestions as to meet his requirements, before being ready to be initiated into membership in the tribe and begin working up to the rank of "brave." Akela recognized that each boy might be thrown upon his own--so there were certain things each boy had to be able to do--as a preparation. First he had to make his own bow and arrows or spear and these were not to be "play ones" any more, either. These were the kind and size for full duty. Second, he had to be able to track and stalk a brave of the tribe, as a test, without his being seen by the brave--reporting on the brave's movements and actions. Third, he had to know how to tie things firmly, either with thongs or with grasses, branches or inner bark, as he might find. Fourth, he had to bring in his first big food animal--a deer, an antelope, a buffalo, a bear--or bag and bring in his first fighting animal, like a wolf or bob-cat or mountain lion. Mowgli and his chum Huwihu had each met these requirements. Mowgli had brought in a deer and Huwihu had faced and killed a grim timber wolf on the very self-same day. As this was reported through the village, many braves came to see the animals which proved the bravery and skill of the two boys. Akela called the two boys to his wigwam and had them tell him the details of their victories. "Young braves," said he, "it is good. Akela's heart big with sunrise. Next sun, at night, we hold Council Fire for you." The boys were all excitement. How long they had wanted to be members with the men--and now--it was too good to be true! "This night," continued Akela, "each of you go forth along--you to Big Mountain, and you to Setting Sun Mountain. First cleanse yourself," said he, "in the sweat house and with the smoke of pine needles. You go to learn the great Mystery. Alone on the mountain, open your heart to the Great Spirit and he will speak to you. He will show you new names. Sleep not--he will speak. When the sun falls on my tepee, return!" And so the boys went forth alone, beneath the stars, to learn from the Great Spirit--to think lofty thoughts--to get ready to be big braves. Through the long hours they prayed that the Great Spirit would give them strength--guard them from flying arrows and from evil spirits and show them favor by some sign. Beneath the stars the hours wore on and when morning dawned, the boys came down, each from his mountain and stood soberly at the Chief's tepee. Each told of his experience. Mowgli had seen shaped in the clouds of the sky, a giant bald eagle carrying a lion in his talons and passing from the east, westward. "You shall be called Mowgli no longer," said Akela. "You shall be called 'Bald Eagle'." Huwihu had seen, among the trees, the flash of a falling star that gleamed long and brightly and to him it meant that he, like that star, was to give the white light of peace to many. "Huwihu," said Akela solemnly, "hereafter your name shall be 'Shooting Star.' Akela is glad. Go to your tepees and prepare." That day they ate only at noon and then only bits of plants--no flesh. As dark drew near, Braves took them and painted upon them secret colors, to protect them ever from danger. Then in company with the medicine man, they left the village without being seen and circling, came to the Council Fire Ring. In the half-darkness, the braves danced and implored the Great Spirit to accept these new members. Some tribal secrets were told them and when they had pledged loyalty to the tribe and the Great Spirit, each was helped to make a fire and out of the darkness came the warm light of a new relationship. Then each was permitted to tell by word and dance, of his hunting and of his night on the mountain. Then Akela said, "Braves, we are receiving two new pairs of eyes and ears and hands and feet. May such things enter eyes and ears as shall bring us willing hands and feet. 'Bald Eagle' will help our arrow maker 'Wild Horse," and 'Shooting Star' will work with 'Winged Foot,' Keeper of the Sacred Bundle. I have spoken." The braves grunted their approval. Then again silence--the braves gathered about the dying fire, with the two boys on either side of Chief Akela, and formed the "Living Circle," with the left hands gripping each the left thumb of the brother to his left and with the right hands raised to the Great Spirit. Mowgli and Huwihu were members. |
Akela and the head men of the Webelos tribe had long recognized that boys
were the only stuff out of which "braves" could be made. Akela's father
before him had taught him the skills of hunting and fishing, of stalking and
tracking. He had learned from the animals their calls and knew the wild
foods of the plains, marshes and forests.