Right Page: Deer and elk stags, which assemble harems of females, are seen 'by Cheyenne
philosophers as sources of sexual potency and inspiration. The object depicted at the left on
Page 79 is a talismanic necklace imbued with the attractant powers of the mule ("black
tail") deer. The figure of the deer probably was cut out of parfleche (semi-tanned rawhide),
and its details painted. Alternatively, it may have been beaded like the lizard amulet in
Figure 8. Note, however, the red and blue lines of "breath" issuing from the figure's
nostrils---it is alive with mystical power. The necklace includes a beaded medallion above
the deer figure. Two, small eagle feather pendants, and a pair of red-dyed eagle fluffs hang
down the back, as the necklace is worn. A pair of mule deer tails (emblematic of the
phallus) are affixed at the top of the necklace, with what is probably a blue-cloth sachet of
herbal perfume between them. These would also hang down the back. The
anthropomorphic figure with a deer's head at the right is intended as the mystical source
which empowers the necklace.
Left Page: [A] similar mule deer tail is worn on the artist's head, and might easily be
mistaken for an eagle feather. Underneath the artist's blanket, we may be certain he is also
wearing his powerful new necklace.