Tobacco Society

Frank Linderman's notes on the tobacco planting ceremony, page 1, ca. 1928

Frank Linderman's notes on the tobacco planting ceremony, page 2, ca. 1928

Alaxchíiahush belonged to the Tobacco Society and held the office of Pipe Lighter. While Linderman was writing American: The Life Story of a Great Indian, Alaxchíiahush twice attempted to explain the details of the planting ceremony. When Linderman admitted that he failed to understand, Alaxchíiahush stopped his explanation and said, “There is Something here! Something that does not wish you to understand. Do not try… Let it alone.” (American: The Life Story of a Great Indian, page 54).