flattened stem deeply carved with two whirlwind worms and a central bear paw; T-shaped catlinite bowl with inlay

overall length 30-1/2 inches; length of bowl 6-1/4 inches x height 3-1/4 inches

cf. Plains Indian Sculpture (Ewers 1986: 111, fig 101)

The Dakota believe that there is a close relationship between the whirlwind and the fluttering wings of the moth. The cocoon is regarded as the bundle or mysterious object from which a power similar to that of the whirlwind emanates. I was told that the observed facts as to the emergence of the moth from this bundle were in themselves evidence of the sacred character of the moth because it could not be confined. It represents, from this point of view, the kind of power desired... to be intangible, invisible, and destructive like the wind.

[So the whirlwind worm] was regarded as a perpetual prayer to the power of the whirlwind...

By some individuals it is believed that the bear has the power of the whirlwind... This will change the symbolic acts of the warrior, as he will now paint his face with the symbol of the bear and then appear to the power of that animal that the confusing whirlwind may place his enemies at his mercy (Wissler 1905: 259; Ewers 1986: 111).