Offered in this lot is a Plains Indian Spirit Stone or Mourning Stone. According to Nicholas Black Elk, the keeping of the spirit (known as Wanagi Waicagluhe) was an ancient rite performed by mourners for one year to grieve and celebrate a lost one. When a loved Indian Warrior died a Spirit Stone was made for their spirit to linger among the family and community. This purified the soul along with increasing the love for each member of the family. The Spirit Stone was “fed” every day. After one year, the Spirit in the stone was ceremonially released through the rite of “Wiping the Tears”, sending the spirit strengthened for its Great Journey. This stone is the image of a male. The stone measures 8 1/4" x 3 1/4" x 1 1/2" and shows no cracks.