Meaning of Siouan word "Shke-ma."

[Tom Leonard]

I'd like to chime in on this one.

The "Siouan Name" on the recording Jonathan referred to is MaH'chu shkii ma - not shke (that is, it is a long "e" sound in English, as in tipi or tea). I've also heard the same song by other singers wherein the word was pronounced "shti'ma".

I've never secured a full translation of the word. However, after playing the Stewart recording for some elderly Ponca men, their response was "they're not sayin that right", etc., etc.

I, too, would be interested in any feedback on this one. But, I'm certain the vowel is "i" (as in "wi" or "ni") and not "e" (as in "pe'de").

Thanks,
TML

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