The Manitowoc tribune. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1866-1878, 1875-11-04
SOCIAL LIFE AMONG THE ABOR-
IGINES.

L HC Iiolith oiud"o, say . d CollooPol-
dent writing from Red Cloud Agency,
are exceedingly interesting to visitor to
the agencies. Their faces are more oval
shaped than the males, and less stern
of expression. One might even say they
had pleasing expression. They wear
their coal-black hair in two braids hang
ing down on either side of their head.
To one of these braids is fastened a lit
bag ornamented with beads, and filed
with sweet-smelling leaves. Their teeth
are better than those of the men, white
and even, and rarely decayed. This
redeeming feature softens the sensual
look of the large mouth and thick lips.
Their eyes are large, almond-shaped,
and something OF dark brown, spark
ing and merry. While it is hard to
| associate the idea OF beauty with a squaw
whose garments are dirty, yet [ have
seen faces that could not fail to please.
| Their garment is calico dress, called
chu1aaOig5G-au acko-nai2aaie-hoa made in
one piece, with flowing sleeves. 1t is
gathered at the waist by a broad leather
| belt, worked with brass beads and orna-
ments of German silver. This sack is
cut short, exposing red flannel leggings,
called hoo,aska, and bucksin moccasins
| handsomely adorned with beads and
painted porcupine quilts. Occasionally a
red sack is worn, studded with elk teeth
which is highly priced. They wear 40
covering for the head, either in winter
or summer. Occasionally squaw may
be seen in summer time with variega-
ted umbrella. Pieces of German silver
and brass wire are made into finger
rings, and armlets are in common use.
Large holes, varying in length from q
half-inch to an inch long, and from a
quarter of an inch to half-inch in width
are cut in the upper and lower parts Of
the ear. In these holes are fastened large
brass rings, to which are attached tur-
quoise beads, divided into from five to
ten longitudinal sections. In each sec
ton are from three to five beads, fasten-
| ed together by means of buckskin and
rawhide. On the end Of this earring is
the handsomest portion of a mother Of
pearl shell. I have seen as many as
three of these articles of adornment in
one ear. A necklace of the same mate
rial, and fashioned Ill the same manner,
is worn about the neck.
The only weapon carried by squaw
is a knife, called me la, placed in a
handsomely beaded case and fastened to
the waist-belt. For occasions of cere-
mony and dance the buckskin dress and
leggings are donned. These garments
are gorgeous with bead-work, the
| shoulders and sleeves being covered
with beads in various devices represent
/ ing men and animals. The leggings
have tbs same ornaments. They are
! expert in the management of horses, and
! at distance it is difficult to distinguish
a squaw from ''buck," as their manner
| of riding is identical, even to the inces-
sent punching Of the ponies sides with
the heels and beating the beast with
whip. In childhood they play as merrily
as white children, making mud pies,
building miniature lodges, and seemingly
making the most of their time against
the hardships of maturer years. AS
rule they all paint their faces. One of
their fashions is to tattoo small round
| spot IN the center of the forehead and a
streak down the center of the inch.
The age of womanhood is hailed with
gladness by the parents. and is the oe-
cassion of rejoicing in the form OF
feast, to which are invited all the friends
of the family. On this great occasion
the joyful father Of the girl gives away
as many ponies, robes and blankets to
his friends and the poor of the tribe as
his possessions permit. Now the young