The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1875-11-04
Social Life Among the Aborigines.

Social Life Among the Aborisines.
The Indian squaws, says a correspond.
ept 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 ofexpression.
One might even say they had pleasing
expression. They wear their coal black
hair in two braids hanging down on
either side of their head. To one of these
braids is fastened little bag ornamented
with beads, and filled with sweet-smelling
leaves. Their teeth are better than those
Of the men, white and even, and rarely de-
cayed. 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,
sparkling and merry. While it is hard to
associate the idea Of beauty with squaw
whose garments are dirty, yet have seen
those whose faces could not fail to please
Their usual garment is calico dress,
called chunsoigga-uncka minnteh0n, made
IN one piece, with flowing sleeves. 1t is
gathered at the waist by broad leather
belt, worked with brass beads and orna-
ments Of German silver. This sack is cut
short, exposing red fanr ell leggings, called
hoonska, and buckskin moccasins hand
somely adorned with beads and painted
porcupine quilts. Occasionally red
sack is worn, studded with elk teeth, which
is highly priced. They wear no covering
for the head, either in winter or summer.
Occasionally squaw may be seen in sum.
mer time with variegated umbrella
Pieces Of German silver and brass wire
are made into tinger-rings, and armlets are
in common use. Large holes, varying in
length from a half.inch to an inch long,
and from 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 turquoise beads, divided into
from five to ten longitudinal sections. In
each section are from three to five beads,
fastened together by means of buckskin
and rawhide. On the end of this earring
is the handsomest portion of mother-o Of
pearl shell. have seen as many as three
Of these articles Of adornment in one ear.
A necklace of the same material, and FASH
Toned in the same manner, is worn about
the neck.
The only weapon carried by . squaw is
a knife, called me Ia, placed in hand
somelybeaded case and fastened to tine
waist belt. For occasions of ceremony
and dance the buckskjn dress and leg
gings are donned. These garments are
gorgeous with bead-work, the shoulders
and sleeves being covered with beads in
various devices representing men and ani-
mails. The leggings have the same orna.
ments. They are expert in the manage
ment Of horses, and at distance it is DIFF
tcult to distinguish squaw from q
" buck" as their manner of riding is
identical, even to the incessant punching
Of the ponies sides with the heels and
beating the beast with whip. In child
hood they play as merrily as white chill
dren, making mud-pies, building miniature
lodges, and seemingly making the most of
their time against the hardships of ma
turer years. AS a rule they all panther
faces. One Of their fashions is to tattoo q
small round spot in the center of the fore.
head and streak down the center of the
inch.
The age of womanhood is hailed with
gladness by the parents, and is the occa-
sion 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 posses
sions permit. Now the young girl is care
full OF her personal appearance, as the
"bucks" will watch her. She adorns
herself in garments of flaming colors,
paints in an extravagant manner, and
powders her hair with sweet-smelling
leaves. Polygamy is the almost universal
practice. There are three modes of mar
riage. The courtship OF one form Of mar
riage is conducted in a singular manner. A
young buck" becoming enamored of q
young squaw, waits a convenient time,
when, approaching stealthily, he wraps
his blanket around her, and then, holding
her in a firm grasp, pours his tale OF love
and devotion into her (sometimes unwill-
ing) ear. This being completed he goes
to the father and tine price Of the maiden
is agreed upon, according to the young
mans wealth; one to three, and sometimes
more, ponies are given for the girl. This
transaction finished the girl becomes the
warriors wife, whether she has said
"Yes" or "No." There is one thing Ger
tain, however, that while she remains with
him she obeys him. The squaw may
leave her husband, or rather she may be
deserted by him, ana then, gong back to
her family, she is ready to be bought
again. There seems no especial regard
between the "buck' and the squaw. In
view of this fact the Indian, strangely
enough, evinces strong affection for his
children. Where there is no love between
man and wife you would suppose this
could not exist. 1t is nevertheless fact
that the children are dearer to an Indian
than his horses. Of course the squaws
grow old fast, and soon become ugly hays.
At this stage they are treated as an incum-
brance. Old men, as we'll as women, have
frequently been left on the prairie to die.
A small store OF provisions, to sustain life
a few days, is given them this gone, death
by starvation follows. This, l am told, is
no longer practiced by the agency Indians.