Northern tribune. [volume] (Cheboygan, Mich.) 1875-1885, 1877-12-15
A UNIQUE REMEMBRANCE.
Indian Testimonials to the Pope.


Frank Lesle's illustrated Newspaper
for this week contains a coll, ction of
twenty-fOur different pieces which the
Mission at Point st. Ignace have, or are
about to forward to the Pope. In regard
to the collection, Leslie's paper Says :
"Not the least int resting among all the
testimonials which faithful Catholics have
sent. or will send. to the Pope in his de-
clining days. is the collection about to be
forwarded by band of cOverted Indians
on the reservation at st. Ignace, Macki-
naw county, Mich, through the Rev. Ed
ward Jacker, S. j., for many years mis-
siOnary among them. The goods, which
are entirely the haudiwOrk of the Indian
converts at the mission, are for the most
part curious and beautiful little models
of the lrious articles of Indian agricul-
ture, household. works. implements of
war or hunting, and the like. The pril-
cipal design is that OF a miniature canoe
of birch bark. about three tect long, fit
ted with masts and sails. 1t is beautiful
ly embroidered with cOlvred grasses, on
one side The cmblems of the passions OF
Jesus Christ, the cross as an emblem OF
faith, and figures representing tie sacred
hearts of Jesus and Mary. On the oppO
site side are pictures of the American
flag and other patriotic d, signs. The in
scriptions are Domino saliva nos perimus
A. ID. MDCCCLXXvII' and Pho Mono. In
DIAM Ottawenses' Lord, save us, or we
perish, A. ID. 1877 The Ottawa Indian:
TO Plus IX.' In the boat are three arm
less liutle wooden figures representing
Indians. Two OF them are supposed &C
be the letter carriers, an address to the
Pope, written in Latin, b.ing tied to one
OF the figures. Being OH its journey tt
Rome, the canoe if we'll provided Will
little sacks of Indian corn and beans
over which the third figure, i'm the Ca
pacty of cook, has charge. This beallti-
tiful gift was made by Mrs. Margaret
Boyd, Il full blOoded Indian. living at
Traverse. Emmett county, near the mis-.
sion. There are among the collection
several implements of war. suchas clubs
which very much resemble Il policeman
club, with wooden ball glued to them
and portions of Old stone tomahawks
One of the hunting knives was made by
/ H. l.. 4 l..
tached to the weapon. Another Very ill.,
teresting article is calumet, or peace
pipe, of white stone and very heavy, The
bowl, instead of being circular. is cllt
square so that it presents four sides 10
view, OH each Of which is rudely carved
human face, a regular double Janus
the four faces being typical of the four
seasons when smoke is enjoyable.
Among the other curiosities are bows
and arrows. flint arrOw-heads, little birch
canoes, specimens of baskets and pals, a
little cradle (fOr the Pope), miniature
SHOW shoes, about five inches long, and Il
pair of moccasins which are just about
large enough to wear OIL the thumb. All
these articles are beautifully embroidered
and many OF them have attached The
names OF the makers. Thus Mrs. Marga-
ret Ogimawinini sent specimen of rush
mating which the Indians use to cover
their tents with. Several mats, for tea
pots aud coffce-urns were also contrib
uted by this estimable lady. One of the
little canoes has in ita small piece of birch
bark, OH which is written. in Eng ish, in IA
plain hand, the words, An Indian mai
den asks your blessing, Holy Father.
with the signature, Jane Laslay.'"