The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1883-08-31
Indian Sign Language.

Indian Sign Language.
There are scventy-six different vocal
languages used by the American Indian,
which are as distinct in pronunciation
as are the English, German, French, or
any other language known to civilized
man. Hence, the migratory Indian
mode of communication when he fol-
lowed the buffalo to warmer cline
late in autumn, and in turn the fellows
who escaped from the scorching sun of
the South to enjoy the cool breeZes of
the North, found that they must coop
| crate with their brethren in order to
make their visit endurable. Thus, these
| children of nature, for they are nothing
| more nor less, have by common neces-
sity organized system of sign Ian
guage, which, though unworthy of be-
ing digniiied by being termed COM
plete code, is sufficiently Ineligible to
permit of pretty general use of it
among the most Intelligent men and
women of the various tribes.
The plains Indians are credited with
perfecting the sign language to a great
er extent than any other. To such an
extent is the sign language used that
there are those who can converse us
rapidly in this manner as by vocal
speech, and although two seldom Use
the same sign the general outline of the
pantOmine is so easily comprehended
that, frequently a description of some
great event is impaired by one Indian
to another, whose homes are separated
by hundreds of miles, and no possible
means OF communication ever existed
between their respective tribes. In
other words, there are certain general
signs that are thoroughly understood by
tribes of the British possessions and
of the Malpipais districts of Arizona.
SIGNALING LONG DISTANCES.
The signal given by 4 horseman rid
ing rapidly in a circuitOus route is well
known to be one of danger, and before
the aborigines had Great Father to
provide them with ponies this sign was
given by one of the Indians running
backward and forward as rapidly as his
lazy legs could carry him. Just before
departing on any enterprise of murder
and theft, and q separation is TO occur,
certain signs are agreed upon. AS an
illusion, the old Biblical term of "a
cloud of smoke by day and a pillar of
fire by night" was never more strik-
ingly eXemplificd than when mountain
Indians climb high hill and, after
building a fire of damp or green wood,
cover the same with Il blanket. As soon
as sufficient smoke has accumulated for
the purpose, the blanket is quickly lift
ed SO that ball of smoke arises stead
lily into the air and finally disappears
among the clouds. This is a day signal
and is supposed to be witnessed by allies
in another section of the country. The
night signal for disclosing retreat of
friends is made by wisp of dry grass
or hay, which is lighted at one end and
whirled around in the air so that Il per-
feet circle of fire is visible. In their ma
tive simplicity these children of the for
est have adopted the modes of the davs
of Moses and Aaron to communicate
with each other.
Suppose that two Indians of different
tribes meet. They have met before and
formed Il mutual admiration, and their
families may be particularly interested
in each other The visitor is welcomed
by the host, and conversation by
Signs commences. The new arrival will,
in a short space of time, relate how
friend had suddenly come in contact
with an enemy; what weapons were
used; who "drew the first Blood" where
either was wounded; the length of time
consumed in the battle; the position of
each at different times of the combat;
the courage displayed and the social in
difference assumed. In fact every de- |
tail will be told almost rs quickly as if |
related by the tongue, and yet no word |
will pass between the parties, because |
they could not understand each other. |
USING MODERN ARTICLES.
Since civilization has encroached up
on the privileges of these savages, and |
they have learned the arts of chewing |
tabaccO and loafing around on store
boxes like white people, they have not
been slow to utilize many of the articles
used for domestic purposes. They will
take medium-siZed mirror, and from
the top of lofty mountain flash the
of an enemy to their friends
far in the distance. A blanket is con-
sidered an excellent medium for COM
intelligence. 1t is taken by
INV SoihCiS Dstch anu lOEtu
to show that an engagement is antici-
pated, and after battle it is laid flat
upon the ground, which indicates that
the party is anxious to surrender. A
sign for after night is the firing of
lighted arrow, in 4 certain direction,
which may represent various things
just rs the agreement before separation
may run. The rude figures of various
animals and birds that are 50 common
tn the heathenish nations of what con-
stitutes art, all have their significance,
aud are read with ease by those who I'M
derstand them. A moving band can.
by leaving pictures of birds. beasts, and
lnanlmate objects scattered along their
route. inform party of friends follow
ING rs TO what occurrences have taken
place SO accurately that the second band
will know just what to do to guard
against danger or lend assistance. An
Illustration Of steep mountain with a
goat in the act of climbing. while a
horse appears in position where the
'oles of his hOofs are liable to get sun
burned. indicated that though goat
.an climb up the rocky trail horse may
tumble, and hence it is unsafe for the
Indians to attempt the ascent.
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