Sacramento daily record-union., 1883-09-22
INDIAN SIGN LANGUAGE.

There are seventy-six different vocal lam
gusges 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 from the
North must needs have some mode OF
communication when lie followed the buff
falo to a warmer cline late in autumn,
and in turn the fellows who escaped from
the scorching sun of the South to enjoy
the cool breeZss of the North, found that
they must cooperate with their brethren
in order to make their visit endurable.
Thus, these children of nature, for they
are nothing more nor less, have by COM
mon necessity organized a system of sign
language, which, though unworthy of being
dignifed by being termed u complete code,
is sufficiently intelligible to permit of a
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 greater
extent than any other. To such an extent
is the sign language used that there are
those who can converse as rapidly in this
manner as by vocal speech, and although
two seldom use the same sign the general
outline of the pantomime is 80 easily COM
pretended that frequently 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 Malpipals
districts of Arizona.
The signal given by a horsemsn riding
rapidly in circuitous route is well known
to be one of danger, and before the
aborigines had a 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 sep
aration is to occur, certain signs are agreed
upon. As an illusion, the old Biblical
term of ga cloud of smoke by day and a
pillar Of fire by night, was never more
strikingly eyemplifisd then when mountain
Indians climb high hill and, after build.
ing fire of damp or green wood, cover
the same with blanket. As soon as suf-
fcient smoke has accumulated for the pur-
pose, the blanket is quickly lifted so that
ball of smoke arises steadily 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 disclos-
ing 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 perfect circle of fire is visible. In
their native simplicity these children of
the forest nave adopted the modes of the
days Of Moses and Aaron TO communicate
with each other.
Suppose that two Indians of different
tribes meet They have met before and
formed a mutual admiration, and their
families may be particularly interested in
each other. The visitor is welcomed by
the host, and conversation by signs com.
mences. The new arrival will, in short
space of time, relate how a 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 bat
tie; the position Of each at different times
of the combat; the courage displayed and
the stoical indifference assumed. In fact,
every detail will be told almost as
quickly as if related by the tongue, and
yet no word will pass between the parties,
because they could not understand each
other.
Since civilization has encroached upon
the privileges of these savages, and they
have learned the arts of chewing tobacco
and loafng around on store boxes like
utilize many OF the articles used for DO
nestle purposes. They will take medium
sized mirror, and from the tcp of lofty
mountain flash the movements OF an enemy
to their friends far in the distance. a
blanket is considered an excellent medium
for communicating intelligence. It is taken
by the corners aud waved back and forth
to show that an engagement is anticipated,
aud after a battle it is laid fat upon the
ground, which indicates that the party ia
anxious to surrender a sign for after night
is the firing of a lighted arrow in q certain
direction, which may represent various
taings-just as the agreement before separa-
tion may run. The rude figures of various
animals and birds that are so common to
the hesthenish nations of what constitutes
art, all have their significance, and are
read with ease by those who understand
them. a moving band can, by leaving
pictures OF birds, beasts and inauimate OBJ
jects scattered along their route, inform a
party OF friends following as to what occur
rences have taken place SO accurately that
the second baud Will know just what to do
to guard against danger or lend assistance
An illustration of steep mountain with
goat in the act of climbing, while horse
appears in position where the soles of his
hoofs are liable TO get sunburned, indicated
that though goat can climb up the rocky
trail, horse may tumble, and hence it
is unsafe for the Indians to attempt the
ascent.