The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1892-06-02
FRIENDSHIP AMONG INDIANS.
Ex m lies of 1t Not Found Among Any
Other People in the World.

Ex m lies of 1t Not Found Among Any
Other People in the World.
One of the many chivalrous features
of the natural Indian life is the insti-
tuition of friendship or brotherhood by
which two young men become partners
in pleasure and in danger. in life and
death. Now, however. since the gov
crnment has put an end to tribal wars,
the compact will not carry such serious
obligations as formerly.
Readers of Parkman will remember
that at the massacre of Mackinaw a
British trader was rescued by an In
dian who had formally chosen him as
his ''friend' some time before in accord
ance with a dream. in which he was
told that he was to have white man
for his ''brother.' Although the En-
glishman did not at the time under
stand the nature of the bond, the In
dams held it in such sacred regard that
they allowed Wawatam to lead the
trader out from the crowd of savages
who were butchering his comrade.
When a Young Indian is about the
age of fifteen, just verging on to man
hood, he looks about to see which of his
playmates he shall select to be his COM
rade through life in his games and
pleasure excursions at the dance, and
on the war-path.
Those of us who were ever boys we'll
know that at this age every boy has his
, comrade and contidant, for whom he
has almost as warm feeling as comes
to him in after years for his sweetheart
Human nature is the same in an Indian
camp.
voungster who has not his inseparabl e
boy companion. But now he aspires
to be man and the bond between him
and his friend must receive the stamp of
formal recognition.
He selects the dearest of possessions
the finest pony in his herd-and putting
a lariat around his head he goes to his
comrade and places the rope in his hand
and says:
"My friend, give you a pony; let us
be friends"
The other boy takes the pony and
puts it among his own horses. In a
few days or weeks he makes return
gift. perhaps fine rifle, to the donor,
and the compact is sealed.
Thenceforth wherever one is the eth
er is not far off.
At all tribal gatherings the young
men will be found sitting or standing
about in pairs, and when moving camp
or out on the warpath each couple al
ways keeps close together.
The young men frequently take adj
vantage of a dance or other large pub
lie assembly to make a display of their
generosity and affection toward each
other.
once attended a dance among the
Sioux at which several fine horses were
| given away in this manner. Before the
dance began the public crier took his
stand in the center of the circle and in
| young man was about to show his love
for his friend by presenting him with a
horse. During the proclamation the
! two young men stood side by side; the
owner of the horse-a handsome white
pony. with name carefully braided
held the animal loosely by lariat.
! At the conclusion of the announce
ment the old man turned to the two
and, taking the lariat from the hand of
the giver, he gave it into the hand of
the other, who then led the horse away.
The other horses transferred on this
occasion were represented by green
sticks, which were handed over in the
same way after each proclamation, to
be redeemed with ponies after the dance
AS further evidence of affection the
young men sometimes formally ex-
change names. The announcement is
made by the public crier and presents
| accompany the transaction. From that
time each is known in the tribe by the
former name of his friend, and is never
spoken of by his own original name.
They always address each other simply
as MY friend"
The gifts exchanged are always the
things most dearly priced by the owner.
Among Indians there is no such thing
as giving for the sake of Appearances.
Presents with them are made only as
tokens of genuine affection, or in rati-
fication of treaty agreements.
The entire property of man belongs
, equally to his friend. In making col
.octions among Indian tribes / have