The Kootenai herald. [volume] (Kootenai, Idaho) 1891-1904, 1896-12-26

row of deceased warriors while the fe-
male population were given a kirk yard
near by under loose piles of cobble rock.
These burial places while not so ancient,
are yet beyond the memory and traditions
of the Indians of the present day. As
they are few and occur only in isolated
regions and on fortified points. they may
possibly be the remains of a wandering
band of savages from the north or
east
The Smithsonian Institution scientists
say that the most remarkable prehistoric
monument in the southwest-maybe in
all the country-is a black barren butte
on the lower ella river. some so miles east
of Yuma. 1t is not wonderful from any
architectural standpoint. There are no
marvellous hieroglyphics nor immense
pieces of engineering work which battle
the minds of the modern scientists. 1t IS
but a plain, bald, rocky point. uglier and
palmer for it's sharp contrast against the
clear blue sky But it is wonderful be-
cause upon it's aerial heights, which look
down over the green vegas and rolling
potreros, are the white and bleaching
bones of a band of people vino fought the
when this battle was given nor who were
the besiegers of the besieged There are
evidences of a mighty conflict and the lit
tie mesa which tops the mountain bears
witness to the fearfulness of the struggle
by its carpet of human bones. This point,
which is known locally as La Iona de
Muerte, or the Hill of Death, is a promi-
nent landmark throughout this whole re-
gion. II is Stunned by Indians and super
stitious Mexicans as well. The main
highway from Tucson to Yuma leads by
the base of the hill, and pious Catholics
who have occasion to pass along the route
invariably cast a rock upon the pile,
which has thus accumulated INTO a con-
siderable mound. Not a very costly shrine,
but built with sincere hands.
The Casa Grande Indians in southern
Arizona undoubtedly buried their dead,
but so faithfully has their secret been
kept through succeeding generations that
no hint of their cemeteries ever reached
the ear of curiosity hunters. In the early
day it was thought these Indians, who
claim direct relation with the Aztecs,
were in possession of knowledge which
would lead to the finding of Aztec re-
mains. and with them quantities of pre-
cious jewels and stones Many a weary
mile has been travelled by prospectors
and many tons of rock loosened in a
vain search for these buried treasures.
Not a sestos ever came to light. These
people valued the simple product of tie
field more than gold and silver.
The Mogin tribe, in the northern por-
ton of Arizona and New Mexico, have
more elaborate funeral rites and cere-
monies than any other tribe of Indians
on the North American continent The
death of a prominent parsonage is fol
lowed by days of dancing and wailine
and nights of incarnation. These services
sometimes extend over period of a week
or a week and a half, before the corpse
is finally laid away in it's granite bed ana
the soul permitted TO start out on its
journey to the sun. The Mogins, the
Zunis and the ancient Pimas were al
sun worshippers, and their modes of bur
ial naturally differed from the Other
tribes, as they differed in advanced stages
of civilization. Many of the southwestern
Indians had no belief or knowledge of &
hereafter. When they fell in battles oil
succumbed to disease they had reached
the end. AS a consequence, no extra
amount of care was taken with their re
mains, and the only reason for removing
them at all was directed by sanitary in
stincts.
On the northern border of Mexico, Of
near the border, are found the first pyra
midal tombs. They are the exact counter
part of the Egyptian monoliths, save II
size and perfection of make. Yet the!
indicate near connection between IN,
early builders on either side of the bis
water. These pyramids have inside
vaults, and were doubtless intended 70
tombs though no remains have beef
found in the few scattering structure
brought to light. A large portion of nortl
central Mexico has not yet been trod b.
civilized feet. 1t may be, when this coun
try is better known, some wonderful ar
Genealogical discoveries will be made
and new and more interesting chapte
added to that branch of science.