The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1897-01-02

are found built of rough but carefully
hewn rock and placed layer upon layer,
stair-step fashion. Each step contains a
row of deceased warriors, while the fe-
male population were given a kirk yard
near by under loose piles of cobbIe 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-ls 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 plain, bald, rocky point, uglieT and
palmer for its sharp contrast against the
clear, blue sky. But it is wonderful be-
cause upon its aerial heights, which look
down over the green vegas and rolling
potreros, are the white and bleaching
bones Of a band of people who fought the
last fight for existence. No one knows
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 Hin of Death, is a promi-
nent landmark throughout this whole re-
gion. 1t 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 Dious 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 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 1t 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 IoOsened in q
vain search for these buried treasures.
Not sestos ever came to light. These
people valued the simple product of the
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 prominent parsonage is fol-
lowed by days of dancing and waiIing
ana nights of incarnation. These services
sometimes extend over period of a week
or week and a half, before the corpse
is finally laid away in it's granite bed and
the soul permitted to start out on it's
Journey to the sun. The Mogins the
Zunis and the ancient Pimas were all
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 a
hereafter When they fell in battles or
succumbed to disease they had reached
the end. As 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, or
near the border, are found the first pyra-
midal tombs, They are the exact counter
part of the Egyptian monoliths, save IN
size and perfection of make. Yet they
indicate near connection between the
early builders on either side of the big
water These pyramids have inside
vaults, and were doubtless intended for
tombs, though no remains have been
found in the few scattering structures
brought to light. A large portion of north
central Mexico has not yet been trod by
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 chapter |
added to that branch of science.