The Nezperce herald. (Nezperce, Idaho) 1900-1957, 1908-04-30

~A*~& ~-A~AS Az
5 people. This was the first step to
ward becoming a dreamer, or an In
: dian medicine man. One had to e
through years of this sacred worl
before he could become a medicin
man. This process was carried OF
during the winter season. A lonI
tent was built and the sacred song
, were sung by the individuals gifte.
with these songs. The person witt
began the ceremony started to sin,
and the rest assisted. When he be
came exhausted an aged medicine
man breathed on him and using hi
power the young Indian soon regain
ed Consciousness. It was believed
that this costume was a factor ii
making the Indian a great warrior
and increasing his power to endure
hardships in securing food. (Song J
"When medicine-man was call
ed upon to treat person who was
sick he was offered probably two
horses. blankets and other things of
value. The first thing he did was
to have a person announce at what
certain tent he was to perform his
duty, or in other words his act of
divine healing; and all were urged
to come and assist in the singing.
The process of his treatment was
first, to sing his songs with the help
of others; second, to make a few
motions over the body. Once
through with these processes he was
able to tell whether his performances
were hopeless or encouraging. If
hopeless he continued his ceremonies
at least once day until his patient
recovered. (Song) Medicine-men
never use medicine. They had faith
in themselves. These Indians be-
lieved that enduring hardships made
them strong and healthy and able to
conquer their enemies, such as dash
ing into river-full of floating ice.
In those days women were just as
strong physically as men.
cat that time it was a sad sight
to see the handsome warriors leav-
ing their homes going to war with
other tribes. They babe their friends
and their families farewell by going
singing their parting song. Song |
The warriors were followed about by
some member of the family with
about ten pairs of moccasins and
small lunch at the time oftheir depar-
ture. They had no way of sending
to one another only by
burning balsam tree on the highest
point on the Rocky mountains. This
showed the people home that they
were safe on their journey. The
'ame way in returning, if they set
irsto more than one tree that meant
,ooS news. Upon returning they
Ield scalp dance. The object was to !
how honor to the warriors who had
ecured scalps. They also danced
, celebrate the victory over their
nemies. (Song)
1.-THE custom Of marriage in the
Iden times among Nezperces was
Try peculiar. They we're very back 7
ard in counting. It is told that
ost of the counting is done by the :
Irents. The wedding consisted of
dance and the song sung was full :
life. (Scng.) After the bride
lowed the man to his home, where |
e was expected to do all the work.
e had to get up at dawn and work
! late in the evening 1t was her
ty to hand a drink Of water to her
sband whsnever he wanted it. It
S also customary for her to take :
r husbands moccasins off. And G
ring the meals each person had q
own plate and they ate separately Il
tead Of all together. The woman I
1er thought Of taking bite OF food [
orc !5.er husband. The man looked :
er the horse and provided the best {:
Idle horse for his wife. r.
All Indians at that time had In b
n names most Of them referring o.
some animal, mountain, storm, 70
I'D, thunder, earth, etc. The A
nes inherited from generation to &C