American Falls press. [volume] (American Falls, Idaho) 1907-1937, 1919-05-09

traits predominant, but the H%avasupaf
are unique in this respect. They are
peaceably inclined and happy in the
contemplation of their own works.
Expert Corn Growers.
The Havasupai live in camps during
the summer months along the creek in
the midst of their farms. They are
expert in raising corn crops.
The deep canyon bed, irrigated by
the cataract, is an oasis in the ARID
desert which surrounds the canyon.
Corn. beans, squash and fruit are
raised in abundance and the peaches
are especially delicious, according to
Mr.. Spier. The nearby mountains
abound in sheep, deer, antelope and
wild turkeys, SO there is no lack OF
fresh meat.
In winter the tribe takes to the
Lodges and caves on the mountain side
high above the danger levels. Cataract
creek always Overflows during the
rainy season and mandates the land
"Here," said Mr.. Spier, 81 found some
most interesting caves, unquestiOna-
bly, carved out of the walls by a pre-
historic race. 1 found some fragmen-
tary pottery in various places which
supported my theory.
These caves" he continued, serve
as excellent shelters, and here each
family builds its s%tOrehouse for pre-
serving it's grain and meat. These are
constructed out of mud, baked HARD
and then sealed"
Native Turkish Bath.
The chief diversion among the males
is to %foregather about the various
sweat lodges to gossip and discuss
affairs of the tribe. The sweat lodge
is their Turkish bath. A bed of straw
is laid down and a covering placed
over it. 1t is made just large enough
for n man to crawl inside Baskets
, containing red-hot rocks are place. 49,
side and water is then poured over
5 them, producing a cloud of steam.
} The covering holds the steam inside.
Y and as soon as the sweating process is
( deemed to have progressed sufficiently
[ the bnther jumps out for a "shOck" in
the icy waters of the cataract. As
l. each man finishes his bath he joins the
n circle. all in breechclouts, for the dis
r cussion of tribal affairs.
O. The women do not devote ali of
rhc.r afternoons to domestic pursuits.
@ They have a passion for gambling, Mr.,
If Spicr says. and for several hours af-
u ter the days toll in the fields they con.
IS gregatp and play AT dice. The game is
somewhat like the American game OF
p... ls-. .a, ,tEnd
Is fashioned out of goats horn.
Today one never finds American In
dams using anything but matches t.
d. light their fires. The HavaSupai+ still
use primitive fire drills. Up to 1911
10 the stone knife was used exclusively
Lately some modern implements hav'
p filtered IN through the government
ld agent. They have some horses ana
o. siunll number of cattle with whiC
nj they are having splendid success.
n No Marriage Ceremony.
Marriage in the canyon is withDu
st ceremony. The brides consent havin
us been won in the orthodox fashion IN
he couple merely live together withoG
oil further ado. The brave must max
lis payment, however, to the brides pi
lIf rents, and the customary form is I
,o. give his service in the fields of h
"in-laws' until the first child has bee
born. This method of payment
in. strictly enforced. There is no divor'
M recognized among the Havusupai.
nd. OF the two chiefs Mr.. Spier sale
on. They have absolutely no prerogatiy,
i'd in the matter of power over the trih
Of The tribe as a whole works well I
gether and the members feel a certa
the definite social consciousness. 1t is Il
I'm business of the chiefs to act as medi
mi tors when matters nee adjustmeT
of but whatever laws exist are enforc
ter through public opinion. The chic
of are charged with advising the you
yht. women and instructing the yout
of growing into manhood. There is
rhe capital punishment. and instead of t
pes. death penalty for murder the offer
non ing party must make a payment
lcal land or goods. nlegitimaey does
tent exist among them. Every child Il
ARE is born has a recognized father and
ans. odium attaches to offspring, as hi
he pens so frequently among people
III hg,b,r u,cf,I dav-sIapnantu