The Tomahawk. [volume] (White Earth, Becker County, Minn.) 1903-192?, 1919-05-01

'Asupaj CnIer.
traits predominant, but the Havasupat
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, II found some
most interesting caves, unQuestiOna-
bly, carved out of the walls by u pre-
historic race. 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 it's stOrehOuse 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 covering placed
over it. 1t is made just large enough
for one man to crawl inside Baskets
containing red-hOt rocks are place" ....
side and water is then poured over
them, producing cloud of steam.
The covering holds the steam inside
and as soon us the sweating process Is
deemed to have progressed sufficiently
the bather jumps out for Il "shock" In
the icy waters of the cataract. As
each man finishes his bath he joins the
circle, all in breechclouts, for the dis.
cussion of tribal affairs.
The women do not devote all OF
their afternoons to domestic pursuits.
They have passion for gambling. Mr..
Spier says. and for several hours af-
ter the days toll in the fields they con-
gregate and play at dice. The game Is
somewhat like the American game OF
craps, although four dice are used.
fashioned out of goats horn.
Today one never finds American In
dians using anything but matches to
light their fires. The Havasupai still
use primitive fire drills. Up to 1910
the stone knife was used exclusively.
Lately some modern implements have
filtered in through the government
agent. They have some horses and
small number Of cattle with which
they are having splendid success.
No Marriage Ceremony.
Marriage in the canyon is without
ceremony. The brides consent having
been won in the orthodox fashion the
couple merely live together without
further ado. The brave must make
payment, however, to the brides pa
rents, and the customary form is to
give his service in the fields OF his
''in-laws" until the first child has been
born This method Of payment is
strictly enforced. There is no divorce
recognized among the Havasupai.
OF the two chiefs Mr.. Spier said:
"They have absolutely no prerOgatives
in the matter of power over the tribe.
The tribe as q whole works well to-
gether and the members feel q certain
definite social consciousness. 1t Is the
business of the chiefs to act as me,fia.
tors when matters need adjustment.
but whatever laws exist are enforced
through public opinion. The chiefs
are charged with advising the young
women and instructing the youths
growing into manhood. There is no
capital punishment, and instead Of the
death penalty for murder the Offend
ing party must make a payment in
land or goods. LEGITIMACY does not
exis. among them. Every child that
IS born has a recognized father and no
odium attaches to offspring. as hap
/ pens 80 frequently among people q
higher social development.