The L'Anse sentinel., 1923-08-03

tance by the banks of the Rio de Tehu-
antepec, then cutting Off across coun-
try to Salina Cruz, the Pacific port.
Here the little Indian village Of
years ago has given place to new
town, built on higher ground and
dotted here and there with comfortable
bungalows, the homes of English res
idents.
Fierce "northers" rage on the 18TH
mus the greater part of the year. and
the long swell of the Pacific causes a
heavy surf. AS no natural shelter ex-
lists, 1t was found necessary to build
one-an outer refuge harbor. and an
inner harbor with dry-dock and
wharves.
The country through which the rail-
way runs is in many respects Of great
interest. The tropical nature, the many
different tribes of Indians living along
the rivers and In the hills, their pc
culiar customs and picturesque garb
furnish an interesting study.
The different Indians today inhabit-
ing the isthmus, descendants Of once
powerful tribes. still show enough dis
tinctive characteristics to enable one
to judge Of their ancestors. The
Agualulcos, Aztecs. Huaves, Niles,
Zapotecos and Zoques are among these.
The Agualulcos and Aztecs dwell In
the northern part of the isthmus.
Though outwardly conforming to the
Catholic religion, they still retain many
Of their old customs and superstitions.
Among these Indians the memory Of
Dona Marina, or Malinche, as the In
dians called her, is still revered. AL
though acting as interpreter and guide
to Cortez, she seems to have been
greatly beloved by the Indians.
The Miles live In the mountains to
the west, in the town of San Juan
Guichicovi. They are exceedingly ig-
norant, bold, and rather repulsive In
appearance. History classes them as
having been at one time the most bru-
tai and idolatrous Of all the lsthmus
tribes.
Tho Miles covet Mules.
The greatest ambition of Mile is to
possess more mules than his neighbor.
Just why Is hard to understand, as
they prefer to carry their burdens on
their own backs.
They get good crops Of maize, beans.
and rice from their milpas, which are
well taken care of, but they work ftful-
ly, are great drunkards, and very dis
honest.
The Zoques, who live in the noun
taips between the Chichijapa valley
and the Rio del Corte, are, like the
Mics, very fond Of tequila. the ma
tive alcohol, but more Industrious and
of more pleasing appearance.
The Huavs tribe, now dwindled to
a thousand or two, live in few towns
on the Pacific coast. They are very
different from the other tribes. and
claim to be descended from power
full tribe In Peru.
The Zapotecos. who inhabit the
greater part Of the southern division
of the isthmus, are hard working, gen.
tie, and intelligent, and at one time
were highly cultured nation.
The various Indian languages are
now little else than ill-spoken dialects
pieced out with Spanish words and
sentences.
Somewhat below medium height, the
Indians possess unusual muscular
strength. They are often able to car
ry for several hours on their shoulders,
under the rays Of the tropical sun, car
goes weighing from 100 to 200 pounds.
The women are gracefully built, and
In some tribes remarkably beautiful.
This Is especially true Of the Tehuana
women. Their stately carriage, regu-
lar features, and beautiful soft brown.
eyes, added to their fascinating cos
tunes, mark them with distinction and
irresistible charm. They wear the
usual Indian corte, or enagua derollada
(rolled skirt). which IL nothing more
or less than straight piece Of cotton
cloth, generally one meter wide and
tive meters long. dyed red, blue. pur-
pie. or a checked red and white; .
short chemise. or cotton. sleeveless and
with q low neck. coming just to the,
Il u made Of cotton MAJ
terial in different colors Or of velvet
and shows to great advantage the
tawny, perfectly formed arms and
The crowning touch. how
ever. Il their hsaddress shaped some-
somewhat lika = short Japanese
kimono, with Z Wide dounce of
starched and plated white cotton lace
n n fhhou,n ovor fho hond n fhae tho