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James Cox - My Native Land
has been perpetuated with great care, being always known to three persons, the high priest of the tribe,
his vice-regent and proclaimed successor, and the oldest woman among them. On the death of any one of
the three trustees of the secret, the number is made up in the manner ordered by the rites of the tribal
religion, and to reveal the secret in any other way is to invite a sudden and an awful death.
During the three days spent by the dancers in hunting snakes, it is stated that the secret decoction is freely
administered to them, and that in consequence they handle the reptiles with perfect confidence. When
they are bitten there is a slight irritation but nothing worse. On the other hand, there is often a heavy loss
of life during the year from snake bites, for the sacred antidote is only used on the stated occasion for
which it was, so the legend runs, specially prepared or its nature revealed.
The people living within almost sight of the Grand Canon vary as much in habits and physique as does
the scenery and general contour of the canon vary in appearance. The Cliff Dwellers and the Pueblos do
not as a rule impress the stranger with their physical development, nor are they on the average
exceptionally tall or heavy. There are, however, small tribes in which physical development has been,
and still is, a great feature. Unlike the Pueblos, these larger men wear little clothing, so that their
muscular development and the size of their limbs are more conspicuous. Naturally skilled hunters, these
powerful members of the human race climb up and down the most dangerous precipices, and lead an
almost ideal life in the most inaccessible of spots.
The Maricopa Indians must be included among those whose general appearance seems to invite
admiration, however much one may regret the absence of general civilization and education. These men
are for the most part honest, if not hard working, and they are by no means unpleasant neighbors. Right
near them are the homes of smaller Indians, who have reduced peculation to a fine art, and who steal on
general principles. We have all heard of the little boy who prefers to steal poor apples from his neighbor's
tree to picking up good ones in his father's orchard. Much the same idea seems to prevail among these
Indians. They will frequently spend several hours and even the greater portion of a day, maneuvering to
secure some small article worth but a few cents to any one.
They have a way of ingratiating themselves with white tourists, and offering to act as guides not only to
spots of special beauty, but also to mines of great value. When they succeed in convincing strangers of
their reliability, they are happy, and at once proceed to exhibit the peculiar characteristics of their race.
Pocket handkerchiefs, stockings and hats are believed to be the articles after which they seek with the
most vigor. They are, however, not particular as to what they secure, and anything that is left unguarded
for but a few hours, or even minutes, is certain to be missed. The perquisites thus obtained or retained are
regarded as treasure trove. When first charged with having stolen anything, they deny all knowledge of
the offense, and protest their innocence in an amusing manner. When, however, convincing proof is
obtained, and the missing article discovered, the convicted thief thinks the matter a good joke, and laughs
most heartily at the credulity and carelessness of the white man.
CHAPTER X. OLD TIME COMMUNISTS.
Houses on Rocks and Sand Hills - How Many Families Dwelt Together in Unity - Peculiarities of
Costumes - Pueblo Architecture and Folk Lore - A Historic Struggle and How it Ended - Legends
Concerning Montezuma - Curious Religious Ceremonies.
Perhaps the most peculiar people to be found in our native land are the Pueblos, who live in New Mexico
between the Grande and Colorado Rivers. When Coronado, the great explorer, marched through the
territory 450 years ago, he found these people in a condition of at least comparative civilization. They
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