of exogomy and dan relations; they also investigate the health 

 of both candidates and whether or not they have attained a 

 suitable age. 



The young man must have been received into the warrior 

 class to have readied a marriageable age. lie cannot contrad 

 a union within his own clan, but must seek a bride outside, all 

 maidens beyond a certain age being eligible provided they 

 meet the other necessary requirements. On the other hand 

 the condition of the maiden is given extreme care and atten- 

 tion. She cannot be united to a youth of her own totem. One 

 year or often two must have elapsed between the great public 

 festival of her puberty and her betrothal, and she must be of 

 perfect physical development and health. 



Proposal and Probation. 



First a proposal is made to the head matron of the maiden s 

 clan. She receives it and later discusses it with the matrons 

 of her totem. Should they accept it favorably, such action is 

 only conditional, as it must come for adjudication before a 

 council of women from the clans of both candidates, who de- 

 cide the case finally. During this period of deliberation the 

 young woman is the objeet of many flattering attentions from 

 the young people of both tribes, and is presented usually with 

 the much esteemed symbolical robe of pelican feathers, em- 

 blematic of fruitful motherhood. 



When the betrothal is finally agreed upon by the matrons 

 the prospective bridegroom leaves his own elan and allies him- 

 self to that of his betrothed. lie then enters upon a most ex- 

 traordinary period of probationary marriage. Various re- 

 quirements must be complied with by him during this period. 

 He must show bravery in warfare, skill in fishing and the ehase, 

 and display other physical qualifications of manhood. He thus 

 becomes the object of keen scrutiny, and he must demonstrate 

 to all concerned that lie will prove a competent protector and 

 provider not only for his bride but for her family and the de- 

 pendents of his adopted clan that may need his aid. This trial 

 period continues for one solar year. During this time the 

 young man inhabits the "jaeal" (hut) of the bride and shares 

 the robe of pelican feathers, but only as a protector never as 

 a privileged spouse. 



The bride to be meanwhile assumes a position most im- 

 portant. She is admired and feasted by the men of both clans, 

 and for one whole year of her life is exalted to a station that 

 is only a little less authoritative than that of a chief. At the 

 end of the year, however, should the young man have met with 

 final acceptance as a suitable mate, he enters the jaeal as mas- 

 ter and the brid< — shorn of her brief authority — takes her 

 place among the matrons of the clan and enters upon the dull 

 routine of primitive marital existence. 



11 



