336 IXDIAXS. 



CHAPTER XXVHI. 



NAMES. 



INDIANS have no family names. The appellations by 

 which they are known are obtained in the most hap- 

 hazard way, and changed at the will of the individual 

 or of his associates. The male child is called by some 

 diminutive, expressive of the pride or affection of the 

 father. This name, as he grows older, is liable to be 

 changed by his boy companions either in admiration or 

 in ridicule. On his initiation as a warrior he takes a 

 name, generally of his own choosing, though it may be 

 bestowed by his warrior friends. 



From this time until his fame is fixed and mature, 

 he is likely to change his name after every fight or 

 thieving expedition, each change expressive of the fullest 

 appreciation of his own importance and exploits on that 

 occasion. But these changes, though gratifying to his 

 own vanity, are not always accepted by his companions, 

 or the tribe generally. Even the most noted warrior 

 cannot always control the disposition to ridicule or 

 nickname, which all Indians possess in a remarkable 

 degree ; and, however he may insist on calling himself or 

 being personally addressed by his chosen title, he may 

 be known and spoken of by a different name given him 

 by the warriors of the tribe. 



Any personal defect or deformity of character or 

 person is almost sure to be seized upon as a fit name. 

 Mu-la-que-top called himself very differently, but was 

 known by that title among his own and all the southern 

 plains tribes. Powder Face has won and adopted a 



