l'l :nig I 



THE ASS1XIBOIN 517 



his first enemy on their own (the enemy's) land. On his return 

 after accomplishing this, he blackens his face and that of his rela- 

 tives as a token of his triumph. Some one of the medicine men who 

 are always on the lookout for advantage blackens himself and gives a 

 new name to the warrior by crying it out loudly through the camp, 

 stating the change of name has been given in consequence of his 

 great bravery in killing his enemies. 



A horse is again given the priest and the second name is attached. 

 This name lasts until by repeated successes at war he becomes en- 

 titled to the name of his father, if the parent be dead: if living, 

 that of his grandfather is bestowed, during a ceremony of the same 

 kind as has been related. But this name is never given without suf- 

 ficient merit on the part of the warrior. It is the highest honor that 

 could be bestowed, is never afterwards changed, and he ranks imme- 

 diately as a councillor and brave. The foregoing will account for 

 both the plurality of names among them and the manner in which 

 the original family name and line of descent is preserved. 



The names of females are not often changed, though some have two, 

 one affixed at the first ceremony and the other originating in some 

 marked feature, or personal appearance unusual among them, such 

 as fair hair, gray eyes, etc., and sometimes from any deformity, as 

 lameness, loss of an eye, teeth, etc. Generally, however, they have 

 but one. The names given to children are not taken from the inci- 

 dents of dreams or deemed sacred, but are the manufacture of the 

 priest according to his fancy. He endeavors to make one to please 

 the parents in order to secure the gift of the horse. This name is 

 told them secretly by him and if acceptable is adopted ; if not, they 

 suggest another in its place to him. 



The children and boys call each other familiarly by these names 

 as in civilized life, and when grown continue to do so, unless of 

 kin, when the degree of relationship is mentioned instead of the 

 name. 



Herewith is a list of names, male and female. Of the warriors sev- 

 eral have two, but only one, the leader of the party here at the time, 

 had three. Their names were taken down for insertion in this place. 

 Those of the women I had of a warrior present, and those of the 

 chiefs and soldiers I have known for years, some of whom having 

 two or three names. 



