524 TRIBES OF THE UPPER MISSOURI [eth.ann.46 



At the period of the catamenia they sleep alone and are deemed 

 taboo for ten days. The word in their language expressing that 

 flux literally interpreted would mean " she who lives in a lodge alone," 

 and their traditions state that it was formerly the custom to pitch a 

 tent outside for the woman to remain in during this period. After 

 childbirth a woman is deemed taboo for 45 days. 



Scalping 



During a battle or whenever an enemy is slain they use no cere- 

 mony in taking the scalp except despatch. They are in great haste 

 to get off or out of danger, and have no time for useless delay. A 

 knife is run round the cranium, the foot placed on the dead man's 

 neck and a sudden jerk takes it off. The cultivation of the scalp- 

 lock among the Sioux is a very ancient custom but we know of no 

 mode of tracing its antiquity. The rest of these tribes wear their 

 hair in any form that suits their fancy. 



Oaths 



The Indians have several kinds of oaths. They will say " Wa- 

 kohda hears me," or they will swear by the skin of a rattlesnake, 

 or the claws of a bear, wishing the snake to bite or the bear to tear 

 them if they fail to fulfill their oath. They generally keep their 

 oaths. The name Wakoiida in this is uttered in an audible voice 

 with great solemnity and presenting the pipe to the Sun. 



When Indians meet on the plains they halt within a few paces 

 of each other, and if recognized as kin will name the relationship 

 existing in a smiling tone. If strangers, one will inquire, "Where 

 did you come from? " "Where going? " etc., during which they sit 

 down and proceed to light the pipe. While smoking they will 

 exchange news of their different places, make inquiries respecting 

 their friends, about game, and anything of general interest, and 

 when the pipe is finished they separate. No shaking of hands or 

 touching of, persons takes place, but if meeting with whites they 

 will extend the hand to be shaken. 



Smoking 



This is so ancient a custom that even their traditions do not men- 

 tion a time when their forefathers or ancestors did not smoke. There 

 are tales among them whence came the tobacco seed and plant, 

 particularly among the Mandan, Crows and Arikara, and perhaps 

 among the Assiniboin, though we are not prepared at this time to 

 relate them. 



