190 THE PIMA INDIANS [eth. axn. :.'C 



EDUCATION 



In addition to the education that every Pima child received by the 

 method of imitation and apprenticeship, careful oral instruction in 

 moral, relicjious, and other matters was also oriven l)y the ciders. 

 Wiile yet cjuite youngj the Pima lad was taken up in his father's arms 

 at daylareak and held there while he was told sometlung of tlie mys- 

 teries of the great Sun god that nearly everj' mornmg in the year rises 

 bright and free from clouds above the Sierra Tortilla. As he grew too 

 big to be held hi arms he had to sit up very straight and pay strict 

 attention while his father or guardian lectured to Mm on the proj^er 

 conduct of a Pima warrior and citizen: or, in other words, soldier 

 and gentleman. If he was not fully awake and paid indifferent heed 

 to what was told him, the father's stiffened middle finger would 

 suddeidy strike the side of his nose, bringing his face around until he 

 looked straight into his father's eyes. (See pi. xlii, c, xlv, xlvi.) 



He learned that he must be ever alert and ready with bow and 

 arrows to repel the attacks of Apaches. Day by day this lesson was 

 taught by precept and example until it became the strongest instinct 

 of the youth to be ready and watchful. He was taught to go on scout 

 duty in the morning or to look after the live stock before he partook 

 of his morning meal. It was well for him to accustom hunself to cold 

 food and to that which remained after the family had satisfied their 

 hunger, for it was only by practising abstemiousness that he could 

 hope to be fit for the long war trail into the barren Apache stronghold. 

 "If you are wounded in battle," said the father, "don't make a great 

 outcry about it like a child. Pull out the arrow and slip away; or, 

 if hard stricken, die with a silent throat. Go on the war trail with 

 a small blanket. It is light and protection enough for one aided by 

 the magicians. Inure yourself to the cold while yet a boy. Fight 

 not at all with your comrades; preserve your strength for the combat 

 with the Apaches. Then, if brave, will come to you high honor. Be 

 unselfish or you will not be welcome at the fire of the friendly. The 

 selfish man is lonely and his untended fire dies. Keep your peace 

 when a foolish man addresses the people. Join not in his imprudent 

 councilings. Above all, talk not foolishly yourself. Bathe in the 

 cold water of the early morning, that you may be prepared for the 

 purification ceremony after killing an enemy." 



Thus the lad was taught fortitude, courage, forbearance, unselfish- 

 ness, industry — qualities that might well be adapted to the changed 

 conditions and incorporated m the system of instruction of the white 

 man's "Indian schools." As time went on he learned tliat if he 

 profited by the advice given him he would l)econie a desirable jiarty 

 for some soft-voiced home keeper, and with his marriage his education 

 ceased. 



