CKADLES OF THE AMERICAN ABORIGINES. 201 



are studded with brass-headed nails in straight lines (Figs. 36 ; 36 a). 

 As in the Comanche cradle there is a bottom or mattrass, and a quilt 

 of calico, lined, supplants the buffalo hide. The baby-case is shoe- 

 shaped, the part around the head and shoulders stiffened with a lining 

 of buffalo leather. All over the outside of the baby-case bead-work is 

 laid on in geometric patterns of blue, red, yellow, green, and blue-black 

 on a white ground. The beads are strung on a fine sinew-thread in 

 proper number and color to extend quite across the case. This string 

 is then tacked down at intervals of three-fourths of an inch so regularly 

 as to form continuous creased lines, extending from the foot longitudi- 

 nally around the baby-case to the foot on the other side. Streamers of 

 colored tape and ribbon take the place of old-fashioned strings, fur, and 

 feathers. The edges of the lower half of the case are joined by four 

 strings tied separately, instead of the universal lashing. There are 

 about this cradle several marks of modificat ion by contact with whites, 

 which show at the same time the tenacity with which old forms remain 

 and the readiness with which they yield to pressure at the points of 

 least resistance, indicating also where the points of least resistance are. 



Another specimen of Sioux cradle has the back- board square at top, 

 carved and painted, barrow-shaped, like last, awning-frame bent and 

 painted, covering-cloth decorated with beads. It is tacked around edge 

 of side board, brought up and laced in the middle like a shoe. Model 

 of doll with iron necklace. Length, 28| inches; width, 13 inches. 

 Back-board carved on front above; back-brace has large rounded ends; 

 foot-rest low, curved around at bottom; cradle covered over with quill- 

 work in red, white, and black; pattern, lozenges, men, horses, etc.; dec- 

 orated with iron bells; opening across cradle cover in middle. (Fig. 37.) 



Mr. Catlin thus describes the Sioux cradle, from a specimen in his 

 collection, and the early life of the Sioux infant: "The back-board is 

 wide; wedge-shaped opening made by cutting piece out of top; top is 

 painted and decorated with beads; cradle has bent- wood sides, which 

 make it like a barrow; the head-pad is over the lower part of the wedge- 

 opening; ash awning- frame. The ends of this are fastened to a rod 

 going across the back, by a device, which may be called an ear-mortise. 

 It is held down over rod by an iron dog fastened to side of cradle. 

 Cradle, 29£ inches long, 12 inches wide; length of side board, 2£ inches; 

 height, 4£ inches ; height of awning-frame, 14£ inches ; width, 16£ 

 inches. 



"The custom of carrying the child, among the Mississippi Sioux, is not 

 peculiar to this tribe, but belongs alike to all, as far as I have yet visited 

 them, and also as far as I have been able to learn from travelers who have 

 been amongst tribes that I have not yet seen. The child, in its earliest 

 infancy, has its back lashed to a straight board, being fastened to it by 

 bandages, which pass around ib in front, and on the back of the board 

 they are tightened to the necessary degree by lacing-strings, which 

 hold it in a straight and healthy position, with its feet resting on a 

 broad hoop, which passes around the foot of the cradle, and the child's 



