MODERN PUEHLOS. 97 



reader an adequate conception of tlie extent to which 

 color and number enter into the myths, songs, prayers, 

 and ceremonial observations. All important things 

 are repeated for each of the cardinal points with chang- 

 ing color and s>Tiibolism. These conceptions of color 

 and number, while put to a ceremonial use, are almost 

 certainly esthetic in their origin. 



Social Organization. 



One form of social grouping, that by clans, is repre- 

 sented in several parts of North America as well as in 

 Australia and elsewhere in the world. The political 

 body is composed of a definite number of groups each 

 consisting of individuals of all ages and sexes who con- 

 sider themselves related through their mothers. The 

 essential point in this system is that this maternal re- 

 lationship should be considered so intimate that marriage 

 cannot take place within the group. There is also often 

 an element of religion associated with these social 

 groups. The more usual form is connected with the 

 belief that the clan is descended from a mythical ances- 

 tor, usually an animal. The clan is under the especial 

 protection of this ancestor and in turn worships it. 

 When these two things are found associated, namely, 

 exogamous clans, in which the descent is maternal, 

 and religious beliefs and practices pecuhar to the clan 

 in regard to a mythical ancestor, the name totemism 

 is applied. The best examples of totemism are found 



