S0< I \i. ORG wi/ v HON. 87 



sisters, it' possible, since it is said they were less likely 

 to quarrel amongst themselves. As no slaves were 

 kept and servants were unknown, the aristocratic 

 family could only meet the situation by increasing 

 the number of wives. Further, it was usual to regard 

 the first wife as the head of the family, the others as 

 subordinate. 



The care and rearing of children is a universal phase 

 of human life. Among the collections will be found 

 cradles, or carriers, for the protection of the newly 

 born, often highly ornamented. Dolls and minia- 

 ture objects such as travois, saddles, and bags, were 

 common as toys and often find their way into museums. 

 (For a special exhibit see the Children's Room.) A 

 curious custom, not confined to the Plains, was to 

 preserve the navel cord in a small ornamented pouch, 

 hung to the cradle or about the neck of the child. 

 Among the Dakota, these usually took the forms of 

 turtles and lizards, among the Blackfoot, snakes 

 and horned-toads, etc. Examples are shown in the 

 various collections. 



Naming children is everywhere an important matter. 

 Usually an old person is called in to do this and selects 

 a single name. When a boy reaches adolescence, a new 

 name is often given and again, if as an adult, he per- 

 forms some meritorious deed. Girls seldom change 

 their names, not even at marriage. Among many 

 tribes there are special ceremonies for girls when 

 adolescence sets in. 



When an Indian is ill a doctor is called in. He is 



