Indian Tribes of the Upper Missouri: Edited with Notes and Biographical SketchDenig, Edwin Thompson
History
Indian Tribes of the Upper Missouri: Edited with Notes and Biographical Sketch
Denig, Edwin Thompson
Assiniboine Indians; Indians of North America -- Missouri River Valley
Widowers and widows remarry, the former in about one year after the
loss of their wife and the latter from one to two and three years
after the death of their husbands, in proportion as they are grieved
for their loss. After a woman has had children her chances for a young
husband are few, but middle-aged men do not consider this any objection
if she in other respects is able to work and has a reputation for
industry. The most advantageous time for a man to purchase a wife is
on his return from a successful war excursion with the horses of his
enemies in his possession. The manner in which his means to purchase
have been procured gives him additional favor both with the girl as
a brave man and with the girl’s parents as one who can at any time
repair their losses in horses if it be necessary. After marriage the
brothers-in-law on both sides become friendly, associate, make feasts,
and exchange gifts, aiding each other on all occasions. No quarrels
take place among them, nor indeed among any near relations. The whole
forms a posse, a body, a support in times of trial, need and danger.
The right of divorce lies altogether with the husband. If a man has
children by his wife he seldom puts her away even for adultery, the
greatest offense. He will punish, but retain her on that account.
Should they separate, all the larger children—that is, those who
required no nurse and were able to take care of themselves—would
remain with the man and the smaller ones depart with the woman. When
the women have no children they are turned off without any scruple for
much less offenses, or from jealousy by young husbands. Elder Indians
require the labor of their women; therefore seldom willingly discharge
them. Should he choose to do so, however, no one has a right to object,
nor is any other consent asked; they are his property and he can do as
he pleases with them. Occasionally they part from them a year or so and
take them back afterwards. No property is given to the woman in the
event of a separation.
MUSIC
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