The picture is of a Nez Perces woman. As this picture was taken a number of years ago, it is quite possible that she was a baby, or papoose, when Lewis and Clark passed through the Columbia river region. 11. Note that the woman is weaving a Nez Perces basket. The materials, especially the corn husks are plainly seen. It is interesting to read in Jefferson's instructions to Lewis and Clark regarding how they should meet and treat the Indians on their trip that he refers to them as people and nations - not as barians or savages. Lewis and Clark gained the friendship of the Indians all along the route.
'Hoosie' means 'hair' and 'mox mox' means 'yellow' and the old chief is, indeed, yellow haired. He belongs to the Palouse Indians of Washington, but moved over here and became so popular with the Indians among whom he lived that he was adopted and alloted on their reservation where he lived until he was drowned in crossing the Umatilla River in 1905. He plated a very important part in the Nez Perce War in 1877.
This man typifies the more superstitious element among the Indians (which is, however, dying away gradually). When out in the mountains near Canyon City his wife fell ill and he decided that "Dr. Joe" some miles distant had "thrown medicine into" his wife thus causing her illness, he came into Pendleton with "blood in his eye." Fortunately, however, he met Major Morehouse, who talked him out of his purpose when we explained, "Me killee that doctor." He belongs to the Cayuse tribe.
Note the elaborate baby board. These baby boards are carried on the Indian women's backs. We might mention here that the women very much prefer being called Indian women to "Squaw") and if they are mixed blooded you will find yourself much more popular with them if you will remember to say "mixed blood" instead of "breed." We each our own particular species of pride.
Parson Motanic, now about 60 years old, was one of the wildest Indians on the Reservation before he came in contact with Rev. Cornelison of the Presbyterian Mission and was converted. Parson Motanic tells the story of the changes in his life in his tongue only, but his delivery of it is ideal and you are not surprised when the interpreter tells you that he says he was
