Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 3.djvu/782

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it has in them laborers and potential mothers whose children will be added to the group, and because, in the event of their remaining in the group after marriage, their husbands become additional defenders and providers within the group. Where the husband is to settle in the family of the wife, a test is con- sequently often made of his ability as a provider. Among the Zuni Indians there is no purchase price, no general exchange of gifts ; but as soon as the agreement is reached, the young man must undertake certain duties :

He must work in the field of his prospective mother-in-law, that his strength and industry may be tested ; he must collect fuel and deposit it near the maternal domicile, that his disposition as a provider may be made known ; he must chase and slay the deer, and make from an entire buckskin a pair of moccasins for the bride, and from other skins and textiles a com- plete feminine suit, to the end that his skill in hunting, skin-dressing, and weaving may be displayed ; and, finally, he must fabricate or obtain for the maiden's use a necklace of seashell or of silver, in order that his capacity for long journeys or successful barter may be established ; but if circumstances prevent him from performing these duties actually, he may perform them symbolically, and such performance is usually acceptable to the elder peo- ple. After these preliminaries are completed, he is formally adopted by his wife's parents, yet remains merely a perpetual guest, subject to dislodgment at his wife's behest, though he cannot legally withdraw from the covenant ; if dissatisfied, he can only so ill-treat his wife or children as to compel his expulsion. 1

This practice is seen in a symbolical form where presents are required of the suitor before marriage and their equivalent returned later. By depositing goods accumulated through his activities he demonstrates his ability as a provider, without undergoing a formal test. This practice is reported of the Indi- ans of Oregon :

The suitor never, in person, asks the parents for their daughter ; but he sends one or more friends, whom he pays for their services. The latter some- times effect their purposes by feasts. The offer generally includes a state- ment of the property which will be given for the wife to the parents, consist- ing of horses, blankets, or buffalo robes. The wife's relations always raise as many horses (or other property) for her dower as the bridegroom has sent

1 McGEE, loc. cit., p. 374.