Spanish Explorers in the Southern United States, 1528-1543. / The Narrative of Alvar Nunez Cabeca de Vaca. The Narrative of the Expedition of Hernando De Soto by the Gentleman of Elvas

by active 16th century Alvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca; active 16th century Pedro de Castañeda de Nájera; Knight of Elvas

[187] This was not an uncommon practice, especially among the non-sedentary tribes who could not readily transport pottery from place to place. The name Assiniboin, meaning "stone Sioux," abbreviated to "Stonies," is derived from this custom. Tightly woven baskets and wooden bowls were also used for the purpose.

[188] Probably the Rio Santa Maria, in Chihuahua.

[189] The Sierra Madre.

[190] The numerous villages of the Opata and cognate tribes of Sonora.

[191] Bandelier (p. 156) believes that there may have been malachites.

[192] For the clothing of the Opata Indians, see Castañeda's narration in this volume.

[193] Amole, the root of the yucca.

[194] Town of the Hearts, at or near the present Ures, on the Rio Sonora. The place became celebrated in 1540, when Coronado's army passed through the country. See the Castañeda narration in this volume.

[195] These were the Seri, Guaymas, Upanguaymas, and Tepoca tribes. The Seri particularly have ever been noted for their warlike character, but Cabeza de Vaca does not here speak from personal knowledge.

[196] That is, in the West Indies, see p. 19, note 5.