Prescott in his history of Mexico refers to some traditions of the Aztecs, as bearing a singular resemblance to those found in the Scriptures. More or less does one start with surprise and awe as he notes in the Indians of Florida a strict observance of those customs as well as religious beliefs as laid down in the book Leviticus.
The similarity existing between the ancient Egyptian principles and that of the Aztecs is conceded by scholars, and when the Florida Indian follows so closely these old religious rites, with the theory that the Florida Seminoles are traceable to the mighty Aztecs, may we not feel a pride in these red children of the forest homes and while it is yet possible preserve this almost forgotten remnant?
To-day the student may study, in the swamp fastnesses, the history of an ancient race, through the present-day Seminole.
Around the hereditary chief Tallahassee is the authority for the government of the Cow Creek band. He is the honored chieftain, whose duty it has been to teach to the younger generations the traditions of his ancestors. “My grandfather, old, old man, tell me, me tell my boys.” The stories never diverge—the same to-day that were told one hundred and fifty years ago, and different slightly from the teachings of the vanquished Muskogeeans of the Mexican Empire.
In their weird camps, by a glimmering light from the camp fire, is instilled into the youth the laws of the old turbaned tribe, laws startling in the rites they contain. A brief reference to a few of these observances must convince that there is at least a keynote for a chapter that must prove both interesting and valuable to science.
In the head dress of the Florida Indians, oriental in its effect, one quickly recognizes a perfect imitation of that as worn in 1800 B. C., as shown in the statue from Tel Loh (showing early Akkadian type).
Passing through the realms of history, covering a period of 3,000 years, in 1563 we find Le Moyne’s delineations of the turban, now worn by the Seminole chieftains. Likewise might the dress of old Tallahassee in his chieftain regalia be mistaken for the costume of the patriarchs in the days of the Pharaohs, when the long tunic embraced by the brightly embroidered sash, with its heavily-tasseled belt, made a picturesque attire.
Photograph by E. W. Histed.
AN ENCHANTING STUDY OF THE YOUNGER GENERATION OF SEMINOLES