increasing in weight, balanced upon the head. In this
way they may acquire an erect carriage, and free and
graceful walk/'

84



THE INDIAN AS A WALKER

The Indian man and woman will pick up an olla
of water, containing a gallon or more, and swinging it
easily to the top of the head will walk along with hands
by their sides, as unconcernedly as if they carried no
fragile bowl balanced and ready to fall at the slightest
provocation. And they will climb up steep and diffi-
cult trails, still balancing the jar upon the head. The
effect of this is to compel a natural and dignified car-
riage. I know Navaho, Hopi, and Havasupai women
who walk with a simple dignity that is not surpassed
in drawing-room of president or king.
Then, too, another reason for this. dignified, health-
fully erect carriage is found in the fact that neither
men nor women wear high-heeled shoes. The moc-
casin is always flat, and therefore the foot of the Indian
rests firmly and securely upon the floor. No doubt if
the Indian woman wished to imitate the forward
motion of the kangaroo, or any other frivolous creature,
she could tilt herself in an unnatural and absurd posi-
tion by high-heeled shoes, but in all my twenty-five
years of association with them I never found one foolish
enough to do so.
The men, as well as the women, gain this upright
attitude as the result of "holding up their vital organs"
when they go for their long hunting and other tramps.
