.MTM1OA.MTE0ODE4

64 Totems Totem or Do-daim. (as the Ojibways call it)

The Algic race or tribe of Indians divided up the parent stock or root as it would seem in very early times or "when the Earth was new" as they say by the adoption by the various families of a Totem or sign, or coat of arms, as the old country nobility have done. and the nations is thus subdivided into large families or clans each bearing a symbol or sign of some animal , bird or fish. It is a fact worthy of note that the Totem descends in the male line and inter-marriage never takes place between members of the same clan or totem family as they are considered to be closely related, or to be blood relatives and it is said that marriage between persons of the same totem was great sin and punishable with death. There seems to be however at this day some questions as to whether the Totem System is now rigidly observed by the various Algic tribes as it is among the Ojibways, Altanays & Pattawatomies and it is confidently asserted by Rev. Warner "History of the Ojibway Nation" that among the Dakotas or Sioux he totem system does not exist, but in a few cases the symbol has been carried among the Dakotas by intermarriage.

  Originally there were it is held five totems known only to the Chief ?Medas? or priests.  [[crossed out passage:  (For the ledgend of the Totems see Totems Ledgend)  with the ancient account of the system is as follows. "When the earth was new the An -ish -in-aub ag lived on the shore of a great salt water.  From the bosom of the great deep there suddenly appeared six beings in human form who entered their wigwams (pp 44.)]]
 The Totem or grand coat of arms of the Ojibways "Outchipowes" or the Dakotas call them is"an eagle perched upon a rock devouring the brains of an owl."  (neice)
 The Totem system among the Algic tribes is based upon very old traditions and has been narrated by the ? who states that he relates its revelation as he had it and it is as follows.  "When the Earth was new the Awishin aub ag. fore runner of the Algic ?Ojibway? lived together on the shore of a great salt water.  From the bosom of the great deep there suddenly appeared six beings in human form and entered their wigwams.  One of the six kept his face covered and dared not look at the An-isti in-aub-ag crossed out:  dont look in his face  though he greatly wished to do so.  On an occasion he lifted his veil and his eyes he fell on a human being who fell dead as if struck by crossed out:  lightning one of the thunders.  He was friendly but