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Early in the 18th. Century the Crow had broken with their Hidasta relatives of the upper Missouri River. By 1740 they roamed the Yellowstone River and it's tributaries, particularly the Bighorn River through Montana and Wyoming.
Much of Crow life revolved around the buffalo and the horse. These prized possessions, buffalo and horses, were often the purchase price of a young man's bride. Marriages were usually an arranged match, whether for social or economic reasons and seldom a love match.
In either case it was a ceremonial occasion. The skin of a doe was the most frequent choice for any ceremonial dress. Fine, supple and almost white when finished, it could only be described as "elegant." Nimble fingers over hours of labour adorned the garment with beautiful detailed bead work of exquisite colours and patterns, common to their tribe. Long fringes, which swayed as the person moved gave a feel and look of liquidity.
Sitting quietly on their soft buffalo robe - with the star-lit prairie sky their blanket - they recall the joyous events of the day just past. Truly, they appear to be the exception. A love match. |
