Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 37, Number 21, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 March 1905 — Ona Indian Courtship. [ARTICLE]

Ona Indian Courtship.

Among the Ona Indians of Tierra del Fuego doUrtsljip Is not precisely a tender affair. When the girl is from a friendly group tlie gallnnt presents her with bis hunting bow. If the girl returns it by her own hand it is a sign of acceptance, but if by the hand of a messenger it is a ref •-al. But refusals arc not common. ’. ho persevering brave watches for an opportunity which brings him a’v'e with the object of his affection ’. He then commands her to follow him with all speed through the bush to his own camp. The girls are prone to yield prompt obedience, for a disappointed suitor may emphasize bis displeasure by an arrow directed lightly at the thigh or at her calves, the especial vanity of an Ona belle.