History of the Northern Ute People, A

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8 Life ways Parents and young adults provided for most of the material well-being of the group. Women gathered foods and prepared them, sewed and repaired clothing and shelters, hauled wood and carried water, prepared medicines to cure the sick. The woman who could feed, clothe, and shelter her family was given respect. Men hunted and fished, made ropes, bows, and arrows. They read the stars of the sky and the geography of the land while traveling the seasonal circuit of the family's territory. Some were also shamans, song-singers, or temporary leaders. Those who displayed skill in hunting and defending the People were admired. Babies and small children were loved and indulged. They were generously spoiled, constantly fondled, and amused with string figures, leaf cut-outs, stories, and songs. They brought laughter and joy to the family and hope that the skills and stories would continue to the next generation. Political Organization In pre-horse days, these family groups lived largely independently of others. Inter-family cooperation was limited to very few activities. From time to time families met to hold an antelope hunt, a rabbit drive, a Bear Dance, or a raid against another tribe. These activities were often directed by a leader who was "Chief only so long as the activity needed such supervision. Men and women who acquired reputations for wisdom, spiritual power, healing ability, or success in hunting or warfare were respected and consulted. When local food resources were abundant enough to enable a number of families to live more or less permanently in the same village, there was a village leader. This man was respected, but his authority was limited. He kept himself informed about where food might be obtained, made suggestions about moving camp, and urged the people to cooperate. But, he had no authority to enforce his suggestions. The use of the land by the Ute People determined the function and status of family members and the inter-family organization. Few of the Ute People were farmers. All depended upon wild vegetation, fish, and game. Farming and food gathering was a family enterprise. Hunting, on the other hand, was done in cooperation by several families.