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Show 1850] SOUTHEASTERN INDIANS 169 The position of the Creek among hostile and powerful neighbors naturally fostered a warlike spirit and brought into prominence and favor the warrior class. As an additional incentive a series of war titles had been instituted, and the gaining of these by prowess in the field became the overwhelming passion of the youthful " brave." To become a warrior, every young man had to pass through a period of severe training and initiation which lasted from four to eight months; and upon its completion he was eligible for service in the field and possible advancement to the higher titles. Of these degrees there were three, " leader," " upper leader," and " great warrior," all granted by the miko and the councillors of the village in recognition of distinguished services on the war- path. There was but one " great warrior" in each group, and to achieve this office was the height of every young brave's ambition. Where several villages united in a campaign a head war- chief was appointed for the emergency. An intermediate privileged class of men ranked between the councillors and the common people, their functions being mainly of an advisory character, or in connection with the elaborate ceremonials of the tribe. The houses which composed the Creek villages were arranged in groups or clusters, each group occupied by a single clan. In or near the centre of the village was the public square, which contained the " Great House" and the " Council House" and |