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Show i42 BASIS OP AMERICAN HISTORY [ 1700 by totems, and the inheritance was apparently in the male line:\ The tribes of the stock were divided into bands, mor£ or less independent, and chieftainship in the bands was much more developed than among the Sioux. xThe office was hereditary in the male line, and the chief's power much more absolute than was usual an\ ong the Indians. \ Agriculture was more commonly practised than among other peoples of the plains, and fields were regularly planted and cultivated by individual families: maize, pumpkins, and squashes were the leading products. V During the months of the year when the tribes occupied fixed residences they built a characteristic form of house, which is still known as the Pawnee type, though not entirely confined to that stock. A circular frame- work of poles or logs was covered in by brush, bark, and earth, affording a thorough protection and a home permanent enough for their needs. When on the move, as in the buffalo- hunt, they used lodges of skins arranged over a frame- work of poles. Crude pottery of a rough type was manufactured by the women, and in general the domestic utensils were simple. The Pawnee religious ceremonials, while of much the same general character as those in use among the Sioux, are more elaborate and occupy a far greater portion of the people's time and attention. The most distinguishing feature of the Pawnee religious rites was formerly the human sacrifices |