CHAPTER V.
CHARACTERISTIC LABOR SCENES AMONG THE
YELLOW, BLACK AND RED RACES. Labor Among Primitive Peoples | ||
THE KARAFUTO AINOS, OF ISCHARI VALLEY OF HOKKAIDO (YEZO).
"Among these people, the original inhabitants and rulers of Japan, the parturient is assisted by an elderly female, who has had several children but is not specially
"As the Ainos meuki not only spins and weaves the tree-fibers, but aids in hunting, fishing, bearing burdens and drawing loads, she is usually of a strong, vigorous frame, and of excellent development. She possesses a roomy pelvis with well proportioned adjuncts, and rarely suffers from disease, excepting syphilis, parasites, and occasional indigestion from gluttony.
"Position.—The houses in which the people live are very rude; sometimes a cave in the hill-side, with a hole in the roof for smoke; more often, a rude pole structure, thatched on roof and sides with long wild grass. In the center of the one large room is an open fire; at one end of the room may be a narrow board floor; around the sides are collections of straw and old garments, upon which men, women, children and dogs sleep promiscuously. The wealthy ones have a few blankets, an occasional futon, and now and then a tatamé. The majority live in a very wretched manner.
"Scanty preparations are made for approaching labor; shortly before full time the expectant mother gathers a small amount of a peculiar fine white grass, which is carefully
"Placenta.—The patient remains in her position, and the placenta usually appears in a short time; if not, the old woman pulls it out. From this latter procedure, hemorrhages are not infrequent. I have yet to learn that massage or pressure is used at this stage. A tree-fiber girdle is now assumed outside of the usual kimono, or flowing garment.
"The labor generally lasts from eight to forty-eight hours. The child is not washed, but is wrapped up in an old momu (a cloth made of the inner fibers of a yezo tree): it is allowed to suckle from three to five years, and even longer, and is carried about on its nurse's back under the outer garments and next to the skin.
"They have no obstetrical instruments. Abortion is practiced occasionally as well as feticide, which is usually brought about by blows, compression, and external violence. Infanticide is extremely rare, as the mothers have a tradition that the next child will be blind.
"The Ainos live as nearly as possible in a state of nature. They have little or no ceremony at child-birth; before labor, the mother pursues her ordinary avocations as long as she
CHAPTER V.
CHARACTERISTIC LABOR SCENES AMONG THE
YELLOW, BLACK AND RED RACES. Labor Among Primitive Peoples | ||