Mandans

Mandans, North American aborigines, a distinct branch of the Dakotan family, who formerly lived in well-constructed huts in the Missouri valley round about Fort Berthold, whence they ranged northwards to Canada. Mandan appears to be a corrupt form of the Dakotan Matani or Mawatani, their own original name being Numakaki, "Men." They were allies of the neighbouring Arikarees and Paunches (Gros-Ventres), and noted especially for the frightful ordeals (described by Catlin) which the young men had to undergo during the ceremonies of initiation into the rank of hunters and warriors. The Mandans are now (1893) reduced to 250, all grouped with the Hidatsas in Fort Berthold Reservation, North Dakota. (Catlin, Matthews, Powell.)