Sharon A. - your idea reminds me of a tale from the 1870's western frontier here in Montana. The Indians were known to have a wry sense of humor.

One day a cavalry patrol encountered a band of Indians riding along. As was the custom, they rode up to shake hands. One of the indians extended a hand from his robe, and the young lieutenant who grasped it was horrified to find it come off in his hand. It was the hand of an enemy warrior the band had just killed and mutilated. The indians had a big laugh over it. The soldier was not amused.