In “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs,” Mr. Arthur holds up his hand to a Native American in the distance as a peace sign. The implication being the native would respond by holding up his own hand; signaling no intention of hostility. Was this an actual method of communication used in the Wild West?

by T-Lightning

Did travelers encountering one another from a distance use this method, or anything similar to communicate with each other? Was this just used with Native Americans? Are there any documented incidents of this occurring on the Oregon trail, or on any other journeys by travelers/ settlers?

Thank you!

Yoghurt42

Follow up question: was tying up the front legs of your horses an additional peace sign/willingness to negotiate, or a requirement for the hand greeting to mean peace? Was its symbolic meaning more along "I won't move further" or " I won't attack"?

Or was it simply done to prevent the horses to run away in the upcoming battle?