The Myths of the North American IndiansSpence, Lewis
History
The Myths of the North American Indians
Spence, Lewis
Indian mythology -- North America; Indians of North America -- Folklore
"The tribes of Northern America belong in general to the wholly clothed
peoples, the exceptions being those inhabiting the warmer regions of
the southern {56} United States and the Pacific coast, who were
semi-clothed. Tanned skin of the deer family was generally the
material for clothing throughout the greater part of the country. The
hide of the buffalo was worn for robes by tribes of the plains, and
even for dresses and leggings by older people, but the leather was too
harsh for clothing generally, while elk- or moose-skin, although soft,
was too thick. Fabrics of bark, hair, fur, mountain-sheep wool, and
feathers were made in the North Pacific, Pueblo, and southern regions,
and cotton has been woven by the Hopi from ancient times. Climate,
environment, elevation, and oceanic currents determined the materials
used for clothing as well as the demand for clothing. Sinew from the
tendons of the larger animals was the usual sewing material, but fibres
of plants, especially the agave, were also employed. Bone awls were
used in sewing; bone needles were rarely employed and were too large
for fine work. The older needlework is of exceptionally good character
and shows great skill with the awl. Unlike many other arts, sewing was
practised by both sexes, and each sex usually made its own clothing.
The typical and more familiar costume of the Indian man was of tanned
buckskin, and consisted of a shirt, a breech-cloth, leggings tied to a
belt or waist-strap, and low moccasins. The shirt, which hung free
over the hips, was provided with sleeves and was designed to be drawn
over the head. The woman's costume differed from that of the man in
the length of the shirt, which had short sleeves hanging loosely over
the upper arm, and in the absence of the breech-cloth. Women also wore
the belt to confine the garment at the waist. Robes of skin, woven
fabrics, or of feathers were also worn, but blankets were substituted
for these later. The costume presented tribal differences in cut,
colour, and ornamentation. The free edges were {57} generally fringed,
and quill embroidery and beadwork, painting, scalp-locks, tails of
animals, feathers, claws, hoofs, shells, etc., were applied as
ornaments or charms. The typical dress of the Pueblo Indians is
generally similar to that of the Plains tribes, except that it is made
largely of woven fabrics.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account