The Cionis are very skilful in the manufacture of the light, durable, and beautiful hammocks, which they use in place of beds, from the strong fibres of the leaves of the _cambira_-palm. They often spend months upon the fabrication of a single hammock, first collecting the leaves, next extracting the fibres, then twisting them into long strings, and finally weaving the strings into a hammock. One of these hammocks can be rolled up until it occupies only the space of a fair-sized book, and it is so durable that it will last for years. They also exhibit marvellous patience and skill in making the insect, feather, and shell ornaments that they wear on their feast-days. One especially interesting ornament is the _yacta_, a beautiful crown, composed of a great variety of fine large red and yellow plumes, inlaid with so many small feathers of so many different kinds and colours that it is a veritable work of art. Another common ornament is a long string of brilliantly coloured feathers, which is worn around the neck. They also collect the bright green wings of a large insect, very common in these parts, of which, after a sufficient supply has been obtained, they make a similar string, which also encircles the neck. In addition to all these, which are worn only on special occasions, they generally have several bracelets, anklets, &c., of gaily coloured woollen yarns or locks of hair. At their dances, the music of which is furnished by drums, whistles, and fifes of their own manufacture, they always wear a quantity of _cascabeles_, which are nothing more than strings of the dried fruits of the _schacapa_[71]. These _cascabeles_ they attach to their legs and waist in such a manner as to produce a rattling, tinkling noise at every step they take. Other very interesting products of the industry of these aborigines are the fine combs, made of carefully arranged and polished thorns, tied together with eccentrically coloured threads. Some of these combs are really splendid pieces of workmanship. A thorough and extensive knowledge of the uses and properties of the countless products of the forest is also possessed by the Cionis. Thus, for example, the root of a certain _bejuco_[72], which they call _yoco_, is their substitute for coffee; from another _bejuco_ they extract a narcotic known to them as _ayahuasca_ or _yajén_, the effects of which are similar to those of hasheesh and opium; the leaves of the _huitoc_ or _jagua_[73] are used to cure itching and all erysipelatic diseases, as well as to protect them from the gnats and mosquitoes; and thousands of other trees, shrubs, and _bejucos_ supply them with almost everything they need or desire. CHAPTER III THE UPPER PUTUMAYO