1 10 1 https://d1y502jg6fpugt.cloudfront.net/25778/archive/files/831d8f0dd36fe757a195fb6e8214b232.pdf?Expires=1784764800&Signature=X9ZUfhPEvLNJ-sCwIehX54mt7pNgiFOyQ0hBGJOYxTXroV%7ERXbXMBE-jLVYRKJv5-mbrHTK2HMQFdJhDNEFmPfHQRzBkTmHSMlE%7EZ5rgZQqsl9lttd8VvgIveHCcFcZKPa6y3CIzdyAJbyjesIAYoSdyk%7Ef3VO4LrxhYOd3v1AS0e7zsE8DT4eDiMLh1vV%7EOgFs636ynBv3GfSbjPql3WZGuICD0y4-Lsu9GhUewZjgsx6sbljAe0b9C9DwqQn5onqs3VzQSvQ2zIpfgQFmHIDnfBTu2IzeEDskrplIzvQ14bc9WIAJzc1%7EzDT%7EjGqDBAhojfANhV40tGBqT65VBVA__&Key-Pair-Id=K6UGZS9ZTDSZM 67cca9f0b488cd5c3c9fecffb44162db PDF Text Text 3<?o AT HOME WITH THE PATAGONIANS. [Apr. AT HOME WITH THE PATAGONIANS. BY GEORGE CHAWORTH MUSTERS. II. HE hills on the northern side of the fixed to form a temporary toldo—sing­ valley of Chico women joined with the Tand rugged,the Rio abruptlyare bare ing, whilst theincantations andinhowlings. rising out of irregmost dismal ­ ular forms, while the southern heights are lower, and present more of the steep declivities known as barrancas, inter­ rupted at intervals by high, rugged hills of basalt, often assuming the appearance of ruined castles, closing in at the bends of the winding river. To one of these— a remarkable hill under which we were encamped on August 23, about one hun­ dred and twenty miles from Santa Cruz— I gave the name of Sierra Ventana, from a window-like opening through its peak : the Indians called it Mowaish. In many places the bases of these hills are form­ ed entirely of a description of lava; and one of the Chilians informed me that whilst passing over a ridge he had ob­ served several large masses of pure iron: this, however, I was inclined to disbe­ lieve, as, although farther up the coun­ try iron-ore exists in large quantities, I only observed in this part a species of ore similar to that common at Drobak in Norway. During the expedition up the Rio Chico I had an opportunity of witnessing the ceremonies with which the attainment of the age of puberty of one of the girls was celebrated according to custom. Early in the morning the father of the child informed the cacique of the event: the cacique thereupon officially commu­ nicated the intelligence to the acting doctor or medicine-man, and a consider­ able shouting was set up, while the doc­ tor adorned himself with white paint and was bled in the forehead and arms with a sharp bodkin. The women immedi­ ately set to work to sew a number of mandils together. When the patchwork was finished, it was taken with pomp and ceremony by a band of young men, who marched round the poles—already After marching round several times, the covering was drawn over the poles, and lances were stuck in front adorned with bells, streamers and brass plates that shook and rattled in the breeze, the whole thing when erected presenting a very gay appearance (its Indian name literally meaning “The pretty house ”). The girl was then placed in an inner part of the tent, where nobody was ad­ mitted. After this everybody mounted, and some were selected to bring up the horses, out of which certain mares and fillies were chosen and brought up in front of the showy toldo, where they were knocked on the head by a ball, thus saving the blood (which was se­ cured in pots) to be cooked, being con­ sidered a great delicacy. It is a rule amongst the Indians that any one assist­ ing to take off the hide of a slaughtered mare is entitled to a piece of meat, but the flesh was on this occasion distributed pretty equally all round. Whilst the meat was cooking, Casimiro, w7ho was ruler of the feast, sent a message for me to come to Crime’s toldo, where I found him busy working at a saddle, in the construction of which he was, by the way, an adept. His wife had a large iron pot bubbling on the fire, containing some of the blood mixed with grease. When the mess was nearly cooked, we added a little pepper and salt and com­ menced the feast. Previous to this I had felt a sort of repugnance to eating horse, as perhaps most Englishmen— except, indeed, the professed hippophagists—have ; but hunger overcame all scruples, and I soon acquired quite a taste for this meat. Casimiro informed me, after the meal was concluded, that there would be a dance in the evening. �■Sfa.] AT HOME WITH THE PATAGONIANS. 391 I looked forward with great anticipation I saw some of the women proceed to colto this “small and early,1' and. shortly I lect a considerable quantity of firewood, which was placed outside the tent. Pres- ! outside the sacred precincts. The wo* ently, toward dusk, a fire was made, first ! men all sat down on the grass round �392 AT HOME WITH THE I’A TA GO MIA'VS. [Apr. about, but at some distance from the I except four and the musicians. The ormen, who were all seated on the grass, | chestra consisted of a drum made by Stretching' a piece of hide over a bowl, I of the thigh-bone of a guanaco, with also a sort of wind iastruniettt formed holes bored in it. which is placed to the �1873.] AT HOME WITH THE PATAGONIANS. mouth and played, or with a short bow having a horsehair string. When all was ready, some of the old hags all the time singing in their melodious way, the band struck up, and four Indians, muf­ fled up in blankets so that their eyes Only were visible, and their heads adorn­ ed with ostrich plumes, marched into the ring and commenced pacing slowly round the fire, keeping time to the music. After two or three promenades the time gradually quickened until they went at a sort of trot; and about the fifth round, dancing fast to the music, they threw away their mantles, and ex­ hibited themselves adorned with white paint daubed all over their bodies, and each having a girdle of bells extending from the shoulder to the hip, which jingled in tune to their steps. The first four consisted of the chiefs Casimiro, Orkeke, Crime and Camillo, who, after dancing with great action (just avoiding stepping into the fire), and bowing their plumed heads grotesquely on either side to the beats of the drum, retired for a short time to rest themselves, after which they appeared again and danced a dif­ ferent step. When that was over, four more appeared, and so on until every one, including the boys, had had a fling. Sometimes, to give greater effect, the performers carried a bunch of rushes in one hand. About 9 P. M., everybody having had enough, Casimiro gave the sign. The band stopped playing, and all retired to bed. The dancing was not ungraceful, but was rendered grotesque by the absurd motions of the head. It was strictly confined to the men, the women being only allowed to look on. At the beginning of November we fell in with a party of northern Indians, under a chief named Hinchel, on which occasion the ceremonial of welcome was duly observed. Both parties, fully arm­ ed, dressed in their best and mounted on their best horses, formed into opposite lines. The northern Indians presented the gayest appearance, displaying flan­ nel shirts, ponchos and a great show of silver spurs and ornamental bridles. The chiefs then rode up and down, dress­ ing the ranks and haranguing their men, 393 who kept up a continual shouting of “Wap, Wap, Wap.” I fell in as a full private, though Casimiro had vainly endeavored to induce me to act as “ Cap­ itanejo” or officer of a party. The Bue­ nos Ayrean colors were proudly display­ ed on our side, while the Northerns car­ ried a white weft, their ranks presenting a much better drilled aspect than our ill-disciplined forces. Messengers or hostages were then exchanged, each side deputing a son or brother of the chief for that purpose ; and the new-comers advanced, formed into columns of threes and rode round our ranks, firing their guns and revolvers, shouting and brand­ ishing their swords and bolas. After galloping round at full speed two or three times, they opened ranks and charged out as if attacking an enemy, shouting “Koue” at every blow or thrust. The object of attack was supposed to be the “ Gualichu ” or demon, and certainly the Demon of Discord had need to be ex­ orcised. Hinchel’s party then halted and reformed their line, while we, in our turn, executed the same manœuvres. Afterward the caciques advanced and formally shook hands, making, each in turn, long and complimentary speeches. This was repeated several times, the etiquette being to answer only “ Ahon ” or Yes until the third repetition, when all begin to talk, and formality is gradu­ ally laid aside. It was rather a surprise to find etiquette so rigorously insisted on, but these so-called savages are as punctilious in observing the proper forms as if they were Spanish courtiers. Guanaco-hunting having proved a fail­ ure, Orkeke, to my great delight, pro­ posed a visit to the wild-cattle country. The camp was accordingly struck, and following more or less the valley of the river, which flowed after one turn nearly due east, we shortly came out into an open plain running up between the mountains, at the head of which we en­ camped by some tall beeches on the bank of the stream. The whole of the latter part of the plain traversed was literally carpeted with strawberry plants all in blossom, the soil being of a dark, peaty nature. Young ostriches were now �394 AT HOME WITH THE PATAGONIANS. (Apr. numerous, and in every hunt some were I tion to our dinner. The children had captured and formed a welcome addi- | several alive as pets, which they used to" let loose and then catch with miniature j Our programme was to leave all the wobolas, generally ending in killing them. I men, toldos and other encumbrances in �1872.] AT HOME WITH THE PATAGONIANS. this spot, named “Weekel,” or Chaykash—a regular station which Hinchel’s party had occupied a few weeks previ­ ously—and proceed into the interior in search of cattle. The following morn­ ing at daylight horses were caught and Saddled, and, after receiving the good wishes of the women, who adjured us to bring back plenty of fat beef, we started off just as the sun was rising be­ hind the hills to the eastward. The air was most invigorating, and we trotted along for some distance up a slightly irregular and sandy slope, halting after an hour or two by the side of a deli­ ciously clear brook flowing east, where we smoked. We had previously passed guanaco and ostrich, but no notice was taken of them, the Indians having larger game in view. After passing this brook, the head-water of the river near which we had left the toldos, we skirted a large basin-like plain of beautiful green pas­ ture, and after galloping for some time entered the forest, traveling along a path which only permitted us to proceed in Indian file. The trees were in many places dead—not blackened by fire, but standing up like ghostly bleached and bare skeletons. It is a remarkable fact that all the forests on the eastern side are skirted by a belt of dead trees. At length, however, just as we came in sight of a curiously-pointed rock which in the distance resembled the spire of a church, we entered the forest of live trees: the undergrowth was composed of currant, bay and other bushes, whilst here and there were beds of yellow violets, and the inevitable strawberry plants every­ where. After crossing a stream which, flowing from the north, afterward took a westerly course, thus proving that we had passed the watershed, we proceeded, under cover of a huge rock, to recon­ noitre the hunting-ground. The scenery was beautiful: a valley, about a mile wide, stretched directly under us; on the southern verge a silver line marked the easterly river, and another on the northern the one debouching in the Pa­ cific ; whilst above, on both sides, rose high mountains covered with vegetation and almost impenetrable forests. On 395 the western side of the valley a solitary bull was leisurely taking his breakfast, and above our lookout rock a huge con­ dor lazily flapped his wings. These were the only specimens of animal life in view. Pursuing our way in perfect silence, as from the first entrance into the forests speaking had been prohibited, we fol­ lowed the leader along the narrow cattle­ path, passing here and there the remains of a dead bull or cow that had met its fate by the Indians’ lasso, and at length descended to the plain. It was about mid-day and the day was warm, so we halted, changed horses, looked to our girths, got lassos ready for use, and then started on. As we were proceeding we observed two or three animals amongst the woods on the opposite side, but, knowing that it would be useless to fol­ low, pursued our course up the valley. Having crossed the western stream, we at once entered a thicket where the path was scarcely distinguishable from the cover, but our leader never faltered, and led the way through open glades alter­ nating with thick woods, on every side of which were cattle-marks—many being holes stamped out by the bulls—or wallowing-places. The glades soon termi­ nated in forests, which seemed to stretch unbroken on either side. We had ex­ pected before reaching this point to find cattle in considerable numbers, but the warmth of the day had probably driven them into the thickets to seek shelter. We now commenced to ascend over a dangerous path, encumbered here and there with loose boulders and entangled in dense thickets, whilst we could hear and catch occasional glimpses of the river foaming down a ravine on our left; and presently arrived at the top of a ridge where the forests became more uniformly dense, and we could with great difficulty pursue our way. It was a mystery to me how Orkeke, who acted as guide, knew where we were, as on one occasion the slightly-marked paths diverged in different directions, and on another we literally found ourselves amongst fallen trees in a forest so dense that the light of day scarcely penetrated its shades. Our leader, however, never �396 AT HOME WITH THE PATAGONIANS. hesitated, but led us onward in all con­ fidence. Whilst brushing along, if I may be allowed the term, trying to keep the leader in sight, I heard something tapping on a tree, and, looking up, saw close above me a most beautifully-fea­ thered red-crested woodpecker. We at length commenced to descend, and, after passing many channels of rivulets issu­ ing from springs, where a slip of the horse’s foot on the wet and mossy stones would have occasioned something worse than broken bones, as they were situated on the edge of a deep ravine, finally emerged from the woods, and found our­ selves on a hill of some three hundred feet in height, whence we looked down On a broad plain in the form of a triangle, bounded by the river flowing through the ravine on the north side, and on the southern by another coming from the south, which two streams united in one large river at the western apex, at a dis­ tance of about perhaps a league. Above and around, on all sides excepting to the west and the ravines through which the rivers flowed, rose the unbroken wall of the lofty mountains of the Cordillera, many of their peaks snow-clad. No sound was to be heard except the rush­ ing of the river in the ravine, and no animal life to be seen except a condor or two floating high above us in the clear sky. The scene was sublime, and I view­ ed it in silence for some minutes, till the pipe, being handed to me, dispelled all nascent poetic tendencies. The Indians remained silent and looked disgusted, as a herd of cattle had been expected to be viewed on the plain below. We descend­ ed to the flats and crossed the river, on the banks of which “Paja” or pampa­ grass grew in abundance, as well as the bamboo-like canes from which Araucanian Indians make their lance shafts, and a plant called by the Chilians “Talka,” the stalk of which, resembling rhubarb, is refreshing and juicy. On the northern edges and slope of the ra­ vine behind us towered graceful pines sixty feet high, which, though an im­ passable barrier of rock prevented close inspection, appeared to be a species of Araucaria: the bark was imbricated, [Apr. and the stems rose bare of branches for two-thirds of their height, like those fig­ ured by M. Gay. Many had been car­ ried down by landslips, and lay tossed and entangled on the sides of the ra­ vine. The increase of temperature after passing the watershed was sensibly great, amounting to from seven to ten degrees, and the vegetation far more luxuriant, the plants presenting many new forms unknown at the eastern side. After leaving the plain and crossing the shal­ low stream, we left our mantles, and girthed up near a tree in a thicket fes­ tooned with a beautiful creeper, having a bell-shaped flower of violet radiated with brown. The variety of flowers made an Eden of this lovely spot: climbing clusters of sweet-peas, vetches, rich golden flowers resembling gorgeous marigolds, and many another blossom, filled the air with perfume and delighted the eye with their beauty. Proceeding still westward, we entered a valley with alternate clumps of trees and green pas­ tures, and after riding about a mile I espied from a ridge on one side of the valley two bulls on the other side, just clear of the thick woods bordering the ascent of the mountains. The word was passed in whispers to the cacique, and, a halt being called under cover of some bushes, a plan of attack was ar­ ranged in the following manner : Two men were sent round to endeavor to drive the animals to a clearing where it would be possible to use the lasso, the remainder of the party proceeding down toward the open ground with lassos, ready to chase if the bulls should come that way. For a few minutes we re­ mained stationary, picking the straw­ berries, which in this spot were ripe, although the plants previously met with were only in flower. At the end of five minutes spent in anxiously hoping that our plan would prove successful, a yell from the other side put us on the alert, and we had the gratification to see one of the animals coming straight toward our cover. Alas! just as we were pre­ paring to dash out he turned on the edge of the plain, and after charging furious­ ly at his pursuer, dashed into a thicket, �AT HOME WITH THE PATAGONIANS. 397 where he stood at bay. We immediately ever, to our surprise, issued safe from closed round him, and, dismounting, I the bush, where he had lain quiet and advanced on foot to try and bring him unhurt, though the horse was killed. down with the revolver: just as I had got within half a dozen paces of him, The first question asked about the and behind a bush was quietly taking Patagonians by curious English friends aim at his shoulder, the Indians, eager has invariably had reference to their for beef, and safe on their horses at traditionary stature : Are they giants or a considerable distance off, shouted, not? Whether the ancestors of the Te“Nearer! nearer!” I accordingly step­ huelches—to whom alone, by the way, ped from my cover, but had hardly the name Patagonians properly applies moved a pace forward when my spur —were taller than the present race is caught in a root: at the same moment uncertain, though tales of gigantic skele­ “El Toro” charged. Entangled with tons found in Tehuelche graves are cur­ the root, I could not jump on one side rent in Punta Arenas and Santa Cruz. as he came on ; so when within a yard The average height of the Tehuelche I fired a shot in his face, hoping to turn male members of the party with which him, and wheeled my body at the same I traveled was rather over than under instant to prevent his horns from catch­ five feet ten inches. Of course no other ing me, as the sailors say, “broadside means of measurement besides compar­ on.” The shot did not stop him, so I ing my own height were available, but was knocked down, and, galloping over this result, noted at the time, coincides me, he passed on with my handkerchief, with that independently arrived at by Mr. which fell from my head, triumphantly Cunningham. Two others, who were borne on his horns, and stopped a few measured carefully by Mr. Clarke, stood yards off under another bush. Having six feet four inches each. After joining picked myself up and found my arms the northern Tehuelches, although the and legs all right, I gave him another Southerners proved generally the tallest, shot, which, as my hand was rather I found no reason to alter this average, unsteady, only took effect in the flank. as any smaller men that were met with My cartridges being exhausted, I return­ in their company were not pure Te­ ed to my horse and found that, besides huelches, but half-bred Pampas. The being considerably shaken, two of my extraordinary muscular development of ribs had been broken by the encounter. the arms and chest is in all particularly The Indians closed round me, and striking, and as a rule they are wellevinced great anxiety to know whether proportioned throughout. This fact calls I was much hurt. One, more courageous for especial mention, as others have than the rest, despite the warnings of the stated that the development and strength cacique, swore that he would try and of the legs is inferior to that of the arms. lasso the brute, and accordingly ap­ Even Mr. Cunningham alleges this to proached the infuriated animal, who for be the case, but I cannot at all agree a moment or two showed no signs of with him. Besides the frequent oppor­ stirring: just, however, as the Indian tunities afforded me of scrutinizing the was about to throw his lasso it caught young men engaged in the game of ball, in a branch, and before he could extri­ in which great strength and activity are cate it the bull was on him. We saw displayed, or when enjoying the almost the horse give two or three vicious kicks daily bath and swimming or diving, I as the bull gored him : at length he was judged of the muscular size of their legs lifted clean up, the fore legs alone re­ by trying on their boots, which in nearly maining on the ground, and overthrown, all cases were far too large for me, al­ the rider alighting on his head in a bush. though the feet, on the other hand, were We closed up and attracted the bull in frequently smaller than mine. The another direction, then went to look for height of their insteps is also worthy of the corpse of our comrade, who, how­ remark, one example of which may suf- �398 AT HOME WITH THE PATAGONIANS. [Apr, fice. Having negotiated an exchange I ufactared by Messrs, Thomas, for some of an excellent pair of high boots, man- j necessary article with a TehuSche, the bargain fell through because he was un- I high-arched instep proving an insuper» able to get his foot into the boot, the I able obstacle to farther progress. �1872.] AT HOME WITH THE PATAGONIANS. Their faces, of course, vary in expres­ sion, but are ordinarily bright and good- humored, though when in the settle­ ments they assume a sober, and even sullen, demeanor. Wáki and Cayuke, two friends of mine, are particularly present to my recollection as having always had a smile on their faces. Their ever-ready laughter displays uni­ versally good teeth, which they keep white and clean by chewing “maki,” a gum which exudes from the incense bush, and is carefully gathered by the women and children. It has a rather pleasant taste and is a most excellent dentifrice, worthy to rival Odonto or Floriline, and it is used simply as such, and not, as M. Guinnard says, because their greediness is so great that they must chew something. Their eyes are bright and intelligent, and their noses— though, of course, presenting different types—are as a rule aquiline and wellformed, and devoid of the breadth of nostril proper to the ordinary ideal of savage tribes. The peculiar prominence over the eyebrows has been noticed by all observers, and retreating foreheads, though observable, are exceptional. The thick masses of hair and the obvious risk, which would deter the most zealous craniologist from endeavoring to meas­ ure their heads, must be deemed suf­ ficient excuse for my not being able to state whether they are dolichokephalic or brachykephalic — a point, however, which I confess did not particularly at­ tract my observation; but for the partial comfort of anthropologists, be it noted that both Chilians and myself inter­ changed hats with some Tehuelches, especially Orkeke and Hinchel, without finding misfits. The complexion of the men is reddish-brown—that is to say, when cleansed from paint, and, like an old picture, restored to its pristine tint, which is not quite so deep as to warrant Fitzroy’s comparison of it to the color of a Devon cow. The scanty natural growth of beard, moustaches, and even eyebrows, is care­ fully eradicated by means of a pair of silver tweezers, and I was often urged to part with my beard and undergo this 399 painful operation, but I naturally object­ ed to complying with the request. The men’s heads are covered with thick, flowing masses of long hair, of which they take great care, making their wives or other female relatives brush it out carefully at least once a day. Very few appeared to have gray hair, though there were a few exceptions, one very old man’s hair being of a snowy whiteness, which contrasted strangely with his tawny face. The women have, as far as I could judge, an average height of about five feet six : they are very strong in the arms, but seldom walk, beyond fetching the supplies of wood and water, all their journeys being performed on horseback. Their hair, which is of no great length, scarcely indeed equaling that of the men, and very coarse, is worn in two plaited tails, which on galadays are artificially lengthened, prob­ ably with horsehair interwoven with blue beads, the ends being garnished with silver pendants. This practice, however, is confined, I think, to the un­ married ladies. The young women are frequently good-looking, displaying healthy, ruddy cheeks when not disguised with paint. They are modest in behavior, though very coquettish, and as skilled in flirta­ tion as if they had been taught in more civilized society, appealing as prettily for help as a young lady in imaginary difficulties over a country stile. Thus, when at Orkeke’s request I led the way through a river — halfway across the channel suddenly deepened, with mud­ dy bottom, and an abrupt bank to land on—I heard a plaintive appeal, “Mus­ ter, help me! my horse is too small.” Exposure and work do not age them as soon as might be expected, but when old they become most hideous beldams, and the most weird-like witches imagined by Dore would be surpassed by a trio of Tehuelche grandams. The dress of the men consists of a chiripa or under­ garment round the loins, made of a poncho, a piece of cloth, or even of a guanaco mantle; but, whatever the ma­ terial, this article of dress is indispens­ able and scrupulously worn, their sense �400 AT HOME WITH THE PATAGONIANS; [Apr. of decency being very strong. All other I and warm skin-mantle, which, worn garments are supplied by the capacious | with the fur inside and the painted side out, will keep the wearer dry for a con- I This is often dispensed with in the ch >se, siderable time in the wettest weather. I but if worn when riding is secured at the �AT HOME WITH THE PATAGONIANS. 1872.] waist by a belt of hide or leather if it can be obtained. When in camp the belt is not used, and the garment is worn loose, something after the fashion of the melodramatic assassin’s cloak. When sitting by the fireside, or even when walking about, the furred part of the mantle is generally kept up over the mouth, as the Tehuelches aver that the cold wind causes sore gums—-a habit which assists in rendering their guttural, and at all times rather unintelligible, language more difficult of comprehen­ sion to' the novice. The women’s dress consists of a man­ tle similar to that worn by the men, but secured at the throat by a large silver pin with a broad disk, or a nail, or thorn, according to the wealth or poverty of the wearer; and under this is a loose calico or stuff sacque, extending from the shoulders to the ankle. When trav­ eling the mantle is secured at the waist by a broad belt ornamented with blue beads and silver or brass studs. The boots worn by the women are similar to those described, with the exception that in their preparation the hair is left on the hide, while it is carefully removed from those of the men. The children are dressed in small mantles, but are more frequently allowed to run about naked up to the age of six or eight: their little boots are made from the skin taken from the fore legs of the guanaco, soft­ ened in the hand. The small children generally remonstrated strongly and ef­ fectually against wearing this article of clothing, and, whatever the severity of the weather, preferred running about barefoot. The cradles for the babies are formed of strips of wickerwork interlaced with hide thongs, fitted with a cover to keep sun and rain off, and made of a convenient shape to rest on the saddle­ gear of the mother when on the march. They are ornamented, if the parents are wealthy, with little bells, brass or even silver plates. The women are fond of ornaments, wearing huge earrings of Square shape, suspended to small rings passing through the lobe of the ear; also silver or blue-bead necklaces. The men also wear these necklaces, and Vol. IX.—27 401 adorn their belts, pipes, knives, sheaths and horse-gear with silver. Those who can afford it also indulge in silver spurs and stirrups : most of their ornaments, except the beads, are homemade, being beaten out of dollars obtained by com­ merce in the settlements. Both sexes smear their faces, and occasionally their bodies, with paint, the Indians alleging as the reason for using this cosmetic that it is a protection against the effect of the winds ; and I found from personal ex­ perience that it proved a complete pre­ servative from excoriation or chapped skin. The paint for the face is composed of either red ochre or black earth mixed with grease obtained from the marrow­ bones of the game killed in the chase, all of which are carefully husbanded by the women, and when opportunity offers pounded and boiled in the large pots, the grease and gelatine being carefully skimmed off and secured. On state oc­ casions, such as a birth-feast, and for a dance, the men further adorn themselves with white paint or powdered gypsum, which they moisten and rub on their hands, and make five white finger-marks over their chests, arms and legs. The usual morning toilette is simple : after the plunge in the river, which is almost always the first thing—except of course when circumstances prevent it—-indulged in by both sexes, who bathe scrupulous­ ly apart, and generally before daylight, the men’s hair is dressed by their wives, daughters or sweethearts, who take the greatest care to burn any hairs that may be brushed out, as they fully believe that spells may be wrought by evil-intentioned persons who can obtain a piece of their hair. From the same idea, after cutting their nails the parings are care­ fully committed to the flames. After the hair-brushing, which is performed by means of a rude hand-brush, the women adorn the men’s faces with paint: if in mourning they put on black paint, and if going to fight, sometimes put a little white paint under the eyes, which assists in contrast to the other in giving a sav­ age expression. The women paint each other’s faces, or if possessed, as some­ times occurs, of a fragment of looking­ �402 AT HOME WITH THE PATAGONIANS. [Apr. glass, paint their own. Both sexes tattoo etc., are intended to propitiate the Guaon the forearm, by the simple process of lichu. When a child hurts itself, the puncturing the skin with a bodkin and slaughter of mares seems to partake at inserting a mixture of blue earth with a once of the nature of a thank-offering piece of dry glass: the usual patterns that the hurt was no worse, and a pro­ consist of a series of parallel lines, and pitiation to avert further harm. sometimes a single triangle or a double Whilst in their native wilds I observed triangle, the upper one resting on the little immorality amongst the Indians: apex of the lower. I myself had one in the settlements, however, when de­ line tattooed by a fair enslaver, and con­ based by intoxication, they are no doubt fess that the process was rather painful. depraved and loose in their ideas. But The religion of the Tehuelches is dis­ it must be recorded that on the entry of tinguished from that of the Pampas and the Indians into the settlements of the Araucanians by the absence of any trace Rio Negro at a subsequent period, most of sun-worship, although the new moon of the young women and girls were left is saluted, the respectful gesture being ac­ with the toldos in Valchita, outside the companied by some low muttered words Travesia, to be out of the way of temp­ which I never could manage to hear. tations. There are many Tehuelche They believe in a great and good Spirit, youths now growing up who have the though they think he lives " careless of greatest abhorrence of liquor; and I mankind.” They have no idols or ob­ hope that in time this abstinence will jects of worship, nor—if a year’s expe­ spread farther among them, for they rience can enable one to judge—do they possess no intoxicants of their own, and observe any periodical religious festival the rum is an import from the Christians, on which either the good or evil spirit is the ill effects of which they are well able adored. The mention of this by other to discern. travelers can only be explained by con­ One word of advice to the future trav­ fused accounts which have attributed eler may conclude this imperfect sketch. Araucanian customs to the totally dis­ Never show distrust of the Indians : be tinct Patagonians. The belief which as free with your goods and chattels as prompts all their religious acts is that in they are to each other. Don’t ever the existence of many active and ma­ want anything done for you — always licious evil spirits or demons, of whom catch and saddle your own horse. Don’t the principal one is always on the watch give yourself airs of superiority, as they to cause mischief. To propitiate or drive do not understand it, unless you can away this spirit is the function of the prove yourself better in some distinct wizard, or doctor, or medicine-man, who way. Always be first, as you are not combines the medical and magical arts, likely to be encumbered by a wife or though not possessed of an exclusive gear, in crossing rivers or any other dif­ faculty for either. All sacrifices of mares ficulties : they will learn by degrees to and horses, not at stated times, but as respect you. In a word, as you treat occasion requires, such as a birth, death, them so they will treat you. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Victorian Blogging Description An account of the resource A collection of digitised nineteenth-century pamphlets from Conway Hall Library &amp; Archives. This includes the Conway Tracts, Moncure Conway's personal pamphlet library; the Morris Tracts, donated to the library by Miss Morris in 1904; the National Secular Society's pamphlet library and others. The Conway Tracts were bound with additional ephemera, such as lecture programmes and handwritten notes.<br /><br />Please note that these digitised pamphlets have been edited to maximise the accuracy of the OCR, ensuring they are text searchable. If you would like to view un-edited, full-colour versions of any of our pamphlets, please email librarian@conwayhall.org.uk.<br /><br /><span><img src="http://www.heritagefund.org.uk/sites/default/files/media/attachments/TNLHLF_Colour_Logo_English_RGB_0_0.jpg" width="238" height="91" alt="TNLHLF_Colour_Logo_English_RGB_0_0.jpg" /></span> Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Conway Hall Library & Archives Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2018 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Conway Hall Ethical Society Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Pamphlet Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource At home with the Patagonians II Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Musters, George Chaworth Description An account of the resource Place of publication: [Philadelphia] Collation: 390-402 p. : ill. ; 24 cm. Notes: From the library of Dr Moncure Conway. From Lippincott's Monthly Magazine, 9 (April 1872). Attribution: Virginia Clark's catalogue. Printed in double columns. Please note that this pamphlet contains language and ideas that may be upsetting to readers. These reflect the time in which the pamphlet was written and the ideologies of the author. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available [J. B. Lippincott & Co.] Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource [1872] Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context G5307 Subject The topic of the resource Ethnology Patagonia Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/"><img src="http://i.creativecommons.org/p/mark/1.0/88x31.png" alt="Public Domain Mark" /></a><span> </span><br /><span>This work (At home with the Patagonians II), identified by </span><a href="https://conwayhallcollections.omeka.net/items/show/www.conwayhall.org.uk"><span>Humanist Library and Archives</span></a><span>, is free of known copyright restrictions.</span> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Language A language of the resource English Conway Tracts Ethnology Press Tehuelche People