Excerpt from Metallic Ornaments of the New York Indians
The ordinary Shirt or tunic was made of two dressed deerskins, quite thin, fastened on the Shoulders and reaching mid-way on the leg. Fringes were cut in this at the armholes and around the bottom. Coverings for the arms were sometimes added, secured about by cords before and behind. Claws, hoofs and teeth were occasional ornaments, but metallic ornaments soon replaced these.. Dyed hair was freely used, and feathers and porcupine quills were Often in request. In early warfare the head of some animal was. Often placed on the warrior's shoulder or head. Painting was. Customary both in peace and war, and tattooing was frequent. The former still continues among the New York Iroquois.
AS this paper deals mainly with the metallic ornaments used by the Indians Of New York, which are but rarely prehistoric, the foregoing will sufiice to Show the general attire of these nations at and about the advent of the white man. After that time changes came rapidly. Those who would follow up the subject in a broader way can not do better than to consult the Dress and Ornaments of Certain American Indians by Lucien Carr. This treats of the attire Oi the Indians of the United States east of the Mississippi, as de scribed by early chroniclers. Of the changes Of the last two centuries little is said, nor of some which came so years earlier. His admirable summary, with its accurate notes, is valuable and convenient for this early view, but hardly touches the subject now to be considered.
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