306 bushnell: the chitimacha Indians 



piece of hard wood, and any incised decorations were added 

 at this time. Brown clay was not considered good for pottery 

 making, and grease was never used to darken the ware. Spoons 

 are made from cow horns. 



Baskets are made from both split cane and the stems of pal- 

 metto, native dyes being used. Three colors are made and 

 used by these people, yellow, red, and black, these added to 

 the natural material giving them four shades to combine in 

 their basket work. The yellow dye is derived from the roots 

 of l'anze, which is known locally as paciance. This is a dock, 

 probably Rumex crispus L. The root is crushed and pounded 

 while fresh and is not allowed to become dry. The crushed 

 roots are then placed in a kettle of water and allowed to boil. 

 The split cane is also put in the kettle and soon becomes a 

 brilliant yellow. If a red is desired the material is first dyed 

 yellow, as stated, and is then removed from the kettle and al- 

 lowed to remain over night in a protected spot, away from the 

 wind. In the morning it is again put in the same liquid 

 to which is added a small quantity of lime made by burn- 

 ing clam or oyster shells. It is again boiled and now turns 

 red, caused by the action of the strong alkali. The shade of 

 red may be governed by the density of the yellow dye, and by 

 the length of time it remains in the alkali solution. Black 

 dye is made by boiling the bark of the maple or live oak in water. 



Cords or ropes are still made by twisting back moss. Only 

 black moss will serve the purpose. A quantity is obtained and 

 two persons work with it, twisting in opposite directions. After 

 the cord is some twenty or thirty feet in length it is doubled 

 and again twisted, this time very tightly. 



Dugouts or pirogues are made of a single log of cypress. 

 Other woods are sometimes used, but cypress is the favorite. 

 Light canoes were formerly made by covering a frame of wood 

 with skins or bark. 



HUNTING AND FISHING 



Blowguns were used in hunting small game and birds. 

 They were made of pieces of cane from 5 to 7 feet in length. 



