•1892-93.] NOTES ON THK WESTERN DENES. 175 



The cap is formed of two rows of dentalium shells attached to a strip of 

 cariboo skin otherwise secured to the above mentioned netting. A 

 narrow band of leather separates the two rows and serves to retain in 

 juxtaposition the shells whose threads are also passed through it at the 

 proper intervals. The train is of human hair and measures three feet in 

 length. Each strand is formed of about a dozen hairs twisted into a 

 two-ply cord. About one foot from the bottom, bunches of perhaps 

 fifty hairs in their natural condition are added to the end of each strand 

 by means of finely shredded sinew. Moreover, on the outside of the 

 upper part of the train, and forming continuation with the two rows of 

 dentalia of the cap are bunches of four shells of the same description 

 from the united small ends of which hang flaps of artificially curled 

 human hair which add not a little to the general efifect of the whole. 

 Altogether, this wig must have produced a striking effect. 



The second (fig. 164) is of less complicated design, but of perhaps 

 more costly material. The front horn-like appendage is replaced by fine 

 strips of ermine skin, and the head-covering part is likewise of dentalium 

 shells, of which there are three rows. These are gathered in bunches of 

 three, which are tied at the small end over heavy three-ply cords of 

 human hair terminating on the outside in flaps of curled hair, as in the 

 previous case. The train is composed of fine three-ply strands of human 

 hair adorned, every three inches or so, with two dentalium shells in 

 successive order. To retain these at the proper intervals, little pieces of 

 wood are inserted between the shell and the strand, or the latter is 

 wrapped over with sinew thread. This train is not so abundant in 

 strands, nor quite so long as that of the preceding wig. 



These wies were used in festal dances durincr which they were decked 

 with swan's down which, owing to the movements of the dancer, produced 

 white undulating clouds intended to add to the picturesqueness of the 

 scene. 



They were held in such high estimation, that no consideration what- 

 ever could have induced their owner to part with them. The reason of 

 this will be readily understood when it is known that they formed an 

 integral part of the hereditary title of the nobleman. This is so true 

 that they shared with him the traditional name which they were intended 

 to honour. Thus wig, fig. 163, is called K^:/;?// after its last possessor, who 

 had himself inherited this name from a long line of ancestors. There- 

 fore parting with them was equivalent to forfeiting one's rank and title. 

 They were handed down from generation to generation, and this explains 

 the air of antiquity and quasi dilapidated condition of those in my 

 possession. 



