1892 93.] 



NOTES ON THK WKSTKRN DENES. 



179 



Such was also the commercial valuation of the Kaz. This is the 

 ceremonial robe which I have elsewhere compared to the mehil of the 

 Jewish high priest. It was originally of tanned cariboo skin, but the 

 specimen in my possession (fig. i68) is of an old-fashioned printed stuf*. 

 Yet the fact of its main fringe being ornamented , with porcupine quills 

 and here and there with hoofs of yearling cariboo is evidence of respect- 

 able antiquity, considering the progressive tendency of the race to which 

 belonged its maker. Exclusive of the lower fringe it measures 2 feet 2^ 

 inches in length, and in its narrowest breadth it is 3 feet 4.}^ inches. 

 The upper fringe is of red iyarn, while that at the edge of the garment 





Fig. 168. 



Fig. 169. 



(fig. 169) is composed as follows: — Firstly, small rounds of red cloth 

 sewn on the printed calico, then two fillets respectively blue and red 

 running along the edge. A narrow strip of tanned skin is then sewed 

 on, from which hangs the fringe proper. The upper part of the strands 

 is wrapped with yellow or green porcupine quills, below which they are 

 left naked until they are connected together at hanging intervals by a 

 slender cord of sinew thread. After an equal length left uncovered, each 

 •strand is passed through a dentalium shell, ending in a sewing thimble or 

 a cariboo hoof scalloped at the edge. 



The lapels or side extensions at the top of the Raz are intended to 

 button or attach it behind with strings ; for though the garment 

 resembled a robe while in actual use, it was put on and worn as an apron 

 from the waist down. Needless to add that the metallic ornaments of 



