i7o 



EXPLORATIONS IN THE FAR NORTH 



single button at the wrist. This frock is 32 inches long, 26 

 inches across the shoulders, 54 around the waist, and 20 around 

 the neck. The sleeve is 21 inches long. It has been worn and,, 

 owing to the method of tanning, has a strong smoky odor. 



Leather Gown. The collection contains but one, No. 10,850, 

 which was worn by a Dog Rib woman, the wife of Johnnie 

 Cohoyla. It is of dressed caribou leather made up in a polo- 

 naise. The only cloth used is in the belt, 1.5 inches wide, and 

 a velvet hem 0.5 in width. It is closed in front by a pair of 

 thongs at the throat and by three brass trousers buttons at the 

 waist. It is 48 inches long and 13 inches across the shoulders. 

 The sleeves are 16 inches long. It is sewed with sinew and has 

 many rents and patches. It has been long worn and is covered 

 with dirt and grease. The skins of five caribou were used in 

 making it. 



Capotes. The men of the Dog Rib tribe wear capotes of cari_ 

 bouskin, dressed with the hair on. These are usually made 

 from the skins of animals killed in early autumn, when the soft 

 summer pelage is at its best. No. 10,853, of winter caribouskin, 

 a typical specimen, was made for use upon the musk-ox hunt. 

 It is large enough to be worn over another capote by a man of 

 average size. The skins of three caribou were used in making 

 it; the largest one forms the back and hood; a second, cut in 

 halves, forms the sides, and the third the sleeves and front of 

 the hood; this last is a piece 3.5 inches wide at the top and 

 tapers to a point 26 inches below, the ends hanging free for 10 

 inches below the chin; it is double, the inner piece being turned 

 with hair inward to protect the face. This is the only lining 

 about the garment, and I know from experience that the bare 

 leather soon becomes cold and disagreeable against the neck 

 and face in severe weather. This capote is 3 feet long with a 21 

 inch sleeve. It is closed by two pairs of thongs and by the belt. 



Caps. North of Athabasca Landing the usual head covering 

 of the Indian is his heavy hair, confined by a bandana hand- 

 kerchief in summer, which has replaced the hair or deerskin 

 headband of the past, or by the hood of his capote in winter. 

 A few wear hats obtained from the traders and others a "birch 

 cap" of their own manufacture. I obtained one of these caps 

 from a Cree at Chippewyan. It is made of a band of birch- 

 wood 2.5 inches wide and 7.5 inches in diameter. It is covered 



