Chap. II. INDIAN FESTIVALS. 135 



of the Amazons are so numerous and striking, that, 

 notwithstanding the equally striking points of difference 

 which some of them exhibit, we must conclude that not 

 only the Mundurucus and Mauhes, but all the various 

 peoples had a common origin — that is, they are de- 

 rived by immigration from one quarter and one stock, 

 the separate tribes subsequently acquiring their pecu- 

 liarities by long isolation. 



I bought of the Tushaiia two beautiful feather sceptres, 

 with their bamboo cases. These are of cylindrical shape, 

 about three feet in length and three inches in diameter, 

 and are made by gluing with wax the fine white and 

 yellow feathers from the breast of the toucan on stout 

 rods, the tops being ornamented with long plumes from 

 the tails of parrots, trogons, and other birds. The 

 Mundurucus are considered to be the most expert 

 workers in feathers of all the South American tribes. 

 It is very difficult, however, to get them to part with 

 the articles, as they seem to have a sort of super- 

 stitious regard for them. They manufacture head- 

 dresses, sashes and tunics, besides sceptres ; the feathers 

 being assorted with a good eye to the proper contrast 

 of colours, and the quills worked into strong cotton 

 webs, woven with knitting sticks in the required 

 shape. The dresses are worn only during their festi- 

 vals, which are celebrated, not at stated times, but 

 whenever the Tushaua thinks fit. Dancing, singing, 

 sports, and drinking, appear to be the sole objects of 

 these occasional holidays. When a day is fixed upon, 

 the women prepare a great quantity of taroba, and the 

 monotonous jingle is kept up, with little intermission 



