286 THE HUDSON BAY ESKIMO. 



the thumb portion has beeu reciit and sewed. The wrists of the mit- 

 tens are often gaudily ornamented with strips of red or black cloth. 

 Desijjns of simple character, such as lines and cross lines jirodncing 

 lattice- work figures, are frequently painted on the back of the mitten. 

 Beads in rows and zigzag lines ornament the wrist, and strands of 

 beads are pendant from the outside seams. The strands are often 

 tipped with tassels of variegated woolen threads. The mittens intended 

 for severe weather are often lined with the thin skin of a fcetal rein- 

 deer, which has short, soft hair. Great exertion often causes the hands 

 to perspire and moisten the hair, and this freezes the instant the mit- 

 ten is removed from the hand, and is liable to freeze the fingers 

 within it. 



The head-dress of the men for the summer is often a large cotton 

 handkerchief wound turban-ftishion around the head to ijrevent the 

 long hair from blowing over the face. These handkerchiefs are of the 

 most gaudy patterns, and if they are not worn a simple thong of deer- 



FlG. 94. — Beaded headband. Nenenot. 



skin serves the purpose. The girls and newly married wives often 

 make bands of beads, some of which arc ipiite attractively designed, 

 for their lovers or husbands. These bands are about an inch wide and 

 several Inches long. The ends are lengthened with strips of skin. The 

 band is placed over the forehead and tied by tlic strings behind. These 

 headbands are generally the most intricate designs of bead work which 

 these Indians display (Fig. 94). 



A cap of deerskin is often worn, but it always seems to be in the way, 

 and is used mostly in wet weather. A piece of stiff' deerskin is some- 

 times made into the shape of a visor of a cap and worn over the eyes 

 during the spring when the glare of the sun on the snow produces such 

 distressing inflammation of the eyes. It is fastened to the head by 

 means of straps tied behind. The greater part of the men prefer to go 

 without head covering. Some who are able and love a display of fancy 

 colors have a cap made of red cloth and ornamented with beads worked 

 into extravagant patterns. The cap is a high conical affair, and from 

 the weight of beads upon it often falls to one sule of the head. 



