98 



SMITHSONIAN MISCELLANEOUS COLLECTIONS VOL. 68 



Dwellings and their native equipment were given detailed study, 

 the principal types noted by earlier observers being seen and photo- 

 graphed. The reeds and rushes used in weaving mats for the floor 

 and sides of dwellings were collected, together with specimens of 

 the mats and the implements used in their weaving (fig. loo). These 

 mats are still made by the Chippewa, although the use of native 



Fig. 100. — Chippewa wcman weaving small mat of rushes. 

 Photograph hy Miss Densmore. 



dyes for coloring them has been discontinued. The formulae for 

 many shades of color were, however, obtainable, and rushes, porcu- 

 pine quills, yarn, and woolen cloth were dyed by Chippewa women 

 as examples of native ability in this art. Numerous specimens of 

 beadwork in geometric designs were collected, the women stating 

 that these designs were employed by them before the floral patterns 

 which are now in general use. The implements used in the handi- 



