226 THE COCO-MARICOPA AND 
stretched upon the ground by means of stakes. Each 
alternate thread of the warp is passed round a piece of 
cane, which, being lifted, opens a passage for the shut- 
tle in the manner of a sley. The operator sits in the 
fashion of a tailor, and, raising the sley with one hand, 
with the other passes the shuttle, which is simply a 
pointed stick with the thread wound upon it, between 
the threads of the warp. The work is beaten up after 
the passage of each thread by the use of a sharp smooth- 
edged instrument made of hard wood. The operation 
of course progresses slowly; and from the length of 
time consumed in spinning and weaving, they set a 
high price upon their blankets, asking for them ten or 
twelve dollars in money, or a new woollen blanket of 
equal size. The weaving is generally done by the old 
men. 
The head-band or girdle consists of a white ground 
with a variety of figures of red, blue, and buff. The 
figures are angular, and, though they present a great 
variety, are all of one general character. The colored 
portions of these belts are made of wool, and the colors 
are quite brilliant. On examining the patterns on these 
bands, one is struck with their general resemblance to 
the figures on the ancient pottery found among the 
ruins of this country, a comparison with which will be 
made hereafter. : 
The pottery made by these tribes is all red or dark 
brown, the latter a blending of black and red. The 
articles made are very limited, though, perhaps, quite 
sufficient for their wants. In fact, they are the same 
as those made and in use by the Mexicans. They con: 
sist of ollas, or vases, of every size, the largest holding 
