326 



VOYAGE UP THE TAPAJOS 



the truth. The points of resemblance between all the 

 tribes inhabiting the region of the Amazons are so numer- 

 ous 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 derived by immigration from one quarter and one 

 stock, the separate tribes subsequently acquiring their 

 peculiarities by long isolation. 



I bought of the Tushaua 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 superstitious 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 festivals, 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 inter- 

 mission night and day until the stimulating beverage is 

 finished. 



We left the Tushaua' s house early the next morning. 

 The impression made upon me by the glimpse of Indian 

 life in its natural state obtained here, and at another 

 cluster of houses visited higher up, was a pleasant one. 

 notwithstanding the disagreeable incident of the Para- 

 rauate visit. The Indians are here seen to the best ad- 

 vantage ; having relinquished many of their most bar- 

 barous practices, without being corrupted by too close 

 contact with the inferior whites and half-breeds of the 

 civilized settlements. The manners are simpler, the de- 

 meanour more gentle, cheerful and frank, than amongst 



