SINGULAR MODE OF ADJUSTING THE HAIR. 
569 
bracelets, or of girdles, or of necklaces ; although a large proportion 
of the inhabitants are too poor to afford themselves this decoration ; 
which thus becomes in some degree a mark of distinction. The 
favorite colors at this time, were, as already noticed, black, white, and 
light -blue ; and the size, between an eighth and a quarter of an inch 
in diameter. Other colors and sizes, were also worn ; and a sort 
variegated with lines or spots of a different color, and but little less 
than half an inch in diameter, were much admired. Besides the 
common porcelain beads of European manufacture, iron or copper 
beads are much worn, though less esteemed. These are made by the 
same tribes and in the same manner, as the small rings just described. 
Plain rings of brass or copper, are frequently to be seen on their 
fingers : this ornament is called mitsdtina. 
But the most remarkable peculiarity of a Bachapin woman, is 
the mode in which she dresses her hair. The appearance and form 
of it, may be seen in the 7th and 8th plates. The hair in its natural 
state * is so excessively woolly that it never forms itself into locks, 
unless it be left to grow for a great length of time and clotted 
together with grease or dirt.f It can therefore be only by much 
pains and continual care, that the women bring their hair into so 
singular a state. They form it into innumerable threads of the size 
of thin twine, which, hanging in equal quantity all round the head, 
have the appearance of being fastened at their upper ends to the 
centre of the crown ; while their lower ends, being all of an even 
length, are never allowed to descend lower than the top of the ear. 
These threads, being well powdered with sibilo which adheres to them 
by the assistance of grease, continue perfectly loose and separate 
from each other. The weight which they derive from this mineral, 
keeps them always in a perpendicular position, and so exactly parallel, 
that the head seems to be covered, rather with something artificial in 
the form of a cap or small bonnet, than with any thing which naturally 
belongs to it. It is only when the wearer walks or makes a sudden 
* Which may be seen hi the portrait of Chaasi ; plate 1 0. 
f Such as may be seen in the portrait of Boklookwe, at page 433. 
VOL. II. 4 D 
