590 
ARTS OF THE BACHAPINS. — LEATHER. 
which are called tdmmdni or litdmmam, are much eaten ; and are 
sometimes strung into necklaces. 
The Bachapins may be said to be little acquainted with artSi and 
to manufacture only a few things of the simplest kind. I have given 
them due praise for their architectw^e, with regard to the neatness 
of their dwellings and the plan on which they are constructed ; and 
for the perfection to which they have brought the art of sewing 
leather. But though in other works they possess, what may 
be termed, latent ingenuity, yet I could discover nothing, except 
these two, which could claim absolutely any admiration from a 
European. With reference, however, to the implements they make 
use of, several articles of their manufacturing deserve commendation, 
as exhibiting at least proofs of great patience. 
The means by which they bring raw hides, and the skins of 
animals, into the state of leather, seemed to be principally mecha- 
nical, as they certainly do not at present practice the art of tanning 
by steeping the skin in any lixivium. They sometimes smear them 
with the brains of the animal, and say that this assists their other 
operations in rendering the skin more supple and soft : the Hot- 
tentots and Bushmen follow the same practice, but not always ; nor 
is it an essential part of the process. They may possibly employ 
the juices of some plants containing the tanning property * ; but this 
never came under my observation. 
Their method therefore consists in loosening the texture of the 
skin by continued rubbing, stretching and scraping : this is per- 
formed in various ways. Small skins are prepared in the hand, and 
are frequently carried about with the person, that they may be thus 
rubbed whenever he may find leisure, or be in want of amusement. 
The larger skins consume much labor and time before they are 
made fit for use. The manner in which these people usually work 
upon them, singular as it may appear to a stranger, is not unreasonable, 
as it seems to have been devised with a view to convert a laborious 
See page 243. of the first volume. 
