AMEEICANS. 
77 
Canada have the same passion ; hence mininwi i^ the commodity most 
.Jp deniand. there. It may seem singular that these nations, Ayhoje 
natural colour is red, should atfect the same colour as an artificial 
ornament. But it may be observed, that they do nothing in this 
respect but what corresponds to the practice of Europeans, who also 
study to heighten and display to advantage the natural red and white 
of their complexions. 
The Indians of Peru have now indeed abandoned the custom of 
painting their bodies: but it was common among them before they 
were conquered by the Spaniards, and it still remains the custom of 
all those tribes who have preserved their liberty. 
The northern nations of America, besides the red colour which is 
predominant, employ also black, white, blue, and green, in painting 
their bodies. The. adjustment of these colours is a matter of as great 
consideration with the Indians of Louisiana, and the vast regions 
extending to the north, as the ornaments of dress amongst the most 
polished nations. The business itself was called maetacher, and they 
do not fail to apply all their talents and assiduity to accomplish it in 
the most polished manner. No lady ot the greatest fashion ever con- 
sulted her mirror with more anxiety, than the Indians do while paint- 
ing their bodies. The colours are applied with the utmost accuracy 
and address. Upon the eyelids, precisely at the root of the eye- 
lashes, they draw two lines as fine as the smallest thread, the sarne 
upon the lips, the opening of the nostrils, the eye-brows, and the ears, 
of which last they even follow'^ all the inflexions and sinuosities. 
Over the rest of the face, they distribute various figures, in all which 
the red predominates ; and the other colours are assorted so as to 
throw it out to the best advantage : a thick coat of vermilion com- 
monly distinguishes the cheeks. The neck also receives its proper 
ornaments. Four or six hours are requisite for accomplishing all this 
with the, nicety which they affect. As their first attempts do not 
always succeed to their wish, they efface them, and begin anew upon 
a better plan. No coquette is more fastidious in her choice of orna- 
ments, none more vain when the important adjustment is finished. 
Their delight and self-satisfaction are then so great, that the mirror 
is hardly ever laid down. An Indian, maetached to bis mind, is the 
vainest of all the human species. The other parts of the body are 
left in their natural state, and, excepting what is called a cachecul, 
they go entirely naked. 
Such as have made themseives eminent for bravery, or other qua- 
lifications, are distinguished by figures painted on their bodies. They 
introduce the colours by making punctures on their skin ; and the 
extent of surface which this ornament covers, is proportioned to tire 
exploits they have performed. Some paint only their arms, others 
paint both their arms and legs, others again their thighs, while those 
who have attained the summit of warlike renown, have their bodies 
washed from the waist upwards. This is the heraldry of the Indians, 
the devices of which are probably more exactly adjusted to the merits 
of the persons who bear them, than those of more civilized countries. 
Besides these ornaments, the w^arriors also carry plumes of feathers 
on their heads, their arms, and ankles. These likewise are tokens of 
