CHAP. V.] 
IIATR HELMETS OF LA TO OKA. 
143 
ladies would be startled at the fact, that to perfect the 
coiffure of a man requires a period of from eight to 
ten years ! However tedious the operation, the result 
is extraordinary. The Latookas wear most. exquisite 
helmets, all of which are formed of their own hair; 
and are, of course, fixtures. At first sight it appears 
incredible, but a minute examination shows the won¬ 
derful perseverance of years in producing what must 
be highly inconvenient. The thick, crisp wool is 
woven with fine twine, formed from the bark of a 
tree, until it presents a thick net-work of felt. As 
the hair grows through this matted substance it is 
subjected to the same process, until, in the course of 
years, a compact substance is formed like a strong 
felt, about an inch and a half thick, that has been 
trained into the shape of a helmet. A strong rim, 
of about two inches deep, is formed by sewing it 
together with thread; and the front part of the 
helmet is protected by a piece of polished copper ; 
while a piece of the same metal, shaped like the half 
of a bishop’s mitre and about a foot in length, forms 
the crest. The framework of the helmet being at 
length completed, it must be perfected by an arrange¬ 
ment of beads, should the owner of the head be suffi¬ 
ciently rich to indulge in the coveted distinction. 
The beads most in fashion are the red and the blue 
porcelain, about the size of small peas. These are 
sewn on the surface of the felt, and so beautifully 
arranged in sections of blue and red that the entire 
helmet appears to be formed of beads ; and the hand¬ 
some crest of polished copper, surmounted by ostrich- 
plumes, gives a most dignified and martial appear¬ 
ance to this elaborate head-dress. No helmet is sup¬ 
posed to be complete without a row of cowrie-shells 
stitched around the rim so as to form a solid edge. 
The Latookas have neither bows nor arrows, their 
weapons consisting of the lance, a powerful iron-headed 
mace, a long-bladed knife or sword, and an ugly iron 
bracelet, armed with knife-blades about four inches 
