CHAP. XXX.
Of their Paintings.
1. They paint their Garments, &c.
2. The Men paint their Faces in Warre.
3. Both Men and Women for pride, &c.
| Wómpi, | White. |
| Mówi-súcki, | Black. |
| Msqùi, | Red. |
| Wesaûi, | Yellow. |
| Askáski, | Greene. |
| Peshaúi, | Blew, &c. |
Obs: Wunnàm, their red painting which they most delight in, and is both the Barke of the Pine, as also a red Earth.
| Míshquock, | Red Earth. |
| Métewis, | Black earth. |
From this Métewis, is an Indian Towne, a day and a halfes Journey, or lesse (West, from the Massachusetts) called Metewêmesick. Wussuckhósu a painted Coat.
Of this and Wussuckwheke (the English Letters,) which comes neerest to their painting, I spake before in the Chapter of their Clothing.
| Aunakêsu, | He is painted. |
| Aunakéuck, | They are painted. |
| Tawhìtch aunakéan? | Why doe you paint your selfe? |
| Chèskhosh, | Wipe off. |
| Cummachiteoûwunash kuskeésuckquash, | You spoile your face. |
| Mat pitch cowáhick, Manìt keesiteónckqus, | The God that made you will not know you. |
Generall Observations of their Paintings.
It hath been the foolish Custome of all barbarous Nations to paint and figure their Faces and Bodies (as it hath been to our shame and griefe, wee may remember it of some of our Fore-Fathers, in this nation:) How much then are we bound to our most holy Maker for so much knowledge of himselfe revealed in so much Civilty and Piety? and how should we also long and endeavour that America may partake of our Mercy.
More particular.
Truth is a Native, naked Beauty; but
Lying Inventions are but Indian paints.
Dissembling hearts, their Beautie’s but a lye,
Truth is the proper Beauty of Gods saints.
Fowle are the Indians Haire and painted faces,
More foule such Haire, such Face in Israel.
England so calls her selfe, yet there’s
Absoloms foule Haire and Face of Jesabell.
Paints will not bide Christ’s washing Flames of fire,
Fained Inventions will not bide such stormes:
O that we may prevent him, that betimes
Repentance Teares may wash of all such formes.