Fig. [181]. Eagle feather of paper.
Fig. [182].—Decorated Indian shield.
Bison hide is something you cannot obtain, so take writing paper for the shield. Cut it into a circle an inch and a half in diameter, with an extension for the handle ([Fig. 180]). Glue the free end of the handle on the opposite side of the back of the shield. Make ten paper eagle feathers ([Fig. 181]), hang seven on the bottom of the shield with red thread, after first decorating the centre of the shield with given designs and the edge with colored bands, using any or all of the following colors, but no others: positive red, blue for the sky, green for the grass, yellow for the sun, white for the clouds and snow, and black. To the Indian color is a part of religion. Purple, pinks, and some other colors, the red man, loyal to his beliefs, can never bring himself to use. Attach two of the remaining feathers at the top and another on the centre of the shield, as shown in [Fig. 182].
Fig. [183].—Paper flint arrow-head.
The Indian makes his
Arrow-heads
of triangular flakes of flint chipped from a stone held between his knees and struck with a rude stone hammer. The pieces knocked off are carefully examined, and only those without flaws are kept. Stones for arrow-heads must be very hard. When found, the red men bury them in wet ground and build fires over them, causing the stones to show all cracks and checks. This enables the arrow-maker to discard those unfitted for his work.