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MAIDU SNOWSHOES (left). Frame of bent willow lashed with deer rawhide. The shoes were solidly fixed to the feet, allowing no room for heel-play. #901 |
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| MAIDU OBSIDIAN KNIFE (above). Flaked obsidian point fastened into a handle of wood made of two pieces tied together and further secured by means of pitch; approx. 5 – 6" long. #905. |
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| MAIDU FIRE-DRILL (above). The base, generally of cedar, has notches cut in the side, and a small hole cut out at the head of each notch. The twirling-stick is usually of buckeye. The base is held firmly on the ground with the knees, and the twiriling-stick rapidly twirled between the hands. Dried grass or punky wood is used as tinder. #910. |
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MAIDU PORCUPINE-TAIL COMB (above).
A porcupine tail backed with hide or cloth was a common form of hair comb in the higher Sierra. #930. |
NISENAN MAIDU DUNNING STICKS (above right).Wood whittled and painted with red and black pigment, tied with fiber string. These were tossed into a debtor’s house by the creditor, as a reminder that the debt should soon be paid. Average length of sticks 3-1/2". #925.
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| COCOON RATTLES (right). Cocoon rattles were used only for ceremonial purposes, and, as a rule, by shamans alone. They are made by securing cocoons of attacus californicus to the end of a stick. The cocoons have gravel or small pebbles in them, and produce a soft rustling when shaken. The So. Miwok type shown at far left is about 6" long and has four cocoons bound on with deer sinew. #950. Next is a Maidu version about 8" long made with eight cocoons attached with hemp twine. #951. |
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