Page:A Study of the Manuscript Troano.djvu/198

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A STUDY OF THE MANUSCRIPT TROANO
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the sides, so as to retain the strips in position. A kind of hand hackle is then used, as shown in Fig. 31, to slit them to the proper fineness. After some process not given, we next find the material rolled into a ball. next process, that of twisting Fig. 32. into the rope or cord, is Fig. 33. represented in Fig. 32. A few feet having been twisted by hand, the end is fastened to a little tree or stump, the ball of material is placed in a vessel or on a stool, while by means of a spatula-shaped instrument, doubtless of wood, the twisting is carried on. It is probable the implement is used simply to turn the ball, while the person at work gradually moves backward.

The idols, while in the process of manufacture, are usually represented by the heads only; those not yet painted or ornamented, without any other lines than those necessary to show the parts or organs, as in Fig. 33, which shows also the method of carving (see Plate XV*); those which are painted or ornamented (Fig. 34). Fig. 34. One of the implements used by them in carving their wooden images, I judge from its form, as shown in Fig. 35, was metallic.

Cloth is usually indicated by cross-hatching, as shown in the dresses of the females on Plates XVIII*, XIX*, and XX*; rain and falling water by slender, usually waved blue hues, as on Plates XXIV-XXVII. In the third division of Plate XX* the lines are blue, but not waved. Blood is shown by slender, waved red lines, as in the upper division of Plates XXII and XVIII*. A utensil or implement is represented on Plates XXI* and XXII* by a figure similar to our Fig. 36, the lower end always black, as shown in the figure. It was held by the middle or circular portion, the fingers of the