Stránka:roll 1931.djvu/162

146 Woodcraft Birch Bark Roll IG Beading IY1,2,11 By Jutta M. BuTtTREE There are so many forms and varieties of beading that the art 1s almost inexhaustible in its possibilities of decoration. Probably the earliest type of beading as practiced by the Indians, with what we now call seed beads, was sewing the beads onto a piece of buckskin with a sinew thread. For this, no needle was required. Holes were punched into the skin with a bone awl, four or five beads were strung on the sinew, and the stiffened end of this thread passed through the hole. The process is much facilitated these days by the use of needles. If the material to be beaded is leather or buckskin, the work is done on the flesh side, and the stitches do not go through to the other side; thus giving a perfectly smooth surface to be worn next the body. In a moccasin, particu- larly, this 1s very important. The method of beading depends largely on the design se- lected. If it 1s full of-curves as in the Chippewa floral pat- terns, the outline must be followed first, then filled in. The thread is fastened firmly on the side to be beaded, so no knot is on the side next the body. A number of beads (varying according to the curve to be followed) are strung on the needle, then a tiny stitch taken into the leather, but not through; and the process is repeated. If a large area is to be solidly covered with beading, the method is much the same, except that no outline is first followed. But even here, there are two variations. If a ridged appearance is desired, the same number of beads are strung on the thread at each stitch. If a flat surface 1s wanted, the number of beads at each stitch should vary a little ; that is, if on one line 5 beads are strung at each stitch, use 6 or 4 on the next line. Both methods were used by the Indians. Beaded hangers of various kinds were popular among the Redmen, and are a very decorative touch to add to the ro- settes of a war bonnet, or as loose ends with which to trim a dress. The method is much the same as in the floral design beading. A thong, or other core, is cut the required length. The needle, threaded with sinew or other strong thread, is an-