Physical appearance was often a preoccupation for natives. Hours were spent looking in a mirror while applying paint (keep this in mind if you are tempted to 'just slap some on') and primping. Hairstyles varied across the eastern woodlands and were sometimes tribally specific. In the southeast there were three common ways to dress the hair. Adair mentions that the Cherokee often cut a scalplock that was triangular in shape. Some paintings also show the common round 'lock. A "bowl cut" was common with the Creeks of Ga/Sc/Al. There were some tribes who kept full heads of hair, but these are early descriptions of coastal tribes and are sparsely documented. The reenactor should either cut an appropriate hair style, or shave their head and wear a prosthetic hairpiece. Wrapping in a silk bandana is a poor substitute and diminishes the quality of appearance. Creek/Cherokee delegation (note triangle mohawk); Mico Chlucco, a Creek/Seminole; Chickasaw; Creek Piercing and tattooing were very common and predated contact. The outer rim (auricle) of the ear was often separated from the rest (shown above) and stretched. This practice petered out as the century progressed, though distortions can be seen in 19th century paintings. Lobe gauging and multiple-piercings remained popular. Nostrils and septums were also pierced. Tattooing was a common practice among all tribes. The method of application was similar to the japanese 'tebori' method, rather than a polynesian style. Designs were either geometic, or representative (especially animals). Linear elements were also popular, as were designs incorporating arrows or chevrons. Fitness The result of these labors was a body capable of traveling 50 miles a day. John Lawson employed a native to carry luggage for him during his journey through the Carolinas. After the first day he had to add more and more to his pack to slow him down. The native man, even with his burden, was capable of outpacing Lawson's horses in minutes. A diet rich in carbohydrates and fats supported this exertion and caloric burn, and high-quality protein from lean woodland game such as deer allowed their bodies to build dense muscle that offered a lean appearance. Many indigenous peoples throughout the world share these characteristics given the similarity of diet and activity: I encourage you to visit this site: http://movnat.com/ Austalian "Aborigines"  Shaolin monk, China:  Mongo Tribesman and wife, Africa -  Asmat tribe, Indonesia -   |
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