An Indian of the Island of Chiloe in Pursuit of a Bull
Location: Chiloe
Description:
This engraving shows a native hunter entranced by his goal, and we cannot even see his face. We can see his clothing, consisting of britches over leggings and a long tunic. He also wears a hat to cover his head and draped fabric on his neck to protect him from the elements on long days hunting. He is however, barefoot, perhaps these people did not wear shoes at all. The figure is in motion and is described by the book's author, in a manner similar to that of the other image from this region:
"As to their habit, they are decently clad in what the call the Poncho, Montera and Poulaines; the Poncho is a sort of square carpet with a slit cut in the middle of it wide enough to slip over their heads, so that it hangs upon their shoulders, half of it falling before, and the other behind them, under this they generally wear a short doublet; on their heads the have the Montera, which is a cap made almost in the same manner with those of our Postilions; and on their legs they sometimes have the Poulaines, which are a sort of knit buskins without feet to them; in short, their appearance bears little or no likeness of the Savage" (106).
It is interesting here to see the comparison of this particular tribe of native peoples to the other people. Because of their modesty of dress, they are not considered to be like the other peoples, the savages, who walk around with very little left to the imagination. The care in description and the time taken by the author to learn the names of and examine the garments of these people gives us an insight into his motives. I think that he was fascinated by the costume worn by these people; it is indeed quite unique.
Book Title: A voyage round the world by way of the great South Sea, performed in the years 1719, 20, 21, 22, in
Plate Number: Page 106
Call Number: F1409 .S53 1726