Page:A history of Chile.djvu/426

 38o A HISTORY OF CHILE compared with that of other South American states. It is usually estimated at about 50,000. The Arauca- nians still live in the country south of the Biobio, ad- hering to many of their primitive habits, and dwelling together in villages. The laws of Chile have respect for their rights as proprietors and their lands can only be purchased through the chiefs, who hold a sort of paramount patriarchal title, and then by subsequent settlements with the individual proprietors. The In- dian claims being extinguished, a good title to the land may be obtained through the proper officers. This pro- prietary right to their lands, held through the centuries by their invincible valor, has been a potent means of keeping this nation of Indians together and preventing admixture with Spanish blood. The Araucanian Indians are intelligent looking, well made fellows of about medium height. They have the usual straight hair and eyes peculiar to the Indian races. They are of light copper color, walk upright and look you full in the eye. They dress in the poncho for an outer garment, fasten a blanket around the waist which hangs down below the knees like a short skirt, and tie a red handkerchief around their heads. They have no beards and wear the hair cut just below the ears. The women wear the poncho folded like a shawl, and a dress of blue cloth. They coil their jet black tresses around their heads, ornamenting the braids with strings of beads. They wear large silver earrings, often two or three pairs at the same time, and neck- laces of beads or of leather studded with silver orna- ments. They go barefoot and pin their ponchos with silver ornaments. The women do the weaving and make the clothes, both for themselves and the men. Their huts are usually orderly and clean, a thing which can hardly be said of the homes of the peons.