Page:The Pima Indians.pdf/147

142 Agave leaf serves for the front matting or apron that rests against the back. Between the front and the frame a roll of bark or cloth is usually placed to prevent chafing. The headband is of the same material as the apron. It is really a circular band that is flattened out and doubled across the forehead.

Human hair is used to attach the hoop to the frame sticks. It is of 2-ply 4-strand cord, which is made fast to the hoop and, after drawing the hoop as high as possible to tighten the net, wound from 10 to 50 times around the frame sticks.

The maguey, Tasylirioni wheeleri, furnishes the fiber for the net (fig. 38). Yucca elata is also a valuable fiber plant and it is probable that the Papagos obtain netting material from Agave heteracantha. The first two of these plants are found on the higher hills and mountains of Pimería, whence they are gathered by parties who go especially for them. Pits are dug and fires are built in them as the maguey is gathered. After the fire has died down it is cleared out and the pits are lined with small stones. The maguey is spread on these, covered with earth, and allowed to roast over night. After it has been removed from the pit the pulp of the roasted plants is scraped away with a deer's scapula, leaving the fibers a foot or two in length. These are dried, and when they are long a roll 6 inches in diameter will be sufficient for a kiâhâ net. Such a roll of fiber is easily transported, and is a recognized article for barter between Pimas and Papagos. The spinning of kiâhâ thread is a social event, and the women gather for the purpose and gossip merrily as they twist the 2-ply twine, which is rolled into bails that may also be bar-