The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 52
Opossum cloaks
Opossum cloaks.
In making opossum rugs or cloaks the skins, after having been stretched and dried, either before a fire or in the sun, are roughly trimmed up and sewed together by means of kangaroo sinew. The edges of the skins are pierced with a sharp-pointed bone for the sinew to pass through. When a sufficient number of skins have been sewed together, the next operation is to ornament the cloak. This is done by doubling a part of the skin a few inches at a time, and scraping the narrow edge so made with flint or the blade of a blunt knife. The designs partake of a zigzag or diamond-shaped pattern, according to the taste of the wearer, and when rubbed with a little ochre and worn for a time become very distinct. These cloaks, as well as the blankets, are worn by being passed under one arm and fastened on the opposite shoulder. This arrangement allows of freedom to both arms.
Independently of being used for cloaks, the fur, which at certain seasons readily comes away from the skin, is collected in large loose bundles and spun into cord or yarn. This is done principally by the men. A long stout twig with a hook at one end catches up a portion of the wool, and is then twisted between the thumb and fingers of the operator's right hand, whilst the thickness of the yarn is regulated by his left. The yarn is wound round the stick as fast as it is made until the stick has as much as it can carry, when another hook is provided.
Illustrations of a similar process may be seen on paintings of some 3,000 or more years old.
When a sufficient length of this yarn has been spun, it is doubled continually until a long thick loop is formed. This is worn by the men by passing it first round the waist, then alternately over each shoulder, and round the neck. In this manner it has the appearance of both a cross and a waist belt. They seldom wear more than a roll or two around the waist, in which they often hang a fringe made of the skins of the opossum, native cat, or black or white squirrel, cut in strips.
The wool is often spun to a fine even thread, which the settlers occasionally knit into socks or mittens. These last for a length of time. It is also netted by the gins into narrow bands, and worn by the men round their foreheads, coloured either white or red.
In these, as well as in all other manufactures, the blacks will work incessantly, and when finished will stand or sit in front of the camp, wearing them, as now described, for the purpose of attracting attention and of being admired. They possess as much conceit in regard to these adornments as do their European brethren; but criticism is silent, though it possibly exists to a great extent, but solely amongst the men—the women are not allowed to express any opinion.