Page:Iracéma, the honey-lips (1886).djvu/88
CHAPTER XXIV.
It was customary amongst the race of Tupan for the brave to wear on his body the colours of his nation. They first traced upon the skin black lines like those of the Coaty,[1] whence came the name of the War-painting art. They also varied the colours, and many warriors were covered with emblems of their deeds.
The stranger having adopted the country of his spouse and his friend, was expected to pass through this ceremony in order to become a redskin warrior and a son of Tupan. With this intention Poty had provided for himself the necessary objects.
Iraçéma prepared the dyes, the Chief dipping in them the feathers, traced over the warrior՚s body the red and black lines, the Pytiguára colours. He then drew on his forehead an arrow, and said—
"As the arrow pierces the hard trunk, so the warrior՚s eye penetrates the soul of the people."
On the arm a hawk.
"As the Anajê swoops from the clouds, so falls the warrior՚s arm upon the enemy."
On the left foot the root of a palm tree.
"As the little root supports in the ground the lofty palm tree, thus the firm foot of the warrior sustains his frame."
On the right foot a wing.
"As the wing of the Majoy[2] cleaves the air, thus the fleet foot of the warrior has no equal in the race."
- ↑ Coaty, a small fox-like animal, a racoon, whose hide has a red ground with black stripes. Coatyara, he who paints; coatyá, to paint; coatyabo, he who is painted. History mentions the fact that Martim Soares Moreno painted and dressed like the savages of Ceará whilst he was living amongst them.
- ↑ Majoy, swallow.