Tin Cones

[Tom]

Just a short note, the use of tin cones are very common place today, they appear to have grown out of copper cones that were worn in the hair or/ and are related to "hair pipes", that have been found post contact.
Often the plains people and possibly other cultural areas used deer,elk antelope, bison or moose toes, the hoof covering really, but looking at this and knowing that many of the plains people moved out from the woodlands , turkey spurs may have been just as popular and aswell beaver claws etc.
just a note!

[Tom]

The use of "cones" is as common as the use of beads in early materials, and may have been used prior to using beads!
Currently you can purchase these items or if you would like to make your own tin cones , the most common method is to flatten a purchased cone for a pattern.
Next obtain either thin lengths of sheet brass, copper or tin, trace you pattern on the sheet and snip them out, you can also use silver and gold if you'd like.
Next use a conical ring sizer or a tapered spindle and then form the cone around theis.
You may find this time consuming but you can add a very original flare to what produce.!

[lynellarainhawk]

Tom,

Yes, i've seen a lot of the cones being used at the pow wows. As far as the Saponi are concerned, do you believe cones were ever used back then? I was really wondering about the bone hairpipes or other bone items. Also, what about shells as ornamentation? And if so, what kind of shells? I'm at that point with my skin dress that I'm ready to deside which I should use. So, any in put you have would be greatly appreciated! Anyone else? Lynella.

[Tom]

Well this is a good question and not sure one that I can answer.. hair pipes have been around for along time and I did post a link to an article on them earlier so you'll have to do a search for that link,.. the use of hair pipes goes back along way and there was a long bead that was worn in the front of the hair it was made from the spiral of a conch shell, as for using them on a dress, no reason why not , if you add a few strings in certain places by themselves you can string a hair pipe to the top of the strand, and hold it in place with a single knot , but they should be in pairs so pull a long leather strand through to the midway point and add the hair pipes , I have seen these at hip height or slightly lower., besides hair pipe you could use cone but pipes would be better, or large beads about peanut size.
Also large dentalia shells could be used but I have no Idea if they made it to the Atlantic sea board since they are a west coast item.
AN end note the paired pipes may be better in sets of 3 for the 3 arrows of the eastern Siouan people.

[lynellarainhawk]

Tom,

Thank you again! I do love the sets of 3 idea. Way COOL!:D