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I know that the colonists began calling the native people “Red Man” because of the red ocre type coloring they wore on their bodies. Now after returning to VA I am suddenly reminded that the woods are full of ticks, mayflies, mosquitoes, and other bugs. We are surrounded by woods and I am constantly being attacked by one bug or another. So I was thinking it must have been the same for the people back in the 1600s. I think that red body paint had to be made up of some sort of protectant or repellant to ward off bugs as well as for decoration. Has anybody read anywhere what this red paint was made of? I would like to test the bug reppellant theory.
Jack,
I recall reading some journal somewhere that mentioned how an ndn guide, as they were about to cross a bug intense area, made a concoction of some type of dirt and bear(?) grease and they all smeared it over their exposed body parts to keep the bugs from biting….. so I think you are definitely onto something.
btw…. the “ties” just below the knees of your little warrior are tick traps. They offered a snug place for ticks to attach so they wouldn’t wander to other more delicate and less accessible areas…. if you know what I mean 😉
Natural Insect Repellents from one website:
http://www.stretcher.com/stories/980625b.cfm
Found this on another website….probably the closest we will find to what was actually used.
Insect Repellents and Insecticides
Goldenseal.
The Cherokee pounded the large rootstock with bear fat and smeared it on their bodies as an insect repellent. It was also used as a tonic, stimulant, and astringent.
Then there’s the ole Burt’s Bees stuff…available at health food stores, Cracker Barrel restaurant or online.
Of course in our area…you could probably smear on some of that red clay that grows our gardens so well…..
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