I will make an attempt to answer your question with my limited
kowledge, and if I don't answer your question please rephrase your
question and I will check with my Shaman and / or Elders whon are
of many tribes, persuasions, and beliefs for the answer.
>I would like to know what material to use to thread the hairpipe and
>beads through. In a book . . . . use imitaion sinew . . . .
>Does it matter?
No as long as you and Grandfather Spirit are happy with what you
make. Them main goal is that you do your best and remain true to
your heart. If you have done this, then there is no wrong in
Grandfathers eyes.
>What did the early Native Americans use?
This would depend on your geographical location as to what might
have been available for mother Earth or trade form another area.
If Yucca was available you would have used it's needle and thread.
Sinew from many animals would have been available. There are many leafy fi
many leafy fibers that could be availble in many areas. Roots of
many trees could have been used. The hides and tendons of most
animals are usable. The list of possibilities are enormous,
availability and ingenuity are the limits.
>What do Native Americans use now?
Just like the Native Americans of the past, they use anything and
everything that is available to them. Through trial and error you
learn better ways to produce an item that will hold up under the
type of conditions you wish to use. This is a list of things that
I have seen used:
Silver wire
Wire
Imitation sinew
Sinew
Raw Hide
leather thong
Nylon string
cotton string
Bailing wire
Bailing twine
Beading thread
Beading wire
I hope I have helped in a small way to better your understanding
in the mechanics of ceremonial regalia.
Dave Thundering Buffalo (zzboos@acc.wuacc.edu)