The Patagonians, group 12, taken as a type of the far southern tribes, apply to call themselves the name Tzoneca, but their neighbors call them Tehuelche, or southerners. They live on the plains and desert areas of southern Patagonia, and all of the arts of their lives grow out of the region. They dress in the skins of animals. Their rude tents, or toldos are made from the hides of the same animals. Their furniture, food, and arts are occasioned by the same environment. Living on animal diet, they resemble the Plains Indians of the United States, being tall, bony, and athletic. When the Spaniards had introduced the horse into America it took kindly to these grassy plains, and the Indians changed their arts to adapt them to this new domestic animal. On horseback they hunt the guanaco, the American ostrich, and various other animals. In the group the family is on the point of breaking camp. The man, wearing a skunk-skin robe, with Bolas in hand, is ready to mount his horse. One woman has already mounted, and the boy assists in completing her outfit. The second woman is rolling up skin robes of the household, while the little girl halters the pet ostrich, and the babe sleeps in its novel cradle.

 

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