John Smith described the Red Men as having painted themselves with a red 
berry mixture. That may be what Rountree is describing.

Anita


>From: Anne Pemberton <[log in to unmask]>
>Reply-To: Discussion of research and writing about Virginia history         
>      <[log in to unmask]>
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Puccoon
>Date: Mon, 26 Feb 2007 09:53:37 -0500
>
>I have been reading some of Helen Roundtree's books on the Powhatans and 
>other Eastern Woodland Tribes.
>
>Roundtree frequently mentions the use of puccoon as a decoration, 
>suggesting widespread and lavish use such that it could explain the term 
>"red men" in early European literature.
>
>Does anyone know more about what puccoon is and how it was used? At what 
>age did Indians begin to decorate themselves with it? Was it a grease-based 
>makeup, or a clay based? Did it wash off when they bathed daily? How 
>similar was it to rouge used in Europe? How similar is it to the powdered 
>rouge currently in fashion?
>
>Thanks for any help.
>
>Anne
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>Anne Pemberton
>[log in to unmask]
>http://www.erols.com/stevepem
>http://www.erols.com/apembert
>http://www.educationalsynthesis.org
>
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