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A Key Into the Language of America, or an Help to the Language of the Natives in That Part of America Called New-England / Together with Briefe Observations of the Customes, Manners, and Worships, &c. of the Aforesaid Natives, etc. cover

A Key Into the Language of America, or an Help to the Language of the Natives in That Part of America Called New-England / Together with Briefe Observations of the Customes, Manners, and Worships, &c. of the Aforesaid Natives, etc.

Chapter 96: Generall Observations of their Paintings.
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About This Book

The work presents a practical lexicon of Indigenous words from New England, offering English equivalents, pronunciation hints, and variant spellings alongside brief notes on usage. Entries are arranged in dictionary-style lists and paired with concise observations about local customs, social practices, place names, and forms of worship, often illustrated by examples and cross-references. Interspersed commentary reflects the compiler's encounters and aims to aid communication and comprehension between English speakers and the native population. The text also includes introductory material on method and occasional polemical or explanatory remarks about cultural differences.


CHAP. XXX.

Of their Paintings.

1. They paint their Garments, &c.

2. The Men paint their Faces in Warre.

3. Both Men and Women for pride, &c.

Wómpi, White.
Mówi-súcki, Black.
Msqùi, Red.
Wesaûi, Yellow.
Askáski, Greene.
Peshaúi, Blew, &c.

Obs: Wunnàm, their red painting which they most delight in, and is both the Barke of the Pine, as also a red Earth.

Míshquock, Red Earth.
Métewis, Black earth.

From this Métewis, is an Indian Towne, a day and a halfes Journey, or lesse (West, from the Massachusetts) called Metewêmesick. Wussuckhósu a painted Coat.

Of this and Wussuckwheke (the English Letters,) which comes neerest to their painting, I spake before in the Chapter of their Clothing.

Aunakêsu, He is painted.
Aunakéuck, They are painted.
Tawhìtch aunakéan? Why doe you paint your selfe?
Chèskhosh, Wipe off.
Cummachiteoûwunash kuskeésuckquash, You spoile your face.
Mat pitch cowáhick, Manìt keesiteónckqus, The God that made you will not know you.

Generall Observations of their Paintings.

It hath been the foolish Custome of all barbarous Nations to paint and figure their Faces and Bodies (as it hath been to our shame and griefe, wee may remember it of some of our Fore-Fathers, in this nation:) How much then are we bound to our most holy Maker for so much knowledge of himselfe revealed in so much Civilty and Piety? and how should we also long and endeavour that America may partake of our Mercy.

More particular.

Truth is a Native, naked Beauty; but
Lying Inventions are but Indian paints.
Dissembling hearts, their Beautie’s but a lye,
Truth is the proper Beauty of Gods saints.
Fowle are the Indians Haire and painted faces,
More foule such Haire, such Face in Israel.
England so calls her selfe, yet there’s
Absoloms foule Haire and Face of Jesabell.
Paints will not bide Christ’s washing Flames of fire,
Fained Inventions will not bide such stormes:
O that we may prevent him, that betimes
Repentance Teares may wash of all such formes.