The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1893-07-17
ALASKAN INDIAN VILLAGE.

OHC case COllIdluS u cradle OF basket
ware and sealskin SO peculiar in shape that
1t can hardly be recognized at a glance for
what it is. In another q native wardrobe
is on exhibition, both the ceremonial and
ordinary robes, and a peculiar looking
blanket of red and black cloth, ornamented
with row after row of small pearl buttons.
Another curious blanket is made of the
twisted fiber of the inner bark of the cedar.
Some of the copper and silver ornaments
are exceptionally well made, considering
the primitive implements with which the
work was done. The spoons and bracelets
are even dainty, which is a word that can
hardly be applied to anything else in the
collection. There are other for
young girls and some rudely fashioned
dolls for children. The magnificent furs
are worthy of special notice, though they
are not SO comfortable to consider now as
they may be in December.
After an inspection of the exhibits in the
Government building one ought to go over
to the Alaskan village in the extreme
southwestern corner of the fair grounds
and get a glimpse at the natives, who are
there in full feather for the especial pur-
pose of showing how they live, move and
have their being at home. Their houses
and canoes are unique, but the totem poles
are the most curious things about the vii
lage. The Indian puts his totem. or coat
of arms. on everything that belongs to him.
but he will sacrifice all his wealth to erect
ahandsome totem pole. Some of those in
the village cost the equivalent of 1900.
It is a far cry from Alaska to Jamaica.
but a few steps at this wonderful exhibit
ton will take one from the frozen north to
the tropics, and the quick transition ought
to be as exhilarating as a cup of hot coffee
on a cold morning. You can get the coffee
here, too, though Jamaica does not grow
much of it, and you can also get kola, q
new nut, which is said to be more nourish-
ing and healthful and a better article of
food than either coffee or cocoa. Nothing
seems impossible with kola. It is made
into bread or champagne Nth equal facili-
ty. Jamaicans are planting it literally
and make q great display Of its products.
Dried banana is another new thing to our
people, but ought to become very popular,
as it has all the favor Of the fresh fruit and
does not spoil by keeping.
Thu display Of fancy tropical woods in
cludes $40 specimens, all cut from the tree
and having the bark on one side and a pol
ished surface on the other. Mahogany,
rosewood, ironwood, lockwood, satinTood,
anise, tamarind, ebony and many others
are to be seen such as are used in the most
costly cabinet and decorative work. The
fiber department is q surprise to most Wis
itors. Everything that can be made of sisal
hemp and silk grass is shown, and the pro
fusion of articles, from doormats to the
finest handkerchief, is b~ewildering.
The decidedly artistic display of rum
would be ~bewildering too if it were not
corked up. It is a safe wager that few men
hear the word Jamaica without thinking
of rum. Well, here you have it, though
you will probably like the sample of pimen-
TO cordial better. Pimento is the shrub
that produces the allspice berry, and the
green fruit and leaves, when crushed and
distilled and mixed with rum and other
things, make a very delectable beverage.