Art and leisure of the Beothuks
During spring, the Beothuk used red ochre to paint not only their bodies, but also their houses, canoes, weapons, household appliances and musical instruments. This practice is why they were referred to as "Red Indians". The use of ochre had great cultural significance. The decorating was done during an annual multi-day spring celebration. It designated tribal identity; for example, decorating newborn children was a way to welcome them into the tribe. not much else is known about the beothuks and what they did in their spare time, but we can only imagine that it was things like hunting and gathering.
Refrences: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beothuk_people
During spring, the Beothuk used red ochre to paint not only their bodies, but also their houses, canoes, weapons, household appliances and musical instruments. This practice is why they were referred to as "Red Indians". The use of ochre had great cultural significance. The decorating was done during an annual multi-day spring celebration. It designated tribal identity; for example, decorating newborn children was a way to welcome them into the tribe. not much else is known about the beothuks and what they did in their spare time, but we can only imagine that it was things like hunting and gathering.
Refrences: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beothuk_people