WRAP YOURSELF IN RABBIT

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YOUR SKINS ENTWINED

Once the twisted strips have dried (they'll be slightly stiff by then), you can begin the actual "weaving" of the blanket. First, tiewith a square knot-two eight-foot cords together, then hang the knot over a hook or nail that's about seven feet above the ground. Next, secure one end of the first fur strip to the twine by bringing one cord over and the other under the skin, and tying the twine to hold the strip securely in place. Now, take the tip of another length of fur and place it against the first, cross the cords around it-one in front and one in backand proceed along. Work with one strip at a time, and pull the crossed strings firmly in order to give the blanket a tight weave. (I haven't found it necessary to tie each of these strips in place, but you could certainly do so.) When your creation reaches the width you want (or when you run out of skins ... I've discovered that about 100 hides are required to make a blanket to fit a double bed), tie the last strip in place and secure the free ends of the cords in such a way that the loose skins hang perpendicular to the ground.

With your "frame" thus completed, you can now take another piece of cord, this one about three times the width of your blanket, and repeat the twining process at a point approximately a foot below the first woven row. (This time, simply double the string when starting rather than tying two lengths together ... the knot only served to better secure the first string to the nail.) Go on to duplicate the weaving, at intervals of about 12 inches, until you finish assembling the blanket.

Congratulations! You've just created a replica of the all-purpose winter wardrobe used by many early Native Americans. Such "fur tapestries" served as both coats and sleeping bags for many tribespeople, and provide surprisingly effective insulation against the cold.

Of course, you can expect the rabbit skins to shed somewhat (I can attest that those of blacktailed jackrabbits certainly do!). But for outdoor use-or in an emergency situation (and don't forget that most any thin hide could likely be handled in a similar manner)--the rabbit-skin survival blanket will help shield you from the day's winds, and warm you through the night.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Larry J. Wells has taught Stone Age living skills and primitive survival since 1970. He is coauthor of You Can Stay Alive, a concise how-to book on wilderness living and emergency survival, which can be obtained by sending $5.95 to Larry Wells, Dept. TMEN, P.O. Box 431, Idaho Falls, Idaho 83402.

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