Grizzly bear kills man near Yellowstone....

**Bugbear** · 23rd June 10, 10:48 PM

I just happen to be rereading the book, Black Elk Speaks- Being the Life Story of a Holy Man of the Oglala Sioux, and while there is no mention of bear grease, such as paint, there is plenty of discussion of face and body painting. Just thinking back to the discussion of bear grease hair stiffener and face paint that we had with String, back long, long ago... The smell was the main topic, I think.

**BoldHighlander** · 23rd June 10, 10:51 PM

Originally Posted by Bugbear

I just happen to be rereading the book, Black Elk Speaks- Being the Life Story of a Holy Man of the Oglala Siou, and while there is no mention of bear grease, such as paint, there is plenty of discussion of face and body painting. Just thinking back to the discussion of bear grease hair stiffener and face paint that we had with String, back long, long ago... The smell was the main topic, I think.

On a related subject, I have some compatriots in the 18th century reenacting field who recreate the King's Native Allies, and some of them mix bear grease with their body paint.

**Bugbear** · 23rd June 10, 10:59 PM

Originally Posted by BoldHighlander

On a related subject, I have some compatriots in the 18th century reenacting field who recreate the King's Native Allies, and some of them mix bear grease with their body paint.

I can't say for sure, but I seem to remember reading that it was also used on shoes with blackener of some sort around that same time period. Might be wrong about that, though.

**BoldHighlander** · 23rd June 10, 11:19 PM

Originally Posted by Bugbear

I can't say for sure, but I seem to remember reading that it was also used on shoes with blackener of some sort around that same time period. Might be wrong about that, though.

You might be thinking of Black Ball, Ted. However, I don't believe bear grease was used as a shoe blackener.

A period recipe that I have calls for "2 ounces of fine mutton suet well clarified, [add] 1 ounce of bees wax, which melt with the suet then mix with them well --- 1 ounce of ivory black, then pour it out into any China cup or vessel you like, let it lay until next day & then knock it out & it will be fit for use."

Black Ball was used as a shoe polish, and to blacken leather cartridge boxes, pouches, belting, gaiters & spatterdashes.