Among some tribes (Karibs, Tupis,
Nu-Arwaks) a little, triangular, coquettishly-made piece of
bark-bast comes just below the mons veneris; it is only a few
centimetres in width, and is called the _uluri. In both sexes
concealment of the sexual mucous membrane is attained_. These
articles cannot be called clothing. "The red thread of the
Trumai, the elegant _uluri_, and the variegated flag of the
Bororo attract attention, like ornaments, instead of drawing
attention away." Von den Steinen thinks this proceeding a
necessary protection against the attacks of insects, which are
often serious in Brazil. He does think, however, that there is
more than this, and that the people are ashamed to show the
glans penis. (Karl von den Steinen, _Unter den Naturvoelkern
Zentral-Brasiliens_, 1894, pp. 190 et seq.)
Other travelers mention that on the Amazon among some tribes the
women are clothed and the men naked; among others the women
naked, and the men clothed. Thus, among the Guaycurus the men are
quite naked, while the women wear a short petticoat; among the
Uaupas the men always wear a loin-cloth, while the women are
quite naked.
"The feeling of modesty is very developed among the Fuegians, who
are accustomed to live naked. They manifest it in their bearing
and in the ease with which they show themselves in a state of
nudity, compared with the awkwardness, blushing, and shame which
both men and women exhibit if one gazes at certain parts of their
bodies.
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