Tips for using DIY tribal buttons:
Using tribal buttons seems to be the one costuming attachment that puzzles people more than any other!  Frequent questions are "How do you get these attached?" and "Do you need a special or curved needle?"  And sometimes we even hear "I just can't get them sewn on!"  The trick is to do as the tribal people themselves do!  The easiest way is to braid some yarn (available in ANY color to match costuming) into a long piece.  Then take a piece of cellophane tape and make an aglet (think shoelace end) on one end of the braid.  Using the taped end, thread the braided yarn through the shank on the back of the button.  Repeat with as many buttons as you need, then sew the braided yarn down in any row or pattern that you like!  Another tip that we sometimes use for adding a few individually spaced buttons is to drill a small hole on each side of it and simply sew through the holes.  Use a 1/16 inch drill bit and be very careful.  Sometimes buttons are made of thinner or softer metal and holes can be punched with an awl.