"Fomitopsis betulina" was formerly used in the manufacture of charcoal crayons. Amadou, a spongy material derived from the fruit bodies of "Fomes fomentarius", has been used since ancient times as a tinder. More recently, it has been used by dentists as a styptic, or as a felt-like material for making hats and other items. The anise-scented fruit bodies of "Haploporus odorus" were used by some tribes of Plains Indians as a component of sacred objects. "Laricifomes officinalis" was used by nineteenth century Pacific northwest shamans for carving spirit figures. Some species, including dyer's polypore ("Phaeolus schweinitzii") and purple dye polypore ("Hapalopilus nidulans") are used in mushroom dyeing.