Skip to main content

Full text of "Annual report of the Bureau of American Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution"

See other formats 


cNK 


o    4H^0.  Y 


FORTY- FIRST 
ANNUAL  REPORT  OF  THE 

BUREAU  OF 
AMERICAN  ETHNOLOGY 

TO  THE  SECRETARY  OF  THE 
SMITHSONIAN  INSTITUTION 


1919-1924 


UNITED  STATES 

GOVERNMENT  PRINTING  OFFICE 

WASHINGTON 

1928 

6^ 


>-\ 


\ 


\ 


ADDITIONAL  COPIES 

OF  THIS  PUBUCATION   MAY   BE   PROCURED   FROM 

THE  SUPERINTENDENT  OF  DOCUMENTS 

U.  S.  GOVERNMENT  PRINTING  OFFICE 

WASHINGTON,   D.   C 

AT 

$2.50  PER  COPY  (CLOTH) 


U.  S.  SUrLKINlLliULiil  ui   uuoo.il. 


JAN  18  1929 


LETTER  OF  TRANSMITTAL 


Smithsonian  Institution, 
Bureau  of  American  Ethnology, 

Washington,  D.  C,  Juhj  1,  1924. 
Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  herewith  the  Forty-first 
Annual  Report  of  the  Bureau  of  American  Ethnology,  con- 
taining the  administrative  reports  of  the  bureau  for  the 
fiscal  years  ended  June  30,  1920,  1921,  1922,  1923,  and  1924. 
With  appreciation  of  your  aid  in  the  work  under  my 
charge,  I  am. 

Very  respectfully  yours, 

J.  Walter  Fewkes,  Chief. 
Dr.  Charles  D.  Walcott, 

Secretary  of  the  Smithsonian  Institution. 


NOTE 

This  volume  contains  the  administrative  reports  of  the  Chief  of 
the  Bureau  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Smithsonian  Institution  covering 
the  five-year  period  from  July  1,  1919,  to  June  30,  1924. 

During  a  long  period  these  reports  have  fallen  behind,  through 
lack  of  sufficient  funds  to  publish  and  for  other  reasons,  and  it  has 
been  decided  to  print  the  five  reports  in  this  voliune  in  order  to  give 
subsequent  administrative  reports  current  publication. 

This  will  not  change  the  numerical  order  of  the  annual  reports. 

The  Editob. 


CONTENTS 


REPORTS  OF  THE  CHIEF 

Page 

For  fiscal  year  ended  June  30,  1920 1 

For  fiscal  year  ended  June  30,  1921 25 

For  fiscal  year  ended  June  30,  1922 47 

For  fiscal  year  ended  June  30,  1923 77 

For  fiscal  year  ended  June  30,  1924 99 

ACCOMPANYING  PAPERS 

Coiled  basketry  in  British  Cohiinbia  and  surrounding  region,  by  H.  K. 
Haeberlin,  James  A.  Teit,  and  Helen  H.  Roberts,  under  the  direction  of 
Franz  Boas 119 

Two  prehistoric  villages  in  Middle  Tennessee,  by  William  Edward  Myer_.       485 


REPORTS  OF  THE  CHIEF 


CONTENTS 

Page 

Systematic  researches 4 

Special  researches 12 

Manuscripts 16 

Editorial  work  and  publications 16 

Illustrations 18 

Library 18 

Collections 19 

Property 20 

Miscellaneous 21 

IX 


ANNUAL  REPORT 

OF  THE 

BUREAU  OF  AMERICAN  ETHNOLOGY 

FOR  THE  FISCAL  YEAR  ENDED  JUNE  30,  1920 


J.  Walteb  Fewkes,  Chief 


Sir:  In  response  to  your  request  I  have  the  honor  to  sub- 
mit the  following  report  on  the  field  researches,  office  work, 
and  other  operations  of  the  Bureau  of  American  Ethnology 
during  the  fiscal  year  ended  June  30,  1920,  conducted  in 
accordance  with  the  act  of  Congress  approved  July  19,  1919. 
The  act  referred  to  contains  the  following  item: 

•American  ethnology:  For  continuing  ethnological  researches 
among  the  American  Indians  and  the  natives  of  Hawaii,  including 
the  excavation  and  preservation  of  archeologic  remains,  under  the 
direction  of  the  Smitlisonian  Institution,  mcluding  necessary  em- 
ployees and  the  purchase  of  necessary  books  and  periodicals,  $42,000. 

Ethnology  is  the  study  of  man  in  groups  or  races  and  aims 
to  contribute  to  our  knowledge  of  racial  culture  and  advance 
our  appreciation  of  racial  accomplishment.  The  researches 
of  the  Bureau  of  American  Ethnolog  y  deal  with  the  aborigines 
of  the  United  States  and  the  Hawaiian  islanders. 

The  material  from  which  we  may  secure  this  knowledge 
is  rapidly  disappearing  or  being  absorbed  into  modern  life. 
The  culture  of  the  aboriginal  inhabitants  has  in  a  great 
measure  vanished,  but  modern  survivals  still  remain,  and 
it  is  one  object  of  the  bureau  to  record  these  survivals  while 
this  is  possible,  thus  rescuing  what  remains  as  a  partial 
record  of  the  culture  of  the  race.  This  is  essential  in  order 
that  our  knowledge  of  the  North  American  Indian  may 
neither  be  distorted  by  prejudice  nor  exalted  by  enthusiastic 
glorification. 


12  BUREAU   OF  AMERICAN   ETHNOLOGY 

In  linguistics  the  necessity  of  recording  those  languages 
that  are  m  danger  of  extinction  is  urgent.  Several  of  these 
are  now  spoken  only  by  a  few  survivors — old  men  or 
women — and  when  they  die  this  knowledge  which  they  pos- 
sess win  disappear  forever.  Ovu*  Indians  had  a  large  litera- 
ture and  mythology  which  on  account  of  their  ignorance  of  let- 
ters they  did  not  record.  This  is  rapidly  being  lost,  and  it  is 
our  duty  to  secure  the  information  at  once  before  it  loses 
its  aboriginal  character.  The  lexical  and  grammatical 
structure  of  the  different  Indian  languages,  their  phonetic 
peculiarities,  and  their  relations  to  each  other  also  require 
intensive  studies,  which  have  been  industriously  pursued  by 
the  linguists  of  the  bureau. 

It  is  believed  that  the  publications  of  the  Bureau  of 
American  Ethnology  should  be  of  such  a  nature  that  they 
may  be  studied  with  profit  by  all  mtelligent  persons  and  not 
so  crowded  with  technicalities  as  to  repel  all  readers  except 
a  few  specialists.  WhUe  the  bureau  publications  should  not 
be  devoted  solely  to  popular  articles  they  fail  to  advance 
and  diffuse  ethnological  knowledge  if  they  are  so  technical 
that  they  appeal  only  to  one  class  of  readers.  The  policy  of 
the  bureau  is  to  publish  a  limited  number  of  technical 
papers,  the  popular  demand  also  being  given  due  weight. 

Important  researches  have  been  conducted  by  members  of 
the  staff  on  the  material  culture  of  the  Indians,  one  aim 
being  to  ascertain  the  various  fibers  and  foods  used  by  them 
with  a  view  to  discover  hitherto  unused  aboriginal  resources 
that  might  be  adopted  with  profit  by  the  white  man. 

In  order  that  the  character  of  the  habitations  of  the 
Indian  might  be  better  known  and  an  accurate  knowledge 
of  them  disseminated,  illustrations  of  aboriginal  buildings 
found  in  early  maps  and  documentary  records  are  being 
gathered  and  a  series  of  publications  on  this  subject  has 
been  inaugiu-ated.  These,  when  available,  are  accom- 
panied by  the  original  descriptions  of  the  buildings  and 
^  incidentally  identifications  of  the  sites  of  the  larger  villages 
so  far  as  possible. 

The  bureau  has  continued  researches  on  the  music  of  the 
Indians  with  good  results,  as  the  past  publications  on  this 


ADMINISTRATIVE   REPORT  6 

subject  have  attracted  the  attention  of  musicians  who  are 
makmg  practical  use  of  this  knowledge  in  theu*  composi- 
tions.    There  is  a  gi-eat  demand  for  strictly  Indian  music. 

Archeology  has  been  one  of  the  important  lines  of  re- 
search by  members  of  the  bureau  during  the  past  year. 
Although  the  methods  of  research  of  this  science  are  some- 
what different  from  those  of  the  ethnologist,  the  goal  is  the 
same. 

It  is  urgent  to  gather  all  possible  data  regarding  the 
ethnology  of  the  Indian  prior  to  the  advent  of  the  white 
man,  and  where  written  history  is  silent  on  this  subject, 
legends,  monuments,  and  other  prehistoric  remains  are  the 
only  media  to  supply  the  unknown  chapters  of  history.  As 
the  national  parks,  like  the  Mesa  Verde,  and  national 
monuments,  like  the  Chaco  Canyon,  containing  the  best 
examples  of  this  evidence,  have  been  reserved  for  perma- 
nent protection,  the  bureau  is  engaged  in  the  scientific  study 
of  these  remains  in  cooperation  with  the  National  Park 
Service. 

The  function  of  the  Bureau  of  American  Ethnology  is 
both  to  advance  knowledge  of  ethnology  and  archeology  by 
researches  and  to  dissemmate  information  on  all  subjects 
concerning  Indians.  Much  of  the  time  of  the  chief  and  the 
members  of  the  staff  is  occupied  in  replying  to  letters  re- 
questing this  information.  This  in  many  cases  requires 
special  knowledge  of  experts  or  extended  studies  in  the 
library.  The  administration  and  routme  duties  of  the  office 
have  also  occupied  much  of  the  time  of  the  chief. 

The  Great  War  has  enlarged  our  view  of  the  practical 
value  of  ethnological  studies.  As  our  country  has  become 
a  world  power  and  has  entered  into  political  and  commercial 
relationships  with  many  other  races  whose  ethnology  is 
little  known,  it  is  desirable  that  the  ethnological  researches 
of  the  bureau  be  enlarged  in  order  that  we  may  better  ap- 
preciate these  foreign  peoples.  From  necessity  we  have 
limited  our  researches  to  the  American  Indian  and  the  natives 
of  Hawaii.  There  is,  however,  an  urgent  call  for  more 
extended  studies  of  all  peoples  whose  amalgamation  wiU 
constitute  the  future  American. 


4  BUREAU   OF   AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY 

SYSTEMATIC  RESEAKCHES 

In  addition  to  purely  official  duties,  the  chief  has  devoted 
considerable  time  to  field  work  and  the  preparation  of 
reports  on  archeological  researches.  In  the  course  of  the 
year  two  visits  were  made  to  the  Mesa  Verde  National 
Park,  Colorado — one  in  August  and  September,  1919; 
the  other  m  June,  1920.  These  researches,  in  accordance 
with  the  above-mentioned  act  of  Congress  for  the  excava- 
tion and  repair  of  archeological  remains,  were  in  continuation 
of  the  cooperative  work  of  the  Smithsonian  Institution 
and  the  National  Park  Service  of  the  Department  of  the 
Interior,  and  were  made  with  an  allotment  from  the  latter 
for  the  excavation  and  repair  of  cliff  houses  and  other  ruins 
on  the  Mesa  Verde. 

In  the  summer  and  autumn  of  1919  the  chief  excavated 
and  repaired  Square  Tower  House,  formerly  known  as 
Peabody  House,  one  of  the  most  picturesque  cliff  dwellmgs 
of  the  park.  The  excavation  of  small  house  sites  situated 
among  the  cedars  on  top  of  the  mesa  near  the  trail  to  Square 
Tower  House  was  carried  on  simultaneously  by  Mr.  Ralph 
Linton,  under  the  direction  of  the  chief. 

The  work  of  Square  Tower  House  has  enlarged  our  knowl- 
edge of  the  structiu-e  of  cliff  dwellings ;  that  on  small  house 
sites  contributes  to  theoretical  discussions  of  their  genesis 
and  evolution.  The  small  house  sites  on  top  of  the  mesa 
were  mterpreted  as  prototypes  of  kivas  in  the  large  cliff 
buildings  and  are  thought  to  be  the  ancient  stages  m  their 
development.  The  whole  history  of  the  evolution  of  hori- 
zontal masom-y  can  be  followed  by  studies  of  various  types 
of  buildings  on  the  Mesa  Verde. 

The  two  unique  characteristics  of  Square  Tower  House 
are  a  square  tower  situated  in  the  middle  of  the  ruin  and 
the  well-preserved  roofs  with  beams  mtact  on  two  of  the 
ceremonial  rooms,  or  kivas.  The  repair  of  the  tower  was 
timely,  as  it  had  been  feared  for  many  years  that  it  would 
fall,  since  it  has  long  been  tottering.  As  all  friends  of  our 
antiquities  would  regard  the  destruction  of  this  as  a  calamity, 
it  was  strengthened  and  put  in  a  condition  for  permanent 
preservation. 


ADMINISTRATIVE   REPORT  O 

The  roofs  of  two  of  the  eight  kivas  in  Square  Tower 
House  were  almost  intact  and  show  the  best  specimens  of 
aboriginal  carpentering  in  the  park.  Almost  all  of  the 
original  beams  are  still  preserved,  and  their  arrangement 
shows  how  the  al:)original  builders  constructed  a  vaulted 
roof.  Especial  care  was  exercised  in  repairing  Square  Tower 
House  to  protect  these  roofs  and  preserve  the  beams  in 
place  for  examination  by  archeologists  and  visitors. 

Small  house  sites  are  very  numerous  on  top  of  Mesa 
Verde  among  the  dense  growth  of  cedars,  and  two  of  these 
situated  above  Square  Tower  House  w^ere  chosen  as  types 
of  the  remainder  for  excavation.  The  rooms  imcovered  on 
these  sites  may  be  called  earth  lodges,  and  had  sunken 
floors  with  roofs  now  fallen  in  but  originally  constructed  of 
logs  covered  with  earth.  One  of  these  rooms,  called  Earth 
Lodge  A,  was  completely  excavated,  and  in  order  that  the 
style  of  the  most  ancient  habitation  on  the  park  might  be 
seen  by  visitors  it  was  protected  from  the  elements  by  a 
shed.  Another  form  of  earth  lodge,  sulDterranean  and  prob- 
ably of  later  construction,  had  stone  pilasters  like  a  cliff- 
house  kiva  for  the  support  of  a  domed  roof,  but  its  walls 
were  made  of  adobe  plastered  in  the  earth.  It  shows  three 
periods  of  occupancy:  (1)  The  original  excavation,  a  sub- 
terranean room  constructed  on  the  lines  of  the  unit  type  of 
kiva;  (2)  its  secondaiy  use  as  a  grinding  pit,  by  the  intro- 
duction of  vertical  slabs  of  stone  making  three  grinding 
mills,  the  metates  of  which  were  in  place;  and  (3)  a  depression 
filled  in  with  debris  containing  human  skeletons  and  other 
jjones.  It  may  thus  have  served  distinct  purposes  at 
different  times. 

The  theoretical  importance  of  Earth  Lodge  A  is  that  it 
represents  not  only  the  archaic  type  of  building  of  the  mesa 
but  also  resembles  those  widely  distributed  habitations  of 
nonpueblo  tribes.  It  points  to  the  conclusion  that  when  the 
ancient  colonists  came  to  the  Mesa  Verde  they  differed  only 
slightly  from  nomadic  tribes  and  that  their  descendants 
developed  the  craft  of  stonemasons  long  after  Earth  Lodge 
A  was  inhabited. 


6  BUREAU   OF   AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY 

Archeological  work  was  renewed  on  the  Mesa  Verde  in 
June,  1920,  and  the  work  of  excavating  was  begun  on  a  ruin 
called  Painted  House  and  a  neighboring  cliff  dwelling.  The 
result  of  this  work  was  of  great  significance,  for  it  brought 
to  light  a  large  cliff  building  that  showed  no  evidence  of  hav- 
ing l)een  formerly  inhaljited.  It  was  not  a  cUff  dwelling,  but 
built  for  some  other  purpose.  Its  character  points  to  the 
conclusion  that  this  purpose  was  a  temple  for  the  celebration 
of  fire  rites,  or  possibly  the  conservation  of  that  fire  from  year 
to  year.  While  there  was  found  no  evidence  that  anyone 
ever  Uved  in  it,  an  adjacent  cliff  dwelling  afforded  every 
indication  that  it  was  inhabited  by  at  least  two  clans.  New 
Fire  House  belongs  to  the  same  group  of  ceremonial  buildings 
as  Sun  Temple,  except  that  it  is  situated  in  a  chff  and  not  on 
top  of  the  mesa. 

The  featiu^es  that  have  led  to  the  identification  of  this  ruin 
as  one  devoted  to  New  Fire  rites  are  the  large  walled  firepit 
full  of  ashes  in  the  middle  of  the  court  and  the  resemblances 
of  phaUic  and  other  pictures  on  the  walls  of  the  rooms  to 
those  still  surviving  among  the  Hopi  m  the  New  Fire  cult. 

Mr.  James  Mooney,  ethnologist,  remamed  in  the  office 
throughout  the  year,  engaged  chiefly  in  the  elaboration  of 
material  relating  to  the  heraldry  of  the  Iviowa  and  the 
Peyote  cult  of  the  southern  plains  tribes. 

In  comiection  with  the  preparation  of  the  Denig  Assiniboin 
manuscript  for  pul:)hcation,  a  correspondence  was  carried 
on  with  members  of  the  Denig  family  and  others  for  the  pur- 
pose of  gathermg  all  available  information  concerning  the 
history  and  personahty  of  the  author.  A  valuable  comple- 
ment to  the  Denig  work  is  the  German  manuscript  journal 
of  the  Swiss  artist,  Friedrich  Kurz,  who  \dsited  the  upper 
Missouri  in  1851-52,  spendmg  some  months  with  Denig  at 
Fort  Union.  A  copy  of  the  original  journal,  now  in  the 
museum  of  Bern,  was  made  some  years  ago  by  direction  of 
Mr.  Da\dd  I.  Bushnell,  jr.,  who  sold  it  to  the  bureau. 

The  usual  amount  of  correspondence  in  answer  to  requests 
for  varied  ethnologic  information  received  attention.  Among 
these  may  be  noted  requests  from  the  War  Department 


ADMINISTRATIVE   REPORT  / 

for  Indian  designs  for  regimental  flags  for  two  newly  organized 
regiments. 

In  the  latter  part  of  October  and  throughout  November, 
1919,  Dr.  John  R.  Swan  ton,  ethnologist,  was  at  Anadarko, 
Okla.,  where  he  recorded  about  270  pages  of  text  in  the 
Wicliita  language  and  100  in  Kichai,  besides  considerable 
vocabulary  material  in  both.  It  should  be  remarked  that 
the  Kichai  language  is  rapidly  becoming  extinct,  being  now 
spoken  fluently  by  not  over  a  dozen  persons. 

Durmg  the  summer  preceding  this  expedition  he  was 
engaged  in  the  extraction  and  card  cataloguing  of  words  from 
his  Natchez  texts,  and  after  his  return  he  prepared  a  gram- 
matical sketch  of  the  Natchez  language,  complete  as  far  as 
the  material  on  hand  will  permit,  but  -withheld  from  publica- 
tion for  a  final  review  with  the  help  of  Indian  informants. 
This  language  is  now  spoken  by  only  three  persons. 

He  also  completed  a  sketch  of  the  Chitimacha  language, 
the  rough  draft  of  which  had  already  been  prepared,  and 
began  the  extraction  and  recording  of  words  from  his  texts 
in  the  Koasati  language. 

Part  of  his  time  has  been  occupied  in  correcting  the  proofs 
of  his  Bulletin  73,  on  the  Early  History  of  the  Creek  Indians 
and  Their  Neighbors. 

Several  hundred  cards  have  been  added  to  his  catalogue 
of  material  bearing  on  the  economic  basis  of  American  Indian 
life. 

Doctor  Swanton  completed  reading  the  proofs  of  Bulletin 
68,  A  Structural  and  Lexical  Comparison  of  the  Tunica, 
Chitimacha,  and  Atakapa  Languages,  and  the  bulletin  was 
issued  in  December,  1919. 

The  sketch  of  the  Chitimacha  language  mentioned  al:>ove, 
along  with  a  similar  sketch  of  Atakapa  previously  prepared, 
is  ready  for  publication.  Doctor  Swanton  has  a  much  longer 
paper  on  the  social  organization  and  social  customs  of  the 
southeastern  Indians  which  requires  a  little  work  for  com- 
pletion, l3ut  is  withheld  until  the  bulletin,  which  it  naturally 
follows,  is  through  the  press. 

53666°— 28 2 


8  BUREAU   OF   AMERICAN   ETHNOLOGY 

Mr.  J.  N.  B.  Hewitt,  ethnologist,  took  up  the  critical 
analysis  and  constructive  rearrangement  of  the  three  differ- 
ing versions  of  the  Eulogy  of  the  Founders  of  the  League  of 
the  Iroquois,  obtained  by  him,  respectively,  from  the  late 
Seneca  federal  chief,  John  Ai-thur  Gibson;  the  late  Mr. 
Joshua  Buck,  Onondaga  shaman,  of  Onondaga-Tutelo  ex- 
traction; and  chief  emeritus  Al^ram  Charles,  of  the  Cayuga 
Tribe — all  of  Ontario,  Canada. 

This  Eulogy  of  the  I*'ounders  is  a  very  long  chant  and  one 
of  marked  difficulty  to  render  accurately.  In  his  report  for 
last  year  it  was  stated  that  the  long-standing  disi-uption  of 
the  several  tribes  composing  the  league  had  led  to  the  break- 
ing up  of  the  parts  thereof  and  loss  of  traditions  concerning 
the  principles  and  structure  of  the  league;  hence  there  are 
differing  versions  of  most  important  rituals.  In  the  tribal 
organization  the  federal  chiefs  were  organized  into  several 
groups  with  definite  political  relationships,  which  differing 
relationships  implied  natm-ally  corresponding  differences  in 
duties  and  oblig^ations  for  the  several  persons  so  politically 
related. 

But  since  the  disruption  of  the  political  integrity  of  the 
tribes  of  the  league  and  of  the  league  itself  by  the  events  of 
the  war  of  the  American  Revolution  these  relationships  have 
become  more  or  less  confused  in  the  minds  of  the  people, 
and  hence  the  gi'eat  difficulty  in  determining  from  the  in- 
formants of  to-day  the  correct  sequence  of  the  names  and  the 
exact  political  relationships  subsisting  among  the  several 
chiefships.  This  accoimts  for  the  difficulties  encomitered  in 
editing  the  three  variant  versions  of  the  eulogy. 

In  view  of  works  recently  published  on  the  genetic  relation- 
ship of  certam  linguistic  stocks  of  California  and  other 
North  American  linguistic  stocks,  and  as  a  result  of  a  con- 
ference of  the  staff  of  the  biu-eau  early  in  December  on  late 
linguistic  work  in  California  Mr.  Hewitt  critically  examined 
the  methods  and  the  evidences  for  relationship  relating  to 
the  Yuman,  the  Serian,  the  Tequistlatecan,  the  Waiciu"an,  the 
Shahaptian,  the  Lutuamian,  and  the  Waiilatpuan,  claimed 
m  recent  publications  by  Doctor  Radin  and  Doctor  Kroe- 


ADMINISTRATIVE    REPORT  9 

ber.  In  no  instance  did  he  find  that  these  authors  had 
proved  then'  case. 

Mr.  Hewitt  continued  the  preparation  for  pubhcation  of 
the  second  part  of  Iroquoian  Cosmology,  Part  I  having 
abeady  appeared  in  the  Twenty-first  Annual  Report  of  the 
bureau.  He  spent  considerable  time  m  readhag  the  manu- 
script dictionary  and  grammatical  sketch  of  the  Chippewa 
language  prepared  by  Father  Chrysostom  Verwyst,  m  order 
to  ascertain  its  value  for  publication  and  to  enable  him  to 
assist  the  author  m  a  revision  of  the  work;  and  prepared 
much  data  for  use  m  reply  to  requests  l3y  correspondents, 
often  requiring  consideral:)le  tune  and  most  exacting  work. 

In  June,  1920,  Mr.  Hewitt  visited  the  Oneida  Indians, 
residmg  in  the  vichiity  of  Seymour  and  Oneida,  Wis. 

The  purpose  of  this  visit  was  to  ascertain  what  information, 
if  any,  these  Indians  retained  concerning  the  prhaciples  and 
structure  of  the  League  of  the  Five  (later  Six)  Nations,  or 
even  concernmg  their  own  social  organization,  or  the  mythic 
and  religious  beliefs  of  their  ancestors,  which  has  not  already 
been  recorded  by  him,  from  other  sources.  He  found  that 
these  Indians  had  forgotten  the  great  principles  and  the 
essential  details  of  the  organic  structure  of  the  league,  of 
which  the  Oneida  before  their  disruption  by  the  events  of 
the  war  of  the  American  Revolution  were  so  important  a 
member,  due  to  the  adoption  of  lands  m  severalty  alwut 
1887,  and  the  admmistration  of  their  public  affairs  under  the 
laws  of  the  State  of  Wisconsin. 

He  discovered  that  these  Oneida  spoke  a  dialect  markedly 
different  from  that  of  the  Oneida  with  whom  he  was  already 
acquainted  and  succeeded  in  recordmg  a  text  relatmg  to 
huntmg  wild  pigeons  (now  practically  extinct)  at  the  time 
of  "roosting." 

From  the  Wisconsm  Oneida  Mr.  Hewitt  went  directly  to 
the  Tonawanda  Reservation  to  consult  with  Seneca  chiefs, 
after  which  he  proceeded  to  the  Grand  River  grant  of  the 
Six  Nations,  near  Brantford,  Ontario,  Canada,  and  there 
detained  an  mterestmg  text  m  the  Onondaga  language,  with 
a  free  English  translation.  This  text  embodies  an  old 
Tutelo  tradition  of  the  maimer  m  which  the  assistant  to  the 


10  BUREAU   OF   AMERICAN   ETHNOLOGY 

chief  was  established,  and  is  reminiscent  of  the  early  raids 
of  the  warriors  of  the  Five  Nations  into  the  southern  home 
of  the  ancient  Tutelo. 

Information  relating  to  the  mtemal  structure  of  the  tribal 
organization  of  the  several  tribes  was  carefully  revised, 
especially  the  place  of  the  several  clans  with  regard  to  the 
symbolic  council  fire,  and  therefore  their  membership  in 
either  the  male  or  the  female  side  of  the  tribal  organization. 
Certain  sentences  placed  after  every  Federal  title  throughout 
the  Eulogy  of  the  Founders — originally  49  m  numl)er — can 
not  be  understood  without  this  definite  knowledge  of  mternal 
tribal  organization,  as  there  is  constant  danger  of  confusing 
tribal  with  federal  relationships.  The  internal  tribal  organi- 
zation differed  among  the  Five  Nations  and  the  knowledge 
of  one  or  two  is  not  sufficient. 

With  the  aid  of  Mr.  Asa  R.  Hill  as  Mohawk  interpreter 
and  informant,  the  work  of  the  textual  criticism  of  the 
Mohawk  text  of  the  league  material  originally  collected  by 
Mr.  Seth  Newhouse,  a  Mohawk  ex-federal  chief,  was  revised. 
Knowing  that  Mr.  Newhouse  is  a  fine  Mohawk  speaker, 
Mr.  Hewitt  mduced  him  to  translate  his  material  back  into 
the  language  from  which  he  had  rendered  it  into  mdifferent 
English.  This  translation  was  not  desu'ed  for  publication, 
but  to  obtam  the  correct  Mohawk  terminology  or  diction 
for  the  expression  of  the  ideas  embodied  in  the  material. 

Durmg  the  year  Mr.  Francis  La  Flesche,  ethnologist, 
devoted  most  of  his  time  to  the  task  of  preparing  for  pul)li- 
cation  the  manuscript  of  the  first  volume  of  his  work  on  the 
Osage  tribe.  In  February  the  text  of  the  first  volume  was 
finished  and  the  manuscript  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  Chief 
of  the  Bureau  of  American  Ethnology. 

The  volume  contains  two  elaborate  ancient  rituals,  the 
first  of  which  is  entitled  "Ga-hi'-ge  0-k'o",  Ritual  of  the 
Chiefs";  and  the  second  "Ni'-ki  No"k'o°,  Hearing  of  the 
Sayings  of  the  Ancient  Men."  These  rituals  are  rendered 
in  three  forms:  Fu'st,  m  a  free  English  translation;  second, 
the  recited  parts,  also  the  words  of  the  songs,  as  given  by 
the  Indians  themselves  in  their  own  language  into  the  dicta- 
phone; third,  a  translation  from  the  Osage  language  into 


ADMINISTRATIVE  REPORT  11 

English  as  nearly  literal  as  can  be  made.  Owing  to  the 
peculiar  modes  of  expression  used  in  the  rituals  by  the 
Indians,  such  as  metaphors,  figures  of  speech,  tropes,  and 
archaic  terms,  it  is  impossilile  to  give  an  absolutely  literal 
translation.  Furthermore,  much  of  the  language  used  in 
these  rituals  is  in  ceremonial  style  and  not  that  in  daily  use 
among  the  people. 

On  the  completion  of  the  manuscript  of  the  first  volume, 
Mr.  La  Flesche  took  up  the  task  of  preparing  for  publication 
the  manuscript  of  the  second  volume. 

Mr.  J.  P.  Harrington,  ethnologist,  spent  the  months  of 
July,  August,  and  September,  1919,  on  field  duty  in  New 
Mexico  in  pursuance  of  his  studies  of  the  ethnology  and 
linguistic  relationship  of  the  Southwest  Indians.  These 
studies  resulted  in  a  large  amount  of  most  carefully  heard 
textual,  grammatical,  and  lexical  material  from  the  Tano- 
Kiowan  family  of  languages,  the  elaboration  of  more  than 
750  pages  of  which  was  completed  for  publication  before 
the  close  of  the  fiscal  year. 

Important  discoveries  in  coimection  with  this  work  are 
that  Zuilian  is  definitely  added  to  the  Tano-Kiowan-Keresan- 
Shoshonean  stock;  and  that  the  religious  ceremonial  words  of 
Tanoan  are  largely  borrowed  from  Zunian  and  Keresan. 
This  last  discovery  has  proved  one  of  the  most  interesting 
features  of  the  work,  for,  just  as  it  can  be  shown  that  the 
watermelon  and  muskmelon,  for  example,  are  not  native  to 
the  Tanoan  Indians  because  designated  by  Spanish  loan 
words  or  by  mere  descriptive  terms,  so  it  can  be  also  demon- 
strated linguistically  that  the  Tanoans  have  adopted  many 
featiu-es  of  the  Zunian  and  Keresan  religion.  Even  such 
fundamental  conceptions  as  Wenima,  the  abode  of  the  dead, 
and  Sipapu,  the  entrance  to  the  other  world,  have  been  taken 
over  by  the  Tanoans,  e.  g.,  as  Tewa  Wayima  and  Sip'o  phe. 

At  the  close  of  September  Mr.  Harrington  returned  to 
Washington  and  was  engaged  during  the  remainder  of  the 
year  in  the  elaboration  of  his  material.  Mr.  Harrington  also 
performed  various  office  duties  during  this  period. 

In  August,  1919,  Dr.  Truman  Michelson,  ethnologist, 
renewed  his  researches  among  the  Fox  Indians,  which  con- 


12  BUREAU  OF  AMERICAN  ETHNOLOGY 

sisted  exclusively  of  working  out  a  grammatical  analysis  of 
the  Indian  text  of  his  manuscript  on  the  White  Buffalo  Dance, 
in  order  to  make  a  vocabulary  for  the  same.  He  returned  to 
Washington  near  the  middle  of  September,  when  he  resumed 
his  work  on  the  Indian  text,  as  well  as  the  vocabulary.  The 
manuscript  was  submitted  in  March,  1920. 

During  the  winter  Doctor  Michelson  worked  on  the  manu- 
script of  the  White  Buffalo  Dance;  he  also  spent  some  time 
on  a  rough  translation  of  an  autobiography  of  a  Fox  Indian 
woman  written  m  the  current  syllabary.  This  translation 
was  based  on  a  paraphrase  in  English  written  by  Horace 
Poweshiek.  In  the  middle  of  June  he  left  for  Tama,  Iowa,  to 
restore  the  syllabary  text  phonetically,  to  further  work  out 
a  grammatical  analysis  to  enable  him  to  add  a  suitable 
vocabulary,  to  elucidate  a  number  of  ethnological  points, 
and  to  correct  the  translation  in  a  number  of  places.  By 
the  close  of  the  fiscal  year  he  entirely  restored  the  text 
phonetically. 

In  addition,  Doctor  Michelson  has  furnished  data  for  official 
correspondence. 

SPECIAL  KESEAKCHES 

In  addition  to  the  work  of  members  of  the  staff  mentioned 
m  their  reports  above,  the  bureau  has  employed  others  in 
ethnological  and  archeological  researches. 

Mr.  Neil  M.  Judd,  curator  of  American  archeology  in  the 
United  States  National  Museum,  was  detailed  in  June  to 
complete  a  report  on  his  work  for  the  bureau  in  previous 
seasons  m  southeastern  Utah.  At  the  time  of  writing  no 
report  on  this  work  has  been  received. 

Miss  Frances  Densmore  resumed  work  on  the  Pawnee  songs 
on  September  1,  1919.  Transcriptions  and  analyses  of  58 
Pawnee  songs  have  been  submitted  during  the  year.  These 
comprise  songs  of  the  Morning  Star  ceremony  and  of  the 
Buffalo  Dance,  the  Bear  Dance,  and  the  Lance  Dance.  In 
April,  1920,  she  visited  the  Pawnees  a  second  time  and  was 
permitted  to  enter  the  lodge  dui'ing  the  Morning  Star  cere- 
mony and  to  see  the  contents  of  the  "  sacred  bundle."  This 
bundle  is  opened  once  a  year.     (It  is  said  that  only  one.  other 


ADMINISTRATIVE  REPORT  13 

white  person  has  been  permitted  to  enter  the  ceremonial 
lodge.)  This  ceremony  afforded  an  opportunity  to  hear 
certain  interesting  rituals  which  are  sung  only  at  this  time. 

Three  manuscripts  on  Pawnee  music  have  been  submitted 
during  the  year.  In  addition  to  the  ceremonial  material 
above  mentioned  these  papers  contain  songs  of  war  and  of  a 
game,  as  well  as  miscellaneous  songs  and  those  connected 
with  folk  tales.  The  Pawnees  were  selected  as  representa- 
tive of  the  Caddoan  stock,  according  to  the  plan  of  comparing 
the  songs  of  the  various  hnguistic  stocks. 

About  the  middle  of  February,  1920,  Miss  Densmore 
began  a  study  of  the  Papago  Indians  as  a  representative  of 
the  Piman  stock.  For  more  than  a  month  she  hved  at 
San  Xavier  Mission,  a  Government  station,  among  the 
Papago  near  Tucson,  Ariz.,  and  recorded  more  than  100 
songs,  25  of  which  have  been  transcribed,  analyzed,  and 
submitted.  Three  subjects  were  studied — treatment  of  the 
sick,  customs  of  war,  and  ancient  stories.  As  examples  of 
the  psychology  revealed  by  musical  investigation  it  may  be 
noted  that  the  Papago  state  that  all  sickness  has  its  origin 
in  the  anger  of  a  mythical  "creator,"  and  that  many  of  the 
songs  used  in  treating  the  sick  are  said  to  have  been  received 
from  spirits  of  the  dead. 

Miss  Densmore  considers  the  chief  points  of  the  year's 
investigation  to  be  the  e\'ident  contrast  of  songs  of  different 
linguistic  stocks  and  the  increasing  e\'idence  that  rhythm  in 
Indian  song  is  more  varied  and  important  than  melody. 
It  is  interesting  to  note  that  the  songs  recorded  by  an  indi- 
vidual Indian  doctor  showed  similarity  in  melodic  material 
and  formation,  but  a  wide  variety  in  rhythm.  The  poetry 
of  the  words  of  Papago  songs  is  of  an  unusually  high  order. 

In  April,  1920,  Miss  Densmore  visited  the  "Mohave" 
Apaches  living  at  Camp  MacDowell,  near  Phoenix,  Ariz., 
wdth  a  view  to  recording  songs  among  them  next  season, 
taking  the  Apache  as  the  representatives  of  the  Athapascan 
stock. 

In  July,  1919,  Miss  Densmore  visited  the  Manitou  Rapids 
Reserve  in  Canada  to  obtain  data  on  the  customs  of  the 
Canadian  Chippewas  for  comparison  with  the  tribe  in  the 


14  BUREAU    OF   AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY 

States.  She  found  an  interesting  contrast  in  bead  patterns 
and  collected  considerable  information  on  their  general 
culture.  August  14  to  30,  1919,  she  worked  on  the  botanical 
section  of  the  book  on  Chippewa  Arts  and  Customs,  this 
section  comprising  the  use  of  plants  as  food,  medicme,  and 
charms. 

Mr.  David  I.  Bushnell,  jr.,  continued  the  preparation  of 
his  manuscript  for  the  Handbook  of  Aboriginal  Remains 
East  of  the  Rocky  Mountains,  and  in  the  course  of  his  work 
has  prepared  a  bulletin  entitled  "  Native  Villages  and  Village 
Sites  East  of  the  Mississippi,"  which  has  been  published  as 
Bulletin  69.  He  has  also  written  Bulletin  71,  on  "  Native 
Cemeteries  and  Forms  of  Burial  East  of  the  Mississippi," 
the  final  proofs  of  which  have  been  sent  to  the  printer,  but 
the  work  has  not  yet  been  delivered  to  the  bureau.  The 
favorable  reception  of  these  bulletins,  as  indicated  by  the 
many  applications  made  at  the  office  for  them,  is  gratifying. 

Mr.  Bushnell  also  gathered  notes,  maps,  and  photographs 
to  be  used  in  the  preparation  of  two  manuscripts  for  the 
bureau.  One  is  to  have  the  title,  "Villages  of  the  Algon- 
quian,  Siouan,  and  Caddoan  Tribes  West  of  the  Mississippi"; 
the  second,  "Burials  of  the  Algonquian,  Siouan,  and  Cad- 
doan Tribes  West  of  the  Mississippi."  The  former  is 
nearing  completion,  and  both  should  be  finished  during  the 
next  fiscal  year. 

The  results  of  the  archeological  work  in  Texas  imder 
Prof.  J.  E.  Pearce,  for  which  a  special  allotment  was  made, 
are  important.  Reconnaissance  work  has  been  done  in  the 
eastern,  middle,  and  western  parts  of  the  State.  Indian 
mounds  at  Athens,  in  eastern  Texas,  have  yielded  pottery 
akin  in  form  and  technique  to  that  of  the  Mississippi, 
suggesting  cultural  connections  which  have  as  yet  not  been 
completely  traced.  In  western  Texas  the  group  of  picto- 
graphs  at  Paint  Rock  has  been  given  especial  attention. 
They  are  little  kno^vn,  as  they  are  at  present  seldom  visited 
by  tourists.  This  series  of  rock  pictures  is  important 
enough  to  be  protected  by  law.  The  present  o^\^ler  of  the 
ranch  upon  which  they  are  situated,  recognizing  their 
importance,  will  prevent  vandalism. 


ADMINISTRATIVE   REPORT  15 

The  woyk  was  mainly  on  the  anti({uities  of  central  Texas, 
where  mtensive  work  was  much  to  be  desu'ed.  Professor 
Pearce,  who  has  charge  of  this  work,  believes  that  the  mounds 
in  this  part  of  the  State  are  kitchen  middens  and  that  they 
were  coimected  with  the  first  men  who  came  into  this  region. 
He  is  also  of  the  opinion  that  the  culture  which  they  repre- 
sent was  much  cruder  than  that  of  the  historical  Indians; 
that  they  knew  nothing  of  pohshing  stone  or  of  pottery 
making;  and  that  for  thousands  of  years  they  were  the  only 
occupants  of  the  open  prairies  and  plains  of  central  and 
west  Texas;  and  finally,  that  their  life  was  little  modified 
during  the  entire  period  of  the  formation  of  the  mounds. 
Professor  Pearce's  report  is  so  promising  of  results  that 
work  in  Texas  will  be  continued  another  year. 

Although  the  aboriginal  monuments  called  moiuids  and 
stone  graves  of  the  Cumberland  Valley  have  been  investi- 
gated by  several  well-known  archeologists,  it  appears  from 
the  researches  of  Mr.  W.  E.  Myer,  of  Nashville,  that  much 
remains  to  be  discovered  in  this  region.  Under  his  guidance 
the  chief  visited  the  aboriginal  mounds  on  the  Harpeth 
River  at  Oldtown,  Castalian  Sprmgs,  and  elsewhere.  It 
was  seen  that  while  many  of  the  smaller  mounds  have  been 
plowed  down  by  the  cultivation  of  the  land  the  larger  ones 
still  bear  mute  evidence  of  the  industry  of  the  builders  of 
these  structures  and  the  magnitude  of  the  population. 

Mr.  Myer  has  transmitted  to  the  bureau  a  manuscript 
on  the  antiquities  of  the  Cumberland  Valley,  Term.,  the 
results  of  a  lifelong  devotion  to  the  subject. 

Mr.  Otto  Mallery  has  presented  to  the  bureau  a  valuable 
pueblo  collection  from  the  Chama  region.  New  Mexico, 
made  by  Mr.  J.  A.  Jeancon,  who  had  charge  of  the  work, 
and  has  transmitted  a  report  which  is  now  being  prepared 
for  publication. 

Mr.  Gerard  Fowke  was  given  a  small  allotment  for  an 
archeological  reconnaissance  of  the  Hawaiian  Islands.  He 
loegan  work  in  May  and  reports  important  results  which  it 
is  too  early  to  detail  at  this  time. 


16  BUREAU   OF  AMERICAN   ETHNOLOGY 

MANUSCRIPTS 

The  following  manuscripts,  exclusive  of  those  submitted 
for  publication  by  members  of  the  staff  of  the  bureau  and  its 
coUaljorators,  were  purchased: 

"Wawenock  Texts,"  by  Frank  G.  Speck. 

"  History  of  the  Jesuit  Mission  in  Paraguay."  The  original 
manuscript,  being  an  English  translation  by  Dr.  George 
Spence,  from  the  original  French  manuscript  of  the  Abbe  Jo. 
Pedro  Gay,  Cure  de  Uruguayana.  2  vols.,  4to.  Circa  1880. 
275  pp. 

"A  New  Guarani  Grammar,"  the  original  manuscript 
complete,  being  a  translation  into  English  by  Dr.  George 
Spence  from  the  French  manuscript  of  I'Abbe  Jo.  Pedro 
Gay,  Cure  de  Uruguayana,  2  vols.,  4to. 

"Manuel  de  Conversation  en  Fran^ais,  en  Portugues,  en 
Espahol,  en  Guarany  Abaneeme  par  le  Chanoine  J.  P.  Gay, 
Cm'e  de  Uruguayana,"  arranged  in  four  columns. 

"  Nouvelle  Grammah-e  de  la  Langue  Guarany  et  Tupy, 
etc.,  par  le  Chanoine  J.  P.  Gay,  Cure,"  etc.,  188  p.,  folio. 

"Mappa  geogi-aphico  da  republica  do  Paraguay  pelo 
conego  Joao  Pedro  Gay,  pelo  engenhiero  Falix  Alx.  Gri^•ot. 
1881." 

A  copy  of  "Manuel  de  Conversation  en  Frangais,  en 
Portugues,  en  Anglaise,  en  Espanol,  en  Guarany  Abaneeme." 
Arranged  in  five  colimms.     No  date. 

In  addition  to  those  purchased  Mr.  Edward  M.  Brigham 
has  submitted  for  publication  a  valuable  manuscript  with 
many  plates  on  "The  Antiquities  of  the  Marajo,"  Brazil; 
and  Mr.  W.  E.  Myer,  of  Nashville,  Teim.,  a  manuscript  on 
"The  Antiquities  of  the  Cumberland  Valley  of  Temaessee." 
"  A  Chippewai  Bible  History  in  manuscript  in  four  volumes. 
8vo.  A.  D.  1896-1901,"  was  presented  by  Fr.  Chrysostom 
Verwyst,  O.  F.  M. 

EDITORIAL   WORK   AND   PUBLICATIONS 

The  editing  of  the  publications  of  the  bureau  was  con- 
tinued through  the  year  by  Mr.  Stanley  Searles,  editor, 
assisted  by  Mrs.  Frances  S.  Nichols.  The  status  of  the  publi- 
cations is  presented  in  the  following  summary: 


ADMINISTRATIVE   REPORT  17 

PUBLICATIONS    ISSUED 

Tliirty-tiiird  Annual  Report.  Accompanying  papers:  (1)  Uses  of 
Plants  by  the  Indians  of  the  Missouri  River  Region  (Gilmore) ; 
(2)  Preliminary  Account  of  the  Antiquities  of  the  Region  between 
the  Mancos  and  La  Plata  Rivers  in  Southwestern  Colorado  (Mor- 
ris) ;  (3)  Designs  on  Prehistoric  Hopi  Pottery  (Fewkes) ;  (4)  The 
Hawaiian  Romance  of  Laie-i-ka-wai  (Beckwith).     677  pp.     95  pis. 

Three  separates  from  the  Thirty-third  Annual  Report. 

Bulletin  60.  Handbook  of  Aboriginal  American  Antiquities  (Hoknes). 
380  pp. 

Bulletin  68.  Structural  and  Lexical  Comparison  of  the  Tunica,  Chiti- 
macha,  and  Atakapa  Languages  (Swanton).     56  pp. 

Bulletin  69.  Native  Villages  and  Village  Sites  East  of  the  Mississippi 
(Bushncll).     111pp.     17  pi. 

Bulletin  70.  Prehistoric  Villages,  Castles,  and  Towers  (Fewkes).  79 
pp.     33  pi. 

PUBIJCATIONS    IN    PRESS    OR   IN    PREPARATION 

Thirty-fourth  Annual  Report.  Accompanying  paper:  A  Prehistoric 
Island  Culture  Area  of  America  (Fewkes) . 

Thirty-fifth  Annual  Report.  Accompanying  paper:  Ethnology  of 
the  Kwakiutl  (Boas). 

Thirty-sixth  Annual  Report.  Accompanying  paper :  The  Osage  Tribe 
(LaFlesche). 

Thirty-seventh  Annual  Report.  Accompanying  paper:  The  Winne- 
bago Tribe  (Radin). 

Thirtj'-eighth  Annual  Report.  An  Introductory  Study  of  the  Ai-ts, 
Crafts,  and  Customs  of  the  Guiana  Indians  (Roth) . 

Bulletin  67.  Alsea  Texts  and  Myths  (Fraclitenberg) . 

Bulletin  7L  Native  Cemeteries  and  Forms  of  Burial  East  of  the  Mis- 
sissippi (BushneU). 

Bulletin  72.  The  Owl  Sacred  Pack  of  the  Fox  Indians  (Michekon). 

Bulletin  73.  Early  History  of  the  Ci-eek  Indians  and  their  Neighbors 
(Swanton) . 

Bulletin  74.  Excavations  at  Santiago,  Aliuitzotla,  D.  F.,  Mexico 
(Tozzer). 

Bulletin  75.  Northern  Ute  Music  (Densmore). 

Bulletin  76.  Archeological  Investigations  in  the  Ozark  Region  of 
Central  Missouri  (Fowke). 

Bulletin  78.  Handbook  of  the  Indians  of  Cahfornia  (Kroeber). 

Bulletin  80.  Mandan  and  Hidatsa  Music  (Densmore). 


18  BUREAU   OF   AMERICAN   ETHNOLOGY 

DISTRIBUTION    OF    PUBLICATIONS 

The  distribution  of  publications  has  been  continued  under 
the  immediate  charge  of  Miss  Helen  Munroe,  assisted  by 
Miss  Emma  B.  Powers.  Publications  were  distributed  as 
follows : 

Annual  reports  and  separates .  3,  373 

Bulletins  and  separates 12,  886 

Contributions  to  North  American  etlinology 32 

Miscellaneous  publications 572 

Total 16,863 

As  compared  with  the  fiscal  year  1919,  there  was  an  in- 
crease of  5,380  publications  distributed.  Fourteen  ad- 
dresses have  been  added  to  the  mailbig  list  durmg  the  year 
and  28  dropped,  making  a  net  decrease  of  14. 

ILLUSTRATIONS 

Mr.  De  Lancey  Gill,  with  the  assistance  of  Mr.  Albert 
E.  Sweeney,  continued  the  preparation  of  the  illustrations 
of  the  bureau.     A  summary  of  this  work  follows: 

Photographic  prints  for  distribution  and  office  use 500 

Negatives  of  ethnologic  and  archeologic  subjects 300 

Negative  films  developed  from  field  exposures 100 

Photostat  prints  made  from  books  and  manuscript 250 

ILLUSTRATIONS  PREPARED  AND  SUBMITTED  FOR  PUBLICATION 

Photographs  retouched  and  otherwise 350 

Line  and  color  drawings 215 

Illustration  proof  edited 1,  400 

Lithographic  proofs  examined  at  Government  Printing  Office. .  5,  200 

LIBRARY 

The  reference  library  continued  in  the  immediate  care  of 
Miss  EUa  Leary,  librarian,  assisted  by  Mr.  Charles  B. 
Newman. 

During  the  year  820  books  were  accessioned,  of  which  140 
were  acquired  by  purchase  and  680  by  gift  and  exchange. 
Volumes  made  by  binding  serials  are  included  in  these 
figures.  The  periodicals  currently  received  numl^er  about 
800,  of  which  35  were  obtained  by  purchase,  the  remainder 


ADMINISTRATIVE   REPORT  19 

being  received  through  exchange.  The  library  has  also 
received  260  pamphlets.  The  catalogue  of  the  bureau  now 
records  23,380  volumes;  there  are  about  14,508  pamphlets 
and  several  thousand  unbound  periodicals. 

Successful  effort  has  been  made  to  complete  the  sets  of 
certain  publications  of  scientific  societies  and  other  learned 
institutions.  For  the  use  of  the  members  of  the  staff  there 
has  been  prepared  and  posted  copies  of  a  monthly  bulletin 
of  the  principal  accessions  of  the  library;  also  information 
has  been  furnished  and  l)ibliographic  notes  compiled  for 
the  use  of  correspondents. 

During  the  year  the  work  of  cataloguing  has  been  carried 
on  as  new  accessions  were  acquired  and  good  progress  was 
made  in  cataloguing  ethnologic  and  related  articles  in  the 
earlier  serials. 

Attention  has  been  given  to  the  preparation  of  volumes 
for  binding,  with  the  result  that  502  books  were  sent  to  the 
bindery.  The  number  of  books  borrowed  from  the  Library 
of  Congress  for  the  use  of  the  staff  of  the  bureau  in  prose- 
cuting their  researches  was  about  400. 

A  pressing  problem  is  the  congestion  of  books  on  the 
shelves.  For  some  time  the  library  has  l^een  overcrowded 
and  we  are  now  taxed  to  find  room  for  the  current  acces- 
sions. 

The  librar}'-  is  constantly  referred  to  by  students  not  con- 
nected with  the  bureau,  as  well  as  by  various  officials  of 
the  Government  service. 

COLLECTIONS 

The  following  collections  acquired  by  members  of  the 
staff  of  the  bureau,  or  Ijy  those  detailed  in  connection  with 
its  researches,  have  been  transferred  to  the  United  States 
National  Meseum: 

Archeological  objects  collected  in  Cottonwood  Canyon, 
Kane  Coimty,  Utah,  by  Mr.  Neil  M.  Judd,  duiing  the 
spring  of  1919.     Accession  63841,  257  specimens. 

Ai-cheological  objects  (748)  and  skeletal  remains  (24)  col- 
lected for  the  bm-eau  by  Mr.  Gerard  Fowke,  from  Miller's 


20  BUREAU   OF   AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY 

Cave,  Missouri,  during  the  spring  of  1919.  Accession 
64150,  772  specimens. 

Archeological  collection,  including  human  bones,  from 
Sell's  and  Bell's  Caves,  Pulaski  County,  Mo.,  forwarded  by 
Mr.  Gerard  Fowke.     Accession  64198,  83  specimens. 

Archeological  material  from  Texas,  gathered  from  the 
surface  by  Dr.  J.  W.  Fewkes  and  Prof.  J.  E.  Pearce  in  the 
autumn  of  1919.     Accession  64248,  165  specimens. 

Sculptured  stones  of  Huastec  culture,  presented  to  the 
biu-eau  by  Mr.  John  M.  Muir,  of  Tampico,  Mexico.  Ac- 
cession 64249,  5  specimens. 

Three  fine  hardwood  bows  and  three  ceremonial  clubs 
from  British  Guiana,  and  a  blanket  of  the  Cowichan  In- 
dians (Salish),  Northwest  Coast.  Accession  64327,  7  speci- 
mens. 

Collection  of  archeological  objects  (262)  and  skeletal 
material  (16  specimens),  together  with  ethnologica  of  the 
Apache  Indians  (4  specimens),  obtained  in  Arizona  by  Dr. 
Walter  Hough  during  the  spring  of  1919.  Accession  64603, 
282  specimens. 

Collection  of  archeological  objects  (212)  and  two  human 
skulls,  gathered  by  Dr.  J.  Walter  Fewkes,  at  Square  Tower 
House  and  contiguous  ruins  on  the  Mesa  Verde  National 
Park,  Colo.,  in  cooperation  with  the  National  Park  Service 
of  the  Interior  Department  in  1919.  Accession  64646,  214 
specimens. 

Archeological  objects  (446)  and  skeletal  material  (5)  col- 
lected by  Mr.  J.  A.  Jeancon  in  an  ancient  ruin  near  Abiquiu, 
N.  Mex.,  for  Mr.  Otto  T.  Mallery  during  the  summer  of 
1919,  and  presented  to  the  Bureau  by  Mr.  Mallery.  Ac- 
cession 64885,  451  specimens. 

PROPERTY 

Furniture  and  office  equipment  was  purchased  to  the 
amount  of  $162.73. 


ADMINISTRATIVE    REPORT  21 

MISCELLANEOUS 

■    Personnel. — The  position,  of  honorary  philologist,  held  for 
several  years  by  Dr.  Franz  Boas,  has  been  al:)olished. 

Clerical. — The  correspondence  and  other  clerical  work  of 
the  office  has  been  conducted  by  Miss  May  S.  Clark,  clerk 
to  the  chief.     Mrs.  Frances  S.  Nichols  assisted  the  editor. 
There  has  been  no  change  in  the  scientific  or  clerical  force. 
Respectfully  submitted. 

J.  Walter  Fewkes, 
Chief,  Bureau  of  American  Ethnology. 
Dr.  Charles  D.  Walcott, 

Secretary,  Smithsonian  lyistitution. 


CONTENTS 

Page 

Field  researches  of  the  staff 27 

Special  researches 35 

Editorial  work  and  publications 41 

Illustrations 42 

Library 42 

Collections 43 

Property 44 

Miscellaneous 44 

53666°— 28 3  23 


ANNUAL  REPORT 

OF  THE 

BUREAU  OF  AMERICAN  ETHNOLOGY 

FOR  THE  FISCAL  YEAR  ENDED  JUNE  30,  1921 


J.  Walter  Fewkes,  Chief 


Sir:  In  response  to  your  request,  I  have  the  honor  to 
submit  the  foUowmg  report  on  the  field  researches,  office 
work,  and  other  operations  of  the  Bureau  of  American 
Ethnology  during  the  fiscal  year  ended  June  30,  1921,  con- 
ducted in  accordance  with  the  act  of  Congress  approved 
Jime  5,  1920.  The  act  referred  to  contams  the  following 
item: 

American  ethnology :  For  continuing  etlmological  researches  among 
the  American  Indians  and  the  natives  of  Hawaii,  including  the  ex- 
cavation and  preservation  of  archeologic  remains,  imder  the  direction 
of  the  Smithsonian  Institution,  including  necessary  employees  and 
the  purcliase  of  necessary  books  and  periodicals,  $44,000. 

In  the  expenditure  of  this  money  the  chief  has  tried  to 
cover  the  field  as  economically  as  possible  and  to  broaden 
the  researches  of  the  bureau  staff  in  order  to  include  as 
many  stocks  of  Indians  as  the  limited  appropriation  will 
allow.  The  science  of  ethnology  is  so  comprehensive  and 
its  problems  so  numerous  and  intricate  that  to  do  this 
scientifically  is  extremely  difficult.  Work  has  been  done 
on  the  Algonquian,  Iroquois,  various  meml)ers  of  the  Musk- 
hogean  stock,  Kiowa,  Pueblo,  Osage,  Paw^lee,  and  others. 
The  plan  of  work  embraces  many  different  aspects  of  the 
cultural  life  of  the  Indians,  mcluding  their  languages,  social 
and  religious  customs,  music,  mythology,  and  ritual. 

Researches  have  been  made  on  the  condition  of  the 
Indians  in  their  aboriginal  state  before  or  directly  after 
the  advent  of  the  Europeans,  and  the  desire  has  been  to 
increase  the  relative  amount  of  field  work.     Archeological 

25 


26  BUREAU   OF   AMERICAN   ETHNOLOGY 

explorations  have  been  prosecuted  in  Texas,  Missouri, 
Tennessee,  Kentucky,  Colorado,  New  Mexico,  and  the 
Hawaiian  Islands.  This  Ime  of  study  is  destined  to  be- 
come the  most  popular  in  anthropology,  and  publications  on 
the  subject  are  always  eagerly  sought  by  the  correspondents 
of  the  bureau. 

To  the  development  in  recent  years  of  the  movement 
known  as  "see  America  first"  we  owe  in  part  the  creation 
of  a  biu-eau  of  the  Department  of  the  Interior  called  the 
National  Park  Service.  Incidentally  the  movement  has 
stimulated  a  desire  for  research  in  both  ethnology  and 
archeology.  Several  monuments  and  one  national  park 
have  been  set  aside  by  presidential  proclamation  to  pre- 
serve Indian  relics  which  they  contain.  The  main  attrac- 
tions of  most  of  these  reserves  are  ancient  buildings  more 
or  less  dilapidated  and  buried  underground,  and  to  increase 
then  educational  value  it  is  necessary  that  they  l^e  excavated 
THider  the  supervision  of  men  trained  in  the  scientific  methods 
of  the  archeologist.  They  should  also  be  repaired  by  equally 
competent  hands.  This  work  is  now  bemg  shared  with  other 
institutions,  but  it  is  desirable  that  the  Bureau  of  American 
Etlinology  should  continue  to  occupy  a  very  promment 
place  in  this  work,  in  which  it  was  the  pioneer,  as  its  appro- 
priation was  made  in  part  for  this  service. 

While  the  majority  of  these  monuments  are  prehistoric 
cliff  dwellings  or  pueblos  situated  in  our  Southwest,  there  are 
others  of  equal  interest  in  other  parts  of  the  cotmtry.  For 
instance,  among  the  most  instructive  of  these  monuments  is 
the  Kasaan  Monument,  an  abandoned  Haida  village  situated 
in  Alaska.  This  \allage  has  many  of  the  old  totem  poles, 
several  "grave  houses,"  and  other  buildings  still  standing, 
but  rapidly  going  to  ruin,  Uable  to  be  destroyed  by  fire  or  by 
vandals.  It  is  very  desnable  that  steps  should  be  taken  to 
preserve  tliis  deserted  tow7i  and  that  ethnological  studies  be 
made  before  these  rehcs  are  lost  to  science.  The  bureau  is 
also  contributing  its  part,  in  an  miobtrvisive  maimer,  in  the 
efforts  to  preserve  Cahokia,  the  largest  aborigmal  mound  in 
North  America. 


ADMINISTRATIVE   REPORT  27 

In  his  previous  reports  the  chief  has  annually  called  atten- 
tion to  the  time  consumed  by  the  staff  in  ansv^ering  corre- 
spondence asking  information  regarding  American  ethnology 
and  related  subjects.  Some  of  these  letters  request  elemen- 
tary knowledge,  others  demand  more  or  less  research. 
Whether  for  the  one  or  the  other  purpose,  they  often  neces- 
sitate investigation  and  absorb  considerable  time,  which 
tends  to  distract  the  attention  of  the  experts  from  intensive 
scientific  research,  thus  causing  the  scientific  output  to  be 
reduced  to  a  greater  or  less  degree.  Nevertheless  the  chief 
regards  tliis  aspect  of  the  work  of  the  bureau  as  a  very 
important  one  and  indicative  of  the  respect  in  which  the 
bureau  is  held  by  its  correspondents.  For  this  reason  replies 
have  been  prepared  with  great  care,  so  that  they  may  be 
rehable  and  authoritative. 

FIELD  RESEARCHES  OF  THE  STAFF 

Two  members  of  the  staff,  the  chief  and  Dr.  Truman 
Michelson,  engaged  in  field  exploration  at  some  time  during 
the  year. 

During  the  past  year  the  chief  made  three  visits  to  the 
Mesa  Verde  National  Park,  Colo.;  one  in  July  and  August 
and  another  in  November,  1920.  On  the  second  visit  he 
was  the  guest  of  Mr.  Stephen  T.  Mather,  Director  of  the 
National  Park  Ser-vice,  Mr.  F.  A.  Wadleigh,  general  passen- 
ger agent  of  the  Denver  &  Rio  Grande  Railroad,  and  other 
gentlemen.  The  object  of  this  visit  was  an  inspection  of 
past  work  in  the  park  and  formulation  of  plans  for  the 
future.  The  work  in  July  and  August  was  a  continuation 
of  cooperative  work  of  the  Bureau  of  American  Ethnology 
and  the  National  Park  Service,  with  an  allotment  by  the 
latter  for  the  excavation  and  repair  of  the  ruins  in  the  park. 
A  tliird  visit  was  made  in  May  and  June,  1921,  at  the  expense 
of  the  bureau. 

In  the  report  for  1920  attention  was  called  to  the  begiiming 
of  the  work  of  excavating  a  ruin  known  as  Painted  House, 
which  is  situated  near  the  head  of  Fewkes  Canyon,  2  J^  miles 
south  of  Spruce  Tree  Camp.  The  result  of  this  work,  which 
was  not  finished  at  the  close  of  last  year,  intensified  the 


28  BUREAU   OF   AMERICAN   ETHNOLOGY 

suspicion  that  this  large  chff  Ijuilding  was  used  for  some 
communal  purpose,  and  that  it  was  coim.ected  with  the 
worship  of  fire.  The  further  excavation  of  this  ruin  was 
continued  in  July,  when  the  floor  of  a  great  coiul;  was  laid 
bare,  verifying  this  suspicion  and  giving  undoubted  evidence 
of  the  existence  of  a  large  fireplace  in  the  middle  of  the  court. 
Taken  in  connection  with  other  evidence,  the  statement  that 
this  was  a  building  devoted  to  fire  worship  is  practically 
proven.  Fire  Temple,  as  it  may  be  designated,  was  com- 
pletely excavated  and  its  walls  repaired.  Ladders  were  so 
placed  as  to  make  it  accessible  to  the  public. 

To  facilitate  the  opening  of  Fire  Temple  to  visitors,  a  road 
was  constructed  along  the  southern  rim  of  Fewkes  Canyon, 
ending  hi  what  is  now  called  Sun  Point,  from  which  a  mag- 
nificent view  can  be  obtained  of  Sun  Temple,  Cliff  Palace, 
and  other  important  ruins  of  the  mesa.  The  importance  of 
this  road  is  reflected  Ijy  its  popularity;  it  is  now  the  most 
frequented  road  in  the  park.  Its  construction  also  opened 
to  visitors  two  little-known  ruins  near  Fire  Temple,  one  of 
which  has  been  knowii  for  several  years  as  Oak-tree  House 
and  the  other  as  Fire  Temple  House.  The  walls  of  the  latter 
were  deeply  buried  but  were  completely  excavated,  bringing 
to  light  a  most  mteresting  cliff  dwelling  with  kivas  in  a  lower 
and  storage  rooms  in  an  upper  cave.  A  number  of  large 
oUas  and  a  few  unique  specimens  of  black  and  white  pottery 
and  other  artifacts  were  found  in  this  ruin.  The  mdications 
are  that  this  was  the  dwelling  and  granary  of  the  New  Fire 
clan  or  of  the  priests  who  controlled  the  ceremonies  in  the 
Fu'e  Temple.  The  ventilator  of  one  kiva  of  this  cliff  dwelling 
resembled  those  of  Sun  Temple. 

Oak-tree  House  lies  in  a  s^Tnmetrical  cave  in  full  sight  of 
Sun  Point  Road,  about  midway  between  Fire  Temple  and 
Sun  Temple.  The  excavation  of  this  rum,  which  has  unique 
features,  was  completed  in  September,  and  it  is  now  m  con- 
dition for  inspection  by  visitors.  A  trail  was  constructed 
along  the  top  of  the  talus  connecting  the  ruins  in  Fewkes 
Canyon  and  ladders  placed  on  the  rim  of  the  canyon,  making 
access  to  the  ruins  easy.  '  These  ladders  follow  the  Indian 


ADMINISTRATIVE   REPORT  29 

trails,-  foraied  of  foot  holes  cut  iii  the  perpendicular  walls 
of  the  cliff. 

One  of  the  most  uiteresting  results  of  work  in  July,  1920, 
was  the  excavation  of  a  tower  situated  ui  the  cedars  about  a 
mile  north  of  Spruce-tree  Camp  and  described  in  1892  by 
Baron  G.  Nordenskiold.  This  tower,  which  will  m  the  future 
be  called  Cedar-tree  Tower,  enlarges  our  knowledge  of  the 
use  of  towers,  as  it  is  a  type  of  a  large  number  of  these  struc- 
tures found  on  the  Mesa  Verde  and  in  McElmo  and  Yellow- 
jacket  Canyons.  The  special  feature  of  this  type  before 
excavation  is  indicated  by  a  saucer-like  depression  on  the 
surface  of  the  ground  south  of  the  walls  al:)Ove  ground.  The 
significance  of  this  depression  was  imknown  previously  to 
the  work  here  mentioned.  It  marks  the  existence  of  a  cir- 
cular subterranean  kiva  which  once  had  a  vaulted  roof,  and 
pilasters  like  those  repeatedly  described  in  cliff-house  kivas. 
This  tower  was  completely  repaired  and  a  road  buUt  around 
it  to  make  it  accessible  to  tourists. 

In  his  field  work  at  Mesa  Verde  30  years  ago  Baron  Nor- 
denskiold, whose  Cliff  Dwellers  of  the  Mesa  Verde  has  become 
a  classic,  partially  excavated  a  ruin  in  Soda  Canyon  about 
half  a  mile  north  of  Cedar-tree  Tower.  The  approach  to  this 
cliff  dwelling  was  very  difficult,  but  has  been  much  improved 
by  a  trail  constructed  under  the  direction  of  the  chief,  making 
this  ruin  readily  accessible,  aided  by  several  ladders  where 
necessary. 

The  attractive  feature  of  this  ruin  is  a  kiva,  the  inner  waU 
of  which  still  retains  on  its  plastering  decorations  almost  as 
brilliant  as  when  they  were  first  made.  On  this  account "  Ruin 
9,"  as  it  was  formerly  called,  will  be  referred  to  in  the  future 
as  Painted  Kiva  House.  The  decoration  consists  of  a  red 
dado  below  and  white  above,  with  triangles  in  clusters  of 
three  at  intervals  on  the  upper  border  of  the  dado.  These 
decorations  are  identical  with  those  on  the  court  and  rooms 
of  Fire  Temple,  and  those  used  by  the  Hopi  in  decorating  their 
walls  30  years  ago.  The  row  of  dots  which  accompanies  this 
mural  decoration  is  also  a  common  feature  on  the  archaic 
black  and  white  pottery  from  Step  House,  one  of  the  most 
ancient  cliff  dweUings  on  the  park. 


30  BUREAU    OF   AMERICAN   ETHNOLOGY 

Many  specimens  were  found  in  Painted  Kiva  House, 
among  which  may  be  mentioned  pottery,  stone  implements, 
metates,  axes  and  celts,  bone  needles,  fabrics,  sandals,  and 
problematic  wooden  objects.  Several  ears  of  corn  with  ker- 
nels intact,  seeds  of  squash  and  pumpkin,  and  abundant 
cornstalks  and  shucks  left  no  doubt  of  the  food  of  the  hihabi- 
tants.  A  fragment  of  the  so-called  paper  bread  called  by 
the  Hopi  piki,  possibly  over  500  years  old,  found  at  the 
bottom  of  an  Oak-tree  House  kiva,  allays  any  doubt  on 
this  point. 

Futm-e  field  work  on  the  Mesa  Verde  ought  to  be  especially 
directed  to  the  study  of  the  relation  of  the  Earth  Lodge 
culture  and  that  of  the  pueblo,  in  which  is  included  the  cliff 
dwelUngs  and  pueblos  on  top  of  the  mesa.  Both  are  char- 
acterized by  distinctive  pottery  as  well  as  architecture, 
although  the  essential  features  of  the  former  are  not  very 
well  known.  Aztec  and  the  Chaco  ruins  have  local  differ- 
ences from  the  Mesa  Verde,  but  it  is  not  known  which  area 
first  lost  its  population.  Both  populations  flourished  at 
about  the  same  time,  and  it  is  believed  the  cliff  dwellings  on 
the  Mesa  Verde  were  older  than  the  community  houses  of 
the  Chaco  Canyon. 

In  May,  1921,  the  chief  resumed  his  work  on  the  Mesa 
Verde,  remainmg  there  until  the  close  of  the  fiscal  year. 
During  this  time  he  completed  the  excavation  of  Far  View 
House,  and  protected  with  a  cement  groat  the  tops  of  about 
two-thirds  of  all  the  walls  of  rooms. 

About  385  feet  north  of  Far  View  House,  on  higher  land, 
in  about  the  center  of  the  cluster  of  16  mounds  that  are 
included  in  the  Mummy  Lake  group,  the  excavation  of  a 
most  interesting  building  wholly  buried  mider  fallen  walls 
was  begim.  Enough  work  was  done  to  show  that  it  is  a 
remarkable  type  of  building,  consisting  of  a  central  circular 
tower  with  several  subterranean  rooms  or  kivas  on  the  south 
side,  overlooking  a  large  cemetery.  It  has  all  the  appear- 
ance of  a  necropolis  of  the  cluster,  and  important  results 
await  its  final  excavation.  Unfortunately  work  on  this 
mound  had  to  be  suspended  at  the  close  of  the  fiscal  year. 


ADMINISTRATIVE    REPORT  31 

The  Mummy  Lake  cluster  of  mounds  is  a  typical  \dllage 
and  is  duplicated  again  and  again  on  the  mesa  and  the  sur- 
rounding valleys.  The  complete  village  consists  of  buildings 
of  several  forms  and  functions,  isolated  or  united,  although 
the  components  are  largely  habitations  of  the  unit  type. 
Evidently  the  tower,  with  its  accompanying  kivas  and  ceme- 
tery, was  the  necropohs  but  not  a  habitation.  The  spade 
alone  can  divine  the  true  meaning  of  members  of  this  group. 

In  ]\Iay  the  tops  of  all  the  walls  of  Sun  Temple  were  re- 
cemented  with  groat  to  protect  the  walls  from  snow  and 
rain,  a  work  of  no  small  magnitude. 

During  the  entire  year  Mr.  James  Mooney,  ethnologist, 
remained  in  the  office,  engaged  in  formulatmg  replies  to 
ethnologic  inquiries  and  in  digesting  material  from  former 
western  field  seasons.  No  new  material  was  collected  or 
completed.  His  work  during  the  winter  was  interrupted  by 
a  period  of  serious  illness. 

During  the  last  fiscal  year  Dr.  John  R.  Swanton,  ethnolo- 
gist, practically  completed  the  proof  reading  of  Bulletin  73, 
Early  History  of  the  Creek  Indians  and  Their  Neighbors, 
which  is  now  going  through  the  press.  He  also  copied  the 
Koasati  texts  which  were  collected  a  few  years  ago,  and  com- 
pleted the  extraction  of  words  from  these  texts,  of  which  a 
beginning  was  made  last  year. 

Doctor  Swanton  has  added  a  few  hundred  cards  to  his 
material  bearing  on  the  economic  basis  of  American  Indian 
fife,  and  has  gone  over  Mr.  James  Murie's  paper  on  the 
Ceremonies  of  the  Pawnee  twice,  in  order  to  make  certain 
necessary  changes  in  the  phonetic  symbols  employed.  He 
has  also  devoted  some  time  to  studies  of  the  Alabama, 
Hitchiti,  and  Muskogee  languages. 

Doctor  Swanton  also  continued  the  preparation  of  a  paper 
on  the  Social  Orgamzation  and  Social  Customs  of  the  Indians 
of  the  Creek  Confederacy,  covering  over  700  manuscript 
pages. 

Dming  the  entire  fiscal  year  Mr.  J.  N.  B.  Hewitt,  ethnolo- 
gist, was  engaged  in  office  work.  His  first  work  was  devoted 
to  the  completion  of  the  preparation  by  retyping  of  the 
Onondaga  texts  of  the  second  part  of  the  Iroquoian  Cos- 


32  BUREAU   OF   AMERICAN   ETHNOLOGY 

mology,  the  first  part  having  appeared  in  the  Twenty-first 
Ainaual  Report  of  tlie  bureau.  Not  only  is  the  orthography 
of  a  large  number  of  the  native  terms  being  standardized  to 
conform  m  spelling  with  the  other  Iroquoian  texts  recorded 
by  Mr.  He\vitt  but  the  statements  and  phrasing  of  numerous 
passages  are  also  amphfied  or  amended  in  such  manner  as 
to  utihze  information  obtained  by  Mr.  Hewitt  since  the  re- 
cordmg  of  the  original  texts. 

Mr.  Hewitt  also  took  advantage  of  the  opportunity  pre- 
sented by  the  presence  in  Washington  of  ]\Ir.  George  Ga- 
boosa,  a  mixed-blood  Chippewa  Indian  of  Garden  River, 
Ontario,  Canada,  who  speaks  both  Chippewa  and  Ottawa 
dialects  of  Algonquian,  by  securing  his  aid  in  revising  and 
translating  a  number  of  Ottawa  texts  supplied  in  1900  by 
John  Miscogeon,  an  Ottawa  mixed  blood,  then  in  Washing- 
ton, D.  C.  These  texts  are  either  myths  or  traditions  em- 
bodying myths.  Mr.  Gaboosa  supplied  the  Chippewa  ver- 
sions of  these  stories.  In  addition  to  this  work  he  supphed 
interlinear  translations  to  all  the  texts.  The  following  is  a 
list  of  these  texts:  The  Myth  of  Nanabozho's  Mother; 
Living  Men  Visit  the  Sky-Land;  The  Myth  of  Summer  and 
Whiter;  The  Myth  of  Dayhght-Maker,  or  Day  maker;  The 
Myth  of  Nanabozho. 

Mr.  Hewitt  is  at  work  on  some  material  relatmg  to  the 
general  culture  of  the  Muskhogean  peoples,  especially  that 
relating  to  the  Creeks  and  the  Choctaw.  In  1881-82  Maj. 
J.  W.  Powell  began  to  collect  and  record  this  matter  at  first- 
hand from  Mr.  L.  C.  Ferryman  and  Gen.  Pleasant  Porter, 
both  well  versed  in  the  native  customs,  beUefs,  culture,  and 
social  organization  of  their  peoples.  Mr.  Hewitt  assisted  in 
this  compilation  and  recording.  In  this  way  he  became 
familiar  with  this  material,  which  was  laid  aside  for  lack  of 
careful  revision,  and  a  portion  of  which  has  been  lost;  but 
as  there  is  still  much  that  is  valuable  and  not  available  in 
print  it  was  deemed  wise  to  prepare  the  matter  for  pubhca- 
tion,  especially  in  -view  of  the  fact  that  the  objective  activities 
treated  in  these  records  no  longer  form  a  part  of  the  hfe  of 
the  Muskhogean  peoples,  and  so  can  not  be  obtained  at 
first  hand. 


ADMINISTRATIVE    REPORT  33 

In  addition  to  tliis  material,  it  is  designed  to  add  as  sup- 
plementary matter  some  Creek  tales  and  mythic  legends 
collected  by  Mr.  Jeremiah  Curtin. 

The  following  brief  Ust  of  topics  treated  may  give  some 
idea  of  the  natm'c  of  these  field  notes:  "Towns  and  clan, 
hsts,"  "  Crime  and  murder,"  "  The  government  of  the  clan," 
"  The  town  government  or  organization  of  a  town,"  "  The 
council  square,"  "  The  chief,"  "  The  system  of  coimcils," 
"  The  clan,"  "  The  ranks  and  the  title  of  persons,"  "  The 
busk  or  puskita,"  "Medicine  practices,"  "Names  and  nam- 
ing," "  Festivals,"  "  Maniage  customs,"  "  Insanity,"  "  Proph- 
ets," "Souls  or  spirits,"  "Mythic  notes,"  and  the  short  hst 
of  tales  collected  by  Mr.  Curtin.  Much  of  the  material  here 
recorded  is  not  available  either  in  any  other  manuscript  or 
in  print. 

Mr.  Francis  La  Flesche,  ethnologist,  devoted  nearly  aU  of 
his  time  to  putting  into  book  form  his  notes  for  the  second 
volume  of  his  work  on  the  Osage  tribe.  This  task  was  t^\'ice 
interrupted  by  the  reading  of  the  galley  and  the  page  proofs 
of  the  first  volume. 

The  second  volume  is  nearing  completion  and  embraces 
two  versions  of  an  ancient  rite  entitled  "  No"'-zhi°-zho'' 
Wa-tho",  Songs  of  the  Rite  of  Vigil."  Up  to  tliis  date  the 
completed  part  of  this  manuscript,  exclusive  of  the  illustra- 
tions, contains  582  typewi'itten  pages. 

Sho'^'-ge-moM",  who  gave  the  No'^'-zM°-zho''  ritual  of  Ms 
gens,  the  Tsi'-zhu  Wa-shta-ge,  died  m  the  autimm  of  1919. 
He  was  the  fourth  to  die  of  the  old  men  who  aided  in  the 
recording  of  the  ancient  tribal  rites  of  the  Osage.  Two  old 
men  died  before  the  time  set  by  them  to  give  the  ceremonials 
of  their  gentes  arrived.  Sho'^'-ge-mo^-i"  remarked,  as  he 
was  recording  the  child-naming  ritual,  to  be  pubhshed  in  a 
later  volume,  "  The  Osage  people  are  fast  dying  out  since 
they  abandoned  the  supphcatory  rites  formulated  by  their 
ancestors." 

The  beginning  of  the  fiscal  year  found  Mr.  J.  P.  Hamng- 
ton,  ethnologist,  engaged  in  the  preparation  of  Ms  material 
on  the  language  of  the  Kiowa  Indians.     The  entire  material 


34  BUREAU   OF   AMERICAN   ETHNOLOGY 

was  copied,  collated,  and  analyzed,  and  constitutes  a  manu- 
script of  more  than  1,000  pages. 

Iviowa  is  a  typical  Tano-Kiowan  dialect,  closely  related 
in  phonetics,  vocabulary,  and  structure  "with  the  Tanoan 
languages  of  New  Mexico.  This  proves  again,  as  in  the  case 
of  the  Hopi,  that  culture  areas  cut  across  linguistic  ones. 
The  Tano-Iviowan  is  fiui^hermore  genetically  related  to  the 
Keresan  and  Zunian  groups  of  New  Mexico,  also  to  the 
Shoshonean,  and  certain  languages  of  Cahfornia.  Mr.  Har- 
rington has  in  hand  a  comparative  study  of  these  languages 
which  is  very  bulky. 

Upon  finishing  the  manuscript  of  the  Kiowa  paper,  Mr. 
Harrington  took  up  the  Taos  material,  aided  by  a  set  of 
excellent  texts  dictated  by  Mr.  R.  Vargas,  and  comprising 
400  typewritten  pages.  He  finished  this  for  publication 
before  the  close  of  the  fiscal  year. 

On  July  1,  1920,  Dr.  Truman  Michelson,  ethnologist,  was 
at  Tama,  Iowa,  engaged  in  researches  among  the  Sauk  and 
Fox  of  that  State  and  preparmg  for  publication  by  the  biu^eau 
a  manuscript  entitled  "  The  Autobiography  of  a  Fox  Indian 
Woman,"  as  far  as  practical  in  the  field.  A  good  deal  of 
the  work  on  this  had  been  done  in  the  previous  fiscal  year. 
Near  the  close  of  July  he  left  for  Saskatchewan,  Canada, 
where  he  made  a  recomiaissance  of  the  Plains  Cree  at  File 
HiUs  Agency.  From  this  study  it  appears  that  physically 
the  Plains  Cree  have  a  cephalic  index  of  about  79,  thus 
belonging  to  the  so-called  Mississippi  Valley  type  of  North 
American  Indian,  which  confirms  the  results  of  Dr.  Boas's 
work  many  years  ago.  Linguistically  Cree  clearly  belongs 
to  the  central  division  of  Algonquian  languages,  but  it  is  not 
as  archaic  as  has  usually  been  believed.  The  folklore  and 
mythology  here  show  from  an  analysis  of  the  culture  cycle 
that  both  woodland  and  plams  elements  are  to  be  foimd,  as 
well  as  a  few  plateau  elements.  EthnologicaEy  we  have 
the  same  combination,  save  that  plateau  elements  are  lacking. 

Doctor  Michelson  returned  to  Washington  at  the  close  of 
August,  where  he  completed  the  autobiography  mentioned 
above,  and  in  January  submitted  the  manuscript  for  publi- 
cation by  the  bureau.     The  remainder  of  his  time  at  Wash- 


ADMINISTRATIVE   BEPORT  35 

ington  was  spent  working  out  English  translations  of  various 
Fox  texts  written  in  the  current  syllabary  on  mortuary 
customs  and  observances,  as  weU  as  one  or  two  folk  tales. 

Doctor  Michelson  left  Washington  in  the  latter  part  of  May, 
1921,  to  renew  his  researches  among  the  Sauk  and  Fox  of 
Iowa.  Arriving  at  Tama  near  the  end  of  the  month.  Doctor 
Michelson  spent  nearly  all  his  time  on  Fox  mortuary  cus- 
toms and  observances,  mentioned  above,  with  a  view  to 
their  publication  by  the  bm'eau.  The  Indian  texts  were 
restored  phonetically,  the  translations  corrected  where 
needed,  a  grammatical  analysis  begun,  and  additional  data 
secured,  so  that  with  the  close  of  the  fiscal  year  only  about 
two  weeks  more  of  field  work  was  necessary  to  complete  the 
preparation  of  the  volume  so  far  as  practical  in  the  field. 
He  took  advantage  of  a  favorable  opportunity  just  before 
the  end  of  the  year  to  obtain  data  on  the  society  called 
"Ki  wa  ka  mo  A  ki." 

While  in  the  field  and  also  in  the  office  Doctor  Michelson 
corrected  proofs  of  Bulletin  72,  The  Owl  Sacred  Pack  of  the 
Fox  Indians. 

SPECIAL  RESEARCHES 

Special  researches  in  the  field  were  conducted  by  Miss 
Frances  Densmore,  Mr.  W.  E.  Myer,  Prof.  J.  E.  Pearce,  Mr. 
Gerard  Fowke,  and  Mr.  J.  A.  Jeancon. 

Four  manuscripts  have  been  submitted  by  Miss  Frances 
Densmore  during  the  year,  entitled  "Papago  Songs,"  "Leg- 
end Music  of  the  Papago,"  "Songs  Coimected  With  Expedi- 
tions to  Obtain  Salt,"  and  "Viikita  and  Wakita  Ceremonies 
of  the  Papago."  This  material  comprises  148  pages  of  text, 
75  transcriptions  of  songs  (with  phonographic  records  and 
technical  analyses),  and  27  photographic  illustrations. 

In  September  Miss  Densmore  resumed  her  work  on  Papago 
music,  and  in  December,  1920,  returned  to  the  Papago 
Reservation  in  Arizona,  where  she  had  worked  a  few  months 
previously.  She  revisited  San  Xavier,  but  her  work  centered 
at  Sells,  formerly  called  Indian  Oasis,  but  now  the  location 
of  the  Papago  agency.  Trips  were  made  from  there  to 
Santa  Rosa  village,  in  the  extreme  north,  and  to  Vomari 


36  BUREAU   OF   AMERICAN   ETHNOLOGY 

village  in  the  extreme  south  of  the  reservation.  Photo- 
graphs, specimens,  and  records  of  songs  were  obtained  at 
these  places. 

The  principal  subject  of  study  at  this  time  was  the  belief 
of  the  Papago  in  supernatural  agencies  controlling  their 
food  supply.  Information  was  obtained  regarding  two  cere- 
monies connected  with  this  belief,  i.  e.,  the  making  and  drink- 
ing of  "cactus  wine,"  and  the  Viikita.  Numerous  songs 
connected  with  these  ceremonies  were  recorded. 

Other  classes  of  songs  not  previously  recorded  among  the 
Papago  were  those  received  in  dreams,  those  sung  on  expe- 
ditions to  obtain  salt,  and  those  connected  with  stories  told 
to  children;  also  songs  for  success  in  the  kicking-ball  race 
and  m  hunting.  Songs  of  war  and  of  medicine  were  recorded, 
as  well  as  others  concenimg  the  deeds  of  Elder  Brother  and 
mcluding  songs  he  was  said  to  have  sung  after  creatmg  the 
spirits,  winds,  and  clouds.  Mention  may  be  made  of  a  song 
that  was  said  to  have  been  sung  in  order  to  produce  the 
death  of  an  aged  woman.  It  was  said  that  "her  grandsons 
decided  to  kill  her  by  means  of  a  song,"  as  her  advanced  age 
made  her  an  encumbrance  to  them.  Many  songs  have  been 
recorded  whose  purpose  was  to  procure  health,  but  this  is  the 
first  instance  of  a  song  mtended  to  cause  death.  An  impor- 
tant phase  of  the  musical  work  was  the  hearing  of  a  certain 
class  of  very  old  dance  songs,  a  portion  of  which  was  in  three 
parts,  i.  e.,  the  voices  of  the  men,  the  voices  of  the  women 
singing  the  same  melody  an  octave  higher,  and  the  voices  of 
two  or  three  women  singmg  (for  a  brief  period)  a  still  higher 
part,  different  from  the  melody.  This  song  was  accompanied 
by  the  shakmg  of  a  gourd  rattle  and  the  striking  of  a  basket 
drum,  also  by  stamping  the  feet,  which  is  the  most  primitive 
manner  of  markmg  time.  This  dance  is  seldom  held  at  the 
present  tune,  but  was  witnessed  on  the  desert  late  Christmas 
night. 

As  a  development  of  the  year's  work  Miss  Densmore  notes 
the  importance  of  recognizing  estheticism  as  a  factor  m 
Indian  music.  Her  analyses  have  sho\\ii  the  presence  of  tones 
whose  interval  distances  correspond  to  those  of  the  first, 
second,  thu-d,  and  fourth  upper  partial  tones  of  a  funda- 


ADMINISTRATIVE    REPORT  37 

mental.  Thus,  in  a  portion  of  liis  melody,  the  Indian  ap- 
pears to  find  satisfaction  in  intervals  which  are  under  natural 
laws.  Apart  from  these  tones  and  intervals  it  appears,  from 
the  evidence  in  hand,  that  his  choice  of  tonal  material  is 
controlled  by  a  sense  of  pleasure  rather  than  by  "keys"  or 
"modes." 

Miss  Densmore  continued  work  on  her  manuscript  en- 
titled "  Chippewa  Arts  and  Customs."  Tabulations  of  the 
botanical  portions  of  this  book  were  made  as  follows:  Lists 
of  botanical  names,  with  bibliogi'aphy,  showing  the  uses  of 
these  plants  by  other  tribes;  lists  of  plants  used  as  food, 
dyes,  channs,  and  for  general  utility.  Miss  Densmore 
made  more  than  100  blue  prints  of  birch-bark  transparen- 
cies, showing  a  wide  variety  of  interesting  patterns.  These 
transparencies  are  made  by  folding  thin  birch  bark  and  in- 
denting it  with  the  teeth,  the  bark,  when  unfolded  and  held 
toward  the  light,  revealing  the  pattern.  This  form  of  Chip- 
pewa art  is  almost  extinct  at  the  present  time. 

In  September  and  October  Mr.  W.  E.  Myer,  of  Nash- 
ville, Term.,  excavated,  under  the  auspices  of  the  bureau, 
Indian  village  sites  on  the  Gordon  farm  near  Brentwood, 
Davidson  County,  Tenn.,  and  also  the  Fewkes  Group  at 
Boiling  Spring  Academy,  Williamson  County,  in  the  same 
State.  The  remains  of  an  old  Indian  to^vn  at  the  Gordon 
site  had  walls  and  towers  very  similar  to  those  of  Pacaha, 
visited  by  De  Soto  in  1541.  The  walls  covered  an  area  of 
11.2  acres. 

When  the  former  inhabitants  for  some  unknown  reason 
abandoned  this  site  they  appear  to  have  left  nearly  all  the 
buildings  still  standing.  The  locaUty  was  never  again 
occupied  or  disturbed,  but  gradually  the  buildings  of  the 
silent  and  deserted  town  decayed  and  whatever  vestiges 
were  not  destroyed  by  the  elements  were  slowly  buried 
under  a  layer  of  l)lack  loam  which  is  now  from  14  to  20  inches 
deep. 

In  the  course  of  time  the  site  of  the  buried  village  gradu- 
ally became  a  beautiful  grassy  glade  set  here  and  there  ^vith 
giant  forest  trees.  The  charm  of  the  site  appealed  to  one 
of  the  first  white  settlers,  who  built  his  home  here  and  pre- 


38  BUREAU   OF   AMERICAN   ETHNOLOGY 

served  the  grassy  glade  for  a  lawn.  No  one  suspected  that 
an  ancient  Indian  town  was  lying  buried  a  few  inches  be- 
neath the  surface;  but  on  the  surface  of  this  undisturbed 
lawn  there  were  very  faint  saucer-shaped  depressions  and 
other  evidences  marking  the  sites  of  about  125  dwellings. 

When  the  accumulated  superficial  black  loam  was  re- 
moved from  some  of  these  circular  depressions  floors  made 
of  hard  packed  clay  were  brought  to  Ught.  Some  of  these 
floors  were  very  pleasing  to  the  eye,  being  covered  with  a 
smoothed  and  polished  coating  of  fine  black,  glossy  material. 
The  stone  slab  tops  of  the  cofhns  of  little  children  were 
exposed  here  and  there  projecting  an  inch  or  two  above  the 
level  of  the  floor. 

A  building  was  uncovered  in  the  center  of  which  was  an 
altar  filled  with  the  pure  white  ashes  of  the  ancient  per- 
petual fire.  The  neighboring  buildings  were  dwellings  with 
fire  beds  used  for  domestic  cooking.  Stone  metates,  mullers, 
and  other  utensils  used  for  household  pmposes  were  hkewlse 
fovmd  on  the  floors  of  these  rooms. 

Mr.  Myer  also  explored  an  umiamed  group  of  five  mounds 
and  a  surrounding  village  site  at  Boiling  Spring  Academy  in 
Wilhamson  County,  Tenn.  At  the  request  of  many  citizens 
of  Tennessee  he  gave  tins  the  name  of  Fewkes  Group  In 
honor  of  Dr.  J.  Walter  Fewkes,  Chief  of  the  Bureau  of 
American  Ethnology,  who  had  visited  the  site,  recognized  its 
importance,  and  caused  it  to  be  explored. 

Archeological  field  work  was  carried  on  by  Prof.  J.  E. 
Pearce,  of  the  University  of  Texas,  in  cooperation  with  the 
bureau.  The  area  examined  is  situated  ui  the  vicinity  of 
the  city  of  Athens,  in  Henderson  Coimty,  and  during  this 
work  Professor  Pearce  received  many  courtesies  from  Judge 
A.  B.  Watkins,  who  has  long  manifested  an  interest  in  the 
archeology  of  the  region.  Professor  Pearce  finds  that  the 
eastern  Texas  region  contains  numerous  mounds,  village 
sites,  and  burial  places,  the  objects  from  which  are  quite 
different  from  those  found  In  the  central  and  western  portions 
of  Texas.  Three  interesting  momids  on  the  MorraU  farm, 
4  miles  east  of  Cherokee  County,  were  investigated.  The 
highest  of  these  moimds  measures  80  feet  across  the  base 


ADMINISTRATIVE    REPORT  39 

and  45  feet  above  the  level  of  the  base.  The  second  mound 
is  180  feet  long  by  75  feet  wide,  but  is  only  15  feet  high. 
Most  of  the  mounds  in  the  neighborhood  of  Athens  hsxxe 
been  plowed  over  and  have  no  regularity  m  form.  Several 
mounds  situated  m  Harrison  County,  particularly  those  on 
the  farm  of  Mr.  Lane  Mitchell,  of  Marshall,  were  examined 
and  remains  of  earth  lodges  discovered,  in  the  floor  of  which 
are  central  fire  pits.  These  are  proljably  recent.  Numerous 
other  sites  were  explored,  yieldmg  collections  of  pottery, 
stone  implements,  and  other  objects  illustrating  the  life 
of  the  prehistoric  al^origines  of  eastern  Texas.  Everj'thing 
found  implies  that  the  Indians  of  this  region  hved  in  settled 
villages,  were  agriculturists,  and  made  pottery  of  a  high 
grade  of  excellence.  Their  culture  was  higher  than  that  of 
the  Indians  who  occupied  the  central  region  of  Texas, 
investigated  m  1919. 

With  a  small  allotment,  Mr.  J.  A.  Jeancon  carried  on 
important  archeological  work  on  a  ruin  at  Llano,  near 
Rancho  de  Taos,  N.  Mex.,  and  obtained  a  valuable  collection 
from  a  locaUty  not  represented  in  the  Museum. 

The  architectural  features  and  relations  of  the  kiva  and 
secular  rooms  of  this  ruin  recall  those  of  the  chff  dwelhngs  and 
pueblos  of  the  Mesa  Verde.  The  circular  subteiTanean 
kiva  that  was  excavated  proved  to  be  almost  identical  with 
a  typical  Mesa  Verde  kiva,  verifying  the  legends  that  the 
modern  Taos  Indians  are  a  mixed  type  containing  Pueblo 
elements,  probably  of  northern  origin. 

This  kiva  was  embedded  in  house  walls  not  free  from  sec- 
ular buildings  as  in  modern  Taos  and  showed  evidences  of 
two  occupations,  or  one  kiva  built  inside  another.  It  had 
no  pilasters  for  the  support  of  a  vaulted  roof,  but  there  were 
in  the  floor  four  upright  posts  upon  which  a  flat  roof  formerly 
rested.  In  the  floor  was  an  excellent  fireplace  and  a  plastered 
pit  the  purpose  of  which  is  problematical. 

Mr.  Jeancon's  work  attracted  wide  attention,  and  many 
persons  visited  the  site  while  he  was  at  work.  Members  of 
the  chamber  of  commerce  in  Taos  declared  their  intention  to 
protect  the  excavated  walls  by  means  of  a  shed. 

53666°— 28 4 


40  BUREAU    OF   AMERICAN   ETHNOLOGY 

The  chief  visited  the  ruin  before  excavation  began  and 
inspected  the  excavations  after  they  had  been  completed. 

Mr.  Gerard  Fowke  represented  the  bureau  at  the  meeting 
of  the  Pan  Pacific  Congi-ess  in  Honolulu  and  made  a  special 
study  of  the  archeology  of  the  Hawaiian  Islands.  He  found 
that  all  the  aboriginal  remains  on  the  islands  are  the  work  of 
the  present  Hawaiian  race,  indicating  that  when  the  earhest 
of  these  people  came  there  the  islands  were  without  inhab- 
itants. No  archeological  evidences  were  foimd  of  any 
prehistoric  population;  and,  so  far  as  can  be  ascertained, 
excavations  would  not  result  in  the  discovery  of  any  speci- 
mens essentially  different  from  those  that  can  be  seen  on  the 
surface  or  may  be  foimd  shghtly  covered  by  very  recent 
natural  accumulation.  At  the  same  time,  as  all  the  remains 
are  well  worthy  of  study  and  preservation,  the  islands  furnish 
opportimity  for  further  research.  His  report  on  the  temples, 
terraces,  and  other  remains  has  been  received  and  awaits 
pubhcation. 

Dr.  Clark  Wissler  has  given  what  time  he  could  spare  from 
his  duties  as  cliairman  of  the  division  of  anthropology  and 
psychology  of  the  National  Research  Council  to  the  comple- 
tion of  a  Pawnee  manuscript,  in  which  he  has  lieen  aided  by 
Mr.  James  R.  Murie.  The  music  necessary  for  this  has 
been  transcribed  by  Miss  Helen  H.  Roberts,  and  Dr.  John  R. 
Swanton  has  also  assisted  in  this  work. 

Durmg  the  fiscal  year  Mr.  D.  I.  Bushnell,  jr.,  completed  a 
manuscript  bearing  the  title:  "Villages  of  the  Algonquian, 
Siouan,  and  Caddoan  Tribes  West  of  the  Mississippi." 
While  engaged  in  the  preparation  of  this  manuscript  he  also 
secured  many  notes  on  tlie  l^urial  customs  of  the  same  triJDes, 
and  these,  together  with  much  additional  material,  are  being 
used  in  the  preparation  of  another  manuscript,  entitled 
"Burials  of  the  Algonquian,  Siouan,  and  Caddoan  Tribes 
West  of  the  Mississippi." 

Miss  Mary  Lois  Kissell  has  begim  the  preparation  of  the 
manuscript  of  a  Ixilletin  on  weaving  of  the  Northwest  Coast 
Indians,  which  it  is  hoped  will  be  later  followed  by  others  on 
other  geographical  areas. 


ADMINISTRATIVE    REPORT  41 

A  small  allotment  was  given  to  Mr.  Gerard  Fowke  to 
carry  on  special  archeological  work  in  Greenup,  Ky.,  near 
Portsmouth,  Ohio,  on  mounds  figured  and  descril^ed  by 
Squier  and  Davis  and  T.  H.  Lewis.  On  the  opposite  bank 
of  the  Ohio  River  a  celebrated  cache  of  pipes  has  been  found 
and  it  was  hoped  that  a  similar  deposit  might  be  discovered 
near  the  effigy  mound  on  the  south  side.  The  results  of 
this  exammation  are  negative  so  far  as  the  object  desued 
was  concerned,  Ijut  several  interesting  oJDservations  were  made 
of  a  nature  too  technical  to  discuss  in  this  place. 

EDITORIAL  WORK   AND   PUBLICATIONS 

The  editing  of  the  publications  of  the  bureau  was  con- 
tinued through  the  year  by  Mr.  Stanley  Searles,  assisted  by 
Mrs.  Frances  S.  Nichols.  The  status  of  the  publications  is 
presented  in  the  following  summary: 

PUBLICATIONS   ISSUED 

Bulletin  67.  Alsea  Texts  and  Myths  (Frachtenberg).     304  pp. 
Bulletin  7L  Native    Cemeteries  and    Forms  of  Burial  East  of  the 

Mississippi  (Bushnell).     160  pp.,  17  pi. 
Bulletm  72.  The  Owl  Sacred  Pack  of  the  Fox  Indians  (Michelson). 

83  pp.,  4  pi. 
List  of  Pubhcations  of  the  Bureau  of  American  Ethnology.     44  pp. 

PUBLICATIONS    IN    PRESS    OR    IN    PREPARATION 

Thirty-fourth  Annual  Report.  Accompanying  paper:  A  Prehistoric 
Island  Culture  Area  of  America  (Fewkes). 

Thirty-fifth  Annual  Report.  Accompanying  paper:  Ethnology  of  the 
Kwakiutl  (Boas). 

Thirty-sLxth  Annual  Report.  Accompanying  paper:  The  Osage  Tril)c: 
Rite  of  the  Chiefs;  Sayings  of  the  Ancient  Men  (La  Flesche). 

Thirty-seventh  Aimual  Report.  Accompanying  paper:  The  Winne- 
bago Tribe  (Radin). 

Thirty-eighth  Annual  Report.  Accompanying  paper:  An  Introduc- 
tory Study  of  the  Ai-ts,  Crafts,  and  Customs  of  the  Guiana  Indians 
(Roth). 

Bulletin  73.  Early  History  of  the  Creek  Indians  and  Their  Neighbors 
(Swan  ton) . 

Bulletin  74.  Excavation  of  a  Site  at  Santiago  Ahuitzotla,  D.  F.  Mexico 
(Tozzer). 

Bulletin  75.  Northern  Ute  Music  (Densmore). 


42  BUREAU    OF   AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY 

Bulletin  76.  Archeological  Excavations  in  the  Ozark  Region  of  Cen- 
tral Missouri  (Fowke). 

Bulletin  77.  Villages  of  the  Algonquian,  Siouan,  and  Caddoan  Tribes 
West  of  the  Mississippi  (Bushnell). 

Bulletin  78.  Handbook  of  the  Indians  of  California  (Kroeber). 

Bulletin  80.  Mandan  and  Hidatsa  Music  (Densmore). 

DISTRIBUTION    OF    PUBLICATIONS 

The  distribution  of  publications  has  been  continued  under 
the  immediate  charge  of  Miss  Helen  Munroe,  assisted  by 
Miss  Emma  B.  Powers.  Pubhcations  were  distributed  as 
follows : 

Copies 

Annual  reports  and  separates 1,  998 

Bulletins  and  separates 10,  288 

Contributions  to  North  American  Ethnology 34 

Miscellaneous  publications 475 

Total 12,795 

ILLUSTEATIONS 

Mr.  De  Lancey  Gill,  illustrator,  with  the  assistance  of  Mr. 
Albert  E.  Sweeney,  continued  the  preparation  of  the  illus- 
trations of  the  bureau.     A  summary  of  this  work  follows : 

Photographic  illustrations  for  distribution  and  office  use 645 

Negatives  of  ethnological  and  archeological  subjects 351 

Negative  films  developed  from  field  exposures 70 

Photostat  prints  made  from  books  and  manuscripts 120 

Illustrations  prepared  and  submitted  for  publication 391 

Line  and  color  drawings 195 

Illustrations  proofs  edited 158 

Ijithographic  proofs  examined  at  Government  Printing  Office-   25,  000 

LIBRARY 

The  reference  library  continued  in  the  immediate  care  of 
Miss  Ella  Leary,  librarian,  assisted  by  Mr.  Charles  B.  New- 
man and  Mr.  Samuel  H.  Miller. 

During  the  year  775  books  were  accessioned,  of  which  50 
were  acquhed  by  purchase,  325  by  binding  of  periodicals, 
and  400  by  gift  and  exchange.  The  periodicals  currently 
received  number  about  900,  of  which  30  were  received  by 
subscription,  the  remainder  being  received  through  exchange. 


ADMINISTRATIVE    REPORT  43 

The  bureau  has  also  received  269  pamphlets,  giving  at  the 
close  of  the  year  a  working  library  of  24,155  volumes,  14,777 
pamphlets,  and  several  thousand  unbound  periodicals. 

During  the  year  an  increasing  number  of  visitors  have 
applied  to  the  library  for  books.  Information  has  been 
furnished  and  bibliographic  notes  compiled  for  the  use  of 
correspondents.  The  officials  of  the  Library  of  Congress 
and  of  the  Govermnent  departments  have  also  made  use  of 
the  library  through  frequent  loans  during  the  year. 

In  addition  to  the  use  of  its  own  library,  which  is  becoming 
more  and  more  valuable  through  exchange  and  by  limited 
purchase,  it  was  found  necessary  to  draw  on  the  Library  of 
Congress  for  the  loan  of  about  500  books. 

As  mentioned  in  the  last  amiual  report,  one  of  the  most 
urgent  needs  of  the  library  at  the  present  time  is  more  shelf 
room  for  its  books. 

COLLECTIONS 

The  following  collections,  acquired  by  members  of  the 
bureau  or  by  those  detailed  m  connection  with  its  researches, 
have  been  transferred  to  the  United  States  National 
Museum: 

Stone  arrow  polisher,  presented  to  the  bureau  by  Dr.  Walter  E. 
Roth,  of  Georgetown,  British  Guiana.     (65625.) 

Collection  of  archeological  material,  collected  in  the  spring  of  1920 
in  northwestern  Arizona  and  southwestern  Utah  by  Mr.  NeU  M. 
Judd.      (65764.) 

Pseudo  stone  implement,  found  by  Rev.  E.  N.  Kremer  near 
Camphill,  Cumberland  Coimty,  Pa.     (65795.) 

Three  human  skidls  and  bones,  collected  by  Dr.  J.  Walter  Fewkes 
at  Fire  Temple  Group,  Mesa  Verde  National  Park,  Colo.     (660n.) 

Skeltons  collected  during  the  summer  of  1920  near  Nashville, 
Tenn.,  by  Mr.  W.  E.  Myer.     (65115.) 

Archeologia  and  skeleton,  collected  by  Mr.  J.  A.  Jeancon  from  a 
rum  near  Taos,  N.  Mex.,  in  the  summer  of  1920.     (66156.) 

Archeologia  and  human  bones,  foimd  at  Indian  Hall,  Fla.,  by 
Mr.  Charles  T.  Earie.     (65551.) 

Skull  bones  and  lower  jaw,  found  at  village  site  near  GatesvLlle, 
Tex.,  by  Prof.  J.  E.  Pearce.     (65334.) 


44  BUREAU  OF  AMERICAN  ETHNOLOGY 

PROPERTY 

Fumitui'e  and  office  equipment  were  purchased  to  the 
amount  of  $140.83. 

MISCELLANEOUS 

Clerical. — The  correspondence  and  other  clerical  work  of 
the  office  has  been  conducted  by  Miss  May  S.  Clark,  clerk 
to  the  chief.  Mrs.  Frances  S.  Nichols  assisted  the  editor. 
Mr.  Anthony  Wilding  served  as  messenger  and  typist  to  the 
chief. 

Personnel. — Mr.  Samuel  H.  Miller  has  been  appointed  to 
assist  Miss  Lear}^  in  the  library  in  place  of  Mr.  Charles  B. 
Newman,  transferred  to  the  Smithsonian. 

Mr.  J.  A.  Jeancon,  who  served  as  assistant  to  the  chief  in 
the  work  at  Mesa  Verde,  was  later  appointed  temporary 
ethnologist,  but  at  the  close  of  two  months'  work  in  Wash- 
ington, resigned  to  accept  a  position  in  the  State  Historical 
Museum,  Denver,  Colo. 

Respectfully  submitted. 

J.  Walter  Fewkes, 
Chief,  Bureau  of  American  Ethnology. 

Dr.  Charles  D.  Walcott, 

Secretary,  Smithsonian  Institution. 


CONTENTS 

Page 

Field  researches  of  the  staff 47 

Special  researches 60 

Editorial  work  and  publications 69 

Illustrations 71 

Library 71 

Collections 72 

Property 73 

Miscellaneous 73 

45 


ANNUAL  REPORT 

OF  THE 

BUREAU  OF  AMERICAN  ETHNOLOGY 

FOR  THE  FISCAL  YEAR  ENDED  JUNE  30,  1922 


J.  Walter  Fewkes,  Chief 


Sir  :  In  response  to  your  request  I  have  the  honor  to  sub- 
mit the  following  report  on  the  field  researches,  office  work, 
and  other  operations  of  the  Bureau  of  American  Ethnology 
during  the  fiscal  year  ended  June  30,  1922,  conducted  in 
accordance  with  the  act  of  Congress  approved  March  4, 
1921.    The  act  referred  to  contains  the  following  item: 

American  ethnology:  For  continuing  ethnological  researches  among 
the  American  Indians  and  the  natives  of  Hawaii,  including  the  exca- 
vation and  preservation  of  archeologic  remains,  under  the  direction  of 
the  Smithsonian  Institution,  including  the  necessary  employees  and 
the  purchase  of  necessary  books  and  periodicals,  $46,000. 

The  Indians  of  the  United  States  are  undergoing  cultural 
changes  which  will  in  a  short  time  so  modify  their  material 
culture  that  httle  wiU  be  left  in  that  line  for  the  ethnologist 
to  study.  It  is  imperative  that  the  bureau  exert  itself  in 
every  way  to  record  the  material  culture  and  cult  objects 
before  the  final  change  occurs.  The  objects  illustrating  this 
culture  are  now  mainly  preserved  as  heirlooms  in  ceremonies, 
and  it  is  particularly  desirable  that  these  be  described  and  their 
meanings  interpreted  before  they  pass  out  of  use  completely, 

FIELD  RESEARCHES  OF  THE  STAFF 

In  1904  the  bureau  inaugurated  at  Casa  Grande  a  method 
of  archeological  work  which  has  now  been  adopted  by  most 
of  the  institutions  working  in  the  southwestern  part  of  the 
United  States.  Previous  to  this  time  archeologists  rarely 
paid  attention  to  the  preservation  of  walls  of  ruins,  but 
sacrificed  these  in  their  zeal  to  make  as  large  collections  of 
artifacts  as  possible. 

47 


48  BUREAU   OF   AMERICAN   ETHNOLOGY 

The  bureau  method  of  preserving  the  buildings  for  future 
students  has  now  been  adopted  by  other  institutions,  and 
work  of  this  natui'e  is  being  carried  on  at  Pueblo  Bonito, 
Chaco  Canyon,  by  the  National  Geographic  Society;  at 
Chettro  Kettle,  in  the  same  canyon,  by  the  School  of  Amer- 
ican Research,  Santa  Fe,  N.  Mex.;  at  Pecos,  N.  Mex.,  by 
the  Phillips  Academy,  Andover,  Mass. ;  and  at  Aztec  by  the 
American  Museum  of  Natural  History  of  New  York.  This 
method  of  archeological  work  has  created  a  great  interest  in 
archeological  problems,  as  indicated  by  the  increased  number 
of  visitors  to  these  ruins,  and  has  a  great  practical  value  as 
an  asset  to  the  communities  in  which  these  ruins  are  situated. 
It  is  the  intention  of  the  chief  of  the  bureau  to  keep  abreast 
of  the  other  institutions  in  this  regard. 

In  the  past  year  the  bureau  has  entered  upon  two  new  lines 
of  work  which  it  is  believed  will  not  only  increase  its  scientific 
output  by  mtensive  research  but  also  appeal  strongly  to 
the  popular  interest  and  to  the  diffusion  of  knowledge 
already  acquired.  For  many  years  it  has  not  been  found 
practical  to  continue  work  on  the  Hawaiian  Islands,  which  is 
mentioned  as  one  of  the  important  items  of  ethnological 
research  m  the  above  act  of  Congress.  A  meeting  of  the 
Pan  Pacific  Convention  in  Honolulu  shows  an  increased 
interest  m  the  study  of  the  Polynesian  islands  and  their 
relation  to  the  question  of  the  peopling  of  America  from 
the  South  Seas.  Mr.  Gerard  Fowke,  a  collaborator  of  the 
bureau,  was  commissioned  to  attend  this  convention  in 
the  interest  of  the  Smithsonian  Institution,  and  he  was 
instructed  to  gather  whatever  information  he  could  in  rela- 
tion to  the  archeology  of  the  people,  if  any,  that  preceded 
the  Hawaiian  race  of  the  present  day.  Although  his  results 
were  negative,  it  is  gratifying  that  the  bureau  took  part  in 
this  convention,  as  it  opened  up  several  lines  of  work  in 
other  islands  which  it  may  later  be  advantageous  to  follow. 
The  Sandwich  Islands  lie  practically  on  the  periphery  of 
the  sphere  of  mfluence  of  the  Polynesian  culture,  and  local 
investigators  have  the  Hawaiians  well  in  hand.  There  is 
considerable  to  do  m  mapping  the  distribution  of  temples 
and  ancient  buildings,  but  this  work  is  being  rapidly  done 


ADMINISTRATIVE   KEPORT  49 

by  local  archeologists.  It  is  desirable,  however,  that  the 
bureau  take  up  archeological  work  m  Samoa  or  some  island 
nearer  the  center  of  distribution  of  the  race  which  has 
occupied  almost  all  the  land  in  the  Pacific  Ocean.  The 
imperfect  facilities  for  transportation  from  one  island  to 
another  and  the  loss  of  time  in  transit  is  a  serious  handicap 
in  this  work. 

A  second  line  of  research  which  promises  even  more  to  the 
scientific  investigator  .and  the  tourist  is  a  study  of  the 
material  culture,  especially  the  architecture,  of  the  houses 
of  the  aborigines  of  Alaska.  In  the  growth  of  the  canning 
industry  the  Indians  who  formerly  inhabited  southern 
Alaska  have  been  dra\^Ti  away  from  their  aboriginal  villages, 
leaving  them  deserted  and  their  totem  poles  and  buildmgs 
to  the  mercy  of  fire  and  decay.  The  monuments  are  rapidly 
going  to  destruction,  and  it  is  very  desirable  that  steps  be 
immediately  taken  to  preserve  these  buildmgs  or  a  typical 
example  of  them  before  they  are  utterly  destroyed. 

One  of  these  settlements,  Kasaan,  has  already  been  made 
a  national  monument.  Steps  should  be  taken  to  preserve 
others. 

Dr.  T.  T.  Waterman  was  sent  by  the  l:)ureau  to  investigate 
the  whole  question — primarily  to  secure  whatever  vanishing 
ethnological  data  is  still  extant.  He  was  instructed  to  gather 
information  on  the  symbolism  of  the  totem  poles,  the  charac- 
ter of  the  houses,  distribution  of  clans,  and  whatever  scien- 
tific data  can  be  obtained  from  those  still  livmg  who  once 
inhabited  these  villages.  This  Ime  of  investigation  appeals 
very  strongly  to  the  chief  from  his  knowledge  of  the  growth 
in  interest  of  the  Mesa  Verde  National  Park.  In  1908, 
when  he  began  work  on  this  park,  only  25  tourists  visited 
the  Mesa  Verde;  this  year,  1922,  the  number  will  reach 
4,500.  This  shows  a  great  growth  of  interest  in  the  work 
being  done  there;  and,  as  many  tourists  now  seek  Alaska 
in  their  summer  vacation,  one  of  these  villages  repaired  would 
attract  many  visitors.  It  is  proposed  to  continue  this  work 
next  summer  with  an  enlarged  appropriation. 

The  work  of  the  bureau  in  other  lines  has  gone  on  with 
customary   vigor.     The   chief   has   repeatedly    emphasized 


50  BUREAU  OF  AMERICAN  ETHNOLOGY 

the  necessity  of  rescuing  the  Unguistic  and  sociological  data 
of  those  Indian  stocks  that  are  rapidly  disappearing.  It 
would  be  culpable  if  any  of  these  languages  should  vanish 
completely  without  some  record.  Interest  in  the  aborigines 
of  this  continent  has  greatly  increased  in  the  last  years, 
especially  on  account  of  the  stimulus  of  the  movement  called 
"see  America  first." 

In  addition  to  his  purely  administrative  duties,  con- 
siderable time  has  been  devoted  by  the  chief  to  researches 
in  the  field.  This  work  was  archeological  in  natiu-e  and  a 
continuation  of  that  of  previous  years,  and  was  carried  on 
in  cooperation  with  the  National  Park  Service  of  the 
Department  of  the  Interior. 

Two  months  were  spent  in  the  neighborhood  of  Far  View 
House,  the  first  pueblo  discovered  on  the  Mesa  Verde 
National  Park,  six  years  ago.  In  the  course  of  the  work 
this  fine  ruin  was  thoroughly  repaired  and  put  in  such  con- 
dition that  it  will  now  resist  the  wear  of  the  elements  for 
several  years.  Ruins  once  repaired  must  be  watched  with 
care.  On  an  average  between  3,000  and  4,000  visitors, 
mainly  tourists,  visit  the  Mesa  Verde  National  Park  and 
examine  the  excavated  ruins.  Fifteen  thousand  visitors 
have  already  passed  through  Spruce-tree  House  and  Cliff 
Palace,  and  the  wear  on  the  soft  rock  of  which  the  ruins 
are  made  is  beguining  to  show.  Unless  constant  vigilance 
is  exercised  the  walls  will  fall  within  a  short  time.  Any 
deterioration  ought  to  l^e  repaired  annually.  Tourists  are 
not  now  permitted  to  visit  any  of  the  ruins  on  this  park 
without  a  guide,  a  regulation  that  has  been  strictly  enforced 
during  the  past  year. 

Field  work  in  May  and  Jime  was  devoted  to  excavating 
a  "ruin  called  Pipe  Shrine  House,  situated  to  the  south  of 
Far  View  House.  This  was  apparently  a  communal  build- 
ing, or  one  not  inhabited,  which  was  used  by  the  people  of 
the  pueblo  for  sacred  ceremonies.  It  would  appear  that 
Pipe  Shrine  House,  so  called,  bears  the  same  relationship 
to  Far  View  House  that  the  Lower  House  of  the  Yucca 
National  Monument  does  to  the  Upper.  The  great  kiva 
at  Aztec,  in  New  Mexico,  lately  excavated,  bears  a  some- 


ADMINISTRATIVE    REPORT  51 

what  similar  relationship  to  the  main  ruin,  and  there  are 
several  of  the  Chaco  Canyon  ruins  where  similar  conditions 
prevail. 

The  site  of  Pipe  Shrine  House  when  work  began  was  a 
low  mound  covered  with  sagebrush  with  a  saucerlike  depres- 
sion in  the  center,  not  unlike  several  others  m  the  immediate 
vicinity  of  Far  View  House.  The  removal  of  vegetation  and 
debris  and  an  excavation  of  the  rooms  revealed  a  rectangular 
building  70  by  60  feet,  with  walls  averagmg  one  story  high. 
It  had  mdications  of  a  lofty  tower  in  the  middle  of  the  western 
side,  which  must  have  imparted  to  the  builduig  somewhat 
the  appearance  of  a  church  steeple  or  the  minaret  of  a 
mosque.  The  large  room  was  situated  in  the  center  of  the 
rum,  its  floor  being  about  20  feet  below  that  of  the  other 
rooms.  This  subterranean  room  is  a  kiva,  but  it  differs 
from  others  of  like  type  on  the  park  in  that  it  has  no  fire- 
place in  the  center  of  the  floor,  no  ventilator  or  deflector, 
and  has  eight  mural  pilasters  instead  of  six  to  support  the 
roof.  The  fallen  walls  within  showed  indications  of  a  great 
conflagration,  the  stones  and  adobe  being  turned  red  and  the 
walls  turned  bright  red  by  the  great  heat.  On  the  floor  of 
the  kiva  was  an  inclosure  set  off  by  a  semicu-cular  wall 
where  the  action  of  fire  was  particularly  evident.  In  the 
inclosure  were  found  many  votive  offerings,  the  most  numer- 
ous of  which  were  a  dozen  clay  tobacco  pipes  of  various 
shapes  and  sizes,  one  or  two  decorated  on  their  exteriors. 
These  pipes,  which  are  the  first  ever  found  on  the  Mesa 
Verde,  evidently  had  been  smoked  by  the  priests  and  then 
thrown  into  the  shrine.  Besides  the  pipes  the  shrine  also 
contained  several  fine  stone  knives,  smaU  decorated  clay 
platters,  various  fetishes,  and  other  objects.  Pipe  Shrine 
House  was  entered  on  the  south  by  two  doorways,  midway 
between  which  a  large  pictograph  of  a  coiled  serpent  was 
incised  on  a  large  stone  set  in  the  wall.  To  the  south  of  the 
building  there  was  a  plaza  surrounded  by  a  retaining  wall 
and  directly  opposite  one  of  the  entrances  there  are  aborigmal 
steps  which  lead  to  a  rectangular  shrine  4  feet  in  size,  in 
which  were  found  a  number  of  water-worn  stones  surrounding 
a  large  stone  image  of  the  mountain  lion.     The  contents 


52  BUREAU    OP   AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY 

of  this  shrine  were  replaced,  the  mountain  hon  left  in  his 
original  position,  and  the  inclosure  covered  with  a  netting 
to  prevent  the  possible  removing  of  the  objects  from  their 
places.  Other  shrines  and  several  stone  idols  of  considerable 
size  were  found  m  the  neighborhood.  The  idols  found  at 
Pipe  Shrine  House  represent  the  snake,  mountain  lion, 
mountain  sheep,  and  bird — an  important  discovery,  as 
previously  only  one  stone  animal  idol  had  been  found  at 
the  Mesa  Verde  Park. 

One  of  the  most  instructive  experiences  of  the  archeologist 
is  to  see  a  skeleton  centuries  old  as  it  lies  in  the  grave. 
One  of  the  ancient  people  of  Pipe  Shrine  House  was  left  in 
a  prepared  chamber  for  tourists  to  inspect. 

The  cemetery  lies  on  the  southeast  comer  of  this  ruin, 
and  in  it  were  found  several  human  burials  from  one  of 
which  a  good  skeleton  was  chosen  to  illustrate  the  manner 
of  burial  and  the  mortuary  offerings.  This  skeleton  was 
not  removed  from  the  grave  but  was  surrounded  by  a  stone 
wall  forming  a  room,  rectangular  in  shape,  protected  by  a 
gratmg  and  a  waterproof  roof.  Visitors  may  now  see  one 
of  the  skeletons  of  the  race  of  cliff  dwellers  as  he  was  placed 
in  his  grave  more  than  500  years  ago;  not  a  smgle  bone  has 
been  moved  from  position.  This  is  the  first  time  m  North 
American  archeology  that  an  effort  has  been  made  to  pro- 
tect an  Indian  skeleton  in  situ,  and  the  success  of  the  method 
is  seff-evident,  judging  from  the  comments  of  visitors. 

The  pipes  found  in  the  shrine  of  the  kiva  have  suggested 
"Pipe  Shrme  House"  as  a  name  for  the  building.  It  seems 
to  have  been  given  up  to  the  rites  and  ceremonies  of  the 
mhabitants  of  the  neighljormg  Far  View  House. 

The  second  ruin  excavated  at  Mesa  Verde  was  formerly 
the  habitation  of  one  clan  or  of  one  social  unit  composed  of 
relatives  on  the  mother's  side,  on  which  account  this  ruin 
was  given  the  name  "One  Clan  House."  It  is  situated 
about  one-eighth  of  a  mile  south  of  Pipe  Shrine  House  and 
consists  of  a  circular  subterranean  room  or  kiva  of  fine 
masom-y  surrounded  by  rooms  for  sleeping,  others  for  grind- 
ing corn,  and  still  others  used  as  bins  for  corn  or  storage 
rooms.     The  kiva  was  the  ceremonial  or  men's  room. 


ADMINISTRATIVE   REPORT  53 

One  of  the  most  instructive  ruins  excavated  in  1922  is  a 
round  tower,  15  feet  in  diameter  and  10  feet  high,  situated 
about  300  feet  north  of  Far  View  House.  In  front  of  this 
tower  were  found  three  subterranean  kivas  under  the  fallen 
debris,  in  one  of  which  were  constructed  walls  of  a  square 
building,  indicating  secondary  occupation,  and  erected 
after  the  abandonment  of  the  kiva.  This  tower  and  accom- 
panying kivas  may  be  called  Far  View  Tower,  and  the 
indications  are  that  it  was  used  for  observations,  particularly 
of  the  sun  on  the  horizon  at  sunrise  and  sunset,  in  order  to 
determuie  the  time  for  plantmg  and  other  dates  important 
for  an  agricultural  people.  These  towers  were  probably 
rooms  for  the  worship  of  the  sun  and  other  sky  gods. 

Some  distance  north  of  Far  View  Tower  there  were  dis- 
covered in  the  cedars  a  number  of  large  stones  arranged 
vertically  in  rows  projecting  3  feet  above  the  surface  of  the 
gTound.  Excavation  showed  that  these  megaliths  were  walls 
of  buildings  of  anomalous  character,  indicating  a  new  type 
of  architecture  on  the  Mesa  Verde.  This  rum,  "Megalithic 
House,"  was  not  completely  excavated,  but  all  the  others 
were  repau-ed,  the  tops  of  the  walls  being  covered  with 
cement  to  prevent  future  erosion. 

An  important  collection  made  by  the  chief  in  the  course 
of  the  summer's  work  contains  many  rare  and  unique  speci- 
mens, an  accomit  of  which  will  later  be  published  in  a  report 
on  the  excavations. 

Durmg  his  work  at  the  Mesa  Verde  the  chief  gave  camp- 
fire  talks  in  the  special  amphitheater  constructed  for  that 
purpose  by  the  superintendent  of  the  park.  The  average 
attendance  on  these  talks  was  about  40  each  evening,  and 
at  times,  as  on  a  visit  of  a  convention  of  teachers,  there  were 
150  listeners.  He  also  spent  considerable  time  daily  taking 
parties  over  the  new  work  which  he  was  domg  m  the  neigh- 
borhood of  Far  View  House. 

Ever  smce  1917  the  chief  has  been  attempting  to  have  the 
sites  of  three  clusters  of  towers  in  Utah  withdrawn  from 
private  ownership  and  made  into  a  national  monument,  to 
be  called  Hovenweep  National  Monument.  Various  cir- 
cumstances have  made  it  impossible  to  bring  this  about. 


54  BUREAU   OF  AMERICAN   ETHNOLOGY 

During  the  past  summer,  however,  Mr.  Hatze,  a  Land  Office 
surveyor,  determined  the  metes  and  bounds  of  these  three 
clusters  and  later  Doctor  Fewkes  visited  them  in  order  to 
determine  their  present  condition.  He  found  that  a  settler 
had  filed  claims  on  the  neighbormg  land,  the  adjoinmg 
one-quarter  mile  section,  and  erected  his  cabin.  Some  of 
the  cabins  in  the  neighborhood  have  stones  remarkably  like 
those  of  the  towers;  in  other  words,  the  necessity  for  imme- 
diate action,  if  these  towers  are  to  be  preserved  for  posterity, 
is  apparent,  and  the  land  on  which  they  are  situated  should 
be  withdrawn  from  settlement  and  the  buildmgs  put  under 
the  care  of  proper  authorities.  The  three  groups  are  known 
as  the  Square  Tower,  the  Ruin  Canyon  group ;  the  Holly  and 
Keeley  Towers;  and  the  large  ruin  at  the  head  of  the  Cajon 
Mesa  called  Cool  Sprhig  House,  on  account  of  the  fine  water 
which  is  found  in  the  cave  back  of  the  cliff  house. 

Durmg  the  fiscal  year  Dr.  John  R.  S wanton,  ethnologist, 
was  engaged  in  extracting  the  words  from  his  Hitchiti  texts 
and  adding  them  to  his  dictionary  on  cards  of  the  Hitchiti 
language,  and  in  preparing  a  grammatical  sketch  of  75  pages 
based  on  this  material  and  that  collected  by  Dr.  A.  S. 
Gatschet. 

Much  time  was  devoted  to  transferring  words  to  cards 
from  his  Alabama  texts,  and  from  material  in  Alal)ama 
secured  through  native  informants,  mto  an  Alabama-Enghsh 
dictionary.  The  first  25  pages  of  a  grammatical  sketch  of 
this  language  have  also  been  completed. 

A  comparison  has  been  made  between  the  Natchez 
language  on  the  one  hand  and  Koasati  and  Hitchiti  on  the 
other,  in  order  to  estabhsh  the  position  of  Natchez  in  the 
Muskhogean  linguistic  stock.  This  has  not  yet  been  set 
down  in  full,  but  all  of  the  essential  points  have  been  type- 
written on  cards. 

A  paper  of  44  pages  has  been  prepared  in  elaboration  of 
some  recent  discoveries  regarding  the  Siouan  peoples, 
discoveries  which  have  an  especial  bearing  on  the  relation- 
ship of  the  various  Siouan  groups  to  one  another. 

A  small  amount  of  work  has  been  done  in  continuance  of 
Doctor  Swanton's  mvestigations  into  the  economic  basis  of 


ADMINISTRATIVE    REPORT  55 

American  Indian  life,  particularly  a  study  of  aboriginal 
trails  and  trade  routes. 

The  work  of  collecting  stories  dealing  with  the  old  clan 
divisions  of  the  Chickasaw  Indians,  undertaken  by  a 
Chickasaw  at  Doctor  Swanton's  suggestion,  has  met  with 
gratifying  success,  10  or  12  such  stories  havmg  already  been 
sent  in. 

During  the  fiscal  year  Mr.  J.  N.  B.  Hewitt,  ethnologist, 
was  engaged  entirely  in  office  work. 

In  his  report  for  the  fiscal  year  1921  it  was  stated  that  a 
number  of  Chippewa  and  Ottawa  texts  had  been  obtained 
in  1900  from  Mr.  John  Miscogeon,  an  Ottawa  mixed  blood, 
then  in  Washington,  D.  C,  and  that  Mr.  George  Gabaoosa, 
a  mixed-blood  Chippewa,  had  been  employed  to  amend  and 
to  supply  the  Chippewa  versions  of  these  texts.  He  also 
amphfied  the  texts  by  substantial  additions.  This  material 
covers  125  pages.  Mr.  Gabaoosa's  fixed  habit  of  writing 
his  native  language  by  means  of  the  alphabet  employed  by 
the  missionaries  made  it  needful  that  these  texts  thus  written 
be  translated  into  the  alphabet  devised  by  Maj.  J.  W. 
Powell,  founder  of  the  Bureau  of  American  Ethnology,  for 
recording  native  Indian  languages.  This  work  of  trans- 
hteration  is  one  of  considerable  difficulty,  because  the  aid 
of  a  native  Chippewa  speaker  is  not  available  in  the  office 
and  Mr.  Hewitt  does  not  speak  Chippewa. 

In  addition,  Mr.  Hewitt  continued  work  in  preparing  the 
Muskhogean  material  detailed  in  his  last  report. 

Mr.  Hewitt  also  continued  his  typing  of  the  native 
Onondaga  texts  of  the  second  part  of  the  Iroquoian  Cos- 
mology, the  first  part  having  appeared  in  the  Twenty-first 
Annual  Report  of  the  bureau.  There  are  now  255  pages  of 
text  material  in  final  form. 

As  custodian  of  manuscripts  Mr.  Hewitt  reports  that  no 
new  linguistic  records  were  added  to  the  material  perma- 
nently in  his  charge.  Collaborators  and  others  make  tem- 
porary deposits  of  manuscripts  upon  which  work  is  being 
done,  and  these  are  not  catalogued  as  of  permanent  deposit. 

53666°— 28 5 


56  BUREAU  OF  AMERICAN  ETHNOLOGY 

Mr.  Hewitt  spent  much  time  and  study  in  the  preparation 
of  data  for  official  rephes  to  correspondents  of  the  bureau 
and  of  the  Indian  Office  also,  the  latter  by  reference  only. 
The  scope  of  the  inquiries  covers  almost  the  entire  range  of 
human  interest,  often  quite  outside  of  the  specific  researches 
properly  coming  within  the  activities  of  the  Bureau  of 
American  Ethnologj^  but  many  are  only  requests  for  the 
derivation  of  some  alleged  native  Indian  place  or  proper 
name,  often  greatly  Anglicized  and  mutilated.  Some  of 
these  inquiries  require  more  than  a  day's  work  to  answer,  as 
it  is  sometimes  necessary  to  visit  the  Congi'essional  Library 
in  search  of  data.  Data  for  more  than  75  such  inquiries 
were  prepared. 

Immediately  following  the  death  of  the  late  Mr.  James 
Mooney,  Mr.  Hewitt  assisted  Mrs.  Mooney  in  assorting  and 
separating  the  personal  letters  and  papers  of  Mr.  Mooney, 
some  in  advanced  stages  of  preparation  (the  accumulation 
of  more  than  30  years'  activity  in  an  official  capacity),  from 
those  which  by  their  nature  are  official  documents,  and  corre- 
spondence and  photographs.  More  than  a  week  was  devoted 
to  this  work. 

Before  placing  this  material  in  the  new  storeroom  a  rough 
classification  was  made  of  it.  Five  main  groups  were  made, 
corresponding  roughly  with  the  five  chief  papers  which  Mr. 
Mooney  had  under  way  for  a  number  of  years  before  his 
demise,  namely,  (a)  A  Study  of  the  Peyote  and  Its  Accom- 
panying Religious  Cult;  (6)  A  Monograph  on  the  Popula- 
tion of  the  Indian  Tribes  When  First  Kno\\Ti;  (c)  A  Paper 
on  Cherokee  Medical  Formulas  Recorded  in  the  Sequoya 
Alphabet  by  Native  Priests;  (d)  Kiowa  Heraldry;  and  (e) 
A  Study  of  the  Cheyenne  and  Arapaho  Shields.  Owing  to 
the  pecuhar  chirography  of  Mr.  Mooney  and  his  excessive 
use  of  abbreviations  peculiar  to  himself,  tliis  task  proved  to 
be  a  most  tedious  and  difficult  one. 

Mr.  Hewitt,  who  represents  the  Smithsonian  Institution 
on  the  United  States  Geogi'aphic  Board,  attended  all  its 
regular  meetings  except  one,  and  aU  the  special  meetings  of 
the  board. 


ADMINISTRATIVE    REPORT  57 

Mr.  Francis  La  Flesche,  ethnologist,  continued  during  the 
fiscal  year  on  the  task  of  assembling  his  notes  for  the  second 
volume  of  his  work  on  the  Osage  tribe.  The  manuscript 
for  the  second  volume,  which  embraces  two  versions  of  an 
ancient  Osage  ritual  entitled,  "  No°-zM°-zho°  Wa-tho°,  Songs 
of  the  Rite  of  Vigil,"  was  completed  and  turned  in  to 
the  bureau  on  February  25,  1922,  where  it  awaits  publication. 

The  first  version  of  this  ritual,  which  is  counted  as  next 
in  importance  to  the  Hearing  of  the  Sayings  of  the  Ancient 
Men,  pubhshed  in  the  Thirty-sixth  Aiuiual  Report  of  the 
bureau,  was  gi"\'en  by  Wa-xthi-zhi  of  the  Puma  gens  of 
the  Osage.  This  man  had  learned  the  ritual  from  his 
father,  Wa-thu'-ts'aga-zhi,  who  is  said  to  have  been  one 
of  the  best  informed  No°'-ho°-zhi°-ga  in  the  tribal  rites. 
With  some  difficulty  Mr.  La  Flesche  managed  to  persuade 
Sho°'-ge-mo"-i°,  of  the  Peacemaker  gens,  a  more  conserva- 
tive man  than  Wa-xthi-zhi,  to  give  the  second  version, 
which  belongs  to  his  gens.  As  this  ritual  pertains  to  war, 
old  Sho^'-ge-mo^-i"  desired  it  to  be  clearly  understood  that 
his  gens  performed  the  ceremonies  of  the  ritual  as  a  mere 
matter  of  form  rather  than  as  an  actual  owner  of  the  rite. 
The  office  of  his  gens,  he  explained,  was  one  that  was  insti- 
tuted for  the  conservation  of  life  and  the  maintenance  of 
peace  within  the  tribe  and  with  other  tribes  not  related 
to  the  Osage. 

On  the  completion  of  the  manuscripts  for  the  second 
volume,  Mr.  La  Flesche  began  the  task  of  assembling  his 
notes  for  the  third  volume,  which  will  embrace  two  tribal 
rituals,  the  first  of  which  is  entitled  "  Wa-x6-be  A-wa-tho°, 
Songs  Relating  to  the  Wa-x6-be."  The  Wa-x6-be  is  the 
sacred  hawk,  the  symbol  of  the  valor  of  the  Osage  war- 
rior. The  second  ritual  is  entitled  "^a  Tha-dse  Ga-xe," 
Hterally,  The  Making  of  the  Rush,  but  meaning  the  Making 
of  the  Woven  Rush  Shrine  for  the  Wa-x6-be. 

On  July  1,  1921,  Dr.  Truman  Michelson,  ethnologist,  was 
at  Tama,  Iowa,  contuiuing  his  work  among  the  Fox  Indians 
of  that  State.  He  completed  gathering  data  on  Fox  mortu- 
ary customs  and  beliefs  and  restored  texts  appertaining  to 
these  and  worked  out  a  vocabulary  as  far  as  possible  in 


58  BUREAU   OF  AMERICAN   ETHNOLOGY 

the  field.  On  the  completion  of  this  he  restored  phonetically 
a  text  previously  collected  on  the  Fox  society  known  as 
"  Those  who  worship  the  little  spotted  buffalo."  He  also 
worked  out,  as  far  as  practical,  the  vocabulary  to  this  text. 
At  the  close  of  August  he  returned  to  Washington  and 
elaborated  the  material  collected  in  the  field.  During  the 
fiscal  year  Dr.  Michelson  submitted  two  manuscripts  for 
publication,  namely,  "  Notes  on  Fox  Mortuary  Customs 
and  Beliefs"  and  "Notes  on  the  Fox  Society  KJnown  as 
'  Those  Who  Worship  the  Little  Spotted  Buffalo.' " 

On  May  25  Doctor  Michelson  left  for  the  West  to  conduct 
researches  among  the  Algonquian  Indians  of  Iowa,  Kansas, 
and  Oklahoma.  He  stopped  at  Columbus,  Ohio,  to  consult 
with  Prof.  L.  Bloomfield.  As  a  result  of  tliis  conference  it 
became  apparent  that  Menomini  is  very  clearly  more  closely 
related  to  Cree  than  to  any  other  Algonquian  language.  He 
found  the  work  at  Shawnee,  Okla.,  very  difficult  and  expen- 
sive, owing  to  the  fact  that  the  Algonquian  Indians  of  that 
State  are  scattered  and  distances  are  very  great.  How- 
ever, during  his  short  stay  he  secured  sufficient  information 
to  show  definitely  that  not  only  the  Sauk  but  also  the  Kicka- 
poo  share  many  mortuary  customs  and  beliefs  with  the 
Fox  of  Iowa.  He  thinks  that  these  correspondences  are  too 
detailed  and  too  numerous  to  be  of  independent  origin  and 
must  be  due  to  dissemination.  This  point  regarding  the 
Sauk  and  Fox  is  not  novel,  but  it  is  regarding  the  Kickapoo. 
There  are,  however,  some  differences  in  the  mortuary  cus- 
toms of  all  neighboring  tribes.  This  last  fact  is  not  so  well 
known.  A  detailed  study  of  all  three  neighboring  tribes, 
Siouan  as  well  as  Algonquian,  on  these  matters  alone  can 
clear  up  the  history  of  the  borrowings.  He  expects  to  obtain 
data  on  these  points  regarding  the  Shawnee  and  Potawatomi 
also. 

The  beginning  of  the  fiscal  year  found  Mr.  J.  P.  Harrington, 
■ethnologist,  engaged  in  completing  his  bulletin  on  the  Kiowa 
language,  in  several  respects  one  of  the  most  remarkable  of 
the  American  Indian  tongues.  Aside  from  the  phonetic 
system,  ^\'ith  its  unusual  frequency  of  long  vowels  and  diph- 
thongs, we  may  point  to  the  noun,  several  declensions  of 


ADMINISTRATIVE    REPORT  59 

which  form  the  singular  l^y  adding  the  same  suffixes  which 
other  declensions  use  for  forming  the  plural.  These  singulars 
of  plural  form  are  doubtless  conceived  as  collective,  for  a 
personal  pronoim  in  apposition  also  has  the  plm'al  form. 
Thus  pronominal  agreement  arises  many  times  more  com- 
phcated  than  that  in  the  three-gendered  languages  of  Europe, 
and  is  further  involved  by  subjective,  objective,  and  indi- 
rective  pronouns  largely  combining  to  form  a  single  syllable — 
a  very  terse  yet  involved  system  of  speech.  A  number  of 
Kiowa  and  Tanoan  songs  were  found  to  have  the  melody 
following  in  exaggerated  form  the  intonation  of  the  spoken 
language.  Thus  the  song  "agoyopo'vi  navi  ha,  wimbo 
winda"  has  the  high  tones  of  its  words  also  high  pitched  in 
the  song.  This  has  led  to  the  important  discovery  that 
certain  melodies  in  intoned  languages  may  take  their  clue 
from  the  intonation  of  the  words.  The  Kiowa  vocabulary 
secured  is  quite  complete  and  forms  an  interesting  contri- 
bution to  the  study  of  the  place  names,  animal  names,  and 
plant  names  adopted  by  a  tribe  when  it  leaves  its  old  home 
and  moves  to  a  new  region.  Mr.  Harrington  proceeded  at 
the  close  of  July  to  CaUfornia  to  continue  his  studies  of  the 
Indians  of  the  Chumashan  area  of  that  State.  This  expedi- 
tion proved  fruitful  in  results  beyond  all  expectation.  Spe- 
cial emphasis  was  laid  on  the  place  names,  material  culture, 
and  language.  More  than  300  photographs  of  Indian  places 
and  historic  landmarks  were  secured,  together  with  a  wealth 
of  highly  interesting  and  important  data.  The  collecting 
of  Indian  place  names  in  the  Eastern  States  was  neglected 
tintil  too  late,  so  that  we  have  only  a  few  names  in  distorted 
spelhng  and  of  uncertain  etymology.  It  is  still  possible  to 
obtain  full  data  in  many  parts  of  the  West,  and  there  is 
scarcely  any  work  which  the  bureau  can  undertake  which 
is  more  important  or  m'gent,  either  in  popular  interest  or  as 
a  help  to  the  future  ethnologist,  historian,  or  archeologist. 

Linguistic  study  is  peculiarly  important  in  this  area, 
since  it  resurrects  past  culture  and  records  perishing  mate- 
rial for  comparison  -with  remote  languages.  Thirty  new 
Ventureno  songs  were  obtained  from  one  singer,  all  with 
native  words.     The  technique  of  the  spht-stick  accompani- 


60  BUREAU    OF   AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY 

ment  and  the  dance  steps  were  faithfully  studied  and  the 
words  were  exhaustively  compared  with  the  corresponding 
prose  forms. 

Mr.  Harrmgton  's  opinion  was  confirmed  that  the  southern 
California  culture  has  many  curious  points  of  resemblance 
with  that  of  the  Southwest.  Even  the  Pueblo  plumed 
prayer  stick,  with  sand  paintmgs  and  the  ceremonial  use  of 
meal  and  seeds,  have  been  found  also  among  the  Calif ornians. 

Twice  during  the  fiscal  year  Mr.  Harrington  was  tem- 
porarily transferred  to  the  Department  of  the  Interior  for 
special  archive  work.  At  the  close  of  the  fiscal  year  he 
returned  to  Washmgton. 

SPECIAL  RESEARCHES 

During  the  past  year  Miss  Frances  Densmore  has  extended 
her  study  of  Indian  music  by  recorduag  songs  among  the 
Yuma,  Cocopa,  and  Yaqui  tribes,  makmg  a  total  of  nine 
tribes  among  whom  this  work  has  been  done.  Mohave  songs 
were  obtained  from  two  members  of  that  tribe  living  on  the 
Yuma  Reservation,  and  one  Maya  song  was  recorded  la  the 
Yaqui  village.  Four  manuscripts  on  Indian  music  were  sub- 
mitted, the  titles  being  "Songs  Concerning  Elder  Brother 
and  His  People,  and  Other  Papago  Songs,"  "  The  Ram  Cere- 
mony of  the  Papago,"  "A  Cocopa  Legend  and  its  Songs," 
and  "  Deer  Dance  Songs  of  the  Yuma,  Yaqui,  and  Maya 
Indians."  In  addition  to  her  work  on  Indian  music  Miss 
Densmore  has  completed  for  publication  two  books  on 
Chippewa  culture  with  the  titles  "Uses  of  Plants  by  the 
Chippewa,"  and  "  Chippewa  Customs."  The  former  book 
contains  descriptions  of  the  uses  of  168  plants  in  medi- 
cine, food,  dye,  charms,  and  general  utility,  the  section  on 
medicine  being  in  tabulated  form  and  showing  the  uses  of 
the  plant  by  other  tribes,  where  such  use  is  recorded,  and  its 
use  by  the  white  race,  if  such  occurs.  This  tabulation  shows 
the  ailments  for  which  a  plant  was  used,  the  part  of  the  plant 
utilized,  the  manner  of  its  preparation,  the  dosage,  and,  m 
some  instances,  the  time  before  an  improvement  m  the  con- 
dition of  the  patient  was  expected.  The  latter  book  con- 
tains sections  on  Chippewa  nouns  and  their  structure,  on 


ADMINISTRATIVE    REPORT  61 

the  various  industries  by  which  the  tribe  maintained  itself, 
and  on  the  care  and  training  of  little  children.  New  material 
was  submitted  in  the  form  of  two  manuscripts,  Certain  Cus- 
toms of  the  Chippewa  in  Ontario,  Canada,  and  Chippewa 
Nouns  and  Their  Structure,  these  titles  corresponding  to  the 
principal  subjects  under  consideration.  Three  brief  trips  in 
Minnesota  and  Wisconsin  were  made  for  this  work.  Miss 
Densmore  also  read  the  page  proof  of  her  book  on  Northern 
Ute  Music. 

In  February,  1922,  Miss  Densmore  went  to  Yuma,  Ariz., 
where  she  remained  six  weeks.  During  that  time  she  made  a 
brief  trip  to  a  Cocopa  settlement  located  near  the  Colorado 
River  and  about  6  miles  from  the  Mexican  boundary.  The 
older  Cocopa  h^dng  at  this  point  came  from  Alexico  about  18 
years  ago  and  neither  they  nor  their  cliildren  had  a  status  in 
the  United  States.  At  this  time,  however,  fchey  were  en- 
rolled under  the  Yuma  Agency,  Miss  Densmore  assisting  in 
the  em-ollment  by  wiitmg  their  Cocopa  names  in  simple 
phonetic  speUing.  Forty  Cocopa  songs  were  recorded,  com- 
prising songs  of  two  representative  dances  and  of  a  crema- 
tion legend.  For  this  work  it  was  necessary  to  employ  two 
interpreters. 

It  is  the  custom  of  both  Cocopa  and  Yuma  to  cremate  their 
dead,  and  Miss  Densmore  witnessed  a  Yuma  cremation  soon 
after  her  arrival.  The  dead  man  had  been  a  leading  singer 
at  cremations  and  the  ceremony  was  given  with  the  elabo- 
rateness which  would  be  accorded  a  chief.  The  songs  were 
very  old  and  are  seldom  used  at  the  present  time.  Miss 
Densmore  obtained  phonographic  records  of  these  songs,  as 
well  as  of  the  Kurok  or  memorial  ceremony  which  is  held 
each  summer  for  the  more  important  persons  who  have  died 
during  the  year.  Images  of  the  deceased  persons  are  carried 
in  the  dances  of  the  Kurok  and  publicly  burned.  The  history 
of  these  ceremonies,  with  the  songs,  was  obtained  from  the 
oldest  man  who  is  an  authority  on  the  subject.  It  is  the 
belief  of  these  people  that  the  spirit  departs  from  the  body 
in  the  flame  of  the  cremation. 

A  new  musical  form  was  found  among  the  Yuma  and 
Cocopa,   consistuag  of  a   "song  cycle"  which   required  an 


62  BUREAU  OF  AMERICAN   ETHNOLOGY 

entire  night  for  its  rendition  and  is  commonly  called  a  story. 
Each  of  these  stories  has  its  designated  accompaniment. 
Among  the  Yuma  the  accompanying  instruments  are  a  gourd 
rattle  and  an  inverted  basket  struck  with  a  bundle  of  arrow- 
wood,  a  willow  stick,  or  the  palm  of  the  hand.  Sometimes 
two  bundles  of  arrowwood  or  two  sticks  are  used,  being  held 
in  the  same  hand.  Specimens  of  these  instruments  were 
obtained,  also  a  bamboo  flute  and  two  bamboo  flageolets. 
The  music  of  the  latter  was  phonographically  recorded. 
The  Yuma  songs  included  those  of  the  treatment  of  the 
sick,  those  of  games,  and  three  interesting  lullabies. 

The  work  among  the  Yaqui  was  conducted  at  Guadalupe 
village,  near  Tempe,  Ariz.  The  older  Yaqui  in  this  village 
were  born  in  Mexico.  These  Indians  have  received  no  favors 
from  the  United  States  Government  and  support  themselves 
by  manual  labor.  They  seem  happy  and  contented  in  their 
little  desert  viUage.  Miss  Densmore  witnessed  their  deer 
dance  and  later  recorded  the  songs  from  one  of  the  leading 
singers,  a  native  of  Mexico.  The  occasion  of  the  dance  was 
the  celebration  of  Easter  eve.  The  songs  were  accompanied 
by  playing  upon  four  half  gourds.  The  Yaqui  have  two 
distinct  forms  of  music,  one  which  appears  to  be  entirely 
native  and  the  other  showing  a  Mexican  or  Spanish  influence. 

A  large  proportion  of  the  songs  transcribed  and  heard 
during  the  past  year  were  accompanied  by  a  gourd  rattle, 
and  are  of  unusual  musical  value,  both  in  pleasing  melody 
and  rhythmic  interest.  This  suggests  an  inquiry  as  to 
whether  the  songs  accompanied  by  the  rattle  are  generally 
more  musical  than  those  accompanied  by  the  drum.  It  is 
interesting  to  note  that  the  songs  of  the  Yuma  and  Cocopa 
resemble  each  other  but  differ  entirely  from  the  songs  of 
the  Papago  who  live  adjoining  them.  The  songs  of  the 
Yaqui,  so  far  as  observed,  differ  from  both  these  tribes  except 
in  the  frequent  use  of  rests.  The  rhythm  of  the  rattle  in 
Yuma  and  Cocopa  performances  is  more  elaborate  and  con- 
tains more  frequent  changes  than  that  of  the  accompanying 
instrument  in  any  tribe  thus  far  studied.  A  correspondence 
between  the  words  of  the  song  and  the  progi'essions  of  the 
melody  is  particularly  evident  in  these  songs. 


ADMINISTRATIVE   REPORT  63 

Early  in  March,  1922,  Dr.  T.  T.  Waterman,  ethnologist, 
proceeded  to  Alaska,  under  temporary  appointment  in  the 
bureau,  with  instructions  from  the  chief  to  scrutinize  certain 
native  towns  in  southeastern  Alaska.  His  purpose  was  to 
ascertain  how  many  totemic  monuments  exist  there,  and  to 
get  information  concerning  the  carvings.  The  place  of 
special  interest  was  a  former  settlement  of  Alaskan  Haida, 
known  as  Kasaan.  It  was  possible  during  the  three  months 
that  Doctor  Waterman  spent  in  Alaska  to  make  a  rapid 
sm'vey  not  only  of  Kasaan  but  of  the  towns  known  as  Village 
Island,  Tongass,  Cape  Fox,  Khnkwan,  Howkan,  Sukwan, 
Hawak,  and  Tuxekan.  Some  extremely  interesting  monu- 
ments, including  many  tall  and  imposing  totem  poles,  were 
examined  and  photographed.  Charts  or  sketch  maps  were 
brought  back  from  the  field,  which  show  the  number  of 
monuments  still  standing  in  each  town  and  their  state  of 
preservation.  The  observer  was  fairly  successful  in  obtain- 
ing from  the  Indians  an  account  of  the  meaning  of  the 
carvings  on  the  poles,  which  have  never  been  adequately 
described.  In  many  cases  the  car\'ings  refer  to  mythical 
tales,  which  are  often  of  a  very  interesting  type. 

In  addition  to  the  work  on  the  totemic  monuments,  the 
observer  recorded  a  relatively  complete  Ust  of  the  native 
place  names  in  the  southeastern  part  of  Alaska.  Many 
hundreds  of  these  names  were  entered  on  the  map  of  the 
region,  and  translations  and  explanations  were  obtained 
from  the  Indians.  The  work  was  fairly  complete  for  the 
area  covered. 

Under  further  instructions  from  the  chief,  Doctor  Water- 
man examined  the  coast  line  of  the  part  of  Alaska  which  he 
visited,  with  a  view  to  discovering  sites  where  archeological 
excavations  might  possibly  be  conducted.  The  results  of 
this  work  were  largely  negative.  As  a  matter  of  fact  only 
one  site  was  found  where  there  seemed  to  be  archeological 
remains.  This  hasty  survey  seemed  to  indicate  that  archeo- 
logical remains  in  this  part  of  Alaska  are  extremely  scanty. 

Returning  to  the  bureau  on  June  15,  Doctor  Waterman 
began  the  preparation  of  a  report  on  the  Alaskan  monuments. 


64  BUREATJ   OF   AMERICAN   ETHNOLOGY 

t 

In  the  fall  of  1921  Mr.  W.  E.  Myer  investigated  sites  in 
South  Dakota  and  western  Missouri,  known  to  have  been 
occupied  by  the  Omahas  and  Osages  in  early  historic  times, 
after  they  had  come  in  contact  with  the  whites  but  before 
they  had  been  changed  thereby  to  any  considerable  extent. 

Especial  attention  was  paid  to  any  resemblance  to  the 
ancient  cultures  found  in  the  valleys  of  the  Ohio,  Cumber- 
land, and  Tennessee  Rivers.  This  line  of  research  was  sug- 
gested ■  by  certain  traditions  of  both  the  Omahas  and  the 
Osages,  and  other  branches  of  the  great  Siouan  linguistic 
family,  that  they  had  at  one  time  lived  east  of  the  Mississippi 
River,  and  after  many  wanderings,  stopping  here  and  there 
for  years,  finally  reached  their  present  homes  in  South 
Dakota  and  western  Missouri. 

Mr.  Francis  La  Flesche  reported  that  the  traditions  of  his 
people,  the  Omahas,  were  that  they  had  occupied  two  im- 
portant villages  on  what  the  Omahas  call  "  the  Big  Bend  of 
the  Xe,"  at  some  time  in  the  seventeenth  or  eighteenth 
century. 

Mr.  Myer  was  enabled  to  locate  these  two  ancient  villages; 
one,  Split  Rock  site  on  the  Big  Sioux  River,  at  its  junction 
with  Split  Rock  River;  the  other  where  the  Rock  Island  Rail- 
road now  crosses  the  Big  Sioux  River,  about  10  miles  south- 
east of  Sioux  Falls.  It  is  here  designated  the  Rock  Island 
site. 

Sometime  in  the  seventeenth  century  the  Omahas  and 
Poncas  removed  from  the  Pipestone  region  in  Minnesota  and 
finally,  after  some  further  wanderings,  built  a  fortified  town 
on  the  Rock  Island  site.  While  livmg  m  this  fortified  place 
they  were  attacked  and  defeated  by  an  enemy,  most  probably 
the  Daketas,  and  finally  forced  to  leave  the  region.  There 
is  a  tradition  that  they  buried  their  dead  from  this  fight  in  a 
mound.  This  tradition  was  confii'med  by  excavations  made 
by  Mr.  A.  G.  Risty  and  Mr.  F.  W.  Pettigrew,  who  report 
finding  a  considerable  amount  of  human  bones.  Some  glass 
beads  and  small  copper  bells  of  white  man's  make  were  also 
found  in  one  of  these  mounds.  There  is  evidence  that  this 
site  was  occupied  somewhere  between  1700  and  1725. 


ADMINISTRATIVE    REPORT  65 

After  lea\ang  the  Rock  Island  site,  the  Omahas  and  Poncas 
roved  without  long  permanent  settlements  for  several  years, 
but  finally  returned  to  the  Xe  and  built  a  permanent  village 
at  Split  Rock  at  the  junction  of  the  Big  Sioux  and  Split  Rock 
Rivers. 

Mr.  Myer  spent  the  month  of  October,  1921,  in  exploring 
this  SpUt  Rock  site.  Many  interesting  relics  of  the  Omahas 
were  here  unearthed,  which  throw  new  light  on  the  life  of 
these  people  before  they  had  been  very  much  changed  by 
contact  with  the  whites. 

The  30  mounds  on  the  ridge  between  the  two  rivers  mark 
the  site  of  that  portion  of  the  old  town  occupied  by  the 
Omahas.  On  a  hUl  one-half  mQe  to  the  east  was  a  group  of 
10  more  mounds,  occupied  by  the  Poncas  before  they  split 
away  from  the  Omahas. 

By  following  the  clues  furnished  by  the  traditions,  three 
low  mounds  were  discovered  on  the  tall  ridge  1  Y>  miles  to  the 
west.  These  were  said  to  have  marked  the  lookouts  for  the 
main  village;  they  command  a  view,  ranging  from  6  to  15 
miles,  on  all  sides.  The  mounds  on  the  Split  Rock  site 
appear  to  have  nearly  all  been  used  for  burial. 

The  exploration  of  mound  No.  1,  on  the  Omaha  section  of 
the  town,  showed  a  beautiful  little  knoll  on  the  edge  of  the 
steep,  bluff-like  bank  of  Split  Rock  River.  In  its  soil  the 
Indians  dug  a  shallow  pit,  about  12  by  6  feet  and  2  feet  deep. 
Here  were  placed  bones  belonging  to  five  bodies,  several  of 
which  appeared  to  have  been  bm-ied  after  decay  of  the  flesh. 
One  body  appeared  to  have  been  closely  flexed  before  it  was 
placed  in  the  pit.  The  position  of  the  skeleton  of  a  horse 
with  a  crushed  frontal  bone  showed  that  when  this  body 
bundle  had  been  placed  in  the  pit,  a  large  horse,  about 
se\'en  years  of  age,  had  been  led  to  the  knoll  and  there  killed. 
Then,  over  all  these,  a  low,  round-topped  mound,  60  feet 
across  at  the  base  and  5K  feet  in  height,  had  been  raised. 

Mound  No.  2,  the  largest  of  the  group,  was  round  topped, 
110  feet  across  at  the  base,  and  10  feet  high.  A  rectangular 
charnel  pit,  12  by  14  feet  and  2  feet  deep,  had  been  dug  in 
the  surface  of  the  soil  near  the  center  of  the  town.  This 
pit  was  thoroughly  lined  or  coated  with  a  white  layer  about 


66  BUREAU   OF   AMERICAN   ETHNOLOGY 

one-eighth  inch  in  thickness,  made  from  calcined  bones. 
The  bottom  and  sides  of  the  pit  were  then  probably  covered 
with  fiu"S,  now  indicated  by  a  thin  layer  of  animal  matter  on 
the  white  coating.  Bones  representing  about  50  human 
beings  had  been  laid  on  the  floor  of  this  fur-lined  pit. 

Traces  of  the  thin  fur  layer  were  also  found  on  top  of  this 
solid  mass  of  human  bones.  Over  this  fur  covering  a  layer 
of  bark  was  placed,  and  upon  this  bark  earth  had  been 
spread  to  a  depth  of  from  3  to  6  inches.  The  earth  was  then 
smoothed  and  pressed  down,  and  on  this  surface  a  white 
coating,  similar  to  that  on  the  bottom  and  sides,  had  been 
spread.  Only  one  small,  cylindrical  copper  bead  was  found 
with  all  this  mass  of  bones,  and  no  object  of  white  man's 
manufacture  was  found.  There  is  evidence  that  this  portion 
of  the  site  was  occupied  by  the  Omahas  somewhere  between 
1725  and  1775. 

While  the  Omahas  and  their  kindred,  the  Poncas,  lived  to- 
gether at  the  Split  Rock  site  some  of  the  most  important 
events  in  their  history  took  place.  The  united  Omahas  and 
Poncas  and  then-  old  enemies,  the  Cheyermes  and  Arikaras, 
here  made  a  peace  which  was  concluded  with  great  ceremony. 
At  the  urgent  request  of  the  Arikara  the  sacred  chant  and 
dance  of  the  calumet  was  used  to  cement  this  union. 

In  Vernon  and  Bates  Counties,  western  Missouri,  near  the 
junction  of  the  Osage  and  Marmiton  Rivers,  Mr.  Myer 
found  several  sites  known  to  have  been  occupied  by  the 
Osage  Indians  in  early  historic  times,  shortly  after  they  had 
come  in  contact  with  the  whites. 

The  largest  Osage  village  hi  Vernon  County  was  situated 
at  Old  Town,  on  Old  Town  Creek,  about  3H  miles  south  of 
Pikes  village  of  the  Grand  Osage.  This  site  covers  about  40 
acres  and  is  the  best  known  of  any  of  the  Osage  sites.  It 
has  yielded  a  large  amount  of  iron  axes,  gun  barrels,  gun- 
locks,  fragments  of  brass  kettles,  glass  beads,  and  other 
articles  of  early  white  manufacture,  as  well  as  objects  of 
purely  aboriginal  origin. 

The  most  pictm-esque  Indian  site  in  this  Osage  region  is 
Halleys  Bluff,  on  the  Osage  River,  about  IK-  miles  down- 
stream from  where  the  Marmiton  and  Marais  des  Cygnes 


ADMINISTRATIVE    REPORT  67 

unite  to  form  the  Osage  River.  There  is  evidence  showing 
occupancy  of  this  l^luff  by  Indians  long  before  the  coming 
of  the  white  man  and  probably  before  the  coming  of  the 
Osages. 

During  the  month  of  October,  1921,  Mr.  David  I.  Bush- 
nell,  jr.,  visited  Scott  Field,  east  of  Belleville,  111.,  for  the 
purpose  of  getting  airplane  pictures  of  the  Cahokia  mounds. 
The  commanding  officer  of  the  field,  Maj.  Frank  M.  Ken- 
nedy, appreciating  the  interest  and  importance  of  the  work, 
detailed  Lieuts.  Harold  R.  Wells  and  Ashley  C.  McKinley, 
of  the  Air  Service,  to  make  the  pictures.  They  succeeded 
in  making  some  very  interesting  photographs  of  mounds  in 
the  vicinity  of  Cahokia,  as  well  as  of  the  great  mound  itself, 
but  unfortunately  the  photographic  apparatus  at  that  time 
available  at  Scott  Field  was  not  suitable,  and  although  the 
pictures  obtained  were  not  very  clear,  no  better  results 
could  have  been  secured  with  the  cameras  which  they 
were  obliged  to  use.  Four  of  the  pictures  made  by  Lieuten- 
ants Wells  and  McKinley  were  reproduced  as  Figures  101, 
102,  103,  and  104  in  Explorations  and  Field  Work  of  the 
Smithsonian  Institution  in  1921  and  should  prove  of  special 
mterest  as  the  first  photographs  of  American  earthworks 
made  from  the  air. 

The  article  in  which  the  four  airplane  pictures  were  used 
was  prepared  for  the  purpose  of  showing  the  great  impor- 
tance of  the  Cahokia  group  and  of  the  other  related  groups 
to  the  north,  west,  and  south  of  Cahokia.  The  southern 
group,  although  many  of  the  units  have  been  destroyed,  is 
of  special  interest.  It  is  situated  near  the  left  bank  of  the 
Mississippi,  opposite  Jefferson  Barracks.  Bits  of  pottery, 
chips  of  flint,  and  other  traces  of  a  settlement,  together  with 
stone-lined  graves  in  the  vicinity  of  the  mounds,  may  indi- 
cate the  position  of  a  village  of  one  of  the  Illinois  tribes  two 
centuries  or  more  ago. 

Mr.  B.  S.  Guha's  visit  among  the  Utes  and  the  Navaho  at 
Towoac  and  Shiprock,  respectively,  during  the  summer  of 
1921  was  undertaken  primarily  with  the  object  of  finding 
any  legends  or  myths  about  the  ancient  Cliff  Dwellers  of 


68  BUREAU  OF  AMERICAN  ETHNOLOGY 

Mesa  Verde  that  might  still  survive  among  these  people, 
and  incidentally  to  collect  as  much  material  about  their 
social  institutions  as  possible. 

Mr.  Guha  arrived  at  Towoac  on  July  14,  1921,  and  spent  a 
couple  of  weeks  visiting  the  different  camps  of  the  Utes. 
Among  the  Wiminuche  Utes,  unfortunately,  there  does  not 
appear  to  survive  any  legends  or  myths  about  the  Mesa 
Verde.  All  that  could  be  gathered  from  the  oldest  living 
members  of  the  tribe  was  that  when  their  ancestors  first 
came  to  the  Ute  Momitam  from  the  north,  the  whole  region 
from  the  La  Plata  to  the  Blue  Mountains  and  from  Dolores 
to  the  San  Juan  was  full  of  ruins  such  as  now  may  be  seen. 
They  were  already  abandoned,  but  there  were  signs  of  the 
cultivation  of  corn  about  them. 

After  leaving  Towoac  Mr.  Guha  went  to  Shiprock,  N. 
Mex.,  and  stayed  there  until  September  5,  1921.  Unlike 
the  Utes,  the  Navaho  seem  to  possess  survivals  of  myths 
about  the  ancient  Cliff  Dwellers  of  Mesa  Verde.  How  far 
these  legends  have  any  historical  background  it  is  difficult 
to  say,  but  they  at  any  rate  suggest  some  earlier  and  closer 
relationship  between  them  and  the  people  who  lived  in  the 
ruins  so  li))erally  strewn  over  the  entire  region. 

In  September,  1921,  Mr.  John  L.  Baer,  acting  curator  of 
American  Archeology  in  the  United  States  National  Museum, 
made  an  investigation  for  the  bureau  of  pictographic  rocks 
in  the  Susquehanna  River.  In  the  middle  of  the  river  be- 
tween Bald  Friar  and  Conowingo,  Md.,  are  a  number  of 
huge  bowlders  of  serpentine  or  gabbro,  bearing  inscriptions, 
a  few  of  which  have  been  heretofore  described  m  the  Tenth 
Aimual  Report  of  the  Bureau  of  American  Ethnology  and  in 
Volume  CCC  (Lancaster  County)  Second  Geological  Sur- 
vey of  Pennsylvania.  The  largest  and  most  impoz't.ant  of 
these  pictographic  rocks  were  fomid  to  be  on  Miles'  Island 
at  the  head  of  Gray  Rock  Falls.  Large  surfaces  of  these 
rocks  seem  to  have  been  polished  before  the  figures  were 
pecked  upon  them.  Pits,  grooved  lines  indicating  tally 
marks,  circles  with  radiating  spokes,  concentric  circles,  faces, 
and  fishlike  outlines  were  the  pi'evailing  figures  observed. 


ADMINISTRATIVE   EEPORT  69 

Other  groups  of  rocks  between  this  island  and  Conowingo 
showed  equally  interesting  carvings,  but  not  so  profusely. 
A  pyramid -shaped  rock  standing  well  out  in  the  rough  and 
dangerous  rapids  had  several  fish  outlines  near  its  apex.  A 
slab  which  had  been  broken  from  its  original  position  and 
which  might  have  been  used  for  a  shad-dipping  stand,  was 
marked  with  outUnes  of  two  slender  fish  and  two  tally  marks. 
A  number  of  interesting  photographs  and  drawings  of  these 
pictographs  were  secured. 

In  comiection  with  a  reconnoitering  trip  among  the  pre- 
historic quarries  and  workshops  along  the  Susquehanna  in 
the  spring  of  1922,  Mr.  Baer  again  \dsited  these  pictographic 
rocks  and  secured  additional  drawings  and  a  number  of 
plaster  casts  of  the  more  important  figures.  Prehistoric 
steatite  quarries  were  traced  from  the  west  side  of  the  river 
at  tliis  point  to  Deer  Creek  in  Harford  Coimty,  Md.  Those 
showing  most  work  and  offering  best  opportimities  for 
investigation  are  near  Broad  Creek  in  woodland  owned  by 
James  McLaughlin,  near  Robinson's  mill,  and  by  W.  C. 
Heaps,  Mill  Green,  Harford  County,  Md. 

At  a  workshop  below  Peach  Bottom,  Lancaster,  Pa.,  a 
number  of  unfinished  and  broken  bamier  stones  of  pro- 
chlorite  were  found.  The  source  of  the  material  was  located 
a  short  distance  east  of  Bald  Friar,  Md.  A  large  number  of 
unfinished  lianner  stones  of  slate  were  fomid  at  the  work- 
shop on  Mount  Johnson  Island  above  Peach  Bottom  where 
so  many  specimens  had  already  been  found.  At  Fishing 
Creek,  Bare  Island  and  Henry  Island  evidences  were  found 
of  considerai:)le  camp  sites.  At  New  Park  and  Fawn  Grove 
in  York  County,  Pa.,  have  been  found  large  caches  of  rhyohte 
blades.  At  both  of  these  places  and  also  at  Peach  Bottom 
in  the  same  county  were  many  artifacts  and  indications  of 
burial  groimds.  Interesting  specimens  were  secured  from 
most  of  these  localities. 

EDITORIAL  WORK  AND  PUBLICATIONS 

The  editing  of  the  pubhcations  of  the  bureau  was  con- 
tinued through  the  year  by  Mr.  Stanley  Searles,  assisted 
by  Mrs.  Frances  S.  Nichols.  The  status  of  the  publications 
is  presented  in  the  following  summary: 


70  BUREAU   OF  AMERICAN   ETHNOLOGY 

PUBLICATIONS    ISSUED 

Thirty-fifth  Annual  Keport.  Accompanying  paper:  Ethnology  of  the 

KwakiutI  (Boas).     Pts.  1  and  2.     1,481  pp. 
Thirty-sixth  Annual  Report.  Accompanying  paper :  The  Osage  Tribe : 

Rite  of  the  Chiefs;  Sayings  of  the  Ancient  Men  (La  Flesche).     604 

pp.,  23  pis. 
Bulletin  73.  Early  History  of  the  Creek  Indians  and  their  Neighbors 

(Swanton).     492  pp.,  10  pis. 
Bulletin  74.  Excavation  of  a  Site  at  Santiago  Ahuitzotla,  D.  F.  Mexico 

(Tozzer).     56  pp.,  19  pis. 
Bulletin  75.  Northern  Ute  Music  (Densmore).     213  pp.,  16  pis. 

PUBLICATIONS    IN    PRESS    OR    IN    PREPARATION 

Thirty-fourth  Annual  Report.  Accompanying  paper:  A  Prehistoric 
Island  Culture  Area  of  America  (Fewkes) . 

Thirty-seventh  Annual  Report.  Accompanying  paper:  The  Winne- 
bago Tribe  (Radin). 

Thirty-eighth  Annual  Report.  Accompanying  paper:  i\ji  intro- 
ductory Study  of  the  Arts,  Crafts,  and  Customs  of  the  Guiana 
Indians  (Roth). 

Thirty-ninth  Annual  Report.  Accompanying  paper:  The  Osage 
Tribe:  The  Rite  of  Vigil  (La  Flesche). 

Bulletin  76.  Archeological  Investigations  (Fowke). 

Bulletin  77.  VUlages  of  the  Algonquian,  Siouan,  and  Caddoan  Tribes 
west  of  the  Mississippi  (Buslmell). 

Biillctin  78.  Handbook  of  the  Indians  of  California  (Kroeber). 

Bulletin  79.  Blood  Revenge,  War,  and  Victory  Feasts  among  the 
Jibaro  Indians  of  Eastern  Ecuador  (Karsten). 

Bulletin  80.  Mandan  and  Hidatsa  Music  (Densmore). 

Bidletin  81.  Excavations  in  the  Chama  Valley,  New  Mexico 
(Jeancon). 

DISTRIBUTION    OF   PUBLICATIONS 

The  distribution  of  publications  has  been  continued  under 
the  immediate  charge  of  Miss  Helen  Munroe,  assisted  by 
Miss  Emma  B.  Powers.  Publications  were  distributed  as 
follows : 

i\nnual  reports  and  separates 7,  197 

Bulletins  and  separates 6,  403 

Contributions  to  North  American  Ethnology .  _  .■ 39 

Introductions 13 

Miscellaneous  publications 563 

14,215 


ADMINISTRATIVE   REPORT  71 

As  compared  with  the  previous  year,  there  was  an  increase 
of  1,420  publications  distributed.  There  was  a  decrease  of 
57  names  in  the  mailing  list. 

ILLUSTRATIONS 

Mr.  De  Lancey  Gill,  illustrator,  with  the  assistance  of  Mr. 
Albert  E.  Sweeney,  continued  the  preparation  of  the  illus- 
trations of  the  bureau.     A  summary  of  this  work  follows: 

Line  and  color  drawings,  including  maps,  diagrams,  etc.,  in- 
tended for  use  as  illustrations  for  publication 159 

Illustrations,    including    photographs    retouched,    mounted, 

and  made  ready  for  engraYing 1,  282 

Illustration  proof  edited 1,  034 

Lithographic  proof  examined  at  Government  Printing  Office.  36,  000 
Photographic  work,  negatives  of  ethnologic  and  archeologic 

subjects 242 

Fihns  developed  from  field  exposures 138 

Prints  for  distribution  and  office  use 538 

Photostat  copies 1,  987 

Mr.  Sweeney  was  detailed  for  the  month  of  June  to  prepare 
100  or  more  negatives  for  the  National  Zoological  Park. 

LIBRARY 

The  reference  library  continued  in  the  immediate  care  of 
Miss  Ella  Leary,  librarian,  assisted  by  Miss  Julia  S.  Atkins 
and  Mr.  Samuel  H.  Miller. 

During  the  year  406  books  were  accessioned,  of  which  64 
were  acquired  by  purchase,  120  by  binding  of  periodicals,  and 
142  by  gift  and  exchange.  The  periodicals  currently  re- 
ceived number  about  900,  of  which  33  are  received  by  sub- 
scription, the  remainder  being  received  through  exchange. 
The  bureau  has  also  received  159  pamphlets,  giving  at  the 
close  of  the  year  a  working  library  of  24,561  volumes,  14,936 
pamphlets,  and  several  thousand  unbound  periodicals. 

In  addition  to  the  regular  routine  of  library  work,  Miss 
Leary  has  been  able,  with  the  assistance  of  Miss  Atkins,  to 
make  rapid  progress  toward  the  completion  of  the  new  sub- 
ject catalogue,  with  the  result  that  about  18,000  catalogue 
cards  have  been  filed  during  the  fiscal  year. 

53666°— 28 6 


72  BUREAU   OP   AMERICAN  ETHNOLOGY 

The  greatest  need  of  the  liljrary  is  for  more  shelf  room  for 
its  pubhcations,  due  to  its  growth  during  the  past  few  years. 
The  Ubrary  is  greatly  hampered  by  this  need. 

The  postmg  of  the  monthly  bulletin  of  new  publications 
was  contmued  throughout  the  year. 

Durmg  the  year  many  students  not  connected  with  the 
Smithsonian  Institution  found  the  library  of  service  in  seek- 
ing volumes  not  obtahaable  in  other  libraries  of  the  city. 
The  library  was  used  also  by  the  Library  of  Congress  and 
officers  of  the  executive  departments,  and  out-of-towai 
students  have  called  upon  the  library  for  loans  during  the 
year.  In  addition  to  the  use  of  its  own  library  it  was  found 
necessary  to  draw  on  the  Lil:)rary  of  Congress  from  time  to 
time  for  the  loan  of  about  400  volumes. 

There  were  bound  during  the  year  200  books,  pamphlets, 
and  serial  publications. 

COLLECTIONS 

The  foUowmg  collections,  acquired  by  members  of  the 
bureau  or  by  those  detailed  in  connection  with  its  researches, 
have  been  transferred  to  the  United  States  National  Museum : 

66880.   Collection  of  Alaskan    ethnologia    made  by  the  late    Rev. 

Sheldon  Jackson  and  purchased  by  the  bureau  from  his 

daughter,  Miss  Leslie  Jackson. 
67105.  Shell  and  pottery  specimens  from   Ten   Thousand  Islands, 

Florida,  collected  during  the  spring  of  1921  by  Mr.  William 

Dinwiddie,  Metuchen,  N.  J. 
67112.  Four  stone  objects  and  two  pottery  fragments  from  "Bear" 

and  "Lewis"  mounds,  near  Portsmouth,  Ky.,  collected  by 

Mr.  Gerard  Fowke  during  the  spring  of  1921. 
67225.  Four  pieces  of  pottery  and  eight  pieces  of  flint,  collected  by 

Prof.  J.  E.  Pearce,  of  Austin,  Tex.,  in  eastern  Texas  during 

the  summer  of  1919. 
67258.   Collection  of  shell  objects  presented  to  the  bureau  by  Charles 

T.  Earle,  of  Palma  Sola,  Fla.,  found  near  Shaws  Point,  Fla. 
67274.   Collection  of  archeological  objects  secured  by  Dr.  J.  Walter 

Fewkes  from  the  Mesa  Verde  National  Park,  Colo.,  in  the 

spring  of  1920. 
67398.   Chunkey  stone  from  Rowena,  Ky. 
67451.  Archeological  objects  collected  near  Austin  and  at  "Burnt 

Rock"  moimds,  Texas,  by  Prof.  J.  E.  Pearce  and  Dr.  J. 

Walter  Fewkes. 


ADMINISTRATIVE   REPORT  73 

67572.  Collection  of  skeletal  material  secured  by  Mr.  William  E. 

Myer  in  the  vicinity  of  the  junction  of  Split  E-ock  River 

and  Big  Sioux  River,  S.  Dak. 
67730.  Archeological  material  collected  in  1920  by  Mr.  W.  E.  Myer 

for  the  Bureau  of  American  Ethnology  in  Williamson  and 

Davidson  Counties,  Tenn. 

68254.  Collection  of  archeological  objects  from  Rio  Grande  Valley, 

N.  Mex.,  turned  over  to  the  bureau  by  Secretary  Charles 
D.  Walcott. 

68255.  Fragments  of  pottery  from   Indian  burial   on   the  Catawba 

River,  N.   C,  sent  to  the  bureau  by  J.  Albert  Holmes, 
Construction,  N.  C. 

68256.  Collection  of  Indian  implements  found  on   the   terraces  of 

Upatoi  Creek  and  Chattahoochee  River,  Muscogee  County, 
Ga.,  sent  to  the  bureau  of  Mr.  A.  T.  Sweet,  Columbus,  Ga. 

PROPERTY 

Furniture  and  office  equipment  were  purchased  to  the 
amount  of  $134.97. 

MISCELLANEOUS 

Clerical. — The  correspondence  and  other  clerical  work  of 
the  office  has  been  conducted  by  Miss  May  S.  Clark,  clerk 
to  the  chief.  Mrs.  Frances  S.  Nichols  assisted  the  editor. 
Mr.  Anthony  W.  Wilding  served  as  messenger  and  typist 
to  the  chief. 

Personnel. — Miss  Julia  S.  Atkins  received  a  permanent 
appomtment  as  stenographer  March  1,  1922. 

Dr.  T.  T.  Waterman,  who  was  appomted  as  temporary 
ethnologist  March  1,  1922,  was  detached  from  the  bureau 
roll  July  1  for  six  weeks  m  order  to  lecture  m  the  summer 
school  of  Columbia  University,  New  York  City. 

Mr.  Samuel  H.  Miller,  messenger  boy  in  the  library, 
resigned  Jime  23,  1922. 

Mr.  James  Mooney,  ethnologist,  died  December  22,  1921. 

Respectfully  submitted. 

J.  Walter  Fewkes, 
Chief,  Bureau  of  American  Ethnology. 

Dr.  Charles  D.  Walcott, 

Secretary,  Smithsonian  Institution. 


CONTENTS 

Page 

Systematic  researches 79 

Special  researches 87 

Editorial  work  and  publications 92 

Illustrations 94 

Library 94 

Collections 95 

Miscellaneous 95 

75 


ANNUAL  REPORT 

OF  THE 

BUREAU  OF  AMERICAN  ETHNOLOGY 

FOR  THE  FISCAL  YEAR  ENDED  JUNE  30,  1923 


J.  Walter  Fewkes,  Chief 


Sir:  In  response  to  your  request  I  have  the  honor  to  sub- 
mit the  following  report  on  the  field  researches,  office  work, 
and  other  operations  of  the  Biu'eau  of  American  Ethnology 
during  the  fiscal  year  ended  Jime  30,  1923,  conducted  in  ac- 
cordance with  the  act  of  Congress  approved  June  12,  1922. 
The  act  referred  to  contains  the  following  item: 

American  ethnology :  For  continuing  ethnological  researches  among 
the  American  Indians  and  the  natives  of  Hawaii,  including  the  ex- 
cavation and  preservation  of  archeologic  remains,  under  the  direction 
of  the  Smithsonian  Institution,  including  the  necessary  employees  and 
the  purchase  of  necessary  books  and  periodicals,  $44,000. 

The  chief  has  endeavored  to  expend  the  sum  of  money 
allotted  in  as  conservative  and  economical  a  maimer  as  pos- 
sible, although  confronted  with  many  difficulties,  among 
which  is  the  increased  cost  of  field  work.  Since  the  bureau 
was  first  organized  expenses  for  its  maintenance  have 
greatly  increased,  and  have  doubled  witliin  the  last  10  years. 
Several  other  tendencies  of  the  times  have  limited  the  pro- 
duction of  results.  There  has  been  a  gi'eat  awakening  of 
interest  in  the  treatment  of  certain  Indian  tribes  by  Govern- 
ment officials  which  has  led  to  a  corresponding  increase  in 
requests  for  our  pubUcations.  Never  before  was  there  a 
gi-eater  demand  for  the  pubhshed  reports  and  bulletins  of 
the  bureau.  The  epoch-maldng  discoveries  in.  the  Valley  of 
the  Tombs  in  Egypt  have  very  greatly  increased  interest  in 
the  science  of  man  and  the  desire  for  more  accurate  knowl- 
edge of  prehistoric  man  m  America  is  very  keen.     News- 

77 


78  BUREAU    OF   AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY 

papers,  magazines,  and  other  periodicals  have  done  much  to 
increase  this  interest  and  as  may  be  said  with  regi'et  many 
fake  discoveries  have  been  foisted  on  the  pubUc.  Never  be- 
fore have  accurate  accounts  of  Indian  life  like  those  published 
by  the  Bureau  of  American  Ethnology  been  more  in  demand 
than  at  the  present  time. 

Several  wealthy  institutions  have  been  led  to  give  more 
money  to  American  anthropology.  Plans  for  archeological 
work  in  Yucatan  and  Central  America  costing  many  thou- 
sands of  dollars  a  year  are  mentioned  in  some  quarters,  and 
many  thousands  are  annually  expended  by  another  insti- 
tution on  pueblo  archeology.  For  lack  of  adequate  funds, 
the  bureau  is  unable  to  carry  on  extensive  work  of  this  mag- 
nitude and  it  remains  for  the  bureau  to  continue  its  work 
along  the  lines  already  successfully  followed:  by  researches 
and  pubhcation  of  the  results  of  less  ambitious  plans.  It 
can  not  be  expected  that  the  quantity  of  field  work  with  this 
handicap  can  be  as  gi'eat  as  it  was  when  the  field  was  almost 
untilled,  but  the  chief  is  striving  to  keep  the  quahty  up  to  the 
past.  For  years  to  come  as  the  cultm'e  of  our  aborigines 
fades  into  the  past  there  will  be  plenty  of  work  to  do  in 
gathering  sur\'ivals  and  publishing  reports  to  meet  increased 
demand  for  authoritative  literature  on  our  aborigines. 
As  the  work  of  the  biu-eau  calls  for  increased  popularization 
in  the  judgment  of  the  chief,  the  bureau  should  enlarge  the 
number  of  popular  articles  which  it  publishes  from  time  to 
time  without  decreasing  strictly  technical  discoveries.  The 
pages  of  our  reports  are  full  of  the  records  of  discoveries 
which  are  httle  known  and  at  present  interest  only  a  few 
persons  because  of  that  fact.  This  should  be  obviated  by 
putting  into  pubUshed  form,  suitable  for  the  layman  or  for 
students  in  schools  and  colleges,  the  vast  stores  of  knowledge 
which  have  been  made  by  the  staff  of  the  bureau  and  its 
collaborators.  The  great  success  of  the  Handbook  of 
American  Indians  clearly  indicates  the  desire  of  the  people 
for  popular  information  on  our  aborigines  and  the  bureau  with 
an  enlarged  appropriation  would  be  able  to  continue  work  of 
this  natm'e. 


ADMINISTRATIVE    REPORT  79 

SYSTEMATIC  RESEARCHES 

In  compliance  with  the  act  of  Congress  above  mentioned 
the  Bureau  of  American  Ethnology  has  continued  its  field 
and  office  researches  on  the  American  Indians,  including  the 
ethnology  of  the  Hawaiian  Islands  and  the  inhabitants  of 
Porto  Rico  and  the  Virgin  Islands.  Later  in  this  report  is 
a  Ust  of  the  annual  publications.  The  high  cost  of  printing 
has  somewhat  reduced  the  quantity  but  the  quality  has 
been  maintained. 

The  rapid  modification  in  aboriginal  culture  perceptible 
year  by  year  in  Indian  manners,  customs,  and  languages 
has  led  the  chief  of  the  bureau  to  encourage  archeological 
and  historical  study  of  the  Indians.  Extensive  researches 
have  been  carried  on  in  Colorado,  in  the  Harpeth  Valley, 
Tenn.,  in  the  Ozarks,  Mo.,  and  on  the  Atlantic  seaboard. 
In  addition  to  archeological  research  considerable  work  has 
been  done  on  documentary  history,  especially  of  the  Creeks, 
Choctaws,  and  other  Muskhogean  tribes. 

Although  the  bureau  has  hitherto  published  many  mem- 
oirs on  the  Indians  of  the  northwest  coast,  there  still  remains 
much  ethnological  work  awaiting  investigation  in  this 
territory.  A  very  promising  beginning  was  made  in  the 
study  of  the  totem  poles  of  this  region  by  Dr.  T.  T.  Water- 
man, a  temporary  assistant  on  the  staff  of  the  bureau  who 
made  a  special  trip  to  Alaska  for  that  purpose.  He  not 
only  collected  considerable  new  material  on  totem  poles  but 
also  on  legends  connected  with  them. 

The  intention  of  the  chief  is  to  continue  the  work  thus 
inaugurated  in  Alaska,  and  to  repair  one  of  the  old  Indian 
villages  for  educational  purposes.  The  former  houses  of 
the  Alaska  natives  are  now  rapidly  going  to  destruction; 
Kasaan,  one  of  the  largest,  was  deserted  and  has  been  made 
a  national  monument  but  is  suffering  for  want  of  care.  It 
is  proposed  to  begin  cleaning  up  this  village,  repair  it,  in 
order  to  minimize  the  dangers  from  tire  and  vandals,  and 
put  it  in  a  condition  to  afford  the  greatest  educational 
value  to  future  students  and  tourists. 

The  first  duty  of  the  chief  being  administrative  in  nature 
much  of  his  time  is  taken  up  by  details  of  oflftce  work,  in 


80  BUREAU  OF  AMERICAN  ETHNOLOGY 

which,  unless  assisted  by  the  members  of  the  bureau,  he 
would  be  greatly  handicapped.  The  work  of  answering 
letters  has  greatly  increased  m  the  last  five  years,  and  the 
demands  on  the  time  of  those  engaged  in  it  have  been 
greatly  multiplied.  This  has  affected  all  members  of  the 
staff  but  it  is  very  satisfactory  to  record  that  the  letters  in 
reply  to  inquiries  are  treated  with  the  greatest  respect  and 
are  looked  upon  as  authoritative  by  the  recipients. 

When  in  Washington  the  chief  has  attended  all  meetings 
of  the  advisory  committee  on  publications  and  one  or  two 
other  committees  to  which  he  has  been  appointed.  He  has 
likewise  accepted  the  welcome  duty  of  keeping  in  touch 
with  all  the  archeological  expeditions  from  different  insti- 
tutions working  on  ruins  in  the  area  of  the  United  States 
in  order  that  he  might  intelligently  advise  action  to  the 
secretary  on  the  requests  for  permits  to  carry  on  archeological 
excavations  which  each  year  are  increasing  in  numl^ers. 

The  chief  has  made  strenuous  efforts  to  continue  his 
studies  of  previous  summers  on  the  Mesa  Verde  National 
Park  in  cooperation  with  the  National  Park  Service  of  the 
Department  of  the  Interior.  In  July,  August,  and  a  part 
of  September  he  was  absent  from  Washington  and  com- 
pleted the  excavation  of  Pipe  Shrine  House,  a  building  in 
the  Mummy  Lake  group  of  mounds.  An  account  of  the 
initiation  of  this  work  appeared  in  the  report  for  last  year. 
This  exceptional  ruin  was  completely  repaired  and  is  now 
open  for  inspection  of  visitors. 

The  excavation  and  repair  of  a  circular  tower  situated  300 
feet  from  Far  View  House  also  engaged  his  attention  from 
the  middle  of  July  until  the  close  of  the  season.  The  mound 
of  stones  covering  this  ruin  was  known  as  far  back  as  1915, 
but  its  hidden  building  was  not  revealed  until  the  close  of 
June  of  the  summer  of  1922,  when  it  was  found  to  be  a  tower 
with  three  subterranean  rooms,  caUed  kivas,  which  were 
evidently  used  for  ceremonial  piu-poses.  Around  these 
rooms  was  formerly  a  crowded  cemetery,  of  ancient  date, 
which  led  him  to  regard  the  whole  area  as  a  necropolis. 
The  number  of  interments  was  too  large  for  the  number  of 
dwellings.     The  three  kivas  belong  to  the  highest  type  of 


ADMINISTRATIVE    REPORT  81 

these  structures  characteristic  of  the  Mesa  Verde.  In  one 
of  them  there  was  a  well-made  wall  of  secondary  construction 
showing  a  secondary  occupation  and  ruder  masonry.  This 
kiva  showed  signs  of  having  been  abandoned  and  later 
reoccupied,  but  how  many  years  elapsed  between  the  two 
occupations  was  not  evident  from  data  available. 

The  excavation  of  this  Mesa  Verde  tower  led  to  new  ideas 
of  the  structure  and  use  of  these  remains,  hundreds  of  which 
are  found  scattered  in  the  canyons  and  on  the  mesas  of  the 
northern  tributaries  of  the  upper  San  Juan  River.  This 
tower  is  a  fair  example  of  the  type  of  these  buildings.  It  was 
probably  an  outlook  for  observations  of  the  sun  and  cere- 
monies comiected  with  the  sky  god. 

The  first  type  of  tower  recognized  in  the  Mesa  Verde  is  a 
simple  lookout  situated  naturally  on  the  summit  of  a  hill  or 
high  elevation,  but  unaccompanied  by  any  other  building; 
the  second  type  has  basal  rooms  which  apparently  are  used 
for  storage  of  food  or  possibly  for  habitation.  Far  View 
Tower  is  classified  in  a  third  type  in  which  we  have  a  tower 
rising  from  basal  subterranean  kivas,  granaries,  and  dwellings. 
The  purpose  of  this  type  of  tower  is  the  same  as  Pipe  Shrine 
House. 

During  the  greater  part  of  August  the  tops  of  the  walls  of 
Far  View  House  were  covered  with  cement  to  protect  them 
from  the  elements,  and  it  is  believed  the  protected  walls  will 
remain  upright  for  several  years  without  further  repair. 
The  permanent  protection  of  these  open  ruins  is  always 
difficult  and  costly,  but  necessary.  There  stiU  remain 
many  unsolved  problems  on  the  Mesa  Verde  awaiting  atten- 
tion, but  with  small  appropriations  new  ruins  can  not  be 
opened  and  those  already  opened  can  not  be  repaired. 

Some  distance  north  of  Far  View  Tower  is  the  depression 
long  ago  christened  Mummy  Lake.  Its  true  nature  is  un- 
known, though  it  may  have  been  a  reservoir;  but  no  mum- 
mies have  ever  been  found  in  its  vicinity.  In  the  thick 
cedars  about  it,  situated  on  the  right  hand  of  the  road,  there 
are  several  smaU  mounds  indicating  ruins,  generally  habita- 
tions, siuTOunding  kivas.  In  one  of  these  there  are  vv^alls 
made  of  large  stones  set  on  edge,  standing  above  ground. 


82  BUREAU    OF   AMERICAN   ETHNOLOGY 

These  stones  project  4  feet  above  the  surface  and  their  size 
has  led  to  the  ruin  being  called  Megalithic  House.  Excava- 
tion work  on  this  ruin  was  begun  but  not  completed  before 
the  appropriation  was  exhausted. 

About  every  other  night  during  the  five  months  the  chief 
worked  on  the  Mesa  Verde  he  gave  camp-fire  talks  to  visitors 
and  spent  considerable  time  daily  in  explaining  the  significa- 
tion of  the  excavations  while  they  were  in  progress. 

In  June,  1923,  the  chief  made  a  trip  to  Deming,  southern 
New  Mexico,  and  visited  different  localities.  Fort  Bayard, 
Central,  Silver  City,  and  Finos  Altos,  where  pictured  food 
bowls  have  been  found.  He  purchased  a  beautiful  collection 
of  pottery  from  the  Mimbres  Valley,  which  supplements 
that  already  installed  in  the  Museum. 

In  1914  the  chief  first  pointed  out  that  the  Mimbres  Valley, 
in  which  this  pottery  is  found,  was  inhabited  in  prehistoric 
times  by  a  people  who  excelled  all  other  pueblos  in  painting 
realistic  figures  on  pottery.  The  scientific  value  of  these 
pictures  is  very  gi-eat  from  the  fact  that  the  prehistoric 
dwellers  in  the  Mimbres  Valley  in  this  way  left  a  reliable 
and  permanent  record  of  certain  occupations  (hunting, 
fishing,  gambling),  as  well  as  wonderful  representations  of 
mythological  animals  of  all  varieties.  If  we  could  truthfully 
interpret  these  figures,  our  knowledge  of  the  prehistoric 
mythology  of  a  people  of  whose  history,  language,  and  rela- 
tionship we  know  nothing  from  documentary  sources  would 
be  greatly  increased. 

Not  far  from  the  close  of  the  fiscal  year,  Fresident  Harding 
issued  a  proclamation  declaring  three  groups  of  towers  in 
southwestern  Colorado  and  southeastern  Utah  to  be  a 
national  monument.  This  armouncement  was  particularly 
gratifying  to  the  chief,  not  only  because  it  preserved  for 
future  generations  good  examples  of  unique  types  of  ancient 
buildings  in  our  Southwest  but  also  because  the  idea  of  the 
reservation  of  Hovenweep  National  Monument  originated 
in  the  Bureau  of  American  Ethnology.  The  three  groups 
composing  this  monument  lie  within  a  few  miles  of  each 
other  and  are  locally  called  Ruin  Canyon  group,  Holly 
Canyon  gi'oup,  and  the  Tejon  Mesa  group. 


ADMINISTRATIVE    REPORT  83 

During  the  fiscal  year  Dr.  John  R.  Swanton,  ethnologist, 
has  completed  the  following  manuscripts :  "  Social  Organiza- 
tion and  Social  Usages  of  the  Indians  of  the  Creek  Confed- 
eracy"; "Religious  Beliefs  and  Medical  Practices  of  the 
Creek  Indians";  and  "A  Grammatical  Sketch  of  the  Ala- 
bama Language." 

Doctor  Swanton  also  completed  a  card  catalogue,  arranged 
under  stems,  of  all  of  the  linguistic  material  contained  in 
the  Arte  de  la  Lengua  Timuquana,  by  Francisco  Pareja, 
and  an  English-Indian  index  for  the  same;  and  initiated  a 
report  on  the  stories  of  the  southeastern  Indians.  By  July  1 
he  had  completed  translations  of  stories  in  the  Koasati 
language  and  made  a  beginning  on  those  in  Alabama.  Ma- 
terial was  added  to  his  collection  of  references  bearing  on  the 
economic  basis  of  American  Indian  life,  and  some  map  work 
was  done  in  connection  with  this  phase  of  Indian  life. 

The  1st  of  July,  1923,  found  Dr.  Truman  Michelson, 
ethnologist,  at  work  among  the  Fox  Indians  of  Iowa.  He 
collected  sufficient  material  for  a  manuscript  entitled  "  The 
traditional  origin  of  the  Fox  Society  known  as  '  They  who 
go  about  singing'  (singing-around  rite)."  This  material  will 
be  published  in  the  Fortieth  Annual  Report  of  the  bureau. 
A  good  beginning  was  also  made  on  the  ceremonial  "  runners" 
and  attendants.  Tribal  dissensions  at  Tama  cut  short 
Doctor  Michelson' s  stay  among  the  Fox  Indians  and  he 
made  a  reconnaissance  among  the  Potawatomi  of  Wisconsin, 
the  Chippewa  at  Reserve  in  the  same  State,  the  Ottawa  of 
Michigan,  the  Delaware-Munsee  of  lower  Canada,  and  the 
Montagnais  of  Lake  St.  John,  returning  to  Washington 
near  the  1st  of  October.  He  definitely  determined  that  there 
are  several  different  Delaware  dialects  spoken  in  Canada 
and  the  United  States,  and  that  some  of  these  dialects  are 
not  clearly  related;  so  that  the  word  Delaware  is  merely 
a  "catchall"  term. 

After  returning  to  Washington  Doctor  Michelson  devoted 
his  time  to  elaborating  the  paper  above  mentioned  on  "  The 
traditional  origin  of  the  Fox  Society,  known  as  '  The  Suiging- 
around  rite',"  completing  it  for  publication. 


84  BUREAU   OF  AMERICAN   ETHNOLOGY 

About  the  middle  of  May  Doctor  Michelson  left  for  the 
field  to  make  a  reconnaissance  of  the  Algonqiiian  tribes  of 
eastern  United  States  and  Canada,  including  the  Labrador 
Peninsula.  His  observations  lead  him  to  conclude  that  the 
al)original  culture  of  the  Penobscots  at  Old  Town,  Me.,  is 
disintegrating.  None  of  the  young  people  speak  the  lan- 
guage, and  with  the  constant  intermarrying  with  whites  it 
will  be  but  a  short  time  when  ethnology  and  folklore,  which 
are  both  well  rememl^ered,  will  be  a  thing  of  the  past.  The 
Malecites  living  at  the  "  village,"  about  12  miles  from 
Frederickton,  New  Brunswick,  cling  tenaciously  to  the  lan- 
guage, which  is  spoken  universally,  though  practically  every- 
one also  has  a  good  command  of  Enghsh.  Their  ethnology, 
on  the  other  hand,  is  fast  disappearing.  During  his  short 
visit  with  the  Penobscots  and  Malecites,  Doctor  Michelson 
determined  a  number  of  peculiar  morphological  traits  of  the 
language  as  compared  with  central  Algonquian.  He  finds 
the  phonetics  of  both  languages  extremely  difficult,  and  on 
the  whole  it  may  be  said  that  neither  language  is  archaic  in 
type.  On  June  13  Doctor  Michelson  arrived  m  Sydney,  Cape 
Breton,  Nova  Scotia,  en  route  to  Labrador. 

The  begiiming  of  the  fiscal  year  fovmd  Mr.  John  P.  Har- 
rington, ethnologist,  engaged  in  the  preparation  for  pul^lica- 
tion  of  his  recent  field  notes  on  the  Picuris  and  Taos  tribes  of 
New  Mexico  and  the  Mission  Indians  of  California.  All  the 
notes  on  the  Taos  Indians  collected  by  the  late  Mrs.  M.  C, 
Stevenson  were  copied  and  arranged  for  publication. 

Mr.  Harrington  also  prepared  for  publication  a  paper  en- 
titled "  Picuris  Children's  Stories  with  Texts  and  Songs." 
This  manuscript  embraces  Picuris  stories  in  native  text  such 
as  are  told  to  the  Indian  children  on  winter  evenings  in  their 
isolated  village  in  northern  New  Mexico.  The  stories  have 
high  literary  quahty,  and  many  of  them  hold  the  attention 
of  child  or  adult  throughout.  The  volume  is  thought  to  be 
practical  for  school  use.  The  12  songs  accompanying  the 
stories  are  beautifully  rendered  by  Mr.  Rosendo  Vargas,  and 
are  transcribed  into  musical  notation  by  Miss  H.  H.  Roberts. 

Mr.  Harrington  also  prepared  an  article  on  "  How  the 
World  Grew,"  which  is  an  accomit  of  origuis  corresponding 


ADMINISTRATIVE    REPORT  85 

to  the  book  of  Genesis  of  the  Bible  obtained  from  the  Mission 
Indians  of  Cahfornia. 

Mr.  Cipriano  Alvarado,  a  Quiche  Indian  of  the  highlands 
of  Guatemala,  was  brought  to  this  country  for  the  purpose 
of  linguistic  study  by  Mr.  William  Gates,  who  kmdly  allowed 
Mr.  Harrington  to  obtain  from  him  a  large  amount  of  text 
material  in  tliis  language.  The  Quiche  is  the  direct  descend- 
ant of  the  tongue  of  the  ancient  temple  builders  of  the 
Central  American  jimgles.  In  working  with  Mr.  Alvarado 
with  the  kymograph,  Mr.  Harrington  discovered  that  the 
Quiche  and  other  Mayan  dialects  possess  tones  exactly  like 
those  of  Chinese,  and  that  these  tones,  as  in  the  latter  lan- 
guage, are  often  the  sole  means  of  distinguishing  words  that 
are  othei'wise  phonetically  identical.  Work  was  also  done 
with  Mr.  Alvarado  and  Mr.  Gates  on  the  pallophotophone, 
a  machuie  recently  invented  by  Professor  Hoxie,  of  the 
General  Electric  Co.  The  pallophotophone  proved  of  the 
greatest  value  for  the  study  of  tones  in  Indian  and  other 
languages,  and  its  reproduction  of  the  voice  is  true  for  all 
the  soimds,  even  including  s,  h,  and  those  of  like  timbre 
which  are  imperfectly  rendered  on  the  phonograph. 

On  May  3  Mr.  Harrington  proceeded  to  Santa  Barbara, 
Calif.,  for  the  purpose  of  continuing  his  researches  on  the 
Indians  of  that  State.  He  succeeded  in  finding  good  inform- 
ants for  Indian  songs  as  well  as  stories  and  place  names  and 
obtained  a  large  quantity  of  manuscript  material.  This 
material  consists  of  myths,  place  names,  liistorical  notes, 
accounts  of  early  hie  and  customs,  genealogies,  and  Indian 
songs. 

The  Biu"eau  of  American  Ethnology  is  doing  cooperative 
work  with  the  Museum  of  the  American  Indian,  Heye 
Foundation,  of  New  York  City,  which  obtained  permission 
from  the  Hotel  Ambassador  Corporation  to  excavate  the 
famous  Burton  Momid  on  the  beach  at  Santa  Barbara. 
This  moimd  has  always  been  kl^o^vn  as  the  site  of  the  princi- 
pal rancheria  of  the  Santa  Barbara  Indians,  but  former 
owners  of  the  property  refused  permission  to  excavate  it, 
and  when  the  Potter  Hotel  was  erected  in  1901  hope  of 
archeological  investigation  seemed  forever  lost.     The  site 


86  BUREAU    OF    AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY 

was  unexpectedly  made  again  available  for  study  on  account 
of  the  burning  of  the  hotel  a  few  years  ago. 

The  excavations  began  early  in  May  and  the  Indian 
cemeteiy  was  located  on  the  slope  of  the  mound  toward  the 
beach.  The  graves  that  were  opened  were  crowded  with 
human  bodies,  trinkets,  and  a  great  variety  of  utensils. 
Among  the  specimens  are  a  fragment  of  a  soapstone  canoe, 
soapstone  pipes,  fishhooks  of  abalone  and  bone,  sinker  stones, 
aiTowheads  of  great  variety,  spear  heads,  about  40  mortar 
pestles,  including  some  veiy  long  ones,  beads  of  many  kinds, 
pendants,  daggers,  bowls  and  kettles  of  soapstone,  native 
paint,  etc. 

Mr.  Harrington  has  prepared  for  pulDlication  during  the 
fiscal  year  approximately  1,900  pages  of  manuscript. 

Mr.  J.  N.  B.  Hewitt,  ethnologist,  completed  dm-ing  the 
fiscal  year  the  second  part  of  his  Iroquoian  Cosmology-,  the 
first  part  having  appeared  in  the  Twenty-first  Aimual  Report 
of  the  bureau. 

During  the  year  Mr.  Hewitt  spent  some  time  editing  a 
manuscript  entitled  "Report  on  the  Indian  Tribes  of  the 
Upper  Missouri,"  by  Mr.  Edwin  Thompson  Denig,  to  the 
Hon.  Isaac  Stevens,  Governor  of  Washington  Territory  in 
1854  (f),  which  has  been  submitted  for  publication. 

Mr.  Hewitt  devoted  much  time  and  research  in  the  prepa- 
ration of  data  for  official  replies  to  correspondents  of  the 
bm-eau.  These  inquiries  in  their  scope  touch  almost  the 
entire  range  of  human  interest,  veiy  often  seeking  information 
quite  outside  of  the  specific  field  of  research  belonging  to 
this  bureau.  About  100  such  replies  were  prepared,  although 
some  of  them  required  more  than  a  day's  work  in  preparation. 

Mr.  Hewitt  also  acted  as  the  representative  of  the  Smith- 
sonian Institution  on  the  United  States  Board  of  Geographic 
Names. 

On  May  18,  1923,  Mr.  Hewitt  left  Washington  on  field 
duty.  His  destination  was  the  Grand  River  Grant  to  the 
Six  Nations  of  Iroquois  dwelling  near  Brantford,  Ontario, 
Canada.  At  this  place  Mr.  Hewitt  made  an  intensive  study 
and  revision  and  fuller  interpretation  of  his  voluminous 
texts — texts  which  he  had  recorded  so  fortmiately  in  previous 


ADMINISTRATIVE   REPORT  87 

visits  to  this  place.  These  texts  embody  the  traditions  of 
the  foundmg  of  the  League  or  Confederation  of  the  Five 
Tribes  of  the  Iroquois  in  the  closing  decades  of  the  sixteenth 
centuiy.  They  contain  also  the  principles  and  laws  upon 
which  it  was  established,  as  well  as  the  complete  rituals  and 
chants  of  the  Comicil  of  Condolence  and  Installation  of  the 
Federal  Government,  and  full  explanations  of  the  intricate 
political  relationships  of  the  kindreds  composing  the  tribal 
members  of  the  league. 

He  was  also  fortunate  in  recovering  enough  data  relating 
to  the  Federal  and  tribal  chieftainesses  to  enable  him  to 
affirm  the  former  existence  of  a  set  of  official  names  for  every 
one  of  these  women  magistrates.  He  also  recorded  much 
valuable  information  relating  to  the  several  institutions  of 
the  league. 

On  June  24  Mr.  Hewitt  made  a  short  visit  to  the  Onondaga 
Reservation,  lying  about  8  miles  south  of  Syracuse,  N.  Y. 
He  devoted  liis  time  on  this  reservation  to  a  comparison  of 
the  hmited  knowledge  possessed  by  the  only  two  men  who 
had  any  definite  information  of  the  various  institutions  and 
laws  and  installation  rituals  of  the  Iroquois  Confederation, 
with  the  records  which  he  possesses.  The  object  was  to 
ascertain,  if  still  possible,  how  much  of  his  Canadian  material, 
if  any,  could  be  said  to  be  recent,  or  whether  the  differences 
in  the  content  were  due  merely  to  the  breakdown  of  the  tra- 
ditions of  the  New  York  Onondaga.  He  convinced  himself 
that  the  latter  was  the  sole  cause. 

Mr.  Francis  La  Flesche,  ethnologist,  was  engaged  most  of 
the  time  during  the  fiscal  year  in  assembling  his  notes  for  the 
third  volume  of  his  work  on  The  Osage  Tribe.  In  this 
volume  are  recorded  two  rituals  of  the  Osage  tribal  rites. 
One  is  entitled  Wa-xo'-be  A-wa-tho",  Singing  of  the  Wa- 
xo'-be  Songs,  and  the  other,  ^a  Tha-9e  Ga-xe,  Weaving  of 

the  Rush. 

SPECIAL  RESEARCHES 

In  her  studies  of  Indian  music  during  the  fiscal  year  Miss 
Frances  Densmore  had  included  the  songs  of  three  tribes 
hving  in  Arizona,  neai-  the  Mexican  border.     These  tribes  are 

53666°— 28 7 


88  BUREAU   OF   AMERICAN   ETHNOLOGY 

the  Yuma,  Mohave,  and  Papago.  One  of  the  manuscripts 
submitted  tliis  year  deals  with  the  cremation  ceremony  of 
the  Yuma,  witnessed  by  Miss  Densmore  in  1922.  The  cere- 
monial songs  of  this  rite  were  recorded  and  information 
given  by  the  oldest  man,  who  has  the  hereditary  right  to  sing 
these  songs.  It  is  the  custom  of  the  Yuma  Indians  to  hold 
a  memorial  ceremony  within  a  year  after  a  death,  at  which 
an  image  of  the  deceased  is  burned.  After  this  ceremony 
the  name  of  the  dead  is  never  spoken.  A  full  description  of 
this  ceremony  was  submitted,  together  with  transcriptions 
of  its  songs. 

The  treatment  of  the  sick  by  these  tribes  was  aiso  studied 
and  heaUng  songs  of  each  tribe  were  submitted.  Among 
these  were  the  songs  of  a  Yuma  medicine  man,  who  claims 
the  power  to  cm'e  persons  suffering  from  woimds  in  the  chest, 
accompanied  by  hemorrhage.  This  shaman  said  that  he  did 
this  by  the  aid  of  four  insects  and  birds,  one  of  which  has 
power  over  the  fluids  of  the  body.  His  songs  are  cheerful 
and  soothing  in  character,  and  it  is  interesting  to  note  that 
he  forbade  the  people  to  weep  duiing  his  treatment,  requiring 
that  they  "appear  cheerful  and  act  in  a  natural  manner," 

Four  manuscripts  were  submitted  by  Miss  Densmore  dur- 
ing the  year,  bearing  the  following  titles :  "  Papago  Medicine 
and  Dancing  Songs,"  "  Dream  and  War  Songs  of  the  Papago 
Indians,"  "  Cremation  and  Memorial  Ceremonies  of  the 
Yuma  Indians,  with  Related  Songs,"  and  "Lightning  and 
Medicine  Songs  of  the  Yuma  and  Mohave  Indians."  This 
material  comprised  93  pages  of  manuscript  and  84  transcrip- 
tions of  songs,  together  with  the  original  phonographic 
records  and  tabulated  and  descriptive  analyses  of  the  songs. 
The  two  most  interesting  musicial  discoveries  made  in  this 
work  are  the  presence  in  these  tribes  of  songs  which  may  be 
termed  "  pure  melody  without  tonaUty,"  and  the  independ- 
ent and  elaborate  rhythm  of  the  accompanying  instrument, 
either  a  gourd  rattle  or  a  basket  drum.  In  many  instances 
the  accompanying  instrument  is  transcribed  separately  from 
the  melody  in  order  to  show  its  peculiarities. 

During  the  summer  of  1922  Miss  Densmore  visited  the 
Cliippewa  reservations  at  Lac    Com't  Oreilles,   Wis.,   and 


ADMINISTRATIVE   REPORT  89 

Leech  Lake  and  MiUe  Lac,  Minn.,  collecting  additional 
specimens  of  plants  used  in  treating  the  sick,  and  other  data. 

In  the  spring  of  1923  Mr.  W.  E.  Myer,  special  archeologist, 
spent  several  months  investigating  archeological  remains  in 
central  Tennessee.  He  visited  the  ancient  momid  group  of 
the  Banks  Link  farm  on  Duck  River,  in  Humphreys  County, 
Tenn.,  where  was  found  the  celebrated  cache  of  fine,  long 
flint  blades  and  other  flint  objects  now  the  pride  of  the  collec- 
tion of  the  Missouri  Historical  Society.  He  made  a  map  of 
this  group  and  obtained  additional  information  in  regard  to 
these  masterpieces  of  the  ancient  flint  chipper' s  art. 

Through  the  active  aid  of  several  citizens  of  Lincoln 
County  he  was  enabled  to  visit  and  study  an  important 
and  hitherto  midesciibed  moimd  gi'oup  on  Elk  River,  at 
the  junction  of  Lincoln,  Moore,  and  FrankUn  Counties. 
He  also  obtained  the  definite  location  of  over  75  unrecorded 
sites  on  which  ancient  man  had  hved  in  Lincoln  County. 

He  explored  a  small  burial  mound  and  other  vestiges  of 
an  ancient  Indian  village  on  the  lands  of  Mr.  L.  W.  Deimy, 
Goodlettsville,  Davidson  County,  Term.,  where  he  found 
20  skeletons.  There  was  evidence  that  two  different  tribes 
had  occupied  this  site  at  separate  times  in  the  past,  and  the 
mound  yielded  a  number  of  fine  artifacts  which  throw  hght 
on  the  hfe  of  the  people. 

Mr.  Myer  spent  two  months  exploring  the  remains  of  a 
gi'eat  prehistoric  fortified  Indian  town  in  Cheatham  County, 
Tenn.,  known  as  the  Great  Mound  Group  on  account  of 
its  great  central  mound.  With  the  assistance  of  Mr.  Wilbur 
Nelson,  State  geologist  of  Tennessee,  an  excellent  topo- 
graphical map  was  made,  and  through  the  repeated  efforts 
of  Lieut.  Norman  McEwen,  of  the  136th  Air  Squadron, 
Temiessee  National  Guard,  some  good  airplane  photographs 
of  the  mound  on  the  Harpeth  River,  near  Kingston  Springs, 
were  secured. 

These  remains  cover  approximately  500  acres  in  two  bends 
of  the  river.  In  one  bend  he  found  a  bold  projecting  hill 
which  had  been  artificially  shaped  from  bottom  to  top. 
Three  wide  terraces  had  been  formed  along  the  side  of  this 
hill.     The  original  rounded  summit  had  been  leveled  until 


90  BUREAU    OF   AMERICAN   ETHNOLOGY 

a  great  plaza  or  public  square,  about  1,000  feet  in  length 
and  500  feet  in  breadth,  had  been  formed.  Upon  the  sides 
of  this  level  plaza  one  very  large  mound  and  two  smaller 
ones  had  been  erected.  This  section  of  the  ancient  town 
was  protected  on  the  water  side  by  the  perpendicular  cliffs 
of  the  Harpeth  River.  On  the  land  side  it  was  defended 
by  an  earthen  embankment  or  breastworks  surmounted 
by  a  wooden  wall,  from  which  at  intervals  semicircular 
wooden  towers  projected.  These  earthen  breastworks,  which 
had  formerly  supported  this  wooden  wall,  were  still  to  be 
found  in  the  undisturbed  woodlands,  where  they  yet  extend 
about  lU  miles,  and  there  is  e\ddence  that  they  originally 
ran  much  farther.  Wooden  palisades,  consisting  of  small 
tree  trunks,  had  been  driven  into  the  gi-oimd  side  by  side 
and  wedged  together  and  the  soil  thrown  against  them 
until  they  were  by  this  means  firmly  embedded  in  these 
earthen  embankments  or  breastworks.  These  paUsades, 
bound  closely  together  and  strongly  braced,  formed  a  wooden 
wall  wliich  had  been  plastered  on  the  outside  in  order  to 
make  scaling  by  an  enemy  difficult.  Earthen  bastions 
projecting  beyond  this  hne  of  wall  at  intervals  of  about  150 
yards  were  still  to  be  found.  These  had  formerly  supported 
the  seinicircular  wooden  towers.  The  enemy  advancing 
to  attack  was  therefore  subjected  to  fire  from  the  defenders 
through  portholes  along  the  main  wall  and  also  to  a  flanking 
fire  from  the  warriors  in  the  towers  on  these  bastions.  Faint 
traces  of  some  of  the  timbers  of  these  palisades  and  wooden 
towers  were  found  in  the  soil  of  these  embankments. 

While  the  gi'eat  central  mound  and  terraced  hill  formed 
the  most  striking  featm-e  of  this  ancient  town,  there  were 
in  the  inclosure  four  other  eminences  whose  summits  had 
likewise  been  leveled  into  plazas.  All  these  plazas  yielded 
traces  of  earth  lodges  and  other  evidences  of  former  build- 
ings. The  earth  lodges  of  the  common  people  were  situated 
on  the  edges  of  the  terraces.  The  larger  moimds  had  prob- 
ably supported  important  public  buildings  and  the  lodges 
of  leading  personages.  This  grouping  of  important  buildings 
around  five  separate  plazas  and  in  different  parts  of  the 
town  very  probably  indicates  that  the  population  was  made 


ADMINISTRATIVE    REPORT  91 

up  of  what  had  once  been  four  or  five  separate  autonomous 
groups  of  kindred  peoples.  Here  in  their  later  home  each 
gi'oup  had  gathered  around  their  own  pubUc  square  in 
their  own  section  of  the  town  and  thus  preserved  at  least 
some  of  their  old  ceremonials  and  held  together  in  some 
fashion  their  old  organization. 

It  is  impossible  to  determine  even  approximately  the  num- 
ber of  inhabitants,  but  the  large  number  of  the  buildings  and 
the  long  extent  of  the  walls  indicate  a  population  of  several 
thousand.  All  the  buildings  whose  traces  were  uncovered 
appear  to  have  been  burned.  Below  the  fallen-in  wall  of  an 
important  building  the  charred  remains  of  the  woven  reed 
tapestrj^  which  had  formerly  hung  upon  the  wall  were  secured 
for  the  National  Museum. 

It  is  not  as  yet  possible  to  determine  the  age  of  these 
remains.  Beyond  all  question  this  town  had  been  destroyed 
long  before  the  coming  of  the  whites.  No  object  of  white 
man's  manufacture  was  found  on  this  site. 

Mr.  Gerard  Fowke  carried  on  archeological  investigations 
in  the  Stratman  Cave  in  Maries  County,  Mo.  This  cave, 
which  is  situated  a  little  more  than  2  miles  south  of  Gas- 
condy,  the  point  at  which  the  Rock  Island  Railroad  crosses 
Gasconade  River,  has  an  opening  on  the  side  of  a  hill  about 
150  feet  high.  The  approach  to  the  cave  on  the  river  side  is 
very  steep,  but  from  the  top  of  the  hill  it  is  less  difficult. 
Mr.  Fowke  opened  a  trench  on  the  outside  slope  of  the 
talus  at  a  point  30  feet  from  the  entrance  of  the  cave  and  16 
feet  below  the  floor  level.  He  found  most  of  the  evidences  of 
human  occupation  in  superficial  black  earth,  scattered  through- 
out which  from  bottom  to  top  were  fragments  of  potteiy, 
parts  of  vessels  of  varying  capacity  and  thickness;  chert 
knives  or  spearheads,  none  highly  finished;  hundreds  of 
thousands  of  mussel  shells  more  or  less  decayed;  and  other 
objects  so  abundantly  found  on  the  numerous  camp  sites 
and  village  sites  along  the  Gasconade  River.  The  artifacts 
were  few  in  number  and  scattered  throughout  the  mass, 
nowhere  more  than  a  few  pieces  in  a  cubic  foot  of  earth. 
This  denotes  temporary  occupation,  at  irregular  intervals, 
over  a  long  period  of  time.     Yet  the  cave  was  not  altogether 


92  BUREAU   OF   AMERICAN   ETHNOLOGY 

merely  a  resort  for  temporary  hunters  or  war  parties.  In 
addition  to  the  potteiy,  which  shows  at  least  occasional 
sojourning  in  the  cave,  there  were  fragmentary  bones,  too 
fragile  to  preserve,  of  a  child  2  or  3  years  old,  of  another 
somewhat  older,  and  a  small  adult,  possibly  a  woman. 
These  bones  were  found  in  different  places  but  near  the  sur- 
face; there  were  no  other  indications  of  burials.  The  only 
specimens  found  worthy  of  note  were  a  small  hammer  made 
of  a  chert  twin  concretion  and  bearing  evidence  of  long 
service ;  a  pebble,  used  for  sharpening  small  bone  implements 
and  for  smoothing  leather  or  rawhide  strings;  and  a  double 
concave  discoidal  with  V-shaped  margin. 

While  the  results  of  the  work  at  Stratman  Cave  contrib- 
uted little  to  the  antiquity  of  man  in  Missouri,  Mr.  Fowke's 
studies,  which  are  accompanied  by  a  small  collection,  are 
valuable  in  a  comparative  way.  The  Ozark  region  in 
Missouri  is  yielding  many  surprises  to  the  archeologist  and  it 
is  believed  that  there  still  remains  much  field  work  to  be  done 
here  and  in  the  neighborhood  before  the  character  and  antiq- 
uity of  the  Indians  of  that  region  are  definitely  determined. 

With  a  small  appropriation  Mr.  John  L.  Baer  carried  on 
instructive  field  studies  on  the  banner  stones  in  the  Sus- 
quehanna River  region,  and  was  able  to  make  a  good  series 
reaching  from  the  imperfect  form  into  the  more  symmetrical 
objects.  He  also  investigated  the  pictographs  found  near 
Delta,  Pa. 

EDITORIAL  WORK  AND  PUBLICATIONS 

The  editing  of  the  publications  of  the  bureau  was  con- 
tinued through  the  year  by  Mr.  Stanley  Searles,  editor, 
assisted  by  Mrs.  Frances  S.  Nichols,  editorial  assistant. 
The  status  of  the  publications  is  presented  in  the  following 
summary : 

PUBLICATIONS    ISSUED 

Thirty-fourth  Annual  Report.  Accompanying  paper:  A  Prehistoric 
IsLand  Culture  Ai-ea  of  America  (Fewkes).  281  pp.,  120  pis., 
69  figs. 

Thirty-seventh  Annual  Report.  Accompanying  paper:  The  Winne- 
bago Tribe  (Radin).     560  pp.,  58  pis.,  38  figs. 


ADMINISTRATIVE    REPORT  93 

Bulletin  76.  Arclieological  Investigations  (Fowke).     204  pp.,  45  pis., 

37  figs. 
Bulletin    77.    Villages   of    the   Algonquian,    Siouan,    and    Caddoan 

Tribes  west  of  the  Mississippi  (Bushnell).     211  pp.,  55  pis.,  12  figs. 

PUBLICATIONS    IN    PRESS    OR    IN    PREPARATION 

Thirty-eighth  Annual  Report.  Accompanying  paper:  An  Introduc- 
tory' Study  of  the  Arts,  Crafts,  and  Customs  of  the  Guiana  Indians 
(Roth). 

Thirty-ninth  Annual  Report.  Accompan;ying  paper:  The  Osage 
Tribe:  The  Rite  of  Vigil  (La  Flesche). 

Fortieth  Annual  Report.  Accompanying  papers:  The  Mythical 
Origin  of  the  Wliite  Buffalo  Dance  of  the  Fox  Indians;  The  Auto- 
biography of  a  P^ox  Indian  Woman;  Notes  on  Fox  Mortuary  Cus- 
toms and  Behefs;  Notes  on  the  Fox  Society  known  as  "  Those  Who 
Worship  the  Little  Spotted  Buffalo";  The  Traditional  Origin  of  the 
Fox  Societj"  known  as  "The  Singing- Around  Rite"  (Michelson). 

Bulletin  78.  Handbook  of  the  Indians  of  CaUfornia  (Kroeber). 

Bulletin  79.  Blood  Revenge,  War,  and  Victory  Feasts  among  the 
Jibaro  Indians  of  Eastern  Ecuador  (Karsten). 

Bulletin  80.  Mandan  and  Hidatsa  Music  (Densmore). 

Bulletin  81.  Excavations  in  the  Chama  Valley,  New  Mexico 
(Jeancon) . 

DISTRIBUTION    OF    PUBLICATIONS 

The  distribution  of  publications  has  been  continued  under 
the  immediate  charge  of  Miss  Helen  Munroe,  assisted  by 
Miss  Emma  B.  Powers.  Publications  were  distributed  as 
follows : 

Annual  reports  and  separates 5,  363 

Bulletins  and  separates 11,  787 

Contributions  to  North  American  Ethnology 10 

Introductions 3 

Miscellaneous  pubhcations 531 


17,  694 

As  compared  with  the  fiscal  year  ending  June  30,  1922, 
there  was  an  increase  of  3,479  publications  distributed. 


94  BUREAU   OF   AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY 

ILLUSTRATIONS 

Mr.  DeLancey  Gill,  illustrator,  with  the  assistance  of  Mr. 
Albert  E.  Sweeney,  continued  the  preparation  of  the  illus- 
trations of  the  bureau.     A  summary  of  this  work  follows: 

Drawings  for  publications 32 

Photograplis  retouched  for  engraving 78 

Illustration  copy  made  ready  for  engraving 319 

Illustrative  proof  edited 302 

Editions  of  colored  plates  examined  at  Government  Printing 

Office.. 160,000 

Negatives  prepared 232 

Films  developed  from  field  exposures 240 

Prints  for  distribution  and  office  use 1,  117 

In  November  of  last  year  Mr.  Gill  began  to  reclassify  the 
large  collection  of  ethnologic  and  archeologic  negatives  with  a 
view  of  preparing  a  comprehensive  catalogue  of  the  lin- 
guistic families  and  tribes  with  such  historic  data  as  is  avail- 
able. He  has  made  good  progress  in  this  work.  About 
5,000  negatives  have  already  been  catalogued. 

LIBRARY 

The  reference  library  continued  under  the  immediate  care 
of  Miss  Ella  Leary,  librarian,  assisted  by  Mr.  Roderick 
McPherson  and  later  by  Mr.  Thomas  Blackwell. 

During  the  year  500  books  were  accessioned.  Of  these  70 
were  acquired  by  purchase,  130  by  gift  and  exchange,  and 
300  by  binding  of  periodicals.  The  current  periodicals 
annually  received  number  about  925,  of  which  35  are  by 
subscription,  the  remainder  being  obtained  through  exchange. 
The  bureau  has  also  received  200  pamphlets.  The  aggre- 
gate numl^er  of  volumes  in  the  library  at  the  close  of  the  year 
was  25,061;  of  pamphlets  about  15,100.  Satisfactory  prog- 
ress was  made  toward  the  completion  of  the  new  subject 
catalogue  from  the  old  imperfect  author's  catalogue. 

The  most  pressing  need  which  confronts  the  library  is 
shelving  for  the  ever  increasing  accumulations  of  books. 
Extensive  shif tings  and  readjustments  have  been  necessary 
during  the  year  in  order  to  make  space  available  where  it  is 
most  needed,  but  the  Ubrary  is  totally  lacking  in  facilities  to 
allow  for  its  expansion. 


ADMINISTRATIVE   REPORT  95 

COLLECTIONS 

The  following  collections,  acquired  by  members  of  the 
bureau  or  by  those  detailed  in  connection  with  its  researches, 
have  been  transferred  to  the  United  States  National  Museum: 

69367.  Archeological  objects  from  Alaska  collected  by  Dr.   T.   T. 

Waterman  in  the  spring  of  1922.     (5  specimens.) 
69530.  Stone  collar  from  Mayaguez,  Porto  Rico. 
69660.  Two  incense  burners  found  in  a  cave  in  southern  Yucatan 

and  presented  to  the  bureau  by  Maj.  E.  H.  Ropes,  United 

States  Army. 
6988L  Archeological   specimens    collected    along   the   Susquehanna 

River  (Maryland  and  Pennsjdvania)  in  October,  1922,  bj' 

John  L.  Baer.     (174  specimens.) 
69885.  Two  stone  pestles  from  the  Isles  of  Pines. 

MISCELLANEOUS 

Clerical. — The  correspondence  and  other  clerical  work  of 
the  office  has  been  conducted  by  Miss  May  S.  Clark,  clerk 
to  the  chief.  Mr.  Anthony  W.  Wilding  served  as  messenger 
and  typist  to  the  chief. 

Mr.    Roderick    McPherson,    messenger    ia    the    Ubrary, 
resigned  INIarch  31,  1923,  and  Mr.  Thomas  Blackwell,  minor 
clerk,  was  appointed  May  1  to  fill  the  vacancy. 
Respectfully  submitted. 

J.  Walter  Fewkes, 
Chief,  Bureau  of  American  Ethnology. 
Dr.  Charles  D.  Walcott, 

Secretary,  Smithsonian  Institution. 


CONTENTS 

Page 

Systematic  researches 101 

Special  researches 112 

Editorial  work  and  publications 113 

Illustrations ll-l 

Library 115 

Collections 115 

Property 116 

Miscellaneous 116 

97 


ANNUAL  REPORT 

OF  THE 

BUREAU  OF  AMERICAN  ETHNOLOGY 

FOR  THE  FISCAL  YEAR  ENDED  JUNE  30,  1924 


J.  Walter  Fewkes,  Chief 


Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report  on 
the  researches,  office  work,  and  other  operations  of  the 
Bureau  of  American  Ethnology  during  the  fiscal  year  endmg 
June  30,  1924.  These  were  conducted  in  accordance  with 
the  act  of  Congress  approved  June  12,  1923,  which  con  tarns 
the  following  item : 

Ajnerican  ethnology:  For  continuing  ethnological  researches 
among  the  American  Indians  and  the  natives  of  Hawaii,  including 
the  excavation  and  preservation  of  archeologic  remains,  under  the 
direction  of  the  Smithsonian  Institution,  including  the  necessary 
employees  and  the  purchase  of  necessary  books  and  periodicals, 
$44,000. 

The  Bureau  of  American  Ethnology  was  founded  by  Maj. 
J.  W.  Powell  and  placed  under  the  direction  of  the  Secretary 
of  the  Smithsonian  Institution  by  act  of  Congress.  This 
bureau  is  devoted  to  the  increase  of  knowledge  of  the  Ameri- 
can Indian,  as  well  as  of  the  natives  of  Hawaii  and  the 
aborigines  of  Porto  Rico.  It  follows  the  ideal  of  the  Smith- 
sonian Institution  as  applied  to  researches  on  the  American 
Indians,  including  all  branches  of  their  archeology  and  eth- 
nology. The  Ijureau  publishes  annual  reports  and  bulletins, 
the  whole  number  of  these  thus  far  published  being  40 
reports  and  81  buUetms.  The  former  assume  the  form  of 
memoirs,  often  large  and  highly  technical;  the  latter  are 
generally  smaller  m  size,  often  preliminary  in  character. 

The  fundamental  idea  which  led  to  this  appropriation  was 
the  recognized  necessity  for  reliable  information  for  a  proper 
appreciation  of  the  Indian,  as  an  aid  to  legislation.     Very 

99 


100  BUREAU   OF   AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY 

extravagant  and  diametrically  opposite  opinions  were  rife 
regarding  the  character  of  our  al)origines.  In  the  early  days 
of  contact  of  the  European  and  Indian  races  erroneous 
romantic  ideas  were  largely  prevalent,  but  with  the  appli- 
cation of  the  science  of  anthropology  new  values  of  Indian 
character  developed.  The  Indian  in  some  quarters  was 
regarded  solely  as  an  object  of  research;  the  humanitarian 
side  was  lost  sight  of,  and  the  fact  that  he  is  a  man  belonging 
to  one  of  the  most  important  races  in  the  ultimate  amalga- 
mation of  the  different  peoples  was  overlooked.  The  aim  of 
the  Bureau  of  American  Ethnology  is  to  discover  and  to 
dissemmate  correct  ideas  of  the  Indian  as  a  race,  that  our 
people  may  better  understand  and  appreciate  his  history, 
language,  sociology,  music,  religion,  and  various  arts  and 
mdustries.  It  is  obligatory  for  the  bureau  to  preserve 
accurate  records  of  customs  indigenous  to  America  that  are 
rapidly  bemg  lost  in  the  settlement  of  the  former  homes  of 
the  Indians  by  members  of  the  white  race.  The  value  of 
this  material  will  increase  in  coming  years,  for  the  records 
that  are  now  being  made  are  final  and  in  many  cases  will  be 
the  sole  objective  mformation  that  posterity  wUl  have  of  the 
Indian  and  his  customs.  This  work  is  imperative,  for  within 
the  past  few  decades  a  great  deal  of  information  of  this  kind 
has  disappeared  unrecorded,  and  the  probal:)ility  is  that  this 
generation  will  witness  the  death  of  most  aborigmal  survivals 
in  culture. 

While  the  ideal  of  the  bureau  is  the  acquisition  of  knowl- 
edge and  the  publication  of  the  same  through  reports,  there 
has  gi'own  up  a  gi-eat  deal  of  work  on  related  subjects  that 
absorbs  more  or  less  of  the  time  of  the  chief  and  his  staff. 
Infoimation  is  sought  from  all  quarters  regarding  the  Indians, 
and  urgent  calls  from  State  institutions  and  universities 
asking  for  advice  and  help  m  local  problems  have  been  more 
nmnerous  than  at  any  other  time  m  the  history  of  the  institu- 
tion. Routine  office  work  has  assumed  in  the  past  ten  years 
a  larger  relative  proportion  than  in  former  decades.  Va- 
rious agencies  have  quickened  interest  in  the  problems  con- 
sidered by  the  Bureau  of  American  Ethnology.  The  great 
increase  in  travel  resutling  from  the  development  of  the 


ADMINISTRATIVE   REPORT  101 

automobile  and  the  foundation  of  national  parks  has  in- 
tensified the  desu-e  to  "see  America  fii-st."  Our  parks  and 
Indian  reservations  have  been  visited  in.  the  past  few  years 
by  an  ever  increasing  number  of  travelers.  This  has  stimu- 
lated a  demand  on  the  part  of  the  general  public  for  accu- 
rate information  on  the  history  and  customs  of  the  Indians, 
which  the  bureau  endeavors  to  supply. 

It  can  not  be  expected,  when  the  office  work  has  grown  to 
such  magnitude  and  the  appropriations  have  remained  practi- 
cally the  same  as  they  were  before  the  war,  that  the  quantity 
of  research  in  the  field  can  equal  that  of  former  years,  but 
the  chief  has  endeavored  to  have  as  many  of  the  staff  in 
the  field  as  he  can  and  to  pujjlish  the  reports  of  their  work 
as  rapidly  as  feasible.  It  is  self-evident  that  the  acquisition 
of  knowledge  regarding  the  Indians,  even  if  not  published,  is 
a  most  valuable  asset,  notwithstanding  the  fact  that  it  must 
be  stored  in  the  archives  to  await  a  more  favorable  time  for 
publication. 

SYSTEMATIC  RESEARCHES 

The  first  duty  of  the  chief  being  administrative  and  his 
time  for  a  large  part  of  the  year  being  occupied  with  routine 
matters,  he  does  not  have  much  opportunity  for  field  work, 
but  notwithstanding  this  fact  scientific  work  of  a  limited 
nature  has  been  done  by  him  in  the  field.  He  has  kept  en 
rapport  with  the  work  of  all  archeological  expeditions  in  the 
Southwest  in  order  to  be  able  to  advise  you  in  regard  to  your 
recommendations  for  archeological  work  on  the  public  domain. 
The  number  of  expeditions  in  the  Southwest  has  tripled  or 
quadrupled  in  the  last  decade. 

The  field  work  engaged  in  by  the  chief  during  the  past 
year  was  archeological  in  nature,  in  cooperation  with  Mr. 
E.  M.  Elliott  and  his  associates,  of  St.  Petersburg,  Fla. 
There  are  few  areas  in  the  United  States  which  promise  more 
to  the  archeologist  than  southwestern  Florida  along  the  shore 
from  Tampa  Bay  to  Cape  Sable.  Perhaps  no  one  has  added 
more  to  our  knowledge  of  this  area  than  Mr.  F.  H.  Gushing,  a 
foi-mer  ethnologist  of  the  bureau.  The  problems  of  southern 
Florida  demand  more  objective  material  than  we  have  from 


102  BUREAU   OF  AMERICAN   ETHNOLOGY 

the  Everglades  and  the  Ten  Thousand  Islands,  where 
numerous  proofs  of  a  vanished  population  are  in  evidence  in 
the  form  of  enormous  shell  heaps  and  earth  mounds. 

The  chief  began  his  researches  on  Weeden  Island,  near  St. 
Petersburg,  which  is  situated  at  the  end  of  Gandy  Bridge,  an 
artificial  causeway  crossing  Tampa  Bay.  The  evidences  of 
prehistoric  aboriginal  life  on  Weeden  Island  are  numerous 
large  shell  heaps  and  sand  heaps  which  may  be  divided  into 
groups  or  types,  as  kitchen  middens,  observatories,  founda- 
tions of  houses,  and  burial  places.  Evidently  there  was 
formerly  a  large  village  near  the  highest  point  of  the  island. 
One  of  the  mounds  which  was  chosen  for  excavation  turned 
out  to  be  a  cemetery,  and  in  the  course  of  the  winter  about 
one-half  of  it  was  excavated.  The  work  extended  from 
November  until  March,  inclusive. 

The  chief  was  not  able  to  be  in  St.  Petersburg  the  whole 
winter,  but  after  having  started  the  work  in  November, 
1923,  he  returned  to  Washington,  assigning  the  direction 
of  the  excavations  to  Mr.  Stanley  Hedberg  and  later  to 
Mr.  M.  W.  Stirling,  of  the  National  Museum,  who  continued 
the  work  until  the  chief's  return  in  February.  As  a  result 
of  the  excavation  a  large  collection  of  aboriginal  objects 
was  brought  to  the  United  States  National  Museum.  This 
collection  contains  many  imique  specimens  and  will  later 
be  permanently  installed  in  the  Museum  upon  completion 
of  a  report  on  it.  No  specimens  had  formerly  been  ex- 
cavated at  Weeden  Island  and  the  unique  results  of  this 
work  are  regarded  as  most  important.  A  preliminary 
report  has  been  published  in  the  Smithsonian  Miscellaneous 
Collections,  vol.  76,  No.  13. 

At  the  present  time  it  is  too  early  to  draw  final  conclusions 
from  the  above  work,  but  it  is  intended  to  continue  excava- 
tions in  Florida  in  the  winter  of  1924.  Many  of  the  speci- 
mens fomid  were  not  very  different  from  those  characteristic 
of  the  west  coast  of  Florida,  but  the  number  of  objects  is 
greater  and  their  variations  so  extensive  that  they  are 
thought  to  indicate  a  high  development  of  the  aboriginal 
culture  in  southern  Florida.  Evidences  of  two  distinct 
cultures,  one  above  the  other,  were  determmed  from  the 


ADMINISTRATIVE    REPORT  103 

excavations  in  the  Weeden  mound.  The  lower  contained 
crude  pottery,  very  few  implements,  mostly  of  shell,  all 
having  a  considerable  likeness  to  the  so-called  archaic 
Antillean  culture  of  Cuba.  The  upper  layer  contained 
very  fine  specimens  of  decorated  pottery  in  great  numbers, 
showing  close  relationship  to  the  ceramics  of  Georgia. 
This  indicates  an  extension  southward  or  a  drift  of  popula- 
tion, possibly  allied  to  the  Muskhogean,  into  the  peninsula. 
The  relationship  of  the  people  of  the  lower  layer  was  Antillean 
rather  than  Muskhogean.  The  inhabitants  of  southern 
Florida,  when  the  earliest  burials  were  made  in  the  Weeden 
mound,  probably  belonged  to  an  unknown  tribe.  The 
artifacts  in  the  upper  layer  may  be  remains  of  the  Caloosa 
tribe,  which  was  found  there  when  Tampa  Bay  was  visited 
by  Ponce  de  Leon.  The  Indians  that  now  inhabit  the 
Everglades — the  Seminoles — are  a  late  introduction  into 
Florida  and  of  Creek  descent.  The  numerous  Florida 
shell  heaps  antedated  their  advent  by  several  centuries. 

The  chief  has  actively  worked  during  the  past  year  for 
the  formation  of  a  new  national  monument  on  the  Little 
Colorado,  near  Flagstaff,  Ariz.  This  monument  has  been 
temporarily  named  the  Wupatki  National  Monument  and 
mcludes  ruins  at  the  Black  Falls  of  the  Little  Colorado, 
first  described  by  him  in  1900.  It  is  to  be  hoped  that 
before  another  report  this  most  interesting  group  of  stone 
buildings  will  be  added  to  the  other  archeological  monu- 
ments. The  ruins  that  comprise  it  have  some  of  the  best 
preserved  walls  hi  the  Southwest. 

The  impression  exists  in  some  quarters  that  the  work  of 
the  Bureau  of  American  Ethnology  must  be  completed  in  a 
certain  definite  time.  This  impression  has  no  real  founda- 
tion, for  ethnology  is  hke  any  other  scientific  study  and  has 
no  limitations.  Every  new  year  of  work  in  the  bureau 
enlarges  the  horizon  of  research  and  presents  new  problems 
regarding  the  American  Indians  for  solution.  Since  the 
foundation  of  the  bureau  by  the  late  Maj.  J.  W.  PoweU 
the  aims  and  tendencies  of  the  science  of  ethnology  have 
greatly  enlarged,  and  the  published  studies  of  the  staff 
have   put  the  science  of  anthropology   upon  such  a  firm 

63666°— 28 8 


104  BUREAU  OF  AMERICAN   ETHNOLOGY 

foundation  that  not  only  the  past  appropriations  but  also 
the  prospective  expenditures  by  Congress  are  more  than 
justified.  The  earlier  work  covered  a  limited  scope;  it 
pointed  out  the  field  for  future  work.  It  now  remains  for 
the  comparative  ethnologist  to  connect  the  various  problems 
of  man  and  his  culture  and  to  shed  new  light  on  what  still 
remains  unsolved.  By  law  the  ethnological  research  of 
the  staff  of  the  bureau  is  Mmited  to  the  American  Indians 
and  the  aborigines  of  Hawaii.  The  logical  outcome  is  the 
enlargement  of  the  Bureau  of  American  Ethnology  into  a 
bureau  devoted  to  the  study  of  all  races. 

Even  in  studymg  the  Indians  there  are  great  regions  of 
South  America  which  are  practically  unknown  to  the 
ethnologist.  South  America,  next  to  Central  America,  con- 
tams  examples  of  probably  the  highest  culture  that  has  ever 
been  attained  by  the  American  race.  I  refer,  of  course,  to 
the  civilization  of  the  great  empire  of  the  Incas,  extending 
from  the  Isthmus  of  Panama  to  southern  Chile.  In  this 
prolific  field  the  Ijureau  has  done  comparatively  little,  and 
the  time  is  now  ripe  for  an  extensive  exploration  in  that  field. 
No  less  important  ui  South  America  is  the  area  mhabited 
by  wild  tribes,  such  as  the  Matto  Grosso  and  other  regions 
east  of  the  mountains.  The  remarkable  similarity  of  the 
culture  of  the  Indians  in  Argentina  and  that  of  the  Pueblos 
especially  pleads  for  more  thorough  investigation  of  the 
former  area.  The  great  valley  of  the  Amazon,  that  has 
attracted  the  ethnologist  since  the  wonderful  voyage  of 
Alex.  Von  Humboldt  at  the  beguming  of  the  last  century, 
still  holds  out  new  problems. 

The  bureau  will  soon  issue  a  remarkably  complete  work  by 
Dr.  Walter  E.  Roth  on  British  Guiana,  which  probably  will 
be  one  of  the  finest  it  has  ever  published.  It  adds  much  to 
our  knowledge,  but  no  more  important  fact  than  the  magni- 
tude of  the  numerous  fields  remaining  to  be  investigated  in 
northern  South  America.  The  languages,  sociology,  religion, 
arts,  history,  and  archeology  of  almost  every  country  in 
South  America  demand  research.  Here  we  have  a  great 
continent  awaiting  the  student  of  the  antiquity  and  cultural 
relationship  of  the  American  race. 


ADMINISTRATIVE    REPORT  105 

In  the  same  way  the  field  of  Central  America  and  Mexico 
now  awaits  the  investigator,  although  in  that  particular 
area  the  bureau  has  made  some  very  important  contributions. 

There  remain  special  problems  of  secondary  natm'e  through- 
out the  contuient  that  are  as  yet  unanswered  which  would 
be  withm  the  scope  of  the  bureau's  work.  All  ethnological 
work  on  the  South  American  Indians  should  have  very  great 
influence  in  uniting  more  firmly  the  republics  of  Spanish 
origin  and  the  United  States. 

Of  the  many  problems  awaiting  investigation,  one  of  the 
more  important  is  the  plottmg  of  the  trails  by  which  commu- 
nication was  carried  on  between  Indian  tribes.  These  trails 
historically  followed  by  roads  and  railroads  now  serve  the 
growing  habit  of  the  automobile  and  the  desire  of  Americans 
to  see  their  own  country.  A  study  of  the  foods  used  by  the 
Indians  has  a  practical  value  which  can  not  be  overestimated. 
The  number  of  plants  used  by  the  Indians  far  outnumbers 
those  on  our  own  table,  and  the  bureau  might  well  give 
attention  to  the  discovery  of  new  food  resources. 

It  is  desirable  to  mcrease  the  archeological  work  of  the 
bureau  which  thus  far  has  attracted  a  great  deal  of  attention 
and  which  is  one  of  the  foremost  departments  of  anthro- 
pological study.  This  study  should  be  extended  to  Florida 
and  the  coast  States  with  a  view  to  determining  the  relation- 
ship of  the  antiquities  of  North  and  Central  America.  The 
investigation  of  the  southwestern  portion  of  Texas  and  the 
adjoining  State  of  New  Mexico  should  be  exploited,  es- 
pecially the  contents  of  the  new  national  monument  near 
Carlsbad  which  contains  important  archeological  material. 
One  important  problem  is  to  follow  the  extension  northward 
of  the  Huaxtec  culture  along  the  shores  of  Tamaulipas  and 
Texas  to  our  southern  mound  builders. 

During  the  fiscal  year  Dr.  John  R.  Swanton,  ethnologist, 
completed  the  translations  of  stories  from  his  Koasati, 
Alabama,  Hitchiti,  Natchez,  and  Creek  texts,  and  added  to 
them  the  stories  obtained  only  in  English  and  those  in  the 
Tuggle  collection;  he  provided  these  stories  with  footnotes 
referi'uig  to  similar  tales  among  other  tribes,  and  prepared 


106  BUREAU    OF   AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY 

an  introduction  for  the  w  hole.    In  addition  to  this  work  he  has 
edited  and  largely  recast  a  manuscript  on  Indian  trails  by  the 
late  Mr.  W,  E.  Myer.     Also,  with  the  assistance  of  Miss 
Atkins,  he  has  begun  incorporating  into  an  alphabetical  card 
index  all  words  in  the  Timucua  language  contained  Ln  the 
religious  works  of  the  Franciscan  missionaries  Pareja  and 
Movilla — nearly  all  that  is  left  to  us  of  this  old  Florida 
tongue.     Nearly  one-third  of  the  work  has  been  completed. 
On  the  1st  of  July,  1923,  Dr.  Truman  Michelson,  ethnolo- 
gist, was  on  board  the  Sagona  en  route  to  Labrador.     He 
reached  the  Northwest  River  on  July  4,  where  he  found  a  few 
Nascapi  Indians,  one  from  Davis  Inlet,  besides  the  ordinary 
Montagnais  Indians  of  the  vicinity.     From  his  work  among 
these  Indians  it  follows  that  the  language  of  the  Nascapi  and 
Davis  Inlet  Indians  is  the  same,  and  that  instead  of  being  a 
wholly  distinct  language  it  is  nothing  but  a  Montagnais 
dialect.     Furthermore,    it    is    abundantly    clear    that    the 
dialects  of  the  above-named  Indians  form  a  distinct  unit  as 
compared  to  the  Montagnais  dialects  of  Lake  St.  John  and 
Lake  Mistassini,  as  well  as  the  so-called  Cree  of  Rupert's 
House  and  the  East  Main  River,  which  really  are  not  Cree 
at  all  but  Montagnais  dialects.     The  report  of  some  Indians 
to  the  west  of  the  Nascapi  speaking  a  language  unintelligible 
to  them  is  worth  investigating  at  a  later  date.     It  may  be 
noted  that  the  folklore  of  the  Indians  of  Labrador  contains 
more  elements  occurring  among  Central  Algonquians  than 
has  been  suspected.     The  very  simple  social  organization  of 
the  Labrador  Indians  makes  it  very  probable  that  the  rather 
complex    organizations    of    the    Central    Algonquians    are 
unoriginal  and  are  due  both  directly  and  indirectly  to  the 
influence  of  non-Algonquian  tribes.     He  Was  able  to  measure 
only  a  few  of  the  Indians  at  the  Northwest  River,  so  it  is 
not  possible  to  state  precisely  which  physical  type  they 
represent. 

At  the  conclusion  of  his  work  he  returned  to  Rigolet  and 
left  on  July  22  for  St.  Johns,  Newfoundland.  En  route  he 
was  able  to  take  the  measurements  of  a  few  Eskimos.  On 
his  arrival  at  St.  Johns  he  proceeded  by  steamer  and  train 
for  Tama,  Iowa,  to  renew  his  researches  among  the  Fox 


ADMINISTRATIVE    REPORT  107 

Indians.  He  devoted  especial  attention  to  the  ceremonial 
runners  of  these  Indians,  and  in  the  course  of  the  winter 
submitted  a  manuscript  on  them  for  publication  by  the 
bureau.  Further,  a  number  of  Fox  texts  were  translated 
and  other  ethnological  data  obtained.  Doctor  Michelson 
returned  to  Washington  near  the  close  of  September.  He 
made  another  trip  among  the  Foxes  in  May  and  returned  to 
Washington  toward  the  end  of  June.  Durmg  this  trip  he 
obtamed  new  data  on  Fox  ceremonials. 

By  joint  arrangement  with  the  Museum  of  the  American 
Indian,  Heye  Foundation,  the  bureau  undertook  in  the  sum- 
mer of  1923  the  excavation  of  the  Burton  Mound  at  Santa 
Barbara,  Calif.,  which  was  the  chief  village  of  the  Santa 
BarlDara  Indians  and  without  question  the  most  important 
archeological  site  on  the  southern  California  coast.  Mr.  J. 
P.  Harrington,  ethnologist  of  the  bureau,  was  detailed  to 
take  charge  of  the  exploration  of  the  mound  and  the  work 
was  commenced  early  in  May,  1923,  and  continued  through- 
out the  summer  and  fall.  The  first  day's  work  revealed  the 
location  of  the  cemetery,  just  where  old  Indians  had  stated 
that  it  was  situated.  During  several  months  of  careful 
stratigraphical  excavation  many  facts  of  interest  for  the 
prehistory  of  the  Santa  Barbara  Indians  and  the  early 
culture  of  the  Pacific  coast  in  general  were  recorded. 

The  principal  rancheria  or  village  of  the  ancient  Santa 
Barbara  Valley  was  not  at  the  mission,  where  the  Indians 
were  later  gathered,  but  at  the  beach.  It  was  situated  just 
west  of  the  mouth  of  Mission  Creek,  where  a  landing  cove 
for  canoes  and  two  low  mounds,  one  by  the  beach  and  a 
larger  one  650  feet  mland  and  now  known  as  the  Burton 
Mound,  afforded  unusual  attraction  as  a  dwelling  place  for 
Indians.  At  a  number  of  places  in  the  locality  were  sulphur 
springs;  also  springs  of  good  drmking  water.  The  name  of 
the  village  was  Syujtun,  meaning  "where  the  trail  splits." 
There  a  thriving  population  of  some  500  Indians  lived  on  the 
wild  food  products  of  the  neighboring  shore  and  sea  and  of  the 
Santa  Barbara  Valley,  rich  in  acorn-bearing  oaks  and  game 
animals. 


108  BUREAU   OF   AMERICAN   ETHNOLOGY 

The  inhabitants  of  Syujtim  remained  unmolested  until 
the  estabUshment  of  the  Santa  Barbara  Mission  in  1786. 
After  this  the  native  villagers  were  gradually  removed  to 
the  adobe  cuarteles  of  the  mission,  2  miles  distant,  and  the 
desolated  beach  was  known  as  "el  puerto  de  Santa  Barbara" 
or  as  "  el  rancho  de  la  play  a."  After  the  confiscation  of  the 
mission  lands  the  ownership  of  the  beach  ranch  passed  into 
private  hands.  During  the  forties  the  owner  was  none 
other  than  Capt.  George  C.  Nidever,  known  in  California 
history  as  the  rescuer  of  the  last  surviving  Indian  woman 
from  San  Nicolas  Island.  Captain  Nidever  sold  the  property 
in  1851  to  Augustus  F.  Hinchman,  whose  daughter,  Miss 
Stella  F.  Hinchman,  has  furnished  valuable  data  about  the 
history  and  traditions  of  the  mound.  In  1860  Mr.  Hinch- 
man sold  the  tract  in  turn  to  Lewis  T.  Burton,  who  made  it 
his  home  for  19  years  and  after  whom  the  mound  has  been 
called  in  more  recent  times.  None  of  the  early  owners  had 
allowed  excavation  on  the  property  and  with  erection  of 
the  Potter  Hotel  on  top  of  the  mound  in  1901  all  hope  of 
archeological  investigation  was  lost.  This  hotel  burned  to 
the  gromid  on  April  19,  1921,  and  the  old  village  site  was 
thereby  again  released  for  archeological  investigation. 

The  results  of  this  excavation  of  the  Indian  town  of 
Santa  Barbara  proved  rich  and  interesting  beyond  expec- 
tation. The  graves  that  were  opened  were  crowded  with 
human  bodies,  trinkets,  and  a  great  variety  of  utensils. 
Among  the  rarest  specimens  are  the  largest  soapstone  canoe 
ever  discovered  in  Cahfornia,  a  wooden  awl  such  as  is 
described  by  the  early  historians,  and  a  number  of  objects 
of  problematical  use.  There  are  soapstone  pipes,  fishhooks 
of  abalone  and  bone,  sinker  stones,  arrowheads  of  great 
variety,  spearheads,  about  140  fine  mortars,  pestles,  in- 
cluding some  very  long  ones,  beads  of  many  kinds,  pendants, 
daggers,  bowls  and  kettles  of  soapstone,  including  some  of 
the  largest  ever  foimd,  native  paints,  etc.  About  300 
skeletons  were  taken  out,  among  them  some  very  ancient 
skeletons  from  the  coquina  or  reef-rock  layer.     These  are 


ADMINISTRATIVE   REPORT  109 

now  in  the  hands  of  Dr.  Bruno  Oetteking,  of  the  Museum  of 
the  American  Indian,  who  is  preparing  an  elaborate  report 
on  them 

At  the  close  of  January,  Mr.  Harrington  returned  to 
Washington  and  has  since  then  been  engaged  in  the  prepa- 
ration of  his  report  on  the  Burton  Mound 

Mr.  J.  N.  B.  Hewitt,  ethnologist,  was  engaged  for  the 
greater  part  of  the  year  in  office  work.  This  consisted 
chiefly  in  the  historical  analysis  of  the  large  mass  of  material 
in  native  text  relating  to  the  formation  and  structure  and 
import  of  the  League  or  Confederation  of  the  Five  Iroquois 
Tribes  or  Nations.  He  was  also  occupied  in  the  translation 
of  the  farewell  address  of  Deganawida,  a  founder  of  the 
confederation,  into  Uterary  Enghsh.  In  this  address  De- 
ganawida briefly  summarizes  the  scope  and  import  of  the 
institutions  and  the  laws  of  the  league;  herein,  with  the 
masterful  hand  of  a  prophet-statesman,  he  also  graphically 
recapitulated  the  work  accomplished  by  the  several  co- 
workmg  founders. 

Mr.  Hewitt  also  translated  from  the  Onondaga  text  the 
laws  first  recognizing  the  extant  institution  of  chieftainess  in 
uterine  kindreds  and  then  adopting  it  for  the  purpose  of 
making  it  fundamental  among  the  institutions  of  the  League 
of  the  Iroquois,  the  laws  defining  the  duties,  rights,  and 
obhgations  of  the  mcumbent  of  such  office  and  carefully 
prescribmg  the  method  by  which  a  woman  should  be  nomi- 
nated by  the  mothers  of  her  own  uterine  kindred,  the  method 
by  which  the  choice  should  be  confirmed,  first  by  her  own, 
and  then  by  sister,  and  then  by  cousin  clans,  and  then 
finally  how  this  candidate  should  be  installed  at  a  federal 
council  of  condolence  and  installation.  These  laws  also 
prescribe  the  method  by  which  such  chieftainess  can,  for 
cause,  be  deposed  and  a  successor  nominated  and  installed 
as  prescribed  by  these  laws;  and  they  also  prescribe  the 
method  of  nominating  and  installing  the  male  aid  to  the 
chieftainess,  who  must  be  a  warrior  and  an  orator  to  fulfill 
his  adjuvant  duties 

As  a  member  of  the  United  States  Geogi-aphic  Board, 
representing  thereon  the  Bui'eau  of  American    Ethnology, 


110  BUREAU    OF    AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY 

Smithsonian  Institution,  Mr.  Hewitt  has  attended  all  regular 
and  special  meetings  of  the  board,  with  a  single  exception. 
As  custodian  of  manuscripts  of  the  Bureau  of  American  Eth- 
nology, Mr.  He^vitt  reports  that  more  than  250  items  were 
withdrawn  and  consulted  by  the  various  collaborators  of  the 
bureau  and  by  other  students. 

In  past  years,  in  studying  the  social  and  poUtical  institu- 
tions of  the  Iroquoian  peoples,  especially  of  the  Five  (latterly 
Six)  Nations  or  Tribes,  Mr.  Hewitt  has  spent  a  number  of 
field  seasons  in  carefully  collecting  and  recording  in  native 
texts  from  the  best  available  leaders,  chieftains,  chieftain- 
esses,  ritualists,  and  ceremoniaUsts,  cliiefly  in  the  Mohawk, 
Onondaga,  and  Cayuga  dialects,  extensive  material  and  data 
concerning  the  principles,  the  laws,  decrees,  and  ordinances 
of  the  instituting  councils,  the  set  rituals,  the  prescribed 
chants,  and  the  ceremonial  addresses,  which  together  defined 
the  functioning  apparatus  of  the  gi'eat  commonwealth,  com- 
monly called  the  League  or  Confederation  of  the  Iroquois. 
Mr.  Hewitt  has  vmdertaken  to  subject,  so  far  as  possible,  this 
text  material  to  a  careful  literary  and  historical  analysis  and 
also  to  a  thorough  grammatic  and  lexical  criticism,  in  order  to 
restore,  as  far  as  the  evidence  thus  secured  will  warrant,  these 
rituals  and  chants  and  set  addresses  to  the  earlier  forms 
which  were  probably  used  when  the  League  of  the  Iroquois 
was  instituted  in  the  closing  decades  of  the  sixteenth  century. 
This  work  is  necessarily  tedious  and  slow  but  is  of  supreme 
necessity.     The  results  thus  far  are  highly  gi-atifying 

In  Jime,  1924,  Mr.  Hewitt  visited  the  Six  Nations  of 
Iroquois  dwelling  near  Brantford,  Ontario,  Canada;  the 
Onondaga  dwelling  near  Sjrracuse,  N.  Y. ;  the  Tonawanda 
dwelhng  near  Akron,  N.  Y.;  the  Tuscarora  dwelhng  near 
Sanborn,  N.  Y.  His  object  on  this  trip  was  to  obtain  a 
better  knowledge  of  the  music  of  the  ritual  chants  of  the 
Condolence  and  Installation  Council.  He  also  secured  a 
quantity  of  purple  wampum  which  is  used  in  these  league 
rituals  and  which  has  now  become  so  scarce  that  its  cost  is 
well-nigh  prohibitive. 

Mr.  Hewitt  was  also  able  to  secure  from  the  very  few 
persons  who  still  retain  some  definite  knowledge  of  the  prin- 


ADMINISTRATIVE   REPORT  111 

ciples  and  institutions  of  the  league  additional  interpretative 
and  confirmatory  information  concerning  certain  critical 
passages  in  the  native  texts  which  he  recorded  in  former 
field  trips. 

Mr.  Francis  La  Flesche,  ethnologist,  gave  most  of  his  time 
to  the  assembhng  of  Ms  notes  on  the  child-naming  rites  and 
ceremonies  of  the  Osage  Indians.  These  ancient  rites,  with 
their  ceremonies,  are  now  practically  obsolete,  and  it  was 
fortunate  that  Mr.  La  Flesche  succeeded  in  securing  two  of 
the  remaining  versions.  The  first  was  obtained  from  Wa- 
xthi'-zlii,  a  member  of  the  I"-gtho"'-ga  or  Puma  gens.  This 
version  will  form  the  first  part  of  the  volume  on  tliis  subject. 

The  other  version  is  that  used  by  the  Tsi'-zhu  Wa-shta-ge, 
Peacemaker,  gens.  It  was  with  considerable  difficulty  ob- 
tained from  old  Sho"'-ge-mo''-i'',  a  member  of  the  gens,  who  was 
very  conservative  and  opposed  to  having  any  of  the  tribal  rites 
go  to  strangers.  Since  the  recording  of  these  ancient  rites 
that  had  been  transmitted  through  many  generations,  both 
these  No°'-ho°-zhi°-ga,  Wa-xtlii'-zlii  and  Sho"'-ge-mo°-i°, 
have  died,  and  it  is  now  doubtful  if  any  member  of  the  tiibe 
could  be  fovmd  who  is  able  to  recite  the  rituals  and  go  through 
the  ceremonial  forms  in  their  entirety. 

Tsi'-zhu  Wa-shta-ge  version  will  form  the  second  part  of 
the  volume,  now  nearing  completion,  which  is  to  be  called 
"  Osage  Child  Naming  Rites." 

Mr.  W.  E.  Myer,  special  archeologist,  on  his  return  from 
field  work  in  Tennessee,  took  up  the  preparation  of  his  report 
on  the  remains  of  the  great  prehistoric  Indian  settlement 
known  as  the  Great  Mound  Group  in  Cheatham  County, 
Temi.,  a  preUminary  account  of  which  was  given  in  last 
year's  report.  This  town  is  situated  on  the  Harpeth  River 
near  Kingston  Springs  and  is  fomid  in  two  clusters  about 
a  mile  apart  in  the  bend  of  the  Harpeth  River,  covering 
about  500  acres.  The  fortification  of  the  Great  Mound 
Group  was  one  of  the  finest  prehistoric  structures  for  defense 
made  by  the  Indians  of  Temaessee. 

Nearly  all  the  lower  river  bend,  called  the  "  Mound  Bot- 
tom" by  the  local  people,  contains  evidences  of  walls,  many 
of  which  have  disappeared  by  long  cultivation  of  the  soil. 


112  BUREAU   OF   AMERICAN   ETHNOLOGY 

Mr.  Myer  was  not  able  to  determine  the  age  of  these  moimds, 
but  buildings  which  they  represent  were  undoubtedly 
destroyed  before  the  coming  of  the  white  people. 

One  of  the  most  hiteresting  results  of  the  summer's  work 
was  the  excavation  of  a  smaU  mound  on  the  Denny  farm  at 
Goodlettsville,  Sumner  County,  Temi.,  the  reUcs  from  this 
mound  showing  that  the  inhabitants  of  this  site  belonged  to 
a  culture  quite  unlike  that  of  much  of  the  surrounding  region 
in  the  valley  of  the  Cumberland. 

Mr.  IMyer  also  made  studies  in  the  southern  part  of 
Tennessee  in  Lincoln  and  Moore  Counties  and  made  a  map 
of  a  hitherto  undescribed  mound  group  on  Elk  River. 

SPECIAL  EESEARCHES 

Diu-ing  the  summer  of  1923  Miss  Frances  Densmore 
visited  the  Makah  Indians  at  Neah  Bay,  Wash.,  and  re- 
corded their  songs.  Neah  Bay  is  near  the  end  of  Cape 
Flattery,  but  the  coast  is  so  mountainous  that  it  is  reached 
only  by  boat.  At  the  time  of  Miss  Densmore 's  visit  there 
was  only  one  passenger  boat  a  week  to  this  village.  The 
principal  industry  of  the  Indians  is  salmon  fishing.  The 
purpose  of  this  trip  was  to  oliserve  the  music  of  Indians 
who  live  l^eside  the  ocean  and  to  compare  the  music  with 
that  of  tribes  living  on  the  mountains,  plains,  and  desert. 
As  a  result  of  the  comparison  it  was  found  that  the  music 
of  the  Makah  resembles  that  of  the  Ute,  Papago,  and  Yuma 
more  than  it  resembles  that  of  the  Chippewa,  Sioux,  and 
Pawnee.  This  is  general  observation,  the  detailed  com- 
parison being  unfinished.  Three  instances  are  as  follows: 
(1)  The  Makah  Indians  use  a  "high  drone,"  or  sustained 
tone  held  by  two  or  three  women's  voices,  while  the  others 
sing  the  melody.  This  was  heard  among  the  Papago  in 
southern  Arizona  and  is  found  in  certain  parts  of  Asia. 
This  suggests  a  cultural  evidence  that  the  Indians  migrated 
from  Asia  and  down  the  Pacific  coast,  the  use  of  the  drone 
being  more  pronounced  among  the  Makah  than  among  the 
Papago ;  (2)  the  Makah  Indians  have  a  considerable  number 
of  " nonharmonic "  songs  to  which  the  term  "key"  can  not 
properly  be  apphed.     These  were  found  in  southern  Arizona 


ADMINISTRATIVE   REPOKT  113 

but  not  in  the  plains  region;  (3)  the  Makah  songs  concern- 
ing the  whale  are  marked  by  a  very  small  compass  and  small 
intervals.  The  Ute  songs  concerning  the  bear  are  also 
characterized  by  small  intervals,  but  the  compass  is  not 
particularly  small.  The  Makah  songs  recorded  were  of 
several  classes,  including  songs  of  the  whale  legends  and 
whahng  expeditions,  songs  of  the  potlatch  and  various  social 
dances,  songs  connected  with  contests  of  physical  strength, 
"gratitude  songs,"  which  were  sung  by  individuals  at 
feasts,  lullabies  for  children,  courting  songs,  and  the  songs 
of  wedding  festivities. 

Dances  and  gatherings  of  the  tribe  were  attended ;  numer- 
ous specimens  illustrating  the  culture  of  the  people  were 
collected ;  the  smgers  and  environment  were  photographed ; 
and  about  30  specimens  of  plants  were  collected,  with  a  de- 
scription of  their  economic  uses. 

While  in  Washington,  D.  C,  Miss  Densmore  arranged  in 
a  catalogue  list  368  songs  awaiting  publication,  and  arranged 
in  the  proper  order  for  publication  all  her  material  on  Pawnee, 
Papago,  Yuma,  Cocopa,  and  Mohave  music.  Four  manu- 
scripts were  submitted  during  the  year,  with  the  titles 
"Cocopa  and  Mohave  Dance  Songs,"  "Dance  Songs  and 
Flute  Music  of  the  Yuma,"  "Whaling  Songs,  Dream  Songs, 
and  Legend  Songs  of  the  Makah,"  and  "Potlatch  Songs  of 
the  Makah."  These  comprised,  in  addition  to  the  text, 
87  songs,  with  phonograph  records,  musical  transcriptions, 
and  analyses. 

EDITORIAL  WORK  AND  PUBLICATIONS 

The  editing  of  the  publications  of  the  bureau  was  con- 
tinued through  the  year  by  Mr.  Stanley  Searles,  editor, 
assisted  by  Mrs.  Frances  S.  Nichols,  editorial  assistant.  The 
status  of  the  publications  is  presented  in  the  following 
summary : 

PUBLICATIONS    ISSUED 

Bulletin  79.  Blood  Revenge,  War,  and  Victory  Feasts  Among  the 
Jibaro  Indians  of  Eastern  Ecuador  (Karsten).    viii,  94  pp.,  10  pis. 

Bulletin  80.  Mandan  and  Hidatsa  Music  (Densmore).  xx,  192  pp., 
19  pis.,  6  figs. 


114  BUREAU  OF  AMERICAN  ETHNOLOGY 

Bulletin  81 .  Excavations  in  the  Chama  Valley,  New  Mexico  (Jeancon) . 

ix,  80  pp.,  65  pis.,  38  figs. 
List  of  publications  of  the  Bureau  of  American  Ethnology.    45  pp. 

PUBLICATIONS    IN    PRESS    OR   IN    PREPARATION 

Thirty-eighth  Annual  Report.  Accompanying  paper:  An  Introduc- 
tory Study  of  the  Arts,  Crafts,  and  Customs  of  the  Guiana  Indians 
(Roth). 

Thirty-ninth  Annual  Report.  Accompanying  paper:  The  Osage  Tribe : 
The  Rite  of  Vigil  (La  Flcsche). 

Fortieth  Annual  Report.  Accompanying  papers :  The  Mythical  Origin 
of  the  White  Buffalo  Dance  of  the  Fox  Indians;  The  Autobiography 
of  a  Fox  Indian  Woman;  Notes  on  Fox  Mortuary  Customs  and 
Beliefs;  Notes  on  the  Fox  Society  Known  as  "  Those  Who  Worship 
the  Little  Spotted  Buffalo";  the  Traditional  Origin  of  the  Fox 
Society  Known  as  "  The  Singing  Around  Rite  "  (Michclson) 

Forty-first  Annual  Report.  Accompanying  paper:  Salish  Basketry 
(Boas). 

Forty-second  Annual  Report.  Accompanying  paper:  Social  Organi- 
zation and  Social  LTsages  of  the  Indians  of  the  Creek  Confederacy 
(Swanton) . 

Bulletin  78.  Handbook  of  the  Indians  of  California  (Kroeber). 

DISTRIBUTION     OF     PUBLICATIONS 

The  distri]:)ution  of  publications  has  been  continued  under 
the  immediate  charge  of  Miss  Helen  Munroe,  assisted  by 
Miss  Emma  B.  Powers.  Publications  were  distributed  as 
follows : 

Report  volumes  and  separates 2,  058 

Bulletins  and  separates 11,  384 

Contributions  to  North  American  ethnology 10 

Miscellaneous  publications 511 

13, 963 

As  compared  with  the  fiscal  year  ending  June  30,  1923, 

there  was  a  decrease  of  3,731  publications  distributed,  due 

to  the  fact  that  no  report  volumes  were  issued  during  the 

year,  whereas  two  reports  were  published  in  the  precedmg 

fiscal  year. 

ILLUSTRATIONS 

Mr.  DeLancey  Gill,  illustrator,  with  the  assistance  of  Mr. 
Albert  E.  Sweeney,  continued  the  preparation  of  the  illus- 
trations of  the  bureau.    A  summary  of  the  work  follows: 


ADMINISTRATIVE    REPORT  115 

Drawings  for  publications .  _ 138 

Photographic  prints  retouched  for  engraving 85 

Negatives  prepared _  372 

Films  developed  and  printed  from  field'  exposures  (roUs) 2-1 

Photographic  prints  for  distribution  and  office  use 733 

The  work  of  reclassification  of  negatives  has  progressed 
satisfactorily.  As  a  prelude  to  a  new  catalogue  of  the  large 
collection  of  negatives,  this  work  will  be  of  lasting  value. 
About  4,000  negatives  were  identified  and  rejacketed,  but 
much  yet  remains  to  be  done. 

LIBRARY 

The  reference  library  continued  under  the  immediate  care 
of  Miss  Ella  Leaiy,  librarian,  assisted  b}-  Mr.  Thomas 
Blackwell. 

Dm'ing  the  year  560  books  were  accessioned.  Of  these 
82  were  acquired  by  pui'chase,  253  by  gift  and  exchange, 
and  225  by  binding  of  periodicals.  The  current  periodicals 
annually  received  mmaber  about  975,  of  which  37  are  by 
subscription,  the  remainder  being  received  through  exchange. 
The  library  has  also  received  225  pamphlets.  The  aggregate 
nimiber  of  books  in  the  library  at  the  close  of  the  year  was 
25,621;  of  pamphlets,  about  15,325. 

During  the  year  many  students  not  connected  with  the 
Smithsonian  Institution  have  applied  to  the  library  for  books. 
The  library  was  used  also  by  the  Library  of  Congress  and 
officers  of  the  executive  departments,  and  out-of-town  stu- 
dents have  made  use  of  the  library  through  frequent  loans. 

Conditions  of  crowding  on  the  bookshelves  are  now  acute 
in  many  places  m  the  stacks.  Many  volumes  received  l)y 
the  library  not  pertaining  to  anthropology  were  transferred 
to  the  library  of  the  Smithsonian  Institution. 

COLLECTIONS 

The  following  collections,  purchased  or  acquired  by  mem- 
bers of  the  bureau  or  by  those  detailed  in  connection  with  its 
researches,  have  been  transferred  to  the  United  States  Na- 
tional Museum : 

70367.   Collection  of  about  90  specunens  of  picture  pottery  from  the 
Mimbres  Valley,  N.  Mex. 


116  BUREAU  OP  AMERICAN   ETHNOLOGY 

70553.  Blanket  on  which  is  woven  an  elaborate  representation  of  the 
Yeibichi  dance  of  the  Navaho  Indians,  presented  to  the 
bureau  by  Mr.  Chee  Dodge,  St.  Michael's,  Ai'iz. 

71026.  Collection  of  archeological  specimens  made  by  the  late  John 
L.  Baer  during  the  summer  of  1923  in  the  Susquehanna 
Valley  region. 

71278.  California  Mission  Indian  water  basket  collected  by  J.  P. 
Harrington  during  the  summer  of  1922. 

71347.  Collection  of  archeological  specimens  secured  in  Tennessee 
and  South  Dakota  by  the  late  William  E.  Myer. 

71430.  Collection  of  archeological  specimens  from  Pipe  Shrine  House 
in  tlie  Mesa  Verde  National  Park,  Colo. 

71614.  Collection  of  Indian  implements  and  fossil  animals  found  in 
Garrard  County,  Ky.,  along  the  Old  Wilderness  Trail,  and 
presented  to  the  bm^eau  by  Mrs.  S.  H.  Burnside. 

71691.  Four  prehistoric  objects  presented  to  the  bureau,  through  the 

late  W.  E.  Myer,  by  J.  G.  Braecklein. 

71692.  Three  separate  lots  of  stone  implements  from  prehistoric 

village  sites  near  Goodlettsville,  Tenn.,  presented  to  the 
bureau  through  the  late  W.  E.  Myer,  by  a  Mr.  Meadow, 
John  Bell  Cartwright,  and  Capt.  James  Roscoe. 

71694.  Three  lots  of  archeological  specimens  presented  to  the  bureau, 
through  the  late  W.  E.  Myer,  by  C.  O.  Chapman,  A.  B. 
Moore,  Mrs.  Lee  Colin,  and  A.  T.  Sweet. 

71697.  Collection  of  archeological  specimens  from  the  Painted  Kiva 
House,  Mesa  Verde  National  Park,  Colo. 

PROPERTY 

Furniture  and   office  equipment  were  purchased  to  the 

amount  of  $76.29. 

MISCELLANEOUS 

The  correspondence  and  other  clerical  work  of  the  office 
has  been  conducted  by  Miss  May  S.  Clark,  clerk  to  the  chief. 
Miss  Julia  S.  Atkins,  stenographer  and  typewriter,  assisted 
the  various  members  of  the  staff.  Mr.  Anthony  W.  Wilding, 
typist,  has  been  engaged  in  copying  manuscripts  and  in 
various  duties  connected  with  the  office  of  the  chief. 

Mr.  W.  E.  Myer,  special  archeologist,  died  December  2, 
1923. 

Respectfully  submitted. 

J.  Walter  Fewkes,  C/we/. 

Dr.  Charles  D.  Walcott, 

Secretary,  Smithsonian  Institution. 


ACCOMPANYING  PAPERS 


117 


COILED  BASKETRY  IN  BRITISH  COLUMBIA  AND 
SURROUNDING  REGION 

BY 

H.  K.  HAEBERLINf,  JAMES  A.  TEITj,  and  HELEN  H.  ROBERTS 

Under  the  direction  of 

FRANZ  BOAS 


53666°— 28 9  119 


CONTENTS 

Page 

Preface 131 

Introduction 133 

Imbrication 139 

Coiled  basket  making  among  the  Thompson  bands 143 

Materials 145 

Gathering  of  materials , 149 

Preparation  of  materials 150 

Coil  and  sewing  splints 150 

Grass . 152 

Bark 153 

Tools 154 

Trade 156 

The  technique  of  coiling 159 

Structure  of  baskets 167 

Coiled  bottoms 167 

Slat  bottozns 174 

Side  walls 179 

Rims 181 

Lids 185 

The  foot - 191 

Handles ' 194 

Care  and  preservation 196 

Repairing 196 

Forms  and  purposes  of  baskets 197 

Group  I.   Burden  baskets 198 

Group  II.   Kettles  and  bowls 201 

Group  III.   Nut-shaped  baskets 202 

Group  IV.   Storage  baskets 205 

Group  V.  Odd  shapes 206 

Baby  carriers 210 

Proportions  of  burden  baskets 212 

Methods  of  ornamentation 223 

Beading 223 

Imbrication 226 

Design  fields 228 

General  remarks 228 

Burden  baskets 229 

Use  of  colors 234 

Beaded  designs 234 

Imbricated  designs 236 

Arrangement  of  designs 237 

The  vertical  stripe 242 

Design  elements 245 

Geometric  designs 246 

The  square 248 

The  rectangle 250 

The  triangle 251 

The  chevron 253 

The  false  triangle 253 

The  diamond 253 

Hexagon  and  octagon,  crosses  and  stars 254 

TlEe'ka  designs 254 

121 


122  CONTENTS 

Page 

Application  of  the  design  to  the  field 258 

The  horizontal  band 263 

All-over  large  figures 271 

Vertical  stripes  and  series 275 

Fillers 276 

Small  designs  on  vertical  stripes 287 

Lid  problems 298 

The  selection  of  the  design 300 

Geometric  forms  and  their  interpretations 304 

Crosses 316 

Triangles 317 

The  square  and  rectangle 321 

The  diamond 324 

The  rhomboid 326 

The  trapezoid 326 

The  hexagon  and  octagon 327 

Remarks  on  interpretations  of  geometric  designs 328 

Designs  which  are  either  geometric  or  realistic 330 

Realistic  designs 330 

Objects  represented  by  diff'erent  figures 331 

Lytton  designs 331 

Basketry  of  the  tribes  neighbors  of  the  Thompson 335 

Lillooet  basketry 335 

Chilcotin  basketry 344 

Shus wap  basketry 351 

Relation  of  imbricated  basketry  to  other  forms 352 

Yakima  and  Klickitat  basketry 353 

Summary  and  conclusion 360 

APPENDIX 

Indian  terms  for  prepared  materials 389 

Indian  terms  for  processes  of  preparation 389 

Technical  descriptive  terms 390 

Tools-,  _i 392 

Processes 392 

Measurement  terms 393 

Parts  of  baskets 394 

Kinds  of  baskets. : 395 

Wearing  and  mending 397 

Proportions  and  shapes 397 

Principal  prefixes  and  suffixes  occurring  in  basketry  terms 398 

Ornamentation Kii 399 

Beading 400 

Imbrication 400 

Terms  descriptive  of  designs  or  their  arrangements 400 

Names  for  geometric  figures • J-i 402 

Notes  to  list  of  geometric  terms 'Ar. 410 

Some  additional  terms ^--: 411 

Rapidity  of  work 412 

Imbricated  stitches 413 

Beading - 413 


CONTENTS  123 

Page 

Basket  shapes  of  tribes  of  the  interior 413 

Lake  tribes 413 

Columbias 414 

Sanpoil  and  Nespelim 414 

Comparison  of  shapes — Thompson,  Klickitat,  and  LiUooet 414 

Thompson  burden  baskets 416 

Thompson  burden  baskets  not  grouped  as  to  shajie 418 

Lillooet  burden  baskets 421 

Description  of  design  elements 422 

Comparison  of  design  arrangements  and  ornamentation 424 

Objects  represented  in  different  forms  of  art 426 

The  informants 43 1 

Results  obtained  from  data  concerning  the  informants 454 

Index  to  design  names  of  sketches 462 

Indian  names  for  designs  not  identified  with  sketches 469 

Design  names  on  plates 470 

Index  to  sketches  of  designs 473 

Biography 484 

Index 615 


ILLUSTRATIONS 


Frontispiece.  Upper  photograph  Lillooet.  Showing  a  head  design.  Lower 
photograph  Thompson.  A.M.N.H.  16-4611.  Design:  "Butterfly  cut  off," 
"Butterfly  wings"  (Spuzzum,  Uta'mqt);  "Butterflj-"  (Lytton);  "Arrow- 
head" (Coldwater,  Thompson).      Facing  page  133. 

Map.  Distribution  of  Salish  dialects,  and  of  languages  spoken  in  the  adjoining 
territory,  before  1800.     In  pocket. 

1.  Details  of  imbrication. 

2.  Woman  making  a  basket. 

3.  Bottoms  of  baskets. 

4.  Bottoms  of  baskets. 

5.  Warped  and  strengthened  bottom  of  baskets. 

6.  Bottoms  of  baskets. 

7.  Thompson,  Chilcotin,  and  Lillooet  baskets. 

8.  Thompson,  Chilcotin,  and  Lillooet  baskets. 

9.  Thompson  and  Lillooet  baskets. 

10.  Thompson  and  Lillooet  baskets. 

11.  Thompson  baskets. 

12.  Thompson  baskets. 

13.  Bottom  of  Thompson  basket.     Lillooet  rattle. 

14.  Thompson  and  Lillooet  baskets. 

15.  Thompson  and  Lillooet  baskets. 

16.  Thompson  and  Lillooet  baskets. 

17.  Thompson  and  Lillooet  baskets. 

18.  Thompson  and  Lillooet  baskets. 

19.  Lillooet  baskets. 

20.  Lillooet  baskets. 

21.  Thompson  and  Lillooet  baskets. 

22.  Thompson  and  Lillooet  baskets. 

23.  Thompson  and  Lillooet  baskets. 

24.  Thompson  and  Lillooet  baskets. 

25.  Thompson  baskets. 

26.  Thompson  and  Lillooet  baskets. 

27.  Thompson  and  Lillooet  baskets. 

28.  Thompson  baskets. 

29.  Lillooet  baskets. 

30.  Lillooet  baskets. 

31.  Thompson  and  Lillooet  baskets. 

32.  Thompson  baskets. 

33.  Thompson  baskets. 

34.  Thompson  baskets. 

35.  Thompson  and  Lillooet  baskets. 

36.  Thompson  baskets. 

37.  Thompson  and  Lillooet  baskets. 

38.  Thompson  baskets. 

125 


126  ILLUSTRATIONS 

39.  Thompson  baskets. 

40.  Thompson  baskets. 

41.  Thompson  baskets. 

42.  Thompson  and  Lillooet  baskets. 

43.  Thompson  and  Lillooet  baskets. 

44.  Thompson  and  Wenatchi  baskets. 

45.  Thompson  baskets. 

46.  Thompson  and  Lillooet  baskets. 

47.  Thompson  and  Lillooet  baskets. 
4S.  Thompson  baskets. 

49.  Thompson  and  Lillooet  baskets. 

50.  Thompson  baskets. 

51.  Thompson  and  Lillooet  baskets. 

52.  Thompson  tra3's. 

53.  Thompson  trays. 

54.  Thompson  trays. 

55.  Lillooet  baskets. 

56.  Lillooet  baskets. 

57.  Thompson  and  Lillooet  baskets. 
68.  Lillooet  and  Chileotin  baskets. 

59.  Chileotin  baskets. 

60.  Chileotin  baskets. 

61.  Chileotin  baskets. 

62.  Chileotin  baskets. 

63.  Klickitat  woven  bags. 

64.  Klickitat  woven  bags. 

65.  Klickitat  woven  bags. 

66.  Klickitat  baskets. 

67.  Klickitat  baskets. 

68.  Klickitat  baskets. 

69.  Klickitat  baskets. 

70.  Klickitat  coiled  baskets. 

71.  Klickitat  baskets. 

72.  Klickitat  baskets. 

73.  Klickitat  baskets. 

74.  Klickitat  coiled  baskets. 

75.  Klickitat  and  coast  baskets. 

76.  Thompson  and  Lillooet  baskets. 

77.  Thompson  baskets. 
78-94.  Sketches  of  designs. 


ILLUSTRATIONS  127 

TEXT    FIGURES 

Page 

1 .  Sketch  illustrating  the  wrapping  of  sewing  splints 151 

2.  Sketch  of  awl 160 

3.  Beginning  of  coiling 168 

4.  Beginning  of  coils  for  elongated  watch-spring  bottoms 169 

5.  Beginning  of  coils  for  elongated  watch-spring  bottoms 170 

6.  Round  bottom  developed  from  elongated  watch-spring  coiling 170 

7.  Parallel  ooiUng  for  bottom 171 

8.  Watch-spring  coihng  adapted  to  triangular  and  square  bottoms 172 

9.  Devices  for  straightening  bottoms  of  baskets 174 

10.  Methods  of  making  slat  bottoms 175 

11.  Methods  of  making  slat  bottoms 178 

12.  Rim  consisting  of  two  ring  coils 181 

13.  Braiding  of  rim;  Khokitat 182 

14.  Braided  rims;  Klickitat 183 

15.  Types  of  loop  work 185 

16.  Types  of  lids 186 

17.  Types  of  Uds 188 

18.  Sketches  of  lids  with  loopwork 191 

19.  Method  of  making  foot  of  basket 192 

20.  Method  of  making  foot  of  basket 192 

21.  Methods  of  making  a  looped  foot 193 

22.  Loops  used  as  handles 194 

23.  Loops  made  of  thongs 194 

24.  Types  of  handles 194 

25.  a,  b,  Method  of  attaching  thong  line;  c,  Load  supported  by  sticks; 

d,  e,  Tying  of  top  of  basket 195 

26.  Types  of  burden  baskets 198 

27.  Types  of  kettles  and  bowls 201 

28.  Types  of  baskets 203 

29.  Types  of  storage  baskets 206 

30.  Types  of  trays - 207 

31.  Types  of  baskets:  a,  Tub-shaped;  b,  c,  box-shaped 207 

32.  Types  of  baskets:  a,  b,  For  pouring  li(|uids;  c,  storage  basket  for 

tobacco  and  pipe;  d,  for  general  storage;  e,  rattle 208 

33.  Sketch  illustrating  the  making  of  a  basketry  spoon 209 

34.  Beaded  designs  for  baby  carriers 211 

35.  Form  of  bottom  and  mouth  of  burden  basket 214 

36.  Forms  for  Thompson  baskets ' 217 

37.  Forms  for  Lillooet  baskets 222 

38.  Methods  of  beading 224 

39.  Joining  of  strips  used  in  beading 225 

40.  Method  of  imbrication 226 

41 .  Bifurcation  of  coil  stitches 228 

42.  Beaded  designs 235 

43.  Beaded  designs 236 

44.  Beaded  designs 236 

45.  Designs  on  vertical  stripes 245 


128  ILLUSTRATIONS 

Page 

46.  Bifurcation  of  coil  stitches 247 

47.  Basliet  with  star  design.    U.S.N. M.  217438 249 

48.  Corner  of  basket.    A.M. N.H.  16-4645 264 

49.  Corner  of  basliet.    U.S.N.M.  2174.53 265 

50.  Banded  decoration  on  basket.     Peabody  Museum  62239 265 

51.  Adju.stme,nt  of  meander  to  sides  of  basket.     U.S.N.M.  217434 266 

52.  Adjustment  of  meander  to  sides  of  basket.     U.S.N.M.  217447 267 

53.  Corner  of  basket 268 

54.  Corner  of  basket 268 

55.  Corner  of  basket.     U.S.N.M.  217467 269 

56.  Adjustment  of  zigzag  pattern  to  sides  of  basket.     U.S.N.M.  216416._  269 

57.  Adjustment  of  zigzag  pattern  to  sides  of  basket.     A.M. N.H.  16-4862  270 

58.  Decoration  of  sides  of  basket.     Peabody  Museum  61930 .__  271 

59.  Adjustment  of  zigzag  pattern  to  corner  of  basket.     A.M. N.H.  16- 

4581 272 

60.  Diagonal  arrangement.     A.M.N.H.  16-1044 273 

61.  Arrangement  of  zigzag  design.     U.S.N.M.  219879 274 

62.  Arrangement  of  zigzag  design.     U.S.N.M.  216408 275 

63.  Fillers  on  side  of  basket.     U.S.N.M.  222032 276 

64.  Filler  on  corner  of  basket 277 

65.  Filler  on  corner  of  basket.     U.S.N.M.  216426 277 

66.  Filler  on  corner  of  basket 278 

67.  Filler  on  corner  of  basket.     U.S.N.M.  277607 279 

68.  Vertical  arrangement  of  ornamentation.     U.S.N.M.  222595 280 

69.  Filler.     Peabody  Museum  57203 281 

70.  Filler.     U.S.N.M.  222586 282 

71.  Filler 283 

72.  Symmetrical  arrangement  on  sides  of  basket.     U.S.N.M.  216412 284 

73.  Symmetrical  arrangement  on  sides  of  basket.     U.S.N.M.  217442 285 

74.  Basket  with  symmetrical  ornamentation.     U.S.N.M.  217459 285 

75.  Basket  with  symmetrical  ornamentation.     A.M.N.H.  16-9543 286 

76.  Basket  showing  change  in  the  plan  of  decoration.     U.S.N.M.  216413.  288 

77.  Basket  illustrating  lack  of  symmetry  in  detail 289 

78.  Diagonal  design  illustrating  difficulties  encountered  in  the  arrange- 

ment of  diagonaUines.     A.M.N.H.  16.1-473 291 

79.  Diagonal  design  illustrating  difficulties  encountered  in  the  arrange- 

ment of  diagonal  lines.     A.M.N.H.  16-8835 292 

80.  Design  illustrating  difficulties   encountered   in   the   arrangement   of 

diagonaUines.     U.S.N.M.  217465 293 

81.  Design  illustrating  difficulties   encountered   in   the   arrangement   of 

diagonal  lines 293 

82.  Diagonal  design  illustrating  difficulties  encountered  in  the  arrange- 

ment of  diagonal  lines 294 

83.  Change  of  pattern  of  decoration.     A.M.N.H.  16.1-547 294 

84.  Errors  in  arrangements  of  diagonal  patterns.     A.M.N.H.  16.1-516--  294 

85.  Errors  in  arrangements  of  diagonal  patterns.     A.M.N.H.  16. 1-524. _  295 

86.  Errors  in  arrangements  of  diagonal  patterns 295 

87.  Basket  illustrating  uniformity  of  design.     A.M.N.H.  16-8838 296 

88.  Measurements  of  basket.     U.S.N.M.  216420 298 

89.  Decorated  lid 299 

90.  Combinations  of  designs 304 

91.  Combinations  of  designs 304 

92.  Basket  designs  from  Lytton 332 


ILLUSTRATIONS  129 

Page 

93.  Basket  designs  from  Lytton 332 

94.  Basket  designs  from  Lytton 333 

95.  Basket  designs  from  Lytton 333 

9(5.  Basket  designs  from  Lytton 334 

97.  Basket  designs  from  Lytton 334 

98.  Basket  designs  from  Lytton 335 

99.  Lillooet  basket.     Sargent  collection 336 

100.  Lillooet  basket 337 

lOL  Lillooet  basket.     U.S.N.M.  219881 338 

102.  Lillooet  basket.     Peabody  Museum  57202 339 

103.  Lillooet  designs 340 

104.  Lillooet  designs.     Fly  patterns 340 

105.  Lillooet  designs 341 

106.  Chilcotin  designs 348 

107.  Chilcotin  designs 349 

108.  Quill  work,  Alaska.     A.M.N.H i 363 

109.  Quill   work   and   basket   embroidery   from   Tlingit,    Alaska.     Field 

Museum 364 

110.  Embroidery  designs  from  Thompson  baskets 365 

111.  Embroidery  designs  from  Thompson  baskets 366 

112.  Slit  embroidery,  Koryak,  Siberia 367 

113.  Porcupine  quill  embroidery,  Alaska 367 

114.  Fringes 369 

115.  Obsolete  basket  designs,  Thompson 371 

116.  Ancient  basket  designs,  Thompson 372 

117.  Designs  from  coast  Salish  baskets 374 

118.  New  basket  designs,  Thompson 379 

119.  New  basket  designs,  Thompson 380 

120.  Names  for  geometric  figures 403 

121.  Names  for  geometric  figures 408 

122.  Designs  made  by  individual  artists 432 

122a.  Patterns  made  by  Informant  No.  32 453 


PEEFACE 

The  work  contained  in  the  following  pages  is  the  result  of  an 
inquiry  planned  by  me  many  years  ago.  The  problem  that  I  set 
myself  was  an  investigation  into  the  attitude  of  the  individual 
artist  toward  his  work.  Much  has  been  written  on  the  origin  and 
history  of  design  without  any  attempt  to  study  the  artist  himself. 
It  seemed  to  me  necessary  to  approach  the  problem  from  this  angle. 

For  many  years  I  collaborated  with  Mr.  James  A.  Teit,  who  seemed 
eminently  fitted  to  carry  through  such  an  investigation,  because  he 
was  not  only  on  terms  of  intimate  friendship  vrith  the  Thompson 
Indians  of  British  Columbia  but  because,  furthermore,  he  had  full 
command  of  the  language  of  that  tribe,  one  of  the  groups  most 
prolific  in  the  making  of  decorated  basketry.  The  peculiar  technique 
of  imbrication,  which  has  a  limited  distribution  and  a  sharp  local- 
ization of  pattern  type,  seemed  to  make  the  research  particularly 
promising. 

The  keen  interest  of  Mr.  Homer  F.  Sargent,  of  Pasadena,  Calif., 
in  the  work  of  Mr.  Teit,  and  his  thorough  appreciation  of  the  im- 
portance of  ethnological  work,  made  it  possible  to  conduct  an 
extensive  undertaking  in  this  area,  which  was  financed  entirely 
tlirough  Mr.  Sargent's  liberahty. 

A  singular  misfortune  has  hung  over  this  investigation.  I  was 
unable  to  visit  the  field  myself  and  I  sent  Dr.  Herman  K.  Haeberlin 
to  Mr.  Teit  to  start  the  research  and  to  discuss  \\ith  Mr.  Teit  the 
essential  points  that  seemed  to  deserve  consideration.  After  his 
return.  Doctor  Haeberlin  continued  his  inquiry  by  a  critical  studj^  of 
the  decorations  of  baskets  found  in  museimas  and  private  collections. 
Wliile  these  investigations  were  in  progress  Doctor  Haeberlin  suc- 
cmnbed  to  an  insidious  disease,  leaving  his  work  incomplete. 

At  the  same  time  Mr.  Teit  was  engrossed,  for  a  time,  in  work 
imdertaken  for  the  welfare  of  the  Indians  of  British  ColimiHia,  work 
which  took  up  much  of  his  time.  Before  he  could  resume  his  ethno- 
logical work  consecutively  he  became  iU  and  died  without  completing 
his  notes. 

Under  these  conditions  and  on  account  of  other  work,  not  being 
able  myself  to  complete  the  inquiry,  I  handed  all  the  notes  and 
illustrations  to  Miss  Helen  H.  Roberts,  who  wrote  the  text  of  the 
present  memoir,  using  such  parts  of  Mr.  Teit's  and  Doctor  Haeberlin's 
manuscripts  as  were  completed.  She  is  largely  responsible  for  the 
arrangement  of  the  material  and  the  method  of  presentation. 

131 


132  PREFACE 

To  add  to  all  the  other  misfortunes,  and  due  to  an  oversight,  the 
plates  accompanying  the  volume  were  rearranged  without  knowledge 
of  the  author  and  museum  nvmibers  of  specimens  were  removed,  so 
that  identification  of  the  illustrations  was  in  many  cases  impossible. 
In  consequence  it  has  been  necessary  to  omit  certain  discussions, 
because  the  specimens  to  which  they  refer  could  not  be  identified. 
I  have  attempted  to  rearrange  the  illustrations  but  in  part  of  them 
disorder  still  remains  and  I  must  ask  the  indulgence  of  the  reader  for 
tlie  apparent  lack  of  system  in  the  presentation  of  the  illustrative 
material.  It  seems  more  important  to  present  all  rather  than  to 
limit  to  figures  that  are  in  proper  order. 

A  summary  of  the  residts  of  the  inquiry,  as  I  see  them,  ■mil  be 
found  at  the  end  of  the  paper. 

Franz  Boas. 


EXPLANATION  OF  SYMBOLS 

Vowels  have  their  continental  values. 
§  open  e,  as  in  "fell." 
6  open  o,  nearly  as  in  Gcnnan  "voll." 
E  obscure  vowel,  as  e  in  ''flower." 
tl  affricative. 
1  voiceless  1. 
q  velar  k. 
c  Enghsh  sh. 

Mr.  Teit  uses  the  period  (.)  to  indicate  in  some  cases  a  glottal  stop, 
in  others  strong  voicing. 

His  distinctions  between  velars  and  midpalatals  and  between  1  and 
tl  are  uncertain.  The  variability  of  vowels  reflects  an  actual  indi- 
vidual variability. 

The  sound  zr,  z''  seems  to  represent  a  cerebral  z. 

A.M.N.H.,  American  Museum  of  Natural  History,  New  York,  N.  Y. 
U.S.N.M.,  United  States  National  Museum,  Washington,  D.  C. 
H.M.A.I.,  Museum  of  American  Indian,  Heye  Foundation. 
U.P.M.,  Museum  of  the  University  of  Pennsylvania. 


BUREAU  OF  AMERICAN  ETHNOLOGY 


FORTY-FIRST  ANNUAL  REPORT     FRONTISPIECE 


I.illcioet.      Showin;;  a  head  di'sicn 


*  MOCN&  CO  SALT*  MORE 


ThompsoD.     A.  M.  N.  H.  16-4611.     Design:  "ButlerBy  out  off,"  "Butterfly  wings"  (Spuzzum,  Uta'mi|t), 
"Butterfly"  (Lytton),  "Arrowhead"  (Coldwater,  Thompson) 


COILED  BASKETRY  IN  BRITISH  COLUMBIA  AND 
SURROUNDING  REGION 


By  H.  K.  Haeberlin,  James  A.  Teit,  and  Helen  H.  Roberts, 
under  the  direction  of  Franz  Boas 


INTRODUCTION 

All  of  the  interior  Salish  tribes  of  British  Columbia'  once  made  coiled 
basketry  of  cedar  or  spruce  root — the  Upper  and  Lower  Lillooet,  the 
Upper  and  Lower  Thompson,  the  Shuswap,  the  Lake  (of  the  Okana- 
gon  group),  and  the  Okanagon  proper.  The  last  were  the  least  pro- 
ductive. The  Lake  and  Okanagon  as  well  as  the  Shuswap  make 
almost  no  coiled  baskets  at  the  present  time,  but  the  Lillooet  and 
Thompson  probably  manufacture  as  many  now  as  they  ever  did. 
Of  the  Athapascan  group  of  southern  British  Columbia,  the  Chilcotin 
are  the  only  people  who  make  coiled  ware.  The  Tahltan  and  Nahani 
declare  that  they  never  made  any,  and  the  same  is  said  of  the  Stuwi'- 
xamu.x",  who  once  inhabited  the  valleys  of  the  Nicola  and  Similka- 
meen.  Less  is  known  about  the  Sekani  and  Carriers.  Father  Morice 
does  not  mention  the  industry.  Harmon  refers  to  some  kind  of 
water-tight  basketry  having  been  made  in  his  day  at  Stuarts  Lake, 
in  the  Carrier  country.  The  northern  Shuswap  say  that  the  Carriers 
never  made  coiled  ware  so  far  as  they  know,  so  probably  the  variety 
mentioned  was  manufactured  in  another  technicjue.  On  the  coast 
only  the  Sechclt,  Squamish,  vStalo  or  Lower  Fraser,  the  Nootsak,  the 
tribes  east  of  Puget  Soimd,  and  tlie  Cowlitz,  all  of  whom  live  not  far 
from  the  Lillooet  and  Thompson  and  their  southern  neighbors, 
make  coiled  baskets,  of  which  they  produce  no  small  amount  at  the 
present  day.  The  interior  people  say  that  although  these  tribes  had 
access  to  the  very  best  basket  material  in  their  o'mi  coimtiy  none  of 
them  made  coiled  ware  in  old  times  but  learned  from  the  Thompson 
and  Lillooet.  The  Stalo,  and  later  the  Nootsak,  learned  from  the 
Lower  Thompson  Indians.  The  latter  believe  that  they  were  taught 
by  hunting  bands  who  sometimes  wintered  -with  them  and  by  some 
Thompson  women  who  married  into  their  tribe.  Probably  their 
adoption  of  the  art  took  place  about  the  beginning  of  the  nineteenth 
century.  The  theory  that  the  Stalo  acquired  tlieir  knowledge  from 
the  Lower  Thompson  seems  to  be  confirmed  by  a  study  of  their 
designs,  which  are  not  only  the  same  but  are  arranged  in  a  smiilar 
manner.     Wliere  interpretations  of  designs  are  available,  they  prove 

<  For  distribution  of  tribes  see  map  at  end  of  volume. 

133 


134  COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  [eth.  ann  41 

to  be  practically  identical  with  those  of  the  Uta'mqt  (Lower  Thomp- 
son).'" Form,  material,  and  technique  are  the  same,  except  that  the 
Stalo  show  coast  influence  by  creating  a  greater  proportion  of  box 
shapes,  and  also  prefer  fancy  shapes.  The  Stalo  say  that  the  Yale 
band  and  their  neighbors  adopted  the  craft  many  generations  ago  and 
that  until  recently  it  was  largely  confined  to  them.  Gradually  the 
fashion  spread  toward  the  sea,  but  so  slowly  that  even  at  the  present 
day  the  people  living  near  the  water  do  not  make  baskets. 

Thompson  influence  in  basketry  prevails  as  far  down  Fraser  River 
as  Agassiz  and  Chilliwack.  At  Harrison  and  below,  Lillooet  in- 
fluence predominates.  Formerly  little  basket  work  was  attempted 
near  Chilliwack,  but  intermarriage  and  increased  acquaintance 
with  the  Lower  Thompson  tribes  have  given  an  impetus  to  the  art. 
Among  the  people  of  this  region,  however,  as  elsewhere,  Uta'mqt 
women  and  their  daughters  who  have  settled  there  are  considered  as 
experts.  The  same  is  true  of  the  Nootsak.  Among  the  Squamish 
and  Sechelt  there  are  strong  traces  of  Lillooet  styles,  which  may  be 
accounted  for  by  the  fact  that  these  tribes  intermarried  and  traded 
with  one  another.  It  is  claimed  that  a  small  band  of  Lillooet  settled 
among  the  coast  people,  and  that  their  descendants  continued  to 
speak  the  mother  tongue  until  a  few  years  ago.  In  technique,  shapes, 
and  designs,  as  well  as  method  of  ornamentation,  the  baskets  of  this 
region  are  essentially  of  Lillooet  style.  Some  of  the  old  members  of 
the  latter  tribe  state  that  the  coast  people  adopted  their  art. 

From  the  foregoing  it  seems  that  the  direction  of  diffusion  of  the 
art  in  British  Columbia  was  from  the  interior  toward  the  sea.  The 
fact  that  a  similar  transmission  does  not  seem  to  have  occurred  from 
the  Chilcotin  to  the  Bella  Coola  is  in  part,  at  least,  accounted  for 
by  the  statement  of  the  former,  substantiated  by  information  from 
the  Shuswap  and  Lillooet,  that  the  Chilcotin  bands  living  nearest 
to  the  Bella  Coola  did  not  manufacture  baskets.  The  Lillooet  of 
the  Lakes  state  that  some  Chilcotin  learned  the  art  from  them, 
but  if  this  ever  occurred  the  latter  have  thoroughly  transformed 
the  style.  This  is  not  the  case  among  other  tribes  that  are  known 
to  have  derived  the  art  from  the  Lillooet,  for  in  these  cases  the 
similarity  in  styles  is  very  marked.  It  is  impossible  to  say  at  this 
late  date  whether  or  not  Cliilcotin  basketry  resembled  that  of  the 
ancient  Shuswap. 

Present  uiformation  mdicates  that  the  mterior  Salish  were  the 
leading  manufacturers  of  coiled  and  imbricated  basketry  in  the 
northwest  and  that  the  Athapascan  people  were  only  slightly  engaged 
m  its  production,  and  where  so  occupied  were  always  in  close  contact 
with  the  Salish. 

The  Willapa  say  that  formerly  they  did  not  make  coiled  work, 
which  agrees  with  the  statements  of  their  unmediate  neighbors. 
They  adopted  the  fashion  from  the  Cowlitz  at  a  rather  late  period. 

i»  A  recently  received  vocabulary  suggests  that  the  name  is  Uta'mkt,  "down  river." 


BOAS]  INTRODUCTION  135 

The  Casca  also  did  not  make  it,  nor  tlie  people  of  Nicola  valley, 
the  Tahltan,  Camer,  or  Sekani  who  were  mentioned  before.  The 
Chilcotin  may  have  acquired  the  art  from  the  Shiiswap. 

The  interior  Salish  were  not  the  only  people,  however,  who  pro- 
duced coiled  work  in  the  early  days.  They  state  that  the  Snake, 
Nez  Perce,  and  some  Kootenai  knew  the  technique,  but  not  the 
Blackfeet,  who  formerly  bought  their  baskets  from  the  Flathead 
and  Tuna'xe.  Most  of  the  more  eastern  Salish  tribes  ceased  to 
make  coiled  baskets  about  the  time  when  buffalo  hunting  expeditions 
enjoyed  so  much  popularity. 

Very  little  investigation  has  been  conducted  among  the  Lower 
Kootenai,  although  it  is  known  that  they  made  baskets. 

The  neighboring  Lake  tribes  and  the  Kalispel  believe  that  the 
Kootenai  learned  the  art  from  them,  but  they  are  not  sure  of  this. 
Since  the  Upper  Kootenai  did  not  make  baskets  as  far  as  is  known, 
the  claim  seems  quite  probable.  It  is  said  that  Lower  Kootenai 
baskets  were  inferior  and  few  in  number. 

Sapwood  or  flat  coils  are  mostly  used  by  the  Lillooet  and  adjoin- 
ing coast  tribes,  among  whom  the  round  coil  seems  to  have  been 
little  employed,  if  at  all.  Mr.  Teit  has  not  noticed  any  specimens 
so  constructed.  Where  Thompson  influence  counts  for  anything,  as 
on  the  Lower  Fraser,  the  flat  coil  is  very  unpopular  except  for  con- 
structing the  bottoms  of  baby  carriers.  Elsewhere,  except  in  the 
tribes  mentioned,  it  is  not  used  at  all. 

Square  shapes  seem  to  prevail  in  regions  where  the  sapwood  or 
flat  coils  are  popular.  Water-tight  receptacles  can  not  be  manu- 
factured in  these  materials  and  presumably  for  this  reason  Lillooet 
kettles  and  water  baskets  were  always  made  of  round  coils.  Since 
this  consideration  would  be  of  little  importance  to  the  coast  tribes 
who  employed  wooden  boxes  for  those  purposes,  and  the  basket 
with  them  was  of  use  only  for  transporting  loads,  this  would  account 
not  only  for  their  nonacquaintance  with  the  round  coil  but  also  for 
the  comparatively  few  basket  forms  which  they  manufactured, 
which  were  all  of  angular  shape. 

It  is  worthy  of  note  that  the  Chilcotin  use  only  one  shape  of 
basket,  namely,  the  typical  burden  form.  This  is  much  more 
rounded  in  outline,  constructed  of  round  coils,  and  water-tight, 
and  so  quite  well  adapted  for  almost  any  purpose,  including  the 
boiling  of  food.  This  use  of  a  single  shape  may  indicate  that  it  was 
originally  borrowed  from  tribes  who  were  more  practiced  artisans, 
particularly  as  the  Chilcotin  have  never  become  masters  of  some 
technical  difficulties,  among  which  the  most  conspicuous  are  those 
of  producing  even  coils  and  straight,  smooth  walls. 

Information  on  coiling  among  the  Sahaptin  and  Upper  Chinook  is 
somewhat  meager,  but  some  data  regarding  them  were  procured  from 
53666°— 28 10 


136  COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  Ieth.ann.41 

their  northern  and  western  neighbors  as  well  as  from,  the  Khckitat 
tliemselves.  There  are  no  data  concerning  the  Tai'xnapam  (Tyigh), 
who  Uve  south  of  tlie  Columbia  River. 

It  is  not  clear  whether  coiled  work  was  produced  by  the  Sahaptin 
in  former  times.  The  Klickitat  say  that  according  to  earliest  tradi- 
tion they  themselves  and  the  Tai'xnapam  made  coiled  baskets,  but 
tradition  deals  only  with  comparatively  recent  times.  According  to 
them  the  Wishram  and  Wasco  were  not  basket  makers,  the  Yakima 
did  not  make  many,  while  the  development  of  the  industry  among  the 
Wallawalla,  Umatilla,  Palouse,  Cayuse,  and  Nez  Perce  is  in  doubt. 
They  secured  coiled  ware  through  trade.  A  somewhat  conflicting 
statement  is  made  by  the  Flatheads,  who  are  of  the  opinion  that  the 
Nez  Perce  formerly  manufactured  coiled  baskets. 

All  ^  the  tribes  of  western  Washington,  with  the  possible  exception  of 
theMakah,  now  make  coiled  and  imbricated  basketry.  Long  ago  it  was 
not  produced  by  the  Makah,  Quileute,  Chemakum,  Queets,  Quinault, 
Humptulips,  Satsop,  Songish,  Upper  and  Lower  Chehalis,  Semiahmoo, 
Lower  Fraser,  Chinook,  Upper  and  Lower  Willapa,  Clallam  and 
Lummi.  The  last  two  tribes  have  been  engaged  in  the  industry  for 
a  long  tune,  but  the  others  took  it  up  only  in  recent  years,  the  Quin- 
ault, Queets,  and  Quileute  as  late  as  1890.  According  to  information 
received  in  this  section  of  the  country,  the  Nisqualli  and  allied 
tribes,  including  the  Snohomish  and  Skagit,  the  Twana,  Upper 
Chehalis,  Cowlitz,  and  the  Sahaptin  tribes  of  Wanukt,  Taitnapam, 
and  Klickitat,  have  practiced  the  art  as  far  back  as  can  be  remembered. 
A  few  informants  assert  that  the  Cowlitz  were  the  most  expert  crafts- 
men, but  they  were  certainly  equaled  by  some  of  the  Twana  and 
Nisqualli. 

From  this  information,  as  well  as  from  that  derived  from  other 
localities,  it  would  appear  that  the  original  home  of  this  type  of  coiled 
work  lay  in  the  Cascade  region.  The  Salish  antedated  the  other 
tribes  m  the  manufacture,  having  produced  the  ware  before  the 
arrival  of  the  Klickitat  west  of  the  Cascades,  a  statement  which  is 
confirmed  by  the  distribution  of  the  industry. 

Had  it  first  been  introduced  by  the  Sahaptin  a  distribution  west 
as  well  as  north  might  have  been  expected,  with  the  Cowlitz  as  a 
center.  The  Chinook,  Willapa,  Satsop,  and  Lower  Chehalis  would 
then  in  all  likelihood  have  accjuired  the  art  as  soon  as  the  Snohomish, 
for  instance;  but  the  reverse  appears  to  have  been  the  case,  for  even 
the  Liunmi  and  Clallam  have  been  long  established  as  craftsmen. 
Possibly  a  study  of  the  basket  names  would  reveal  the  location  of  the 
fu-st  center  of  the  art  in  western  Washington.  Wherever  coiled 
basketry  was  produced  in  this  part  of  the  country  it  seems  to  have 

'  The  information  given  in  this  paragraph  may  be  incomplete,  but  it  was  all  that  could  be  obtained 
by  Mr.  Teit. 


BOAS]  INTRODUCTION  137 

been  invariably  imbricated.  None  of  the  tribes  in  western  Washing- 
ton are  known  to  have  made  the  plain  baskets,  as  did  the  Salish  in  the 
eastern  part  of  the  State.  Apparently,  as  each  tribe  learned  to  coil, 
it  learned  to  imbricate  also. 

A  Spuzzum  man  confirmed  this  last  statement.  In  speaking  of 
former  times  he  said  that  he  had  seen  baskets  made  by  several  tribes 
east  and  west  of  the  Cascades  in  Washington.  Some  were  approxi- 
mately of  the  same  shape  as  the  burden  baskets  of  the  Thompson 
and  of  medium  size.  Baskets  of  this  shape  were  common  among 
all  people  living  near  the  mountains  as  far  south  as  the  Nisqualli, 
and  were  owned  by  the  Nootsak,  Skagit,  and  Snohomish.  The 
informant  did  not  know  where  these  were  made,  except  that  the 
Nootsak  produced  some.  He  had  heard  that  they  learned  the  art 
from  the  Thompson,  but  he  could  not  be  sure  of  this.  He  described 
some  Wenatchi  specimens  as  being  more  like  Klickitat,  high  in 
proportion  to  their  width  and  without  much  flare.  On  all  the  coiled 
baskets  he  noted  there  was  beading  and  imbrication  quite  like  that 
employed  by  the  Thompson. 

According  to  the  Cowlitz  and  the  Nisqualli,  the  Klickitat,  when 
they  came  into  their  country,  found  the  other  tribes  of  the  region 
well  versed  in  basket  making.  They  say  that  the  Klickitat  formerly 
resembled  the  Yakima  in  that  they  did  not  make  baskets  but  were 
oljliged  to  pay  high  prices  for  those  which  they  purchased.  Only 
when  they  learned  the  art  from  the  Cowlitz  and  Nisqualli  were 
they  able  to  manufacture  plenty  for  their  own  use. 

The  work  of  the  Ivhckitat  is  reported  to  have  always  been  coarser 
and  poorer  than  that  of  the  surrounding  tribes.  The  Nootsak 
say  that  long  ago  a  few  women  of  their  tribe  made  baskets.  They 
think  the  Thompson  or  Skagit  taught  them  about  the  beginning  of 
the  nineteenth  century.  Among  the  Nisqualli  and  other  tribes  of 
that  group  coihng  was  the  only  technique  known,  but  the  Twana 
produced  soft  twined  baskets  in  ahnost  as  great  numbers  as  the 
"hard"  coiled  ware. 

AH  the  coiled  ware  of  the  region  was  constructed  of  cedar  roots. 
Those  made  of  spruce  roots  were  known  and  used  by  some  tribes 
but  they  were  everjnvhere  considered  to  be  inferior,  and,  since  cedar 
was  abundant,  it  was  generally  chosen. 

Information  regarding  the  shapes  of  the  baskets,  the  material 
employed  in  imbrication,  the  designs  and  design  names,  is  very  in- 
complete for  this  area. 

The  ordinary  burden  basket  seems  to  have  resembled  that  of  the 
Thompson  except  that  it  was  slightly  rounder  and  less  flaring. 
Oblong  receptacles  with  rounded  corners  were  used  for  storage,  while 
perfectly  cyhndrical  shapes  served  as  kettles.  The  present  high, 
narrow,  conical  form  constructed  by  the  lOickitat  is  reported  to  be 
modern. 


138  COILED   BASKETRY   IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  Ieth.ann.41 

The  tribes  of  the  Flathead  group,  the  Fhithead,  Coeur  d'AlSne  and 
Lake,  describe  all  of  their  old  baskets  as  round,  some  of  them  having 
convex  bases,  others  being  flat.  The  Coeur  d'Alene  made  a  number 
of  shapes.  Among  these  were  the  bottomless  mortar  such  as  was  used 
by  the  Sahaptin  and  southern  groups  and  the  small  elongated  form 
similar  to  the  old  Thompson  "trunk,"  which  was  used  for  storage 
purposes.  The  Late  tribe  also  manufactured  a  number  of  shapes. 
These  were  (1)  a  burden  basket  similar  to  the  Thompson  but  less 
angular;  (2)  the  cyhndrical  "pail"  with  flat  base;  (3)  a  small  cup; 
(4)  a  form  with  flaring  walls  hke  the  Thompson  kettle;  (5)  a  "nut" 
shape  with  small  mouth;  (G)  a  large  size  with  more  extended  orifice; 
and  (7)  a  long,  low  form  hke  the  small  Thompson  trunk. 

The  Columbia  tribe  report  having  had  baskets  shaped  like  the 
Thompson  burden  basket — less  rectangular  although  not  round. 
After  the  introduction  of  the  horse,  the  higher,  more  circular  Klickitat 
shape  with  a  small  bottom  came  into  common  use  because  it  was 
considered  as  being  better  adapted  for  packing  on  the  backs  of  horses. 
The  Columbia  tribe  had  the  kettle  and  nut  shapes,  while  trays  were 
probably  made  by  many  tribes,  especially  the  Sanpoil  and  ColviUe. 

Other  types  of  technique. — Most  of  the  tribes  were  acquainted 
with  types  of  technique  other  than  coding;  twined  baskets,  plain 
or  twilled,  plaited  and  wickerwork  were  used.  Usually  spht  cedar 
twigs,  strips  of  cedar  bark,  slats  of  vine  maple  or  cedar  sap,  spruce 
root,  basket  grass,  and  the  young  shoots  and  leaves  of  the  bulrush 
furnished  the  materials  for  these  types.  No  birch-bark  vessels  were 
made  in  any  part  of  western  Wasliington  and  of  the  coast  region,  but 
temporary  receptacles  of  rough  construction  fashioned  from  a  single 
piece  of  bark  were  used  by  all  the  tribes,  and  were  quite  simUar  to 
those  employed  by  the  Salish  and  Sahaptin  tribes. 

The  Thompson  wove  mats  similar  to  those  of  the  coast  Indians. 
For  making  nets,  threads  were  twisted  from  the  bark  of  Apocynum 
cannabinum.  They  had  a  wooden  netting  stick  for  sizing  the  meshes 
which  were  secured  with  a  double  knot. 

Bags,  woven  of  bark,  grass,  or  rushes,  were  in  general  use,  as  well 
as  occasional  specimens  woven  of  wool  or  hair. 

In  the  woven  bags  the  warp  threads  were  composed  of  a  two- 
strand  twine  made  of  bark  fiber.  The  bags  were  woven  in  simple 
twilled  two-ply  twine.  In  other  words,  the  technique  consisted  of 
twaning  two  woof  elements  about  each  other  as  they  passed  before 
and  Vjehind  pairs  of  warp  strings.  Each  successive  row  of  twining 
divided  the  warp  pairs  of  the  previous  round  so  that  new  pairs  were 
formed  composed  of  one  warp  string  from  each  of  two  adjacent 
groups. 

In  weaving  the  bags  were  held  upside  down  and  woven  from 
bottom  to  rim.     The  bags  were  widened  where  necessary  by  the 


boas) 


IMBRICATION  139 


insertion  of  additional  warp  strands,  not,  however,  in  regular  order. 
At  the  rim  their  loose  ends  were  sewed  into  a  strip  of  buckskin  for 
a  finish. 

Wallets  were  also  manufactured  in  this  kind  of  weaving  and  were 
decorated  with  designs  in  false  embroidery  or  by  weaving  colored 
grasses  or  bark  twine  into  the  fabric.  The  bags  are  somewhat 
coarser  than  those  made  by  the  Klickitat,  from  whom  it  is  probable 
that  the  Thompson  learned  to  make  them. 

The  well-known  grass  caps  of  the  Nez  Perce  type  which  were 
worn  by  the  women  were  once  in  vogue  among  the  Nisqualli  and 
allied  tribes  as  far  north  as  the  Snoqualmi,  the  Upper  Chehalis, 
Cowlitz,  Wishram,  Wasco,  Upper  Chinook,  Wanukt,  Taitnapam, 
Klickitat,  Yakima,  Umatilla,  Wallawalla,  Cayuse,  Palouse,  Nez 
Perce,  Columbia,  Thompson  (according  to  information  obtained 
from  the  Okanagon),  Okanagon,  Sanpoil,  Spokane,  Colville,  Coeur 
d'Alene,  Kalispel,  Lake,  Pend  d'Oreille,  Flathead,  and  probably 
among  some  bands  of  the  Shoshoni  and  tribes  farther  south  in  wliat 
is  now  Oregon — the  Klamath,  for  instance.  Not  all  of  these  tribes 
manufactured  them,  however.  The  chief  producers  were  all  the 
Sahaptin  tribes,  the  Wasco,  Wishram,  Cayuse,  Colimibia,  Sanpoil, 
Spokane,  and  the  Coeur  d'Alene.  It  is  doubtful  if  the  Colville  made 
any,  and  the  Cowlitz  made  them  only  rarely.  Information  is  lacking 
for  tribes  who  lived  to  the  south  of  the  Sahaptin,  and  from  the  dis- 
tribution as  indicated  it  would  appear  that  the  Sahaptin  were  the 
introducers.  • 

Caps  of  other  species  of  grass  than  that  used  in  the  regions  just 
discussed,  and  woven  in  a  different  way,  were  manufactured  by 
tribes  who  were  situated  farthest  from  the  Sahaptin  center,  but  no 
further  information  about  these  has  been  gathered. 

IMBRICATION 

British  Columbia. — Beading  and  imbrication  were  both  employed 
as  a  means  of  decorating  the  basket  surface  by  all  the  British  Colum- 
bia tribes  which  made  coiled  baskets,  but,  on  the  whole,  less  by  the 
people  living  to  the  east.  The  home  of  imbrication  seems  to  have 
been  somewhere  in  the  Cascade  region,  from  where  it  was  carried 
long  distances  north,  south,  and  east,  but  not  far  to  the  west. 

Sahaptin  tribes. — Wlien  the  Yakima  and  Klickitat  learned  to 
manufacture  coiled  ware  they  also  learned  to  imbricate  it.  The 
principal  materials  employed  in  imbrication  appear  to  have  been 
cedar  bark  dyed  red  with  alder,  yellow  with  Oregon  grape  root,  and 
black  by  burying  in  mudj  grass,  in  its  natural  wliite  color  or  dyed  in 
the  same  way  as  cedar  bark,  and  the  black  bark  of  a  sedge  growing 
along  the  streams  were  also  used. 


140  COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  [etb.ann.41 

Tlie  designs  were  almost  entirely  geometric  and  resemble  those 
seen  among  the  Klickitat. 

Western  Washington. — In  this  region  imbrication  came  in  at  a 
comparatively  late  date  when  the  technique  of  coiling  was  learned. 

Eastern  Washington  and  Idaho. — Among  the  extreme  eastern  Salish 
groups  imbrication  was  not  practiced,  but  it  did  extend  into  the 
Coem'  d'Alene  country.  Among  these  people,  and  over  the  whole 
intervening  area  between  them  and  the  Columbia,  which  includes 
the  Lake  and  the  Lower  Kootenai,  some  imbrication  occurre.d,  but 
the  majority  of  baskets  were  undecorated. 

The  Sanpoil  and  Nespelim  say  that  they  learned  to  imbricate 
about  the  time  that  the  first  white  men  entered  their  country,  and 
because  of  this,  some  of  their  people  think  that  it  was  taught  to  them 
by  Europeans. 

The  Flathead  say  that  their  baskets  were  unimbricated.  The 
Okanagon  adopted  imbrication  about  the  time  of  the  arrival  of  the 
whites.  The  Lake  tribes  manufactured  mostly  plain  baskets,  but 
ornamented  some  with  imbrication  in  grass  or  bark  which  was 
colored  black  or  left  white.  Most  of  the  products  of  the  Kootenai 
were  plain,  as  were  about  half  of  those  of  the  Coeur  d'Alene.  The 
Columbia  used  imbrication  to  a  much  larger  extent  than  the  other 
groups  just  mentioned. 

The  materials  used  were  basket  grass,  natural  or  dyed  (the  latter 
was  usually  the  case  with  the  Coeur  d'Alene) ,  cedar  bark,  natural  or 
dyed,  wiUow  bark,  and  rarely  that  of  the  cherry.  Tlie  colors  were 
black,  white,  red,  brown,  and  yellow.  The  designs  were  geometric, 
apparently. 

For  the  purpose  of  summarizing  the  above  discussion  the  following 
list  is  given  of  the  distribution  of  imbrication  among  the  Flathead 
and  allied  groups.  It  also  indicates  which  of  the  tribes  produced 
numerous  shapes. 

IMBRICATION 

Coeur  d'Alene Imbricated    about    one-half    of    their    output 

(introduced  about  the  middle  of  the  eight- 
eenth century). 

Lake  ' Imbricated  about  one-half  of  their  output. 

Columbia Imbricated  the  majority  of  their  output. 

Wenatchi Imbricated  the  majority  of  their  output. 

Flathead Had  no  imbrication. 

Sanpoil  and  Colville Formerly  none;  have  imbricated  during  the  last 

century. 

Okanagon Formerly  none ;  have  imbricated  during  the  last 

century. 

3  The  Lake  tribe  mostly  used  grass  for  imbricating. 


BOAS]  IMBRICATION  141 

SHAPES 

Coeur  d'Al^ne Had  six  or  seven  shapes. 

Lake i Had  six  or  seven  shapes. 

Columbia Had  several  shapes. 

Wenatchi Had  several  shapes. 

Sanpoil  * Had  several  shapes. 

Flathead Shapes  all  circular  with  small  rounded  or  wide 

flat  bottoms. 

From  what  has  so  far  been  said  it  seems  that  tlie  same  general 
conditions  existed  south  of  the  Canadian  bomidary  Hne  as  were  found 
north  of  it;  that  is,  the  basketry  art  flourished  in  the  Cascades  where 
material  was  plentiful  and  the  people  lived  more  or  less  sedentary 
lives.  It  spread  only  slowly  toward  the  coast,  and  never  attained  the 
same  degree  of  prominence  to  the  east  where  the  climate  was  drier  and 
materials  were  scarce.  In  the  latter  direction  the  people  were  in 
contact  with  Plains  culture,  and  the  buffalo  hunt  as  well  as  the  in- 
troduction of  the  horse  altered  the  early  habits  of  the  people,  who 
abandoned  the  basket-making  industry  and  bought  their  baskets 
with  hides.  They  were  in  contact  with  the  Europeans  earlier  than 
the  tribes  to  the  west;  and  when  metal  utensils  were  introduced 
these  were  soon  substituted  for  baskets,  except  for  those  used  in 
berrying.  Bags,  however,  were  still  useful  in  traveling  and  continued 
to  be  made  even  after  the  people  settled  on  the  reservations.  This 
was  true  of  the  Coeur  d'AlSne,  who  only  a  century  previous  had  made 
many  baskets. 

All  of  this  information  strengthens  previous  indications  that  the 
SaUsh  tribes  as  a  whole  made  coiled  baskets  from  the  earliest  kno^vIl 
times,  although  since  1850  most  of  them  have  practically  discontinued 
the  industry.  It  also  shows  that  imbrication  was  confined  originally 
to  the  western  part  of  the  country  near  the  Cascades,  along  the 
Columbia  River  and  north,  but  that  about  the  beginning  of  the  nine- 
teenth century  it  spread  eastward.  It  seems  never  to  have  extended 
as  far  as  the  Kalispel,  Pend  d  'Oreille,  and  Flathead,  a  fact  which  would 
indicate  its  comparatively  recent  adoption  by  the  tribes  immediately 
west  of  them.  Mr.  Teit  believed,  however,  that  the  Coeur  d'Alene 
had  it.  It  also  appears  that  the  old  rounded,  elongated  burden  bas- 
ket was  widely  spread  among  practically  all  of  the  tribes.  The  only 
tribes  not  using  this  shape  now  or  formerly  in  the  area  under  discus- 
sion are  the  Yakima  and  Klickitat,  a  fact  which  may  add  weight  to 
the  tradition  of  an  invasion  by  these  and  other  Saliaptin  tribes  into 
the  territory  formerly  occupied  by  the  Salish,  thus  dividing  the  Thomp- 
son-Columbia area  from  the  Nisqualli- Cowlitz.  The  theory  that  the 
southernmost  tribes  may  have  adopted  the  distinctive  shape  used  by 

'  Sanpoil  and  Colville  made  trays. 


142  COILED   BASKETRY   IN   BRITISH    COLUMBIA  Ieth.  ann  41 

them  from  the  coast,  not  from  tribes  to  the  northeast  (from  whom  they 
are  at  present  separated  by  the  Yakima-Khcldtat) ,  is  harcUy  tenable, 
since  the  coast  people  who  make  coiled  basketry  are  very  irregularly 
distributed,  and  seem  to  have  derived  then-  ideas  from  the  tribes  liv- 
ing immediately  east  of  them.  Moreover,  the  chief  trade  routes  and 
consequently  the  natural  paths  for  the  dissemination  of  culture  in  the 
interior  lay  mostly  east  and  west,  not  north  and  south. 

Angular  shapes  belong  to  the  northwestern  part  of  the  area.  The 
square-mouthed  type  of  the  Wenatchi  is  different  from  the  others, 
and  resembles  birch-bark  baskets. 

There  is  a  difference  in  the  construction  of  basket  rims  made  by  the 
northern  and  southern  Cascade  tribes.  Among  the  Klickitat,  Cow- 
litz, and  Nisqualli,  as  well  as  among  the  Wenatchi,  the  false  braid  rim 
is  the  usual  finish.  Such  rims  are  seldom  made  by  the  Thompson, 
LHlooet,  Chilcotin,  and  neighboring  tribes,  who  prefer  plain  over-and- 
over  stitching.  Information  on  this  point  for  the  eastern  Sahsh  is 
lacking.     The  Columbia  and  Spokane  used  both  varieties. 

Loopwork  rims  were  made  by  all  the  Cascade  people  except  the 
Chilcotin  and  coast  tribes  of  British  Columbia.  They  were  foimd 
among  the  Lillooet,  Thompson,  Wenatchi,  Columbia,  and  Klickitat 
east  of  the  moimtains,  and  the  Cowlitz,  Nisqualh,  and  Stalo  to  the 
west.  They  were  also  applied  to  twined  baskets  by  the  Snohomish 
and  other  coast  tribes  of  Washington. 


COILED  BASKET  MAKING  AMONG  THE  THOMPSON 

BANDS ' 

The  Thompson  are  at  the  present  time,  and  probably  -were  in  the 
past,  the  most  prohfic  producers  of  coiled  imbricated  basketry  of  all 
the  tribes  comprising  the  Salish  group,  where  it  is  supposed  that  the 
art  had  its  origin. 

Since  specimens  of  their  work  have  been  so  abundant,  thereby 
affording  excellent  material  for  study,  the  bulk  of  this  work  has 
been  based  upon  Thompson  data,  most  of  which  were  collected  by 
Mr.  James  A.  Teit,  who  made  his  home  among  that  tribe  for  many 
years. 

To  a  large  extent  the  manufacture  seems  to  have  depended  on  the 
location  in  which  the  people  made  their  homes,  as  well  as  upon  their 
other  occupations,  which  were  more  or  less  controlled  by  the  condi- 
tions under  which  they  lived.  Certain  parts  of  the  country,  as,  for 
instance,  the  Cascade  region,  enjoy  a  comparatively  moist  climate, 
which  produces  dense  forest  growth.  Owing  to  the  proximity  of 
good  salmon  streams  and  their  custom  of  living  largely  on  fish,  the 
people  were  somewhat  sedentary  in  their  habits,  and  because  food 
was  plentiful  they  had  leisure  not  only  in  which  to  manufacture 
baskets  for  the  immediate  needs  of  the  household  but  to  develop 
for  these  an  artistic  decoration  which  satisfied  their  love  of  the 
beautiful.  Materials  of  the  best  quality  for  these  purposes  grew  in 
abundance  right  at  hand. 

Somewhat  similar  conditions  prevailed  in  the  country  of  the  Coeur 
d'Alene,  who  manufactured  many  baskets  in  early  times.  However, 
as  will  be  seen  in  the  course  of  our  discussions,  unfavorable  environ- 
ment does  not  prevent  the  manufacture  of  baskets.  On  the  other 
hand,  data  from  other  parts  of  the  world  prove  that  an  abundance  of 
material  and  ample  leisure  in  which  to  develop  an  art  do  not  always 
succeed  in  producing  it. 

In  the  more  arid  and  sparsely  wooded  sections  basketry  materials 
were  scarce  and  of  inferior  quality  and  had  to  be  sought  far  off  in  the 
mountains  or  obtained  by  barter.  The  people  depended  less  on  fish 
for  a  livelihood  and  were  more  nomadic  in  their  habits.  In  such 
regions  bags,  which  were  perhaps  better  adapted  for  travel,  together 
with  bark  vessels  of  a  more  or  less  temporary  nature,  were  often 
used  in  place  of  baskets. 

'  For  information  already  published  on  the  basketry  of  the  region,  see  Teit,  "The  Thompson  Indians 
of  British  Columbia,"  pp.  187-188;  Teit,  "The  LUlooet  Indians,"  pp.  205-209;  Teit,  "The  Shuswap," 
pp.  487-488;  and  appendi.\  to  this,  "Notes  on  the  Chilcotin  Indians,"  pp.  765-774,  all  in  Jesup  N.  Pac. 
Exp.,  vol.  11;  Farrand,  "Ba.sketry  Designs  of  the  Salish  Indians,"  Jesup  N.  Pac.  Exp.,  vol.  I;  Otis  T. 
Mason,  .Aboriginal  American  Basketry,  Rept.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.  for  1902,  Washington,  1904. 

143 


144  COILED    BASKETRY    IN   BRITISH    COLUMBIA  [eth.  ann.41 

It  seems  that  the  manufacture  of  coiled  work  was  related  to  the 
more  or  less  plentiful  occurrence  of  cedar  and  spruce,  which  furnish 
much  of  the  necessary  material. 

Among  the  Thompson  the  greatest  number  of  baskets  were  made 
by  the  Uta'mqt  or  Lower  Thompson  people  who  live  in  the  Fraser 
Eiver  Canyon.  At  this  point,  in  the  heart  of  the  Cascade  Moun- 
tains, the  salmon  fishing  is  best,  and  cedar  of  a  good  quality  abounds. 
The  Uta'mqt  still  continue  to  be  the  best  basket  makers  of  the  entire 
tribe. 

Although  the  Uta'mqt  dwell  in  a  more  favored  region,  the  Ntlakya'- 
pamux'o'e  ("Eeal  Thompson")  of  Lytton  and  the  Stlaxai'ux"  of  the 
Fraser  Kiver  Valley  above  Lytton  who  live  in  a  more  arid,  barren 
country  also  produced  baskets  in  considerable  numbers.  They  were 
obliged  to  use  spruce  root  occasionally  in  place  of  cedar,  although 
the  latter  was  preferred.  Some  was  imported  from  the  lower  reaches 
of  the  river  but  probably  the  greater  part  of  what  they  used  was 
gathered  along  certain  streams  in  the  neighboring  mountains  to  the 
west.  The  upper  bands,  especially  those  living  near  Lytton,  still 
make  a  great  number  of  baskets  and  have  created  many  odd  forms. 
The  people  cleverly  reproduce  in  basketry  many  foreign  or  native 
objects.  The  Upper  Thompson  appear  to  have  more  designs  and 
design  names  than  the  lower  bands,  although  the  latter  are  con- 
sidered to  be  the  best  basket  makers  and  spend  more  time  in  this 
occupation. 

To  the  east  of  Lytton  the  country  is  still  more  arid  and  almost 
no  cedar  is  obtainable.  Even  spruce  is  scarce  excepting  in  parts  of 
the  high  mountains.  To  the  east  of  Thompson  Siding,  along 
Thompson  and  Nicola  Rivers,  the  people  make  almost  no  baskets, 
although  there  are  individual  women  here  and  there  who  make  them, 
having  obtained  their  materials  from  the  Fraser  River  region. 
According  to  the  uniform  testimony  of  the  old  Indians  the 
Stuwi'xemux"  tribe  (Athapascan)  which  formerly  lived  in  the  Nicola 
and  Similkameen  Valleys  did  not  make  any  coiled  basketry.  To-day 
the  people  of  the  lower  Nicola  River  and  the  Coldwater,  among 
whom  a  number  of  Upper  Uta'mqt  and  people  from  Lytton  and 
Thompson  Siding  have  settled,  produce  a  fair  quantity.  They  also 
procure  their  materials  from  the  mountains  to  the  west  as  well  as 
from  the  Uta'mqt.  The  Similkameen  people  practice  the  art  less 
than  the  Nicola.  The  Thompson  River  people  procure  what  little 
material  they  use  (practically  all  their  cedar  root  and  about  half  of 
their  grass  and  bark)  by  purchase  from  the  Uta'mqt  and  Lytton. 
The  Cornwallis  or  Ashcroft  bands,  which  are  situated  farther  east, 
next  to  the  Shuswap,  make  hardly  any  baskets.  The  P'kaist  or 
Spaptsan  just  to  the  west  of  them  also  do  not  produce  baskets  except 
in  rare  instances.     In  this  group  the  Spuzzum  are  probably  most 


BOAS)  MATERIALS  145 

interested  in  basketry.  They  live  farthest  west,  nearest  the  Uta'mqt, 
among  whom  all  the  women  are  basket  makers.  Considering  the 
tribe  as  a  whole,  probably  more  than  two-thirds  of  all  the  women 
weave  baskets. 

MATERIALS 

The  cedar  tree  fm-nishes  the  greater  part  of  the  material  used  in 
the  manufacture  of  baskets.  Its  roots  are  especially  sought  for 
this  purpose,  while  the  trunk  and  twigs  are  seldom  employed.  Only 
when  cedar  can  not  be  obtained  is  recoiu-se  had  to  other  materials 
as  substitutes.  Hill-Tout  °  says  that  the  people  realize  that  cedar 
resists  wet  and  rot  longer  than  any  other  fiber  in  that  region  and  is 
consequently  preferred.  Many  baskets  show  surprisingly  little  wear, 
even  after  nearly  half  a  century  of  constant  use. 

For  ornamentation  finer  and  more  flexible  vegetable  products, 
such  as  grasses  and  thin  barks,  are  required.  The  following  is  a  list 
of  the  substances  used  by  these  tribes  in  basketry  work: 

Cedar  (Thuja  gigantea  Nutt.) kwa'tkwElp 

Juniper  {Juniperus  sp.) pu'netp 

Spruce  (probably  Picea  engelmanni  Eng.) tsxaze'Ip 

Reed  (Phragmites  phragmites) tloxke'e  tluxka,  or  nhoitlextn 

Wheat  or  rye  or  alkali  grass  (Elymus  triticoides  Nutt.) pEsEmiltEn 

Bird  cherry  {Primus  emarginata  mollis  Walpers)  ' spazuse'lp 

Chokecherry  (Prunus  demissa  Walpers) zolkue'lp 

Birch  (Betula  papyrifera  Marsh) kvvo.ll'nElp 

Cat-tail  flag  {Typha  latifolia  L.)  or  rushes: 

'  Full  grown .tlkai'-.tx  ("wide  leaf") 

Young  plant .nkoEtei.tx  kou't 

Tule  (probably  Scirpus  lacustris  L.) : 

Full  grown tlEne'  .It 

Young  plant tsElu't 

Balsam  {Picea  pungens  Eng.) tlesa'lp 

Alder,  red  (Alnus  rubra) kwie'lp 

Oregon  grape  {Berberis,  two  species) tsalzae'lp 

Wolf  moss  {Euernia  vulpina  L.) kolome'.ka  ("light  yellow  branch") 

Western  flowering  dogwood  {Cornus  canadensis  L.) kwei'txelp  or  kwoi'txelp 

Indian  hemp  {Apocynum  cannabium  L.) spa'tsEn 

For  the  body  of  the  baskets,  when  the  long  pliable  roots  of  the 
cedar  tree  are  not  procurable,  those  of  the  spruce  or  juniper  furnish 
the  foundation  and  sewing  material  for  the  coils.  For  the  bottoms, 
where  frequently  slats  of  wood  take  the  place  of  coils,  the  sapwood, 
the  heart  of  the  cedar,  or  any  wood  which  splits  easily  and  smoothly, 
is  utilized.  Among  the  Upper  Thompson,  pine  and  poplar,  and  even 
parts  of  packing  boxes,  or  cedar  shingles  sometimes  serve  instead  of 

'Charles  Hill-Tout.    The  Native  Races  of  the  British  Kmpire,  North  America,  pp.  110-118. 
7  Used  only  if  Prunus  emarginata  can  not  be  had. 


146  COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  [eth.ann.« 

these.  The  wood  is  nearly  always  used  in  a  dry  state;  but  sapwood 
is  often  taken  when  quite  green.  Rather  recently  the  rattan  binding 
wliich  comes  fastened  around  Chinese  packages  of  rice  has  also  been 
utilized. 

For  the  surface  decoration,  since  a  much  more  pliable  material  is 
needed  than  can  be  secured  from  the  tough  roots,  even  when  they 
are  split  into  fine  thin  strips,  the  Indians  gather  grasses  and  the  bark 
of  the  cherry  and  birch.  Reed  {Phragmites  phragmifes)  grows 
more  abundantly  in  the  lower  Fraser  country,  from  which  the  Thomp- 
son import  it  in  large  quantities.  It  is  commonly  used,  as  it  stands 
in  liigh  repute  for  its  white  color  and  because  it  takes  dye  well;  but 
when  not  obtainable,  grasses  of  a  more  yellow  tinge  are  accepted,  and 
even  some  of  a  slightly  purplish  hue.  Bark  is  usually  second  choice, 
although  that  of  the  cherry  is  applied  for  purposes  of  imbrication  in 
red  nearly  as  often  as  grasses.*  According  to  Mason  *  Typha  lati- 
folia,  PTiragmites  pTiragmites,  and  Scirpus  lacustris  are  the  principal 
basketry  materials  of  the  Klamath  and  Modoc.  Cherry  and  birch 
bark  are  not  given  in  his  list  of  materials  as  being  used  by  any  of  the 
tribes.  It  seems  that  squaw  grass  {XeropJiyllum  douglasii  Walpers) 
is  not  used  by  the  Thompson  Indians  and  it  probably  does  not 
grow  in  their  coxmtry  nor  in  that  of  their  near  neighbors,  but  it 
was  employed  occasionally  for  imbricating  by  the  Coeur  d'Alene.'" 

For  children's  toys  the  mothers  make  miniature  baskets  im- 
bricated with  colored  straw  and  decorated  with  beads,  shells,  dyed 
gi'ass,  hair,  quills,  or  feathers  which  are  attached  to  the  outer  surface 
by  tying.  None  of  the  flexible  ornaments  are  caught  in  with  the 
stitches  as  in  the  Pomo  baskets  from  California. 

The  Salish  tribes  confine  themselves  to  a  very  few  colors.  Red 
and  black  are  seldom  replaced  by  yellow  or  purple,  the  patterns  or 
designs  being  practically  always  worked  in  one  of  the  first  two  colors. 
They  are  never  used  for  the  background,  however,  which  is  always 
white,  light  yellow,  or  purple,  as  the  case  may  be,  when  the  surface  is 
imbricated.  The  purple  grass  called  tluxka  is  used  extensively  only 
by  the  Upper  Thompson  tribe,  most  of  the  people  objecting  to  it 
because  it  is  very  difficult  to  obtain  enough  of  one  shade  to  cover 
more  than  a  small  surface,  and  uniformity  in  this  respect  is  the  aim 
of  the  expert  basketmaker.'"*  In  the  course  of  time  the  purple 
changes  greatly  in  hue,  and  not  always  evenly,  hence  it  is  confined  to 
small  fine  baskets  or  to  designs  which  are  made  up  of  lesser  elements. 

«  Prunm  emarginata  is  selected  because  of  its  light  color,  smootlmess  and  gloss.    Together  with  Prunus 
demissa,  it  grows  quite  abundantly  all  over  the  Thompson  country,  so  that  very  little  is  imported. 

6  O.  T.  Mason.    Aboriginal  American  Basketry,  pp.  208  et  seq. 

10  The  Coeur  d'Al^ne  used  willow  bark  in  addition  to  the  others  and  also  for  imbrication  availed  them 
selves  of  grasses  dyed  brown  and  yellow  as  well  as  black  and  red.  The  rush,  or  bulrush,  and  likewise  tulo 
were  sometimes  employed  for  coil  foundation  and  sewing  material,  but  seldom  when  any  cedar  roots  could 
be  found. 

'^  See,  however,  remarks  above  on  this  page. 


BOAS)  MATERIALS  147 

Wliite,  in  addition  to  providing  a  background  for  setting  off  the  de- 
sign, is  likewise  employed  for  outlining  or  for  separating  red  and 
black  parts  in  a  single  pattern. 

As  may  be  expected  from  the  limited  range  of  color,  there  are 
naturally  few  dyes  in  use.  Cherry  bark  in  its  raw  state,  or  light- 
colored  grass  soaked  in  a  decoction  of  alder,  supply  the  red.  Black 
is  most  commonly  obtained  either  by  burying  the  material  to  be 
dyed  in  muddy  deposits  of  decomposed  vegetal  matter  or  by  steeping 
it  in  a  decoction  of  roots  and  decayed  plants  which  have  been  brought 
in  from  the  swamps.  Sometimes  a  mLxture  contaming  charcoal  is 
used.  In  the  region  of  Lytton  a  modern  method  for  dyeing  cherry 
bark  black  is  to  steep  it  in  tea,  while  in  the  neighborhood  of  Spuzzum 
an  extract  of  balsam  bark  {Picea  pungens  Eng.)  gives  the  same  result, 
but  this  process  of  dyeing  requires  many  days.  The  branches  and 
bark  of  the  western  flowering  dogwood  {Cornus  canadensis  L.)  are 
also  boiled  to  make  a  black  dye.  About  half  of  the  material  gathered 
is  colored,  while  the  remainder  is  used  without  coloring.  Old 
baskets,  bark  vessels,  or  kettles  of  white  manufacture  serve  as  dye 
pots. 

Calking  was  especially  practiced  by  ttie  upper  bands.  As  most 
well-made  baskets  were  water-tight  or  nearly  so,  by  being  soaked  or 
used  as  receptacles  for  water  they  soon  became  moisture  proof.  In 
cases  where  these  methods  would  not  work,  and  a  water-tight  con- 
dition was  essential,  several  substances  were  used  for  calking. 

Sometimes  fresh  soapberries  were  mashed  and  boiled  in  the  baskets, 
the  fine  seeds  and  sticky  matter  working  into  every  little  crevice  and 
hardening  there.  Repeated  washings  seldom  removed  this  filler  as 
long  as  hot  water  was  not  employed. 

Heated  cactus  and  probably  the  buds  of  the  balsam  poplar  were 
sometimes  smeared  into  the  cracks,  forming  a  glue  which  later 
solidified. 

Old  baskets  with  holes  too  large  to  be  treated  in  these  ways  were 
mended  with  the  hardest  and  darkest  colored  yellow  pine  pitch 
obtainable.  A  large  lump  was  placed  upon  a  rock  of  suitable  size 
and  flatness  which  was  heated  in  the  fire.  A  smaller,  hotter  rock  of 
the  same  shape  was  laid  upon  the  pitch,  which,  as  it  melted,  oozed 
out  between  the  stones,  where  it  was  picked  up  on  a  flat  pointed  stick 
and  applied  to  the  spot  which  recjuired  attention,  and  cooled  to  a 
durable  varnish.  New  baskets  were  seldom  pitched,  but  when 
necessary  a  temporary  calkmg  was  secured  by  rubbing  them  on  the 
inside  with  hard  deer  tallow. 

Nearly  all  the  Upper  Thompson  informants  agree  that  long  ago 
there  were  no  substitutes  for  grass  and  cherry  bark,  which  were 
either  dyed  or  left  in  their  natural  state.  Grasses  were  substituted 
for  reeds  and  a  few  informants  said  that  they  had  heard  that  the 


148  COILED    BASKETRY   IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  [eth.  akn.41 

Upper  Thompson  Indians  occasionally  ornamented  with  quills  in 
place  of  these.  They  did  not  know  whether  or  not  porcupine  or 
birds'  quills  were  selected,  but  felt  sure  that  red  and  white  were 
the  colors  preferred.  Elaeagnus  bark,  white  and  dyed  red,  and  the 
inside  bark  of  cedar  or  willow  may  have  been  used  rarely.  The 
Lytton  people  had  substitutes  for  cherry  bark,  but  what  they  were 
has  not  been  learned.  Since  the  coming  of  the  white  man  they 
have  also  used  strips  of  black  dress  goods  for  imbricating.  (PI.  1,  a.) 
Some  old  women  of  the  Thompson  tribe  and  neighboring  bands 
tell  of  the  following  substitutes  for  bird-cherry  bark: 

1.  Chokecherry  (Prunus  demissa).  Only  the  brightest  colored  and 
glossiest  parts  of  the  bark  were  chosen. 

2.  Birch  (Behila  papyrijera).  Only  the  best  was  collected  and 
separated  into  layers  by  splitting  and  pulling,  those  of  proper  thick- 
ness and  flexibility  being  then  divided  into  ribbons  of  the  required 
width. 

3.  White  stems  of  young  rushes  and  tule  {Scirpus  lacustris)  were 
sometimes  taken  green  and  then  dyed  black  in  the  same  way  as  the 
cherry,  or  yellow  by  means  of  a  decoction  of  wolf  moss,  or  red  with  a 
dye  usually  extracted  from  the  bark  of  alder  roots. 

4.  The  stems  of  an  Elymus,  and  rarely  those  of  other  grasses,  were 
substituted  for  reeds.  Grass,  tule,  and  rushes  were  used  for  imbrica- 
tion only  when  bark  was  not  obtainable.  Besides  red  and  black, 
yellow  was  derived  from  the  root  bark  of  the  Oregon  grape,  or  from 
wolf  moss.  These  women  do  not  remember  having  heard  of  the  use 
of  the  inside  bark  of  cedar,  nor  of  that  of  willow  and  elseagnus  bark, 
nor  of  goose  and  porcupine  ciuills.  In  recent  times  good  oat  straw, 
black  dress  goods,  and  the  inner  corn  husks  have  been  introduced  by 
some  in  the  place  of  grass. 

From  these  rather  conflicting  reports  it  may  be  surmised  that  there 
were  many  local  variations  in  the  employment  of  substitutes."  In 
several  areas  it  has  been  ascertained  that  there  was  no  yellow,  while 
in  others  a  few  plants  from  which  this  color  could  be  obtained  seem 
to  have  been  known  and  used.  So  far,  in  all  the  collections,  no 
Thompson  basket  bearing  designs  wrought  in  yellow  material  have 
been  found,  except  one  which  is  unmistakably  modern,  with  grass 
ribbons  colored  with  aniline  dyes.'^ 

For  baby  carriers,  according  to  many  people,  yellow  coloring 
matter  was  obtained  from  the  Oregon  graperoot,  or  from  wolf  moss. 
Red  was  derived  from  the  bark  of  the  alder  or  from  red  paint,  purple 
and  pink  from  berry  juices  and  Chenopodium,  blue  from  the  roots  of 

"  Most  women  prefer  to  leave  a  basket  unfinished  for  a  time  rather  than  substitute  material  which  they 
regard  as  inferior. 

"  Correspondence  with  Mr.  Teit  (1918)  discloses  the  fact  that  several  informants  claim  that  yellow  dye 
was  formerly  used  among  the  Upper  Thompson.  Mr.  Teit  has  seen  only  two  or  three  baskets  on  which 
the  grass  was  dyed  yellow.  The  use  of  this  color  is  said  to  have  been  more  common  among  the  Wenatchi 
and  to  the  south.— F.  B. 


BOASi  GATHERING    OF   MATERIALS  149 

Commandra  pallida  and  decayed  wood,  and  a  green  from  cedar 
leaves  and  other  plants  and  grasses.  None  of  the  colors  produced 
b}'  these  means  was  very  bright,  and  the  brilliant  commercial  dyes 
which  have  now  found  their  way  into  the  region  are  very  much  in 
demand. 

GATHERING  OF  MATERIALS 

The  women  of  the  Upper  Eraser  and  Nicola  bands  gather  much  of 
their  own  cedar  root,  sometimes  traveling  long  distances  into  the 
mountains  to  the  west,  while  the  rest  of  their  supply  is  procvu-ed 
from  the  Uta'mqt,  in  whose  country  large  cedars  grow  close  at 
hand.  The  people  of  some  localities,  for  instance  those  living  along 
the  Thompson  River,  where  cedar,  if  it  grows  at  all,  is  stunted  and 
of  inferior  quality,  purchase  almost  all  of  their  material  from  the 
Uta'rnqt,  either  paying  cash  or,  what  is  more  often  the  case,  by  an 
exchange  of  commodities. 

Sometimes  a  woman  will  buy  a  sufficient  supply  to  last  a  year, 
during  which  period  she  may  complete  from  2  to  10  baskets  of  var- 
ious sizes  in  her  spare  hours.  A  few  Uta'mqt  women  are  professionals, 
devoting  almost  their  entire  time  to  producing  objects  for  sale. 
This  is  especially  true  of  the  older  women  whose  children  are  grown, 
or  who  live  with  friends  and  are  reheved  of  the  responsibility  of 
food  gathering.  Among  the  upper  bands  basket  making  is  always  a 
secondary  occupation. 

The  best  time  for  collecting  roots  for  splints  is  in  June,  although 
they  may  be  gathered  at  any  time  if  the  ground  is  not  frozen.  They 
are  more  easily  pulled  and  split,  however,  in  the  early  summer 
when  the  sap  is  running,  while  if  taken  too  late  the  splitting  becomes 
difficult  and  in  order  to  remove  the  cortex  from  the  roots  it  is  neces- 
sary to  scrape  them,  a  far  more  tedious  process  than  peehng. 

Cedar  trees  are  selected  which  have  long  trailing  roots  of  good 
grain.  The  most  desirable  ones  belong  to  old  large  trees  because 
of  the  superior  toughness  of  their  fiber  and  because  they  are  usually 
found  in  rich  soil.  Trees  growing  in  poor  or  rocky  ground  are  liable 
to  have  gnarled  roots  which  are  often  too  brittle.  When  a  tree  has 
been  selected,  the  soil  is  dug  away  by  picking  and  scraping  with 
digging  sticks,  or  nowadays  with  modern  tools,  until  the  roots  are 
exposed.  Frequently  the  men  assist  in  the  heaviest  part  of  the 
work.  The  uncovered  roots  are  then  examined  as  to  texture,  length, 
and  tliickness.  They  are  seldom  chosen  if  more  than  5  or  7  cm. 
in  diameter  at  the  thickest  end  and  from  2  to  5  m.  in  length.  If 
found  to  be  suitable,  they  are  dug  out  and  cut  off  in  pieces  as  long 
as  possible,  and  taken  home  on  the  back  in  bundles  containing  twenty 
or  more.  To  prevent  them  from  drjnng  out  and  becoming  brittle 
before  further  treatment  can  be  administered,  they  are  buried  in 
damp  earth  or  placed  in  water. 


150  COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  [eth.ann.« 

Reeds  and  grass  for  imbrication  grow  in  swamps.  Certain  Indians 
say  that  they  are  cut  at  about  the  same  season,  that  is,  in  strawberry 
time,  for  then  they  are  not  too  coarse.  They  are  dried  in  the  sun 
and  subsequently  smoked.  Other  informants  say  that  the  grass  is 
cut  in  the  fall,  after  becoming  thorouglily  ripe,  or  even  occasionally 
from  standing  stems  in  the  early  winter.  Only  the  best  stalks  are 
selected  and  these  are  cut  off  close  to  the  joints  so  that  the  pieces 
which  are  free  of  imperfections  may  be  as  long  as  possible. 

Around  Spuzzum,  bark  which  is  used  for  imbrication  is  peeled  from 
the  bushes  in  narrow  strips  as  long  as  can  be  obtained,  a  knife  or 
some  other  sharp  object  aiding  in  the  work.  According  to  Thompson 
and  Lytton  people,  cherry  bark  was  formerly  peeled  from  the  tree  in 
the  same  manner  in  which  birch  bark  was  removed.  The  tree  was 
encircled  with  two  incisions,  the  distance  between  them  depending 
on  the  extent  of  good  bark  available.  These  were  then  connected 
by  a  vertical  slit  which  made  it  possible  to  pry  off  the  band  and  to 
divide  it  into  ribbons  of  the  desired  width.  When  steel  knives  be- 
came common,  the  bark  was  cut  from  the  tree  spirally  in  long  strips 
about  one-half  a  centimeter  wide. 

PREPARATION  OF  MATERIALS 

Coil  and  Sewing  Splints 

After  the  roots  have  been  taken  home  they  are  peeled  or  scraped 
and  the  strips  of  cortex  are  saved  for  tying  bundles  of  grass  or 
splints  or  for  mixing  with  those  of  second  grade  in  coil  foundations. 
The  clean  roots  are  split  and  resplit  with  a  knife  or  a  sharp  awl  until 
the  single  splints  are  about  2  millimeters  wide  and  half  a  milli- 
meter thick.  Good  roots  split  easily.  Strips  which  are  straight 
and  even  in  grain  are  put  aside  for  sewing  purposes,  but  uneven, 
short,  or  brittle  pieces  are  saved  for  padding.  The  finest  splitting 
is  not  always  done  at  the  time  when  the  ro.ot  is  first  roughly  divided 
but  only  just  before  it  becomes  quite  dry.  In  this  work  the  point  of 
the  knife  or  awl  is  inserted  in  the  center  of  the  strip  near  one  end, 
which  causes  it  to  split,  after  wliich  the  two  sections  are  pulled  apart 
with  the  hands.  If  the  piece  does  not  split  straight  along  the  middle 
line,  the  direction  is  corrected  by  cutting  in  with  the  knife  or  the  awl. 
When  very  long  roots  are  divided  it  is  necessary  to  take  a  fresh  hold 
after  pulling  as  far  as  the  outstretched  arms  will  allow.  Sometimes 
two  women  work  conjointly,  or  one  woman  holds  her  strip  in  her  teeth 
and  spreads  the  pieces  apart  gradually  by  inserting  her  fingers  in  the 
crack.  It  requires  only  a  short  time  to  obtain  many  splints  from  a 
good  piece  of  root.  Those  intended  for  sewing  are  made  as  uniform 
in  size  as  possible  and  are  flat,  because  they  are  taken  from  the 
smooth  outside  part  of  the  root  next  to  the  cortex,  but  no  such  care 


BOAS)  PREPARATION    OF   MATERIALS  151 

is  exercised  in  regard  to  the  coil  splints,  which  are  from  the  center 
and  vary  considerably  in  shape,  cross  section,  and  size. 

The  split  sewing  splints,  which  range  from  1  to  3  meters  in  length, 
are  doubled  up  and  tied  in  bundles  about  10  centimeters  in  diameter. 
Generally  all  splints  are  used  their  full  length.  Foundation  splints, 
being  uneven  in  length  and  inferior  in  quality,  are  worth  about  half 
what  is  asked  for  the  others.     (For  prices  see  pages  156,  157.) 

There  are  several  methods  of  tying  these  bundles.  In  the  most 
common  one  the  piece  of  cortex  with  which  the  bundles  are  bound  is 
wound  several  times  around  one  end,  then  spirally  to  the  other, 
where  it  is  again  given  a  few  turns  at  one  place  and  its  end  either 
tied  or  tucked  under.  (Fig.  1.)  Bundles  of  splints  are  also  doubled 
up  and  the  ends  folded  into  the  body  of  the  bundle,  which  is  held 
at  the  center  by  a  strip  of  bark  or  grass  tied  around  it. 

Most  of  the  basket  making  is  done  in  the  winter,  for  the  people 
then  have  more  leisure  for  pursuing  such  work.     Plenty  of  material 
is  soaked  and  prepared  a  day  or  two  beforehand.     First  the  sewing 
splints  are  permitted  to  lie  many 
hours  in  cold  or  tepid  water  until 
pliable.     Nowadays  an  ordinary 
basin  holds  them,  but  long  ago 
the    receptacles    were    medium- 
sized    baskets    of    similar    shape.         ^'°-  '--sketch,  Ulustratmg    tbe    VTrapping   of 
/o         £         0  1  r>n-7  \       rri  sewing  splints 

(See  fig.  31,  p.  207.)     They  are 

next  examined  and  if  their  width  is  found  to  be  irregular  the 
point  of  the  awl  marks  the  amount  to  be  taken  off  at  the  wide 
places,  and  the  superfluous  wood  is  split  off  by  pushing  the  awl 
upward  along  the  splint.  Thus  each  one  is  evened  throughout  its 
length,  and  indeed  some  require  considerable  "planing."  If  the 
excess  material  is  too  little  to  be  split  off  it  is  scraped  away  with  a 
knife.  Those  pieces  which  are  too  thick  throughout  their  entire 
length  are  soaked  for  a  few  minutes  in  hot  water,  which  softens  them 
more  effectually,  and  a  layer  is  then  split  off,  but  if  they  are  merely 
too  thick  in  spots  they  also  are  smoothed  by  scraping  or  by  inserting 
a  thin  knife  blade,  the  finger  nail,  or  a  very  sharp  awl  into  the  wood 
at  one  end  of  the  excess  layer,  which  is  then  stripped  off  with  a  down- 
ward motion.  When  each  splint  has  been  reduced  to  the  desired 
size  one  end  is  sharpened  to  a  point  with  knife  or  scissors  so  that  it 
may  easUy  pass  into  the  hole  made  by  the  awl,  for  no  needles  or 
bodkins  are  used.  If  it  is  not  to  be  used  immediately  it  is  doubled 
up,  usually  twice,  and  tied  in  the  center  in  a  simple  knot  and  thrown 
into  a  basket  to  dry. 

Since  dampness  imparts  to  the  splint  the  pliabUity  necessary  for 
tight  sewing,   and  cold  water  is  not  readily  absorbed,  when  it  is 
53666°— 28 11 


152  COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  [eth.ann.41 

necessary  to  moisten  material  quickly,  hot  or  even  boiling  water  is 
poured  over  it  and  then  the  soaking  requires  only  a  very  brief  time. 
Often  the  splints  are  merely  drawn  through  it  once  or  twice,  for  if 
they  are  permitted  to  become  too  wet  and  spongy  it  is  almost  as 
difficult  to  sew  with  them  as  it  would  be  if  they  were  dry.  Further- 
more, when  soaked  and  swollen  during  sewing  they  are  apt  to  shrink 
afterwards,  leaving  spaces  between  the  stitches;  and,  since  all  basket 
makers  prefer  a  practically  water-tight  product,  precautions  are 
taken  to  avoid  all  unnecessary  shrinkage.  By  holding  the  splints 
in  the  teeth  and  working  them  back  and  forth  with  the  hands,  or 
by  pulling  them  over  the  edge  of  a  sharpened  piece  of  a  deer  antler 
several  times,  much  of  the  stiffness  may  be  eradicated. 

Those  who  are  called  careless  by  their  neighbors  do  not  prepare 
their  material  in  advance,  but  use  it  without  much  preparation. 
They  may  shave  off  the  widest  sections  just  prior  to  sewing  or  even 
after  the  splint  has  been  drawn  into  place.  Consequently,  their 
work  is  very  coarse,  although  in  other  respects,  such  as  in  accuracy  of 
sewing  or  in  shaping  the  basket,  it  may  have  merits. 

In  addition  to  attempting  to  create  a  uniform  thickness  and  width 
throughout  the  extent  of  the  splint,  there  is  an  effort  on  the  part  of 
the  craftswomen  to  have  them  all  conform  to  one  standard  size, 
which  entails  much  labor  as  well  as  waste,  if  the  bundles  secured  in 
trade  are  not  well  graded.  However,  most  packages  are  uniform 
enough  for  ordinary  purposes,  and  wise  purchasers  look  carefully 
to  this  point  when  buying. 

Other  women,  having  acquired  several  lots,  grade  their  splints  in 
regard  to  width,  and  also,  to  a  less  extent,  to  thickness,  sorting  from 
different  bundles.  The  narrow,  thin  pieces  are  put  into  fine  work, 
or  into  smaller  baskets,  and  the  heavier  and  coarser  ones  are  reserved 
for  burden  baskets  and  the  like. 

Grass 

As  has  been  before  stated,  the  grass  stems  that  are  gathered  green 
usually  are  placed  in  the  sun  to  dry  and  then  in  the  smoke  above  a 
fire.  Professional  basket  weavers  next  wash  them  in  water,  dry 
them  again,  remove  the  outer  skin,  cut  them  in  regular  lengths,  and 
put  them  up  in  bundles.  Grass  dried  in  this  fashion  loses  its  color; 
therefore  some  women  prefer  to  place  it  in  a  dry  shady  spot;  thus 
the  original  tint  is  partially  preserved.  In  olden  times,  at  any 
rate  around  Spuzzum,  grass  was  never  dyed,  but  that  is  not  the  case 
now.     The  dyes  have  been  discussed  before. '^ 

For  backgrounds  of  designs  very  white  grass  is  desired.  Wlien  the 
outer  surface  is  dingy  the  blade  is  sometimes  split  and  turned  inside 
out,  for  although  the  natural  polish  of  the  surface  is  then  hidden,  the 
added  whiteness  is  considered  a  compensation.     Boiling,  according 

»  See  p.  147. 


boas] 


PREPAKATION   OF   MATERIALS  153 


to  Hill-Tout,  gives  the  grass  a  silvery,  glistening  appearance  and 
makes  it  easier  to  unroll  and  flatten  the  stems.  If  only  yellow  grass 
is  available  it  is  sometimes  covered  with  diatomaceous  earth,  such  as 
is  used  to  clean  and  whiten  goats'  hair,  and  is  then  beaten  with  a  flat 
stick  on  a  mat  or  skin  until  satisfactorily  bleached.  As  a  rule  those 
stems  which  are  very  yellow,  brown,  or  purple  are  not  prepared, 
because  they  do  not  sell  well,  and  any  stems  which  are  noticeably 
lighter  or  darker  than  the  shade  desired  and  which  are  mixed  in  with 
the  others  are  discarded.  However,  material  of  this  description  is 
not  wasted  because,  since  no  importance  is  attached  to  the  appear- 
ance of  the  bottoms,  it  finds  a  place  there,  even  on  the  finest  prod- 
ucts.    The  women  say,  "  No  one  is  apt  to  notice  the  bottom." 

The  sections  of  stems  which  are  cut  and  arranged  in  bundles  consist 
of  the  smooth  parts  between  the  joints,  and  therefore  vary  in  length. 
When  bundles  are  prepared  for  sale  the  joints  are  not  always  removed, 
but  the  basket  maker  attends  to  this  when  she  begins  her  work.  The 
longest  straws  measure  about  35  centimeters,  the  shortest  from  12  to 
13  centimeters,  while  the  average  length  is  about  25  centimeters. 
The  number  of  straws  in  each  lot  is  supposed  to  be  approximately 
100.  Usually  an  effort  is  made  to  have  all  the  stems  in  one  bundle 
of  the  same  shade,  although  occasionally  odd  ones  are  mixed  in.  They 
are  nearly  all  of  the  same  diameter.  Before  being  used,  the  grass  is 
split  with  the  point  of  the  awl  and  divided  generally  without  diffi- 
culty. It  is  then  pressed  and  smoothed  on  a  flat  surface  with  the  side 
of  the  instrument. 

There  are  other  methods  of  putting  up  bundles  of  straw.  Some 
are  assorted,  the  longest  cut  in  two  and  the  short  ones  left  full  length. 
The  cortex  which  has  been  scraped  from  the  cedar  roots  is  used  to  tie 
them  together.  Two  bundles  are  generally  found  to  be  enough  for 
an  average  amount  of  imbrication  on  a  medium-sized  burden  basket. 

Bark 

After  prying  the  bark  from  the  trees  or  shrubs  and  splitting  it  into 
ribbons  it  is  necessary  to  remove  all  roughness  on  the  under  surface, 
such  as  may  be  caused  by  adhering  parts  of  the  wood.  This  is  done 
by  scraping  with  a  knife  or  sharp  stone,  a  process  which  renders  the 
bark  more  pliable,  especially  at  places  which  cover  knots.  The 
outside  is  carefully  scraped  also  to  remove  the  gra3dsh,  dusty  epi- 
dermis which  is  visible,  especially  on  cherry  bark.  Other  kinds  that 
are  procured  in  the  Lower  Fraser  canyon,  where  the  climate  is  moist, 
also  have  a  gray  epidermis.  After  this  has  been  removed  the  smooth, 
glossy  under  bark  is  exposed.  Careless  women  do  not  take  the 
trouble  to  do  this,  but  merely  chip  off  the  bits  of  wood,  while  others 
in  their  excessive  zeal  or  carelessness  scrape  too  deeply,  destroying 
much  of  the  gloss  and  rich  color  and  cutting  down  to  the  green  sap. 
This  weakens  the  material  so  that  when  it  is  used  in  imbrication  it 
soon  wears  through. 


154 


COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


The  cleaning  is  done  with  a  sharp  knife  on  a  flat  board  or  table. 

In  former  times  bone  knives,  stones,  and  fine-edged  arrowheads  or 
spear  points  were  the  implements  employed,  but  steel  has  been  used 
so  long  now  that  many  women  know  little  or  nothing  about  the  for- 
mer methods  and  tools. 

When  imbricating  or  beading,  thepiecesof  bark  arecutoff  as  required 
and  the  ribbons  split  into  lesser  widths  according  to  the  size  of  the  coil 
to  be  ornamented.  When  several  lines  of  beading  in  var3ring  colors 
are  used  on  a  single  coil,  the  strips  ai-e  necessarily  very  narrow. 

Grass  stems  and  bark  ribbons  as  well  as  splints  are  soaked  just 
before  being  used. 

Tools 

The  tools  needed  in  harvesting  were  not  numerous.  For  uncover- 
ing and  loosening  the  roots,  digging  sticks  and  prj^  bars  were  formerly 
essential,  but  are  mostly  supplanted  by  shovels  and  picks  at  the  pres- 
ent day.  Axes,  hatchets,  and  knives  are  used  for  cutting;  and  knives, 
pieces  of  antler,  and  sharpened  bones  for  peeling. 

In  the  preparation  of  niatcrial  Vjone  awls  served  to  split  the  roots 
and  perforate  the  coils  in  sewing,  while  crooked  pieces  of  antler  were 
employed  to  smooth  the  bark  and  grass.  Awls  were  manufactured 
from  the  front  leg  bones  of  the  deer  and  sharpened  to  very  fine 
points.  Iron  ones  have  come  into  use  only  very  recently.  There 
are  different  sizes  of  awls,  the  small  ones  being  adapted  to  finer  work 
or  for  difficult  places  where  there  is  not  much  room  for  tools  or  hands. 

For  measuring,  the  only  instrument  that  could  be  designated  a 
tool  is  the  piece  of  sewing  splint  sometimes  held  up  to  gauge  the 
proposed  height  of  the  walls. 

Sticks  were  employed  for  holding  out  side  walls  or  flattening 
warped  bottoms  to  which  they  wei'C  lashed. 

Distribution  of  Coiled  Basketry  and  Materials  Used  by  Salish  Tribes 


Tribe 

Materials  used 

Coiled  basketry  1.. 

do 

do 

(') 

Thompson 

(')....- 

do 

do 

Spruce  root. 
do  .  ... 

Okanagon  gi-oup: 

do. 

do 

do 

do 

.do 

Sapwoods. .. 

do.s 

do.» 

do.5 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

{?)-  - 

(?). 

Nespelim  3  * 

Sanpoil  5< 

Colvilles 

Spruce  root- 

do - 

do 

.  ..do  . 

Juniper  root. 
Do. 
Do. 

Columbia  group: 

Columbia  3* 

Wenatchi 

do 

do 

do.i 

.      do...     . 

do - 

do 

do 

Do. 

Coeur  d'AlSne  ' 

....do 

do 

do 

Salish  group; 

do. 

.do 

do.' 

do 

do 

do.     . 

(?) 

(?). 

Kalispel  3  . 

Pcnd  d'Oreille  3 

do ... 

do 

do 

do.s 

do 

Flathead" 

do 

1  Has  been  made  from  time  immemorial,  but  not  now  made  by  most  tribes. 

2  Sapwood  foundation  (Lillooet  and  Thompson  only).  All  the  tribes  made  their  coils  of  a  bundle  of 
spHnts. 

3  Tribes  that  have  not  made  coiled  baskets  for  some  time.  In  some  of  these  tribes  a  few  old  women 
remain  who  made  baskets  in  their  youth.  Basket  making  has  lapsed  the  last  two  or  three  generations. 
The  most  eastern  tribes  stopped  making  them  earliest  owing  to  the  change  in  their  culture  and  the  inaugu- 
ration of  hunting  on  the  plains  after  the  introduction  of  the  horse. 

*  Tribes  that  in  olden  times  made  the  least  basketry. 
'  Not  much  used. 


PREPARATION  OF  MATERIALS 


155 


o  o 

aa 


< 

02 

Q 
2: 


o 

2 

a 
■>: 
s 
CQ 

a 

2 

<; 

o 
g 

o 
S 
n 

PJ 

o 


S'S 


Boo 
a -a -a 


3  B     ■ 


£;t;tMii< 


«T3 

a  a 

•S3 

O  ir    ■    ■ 


:^Xi^cCC^M>< 


■a   -a 

■E     -E 


B    a 


rj  o  o  o  o  o  o 
.aOQQOPP 


^o  o  o 


£;&>;:;> 


jo§a-' 


■3  1  ■  ■ 

Of  1 


tTJt 


2-0 


o  a  ^ 


g  p.u>  sac  3i:.l5'a5 
£^Sg3-a3-S£=g^ 


•o  2 


3   S    g* 


:;>s°g 


156  COILED    BASKETRY   IN   BRITISH    COLUMBIA  [eth.ann.41 

TRADE 

Materials  for  basket  making  are  arranged  in  lots  of  a  more  or  less 
standardized  size  and  are  sold  or  traded  in  this  form.  Bundles  of 
splints,  grass,  and  straw,  and  reels  of  bark  vary  somewhat  in  size, 
therefore  the  prices  set  upon  them  are  not  absolutely  fixed.  Packages 
of  sewing  splints  which  are  10  centimeters  in  diameter  and  about  a 
meter  long  cost  $1,  while  foundation  splints,  being  of  inferior  quality, 
are  to  be  bought  for  half  of  that  sum.  Average-sized  bundles  of 
grass,  measuring  from  15  to  19  centimeters  long  and  6  centimeters 
in  diameter,  cost  50  cents,  but  there  are  25-cent,  75-cent,  and  $1 
sizes  as  well.  Reels  of  bark  about  15  meters  long  and  4  centimeters 
in  diameter  are  50  cents,  with  other  sizes  graded  like  grass 
bundles.  The  ribbons  of  bark  are  not  of  a  standard  width,  but  prices 
do  not  seem  to  depend  on  this.  There  is  usually  much  trimming  to 
be  done  on  all  material  which  is  purchased  and  this  is  especially  true 
of  the  edges  of  bark  ribbon. 

Long  ago  there  was  considerable  trade  in  the  finished  products, 
not  so  much  between  individuals  in  the  same  band  or  between 
neighboring  bands  and  tribes  as  between  people  living  near  the 
Cascade  Mountains  and  those  inhabiting  the  arid  country  farther 
east.  For  reasons  given  elsewhere  the  Cascade  people  had  developed 
a  great  basket  industry,  while  the  eastern  tribes  manxrfactured  very 
few  pieces.  For  instance,  the  Upper  Thompson  did  not  make  enough 
to  supply  their  own  wants,  therefore  they  could  not  trade  with  tribes 
east  of  them  who  had  even  fewer  than  themselves. 

Although  bark  baskets  were  plentiful,  there  was  in  the  east  a 
strong  demand  for  woven  work  which  the  western  tribes  tried  to 
meet.  Therefore  they  produced  more  than  they  needed  for  home  use. 
The  Lytton  and  Upper  Fraser  divisions,  although  living  in  the  arid 
country,  were  nevertheless  near  the  Cascades.  Although  they 
did  manufacture  a  few  baskets  for  sale,  they  never  had  a  surplus. 
The  people  of  Spences  Bridge  and  the  Shuswap  who  were  their 
neighbors  are  reported  to  have  made  very  few.  The  latter  obtained 
theirs  from  Lytton  and  Lillooet,  while  occasionally  the  southern 
part  of  the  tribe  seriously  depleted  the  scant  supply  belonging  to  the 
northern  branch.  The  StuwI'x  (Athapascan),  also  near  at  hand, 
made  none  whatever,  but  satisfied  their  needs  by  purchasing  from  the 
west,  principally  from  the  Lower  Thompson.  Very  few  Lower 
Thompson  baskets  went  up  the  Fraser,  because  at  that  time  the 
people  living  along  its  banks  made  all  they  required.  Moreover, 
the  trade  route  for  basketry  from  then-  region  was  interrupted  by  a 
cross  route  from  the  direction  of  the  Lower  Lillooet,  which  reached 
the  Fraser  River  at  Lillooet  and  at  Bridge  River.  For  similar  reasons 
very  few  Lillooet  specimens  traveled  south,  because  in  tliis  direction 


boas] 


TRADE  157 


and  to  the  east  the  Lower  Thompson  controlled  the  situation.  There- 
fore Lillooet  baskets  rarely  found  their  way  beyond  the  Shuswap  and 
Chilcotin,  and  not  many  came  that  far.  It  is  doubtful  if  any  ever 
reached  the  Carrier  and  tribes  bej^ond  the  Shuswap,  while  at  Kam- 
loops,  which  seems  to  have  been  the  farthest  point  for  trade  toward 
the  southeast,  they  were  only  rarely  seen.  Thompson  baskets,  on 
the  other  hand,  traveled  there  in  greater  numbers,  but  the  majority 
were  of  Shuswap  manufacture.  The  Thompson,  besides  trading 
with  the  Shuswap,  almost  entirely  supplied  the  needs  of  the  Nicola 
and  Similkameen  and  probably  largely  those  of  the  Okanagon,  al- 
though some  Wenatchi  baskets  traveled  to  them  also. 

It  has  not  been  learned  whether  or  not  the  Thompson  products 
reached  the  Lake  or  Kutenai  tribes.  Evidently  few  went  beyond  the 
Okanagon  to  the  Sanpoil  or  Colville. 

The  following  information  as  to  prices  paid  by  the  Spences  Bridge 
and  Nicola  people  to  those  of  Lytton  and  Lower  Thompson  about 
1850  comes  from  old  Spences  Bridge  informants. 

The  largest-sized  burden  basket  was  exchanged  for  any  of  the 
following : 

One  secondhand  buffalo-skin  robe. 
One  secondhand  man's  buckskin  shirt  with  fringes. 
One  secondhand  woman's  skin  dress  with  fringes. 
One  large  dressed  buckskin  of  the  best  quality. 
One  medium-sized  dressed  buckskin  and  half  of  a  doeskin. 
One  and  one-half  fathoms  of  flat  disk-shaped  beads. 

Two  and  one-half  fathoms  of  flat  disk-shaped  beads,  alternating  with  large 
blue  glass  beads. 

Two  and  one-half  fathoms  of  dentalia. 

Twelve  packages  of  Indian  hemp  bark. 

Six  packages  of  Indian  hemp  twine. 

Ten  cakes  of  service  berries  mashed  and  dried. 

Ten  cakes  of  soaplierries  mashed  and  dried. 

Ten  bundles  of  bitterroot  peeled  and  dried. 

One  Hudson's  Bay  tomahawk  or  ax. 

One  secondhand  copper  kettle  of  medium  or  small  size. 

One  steel  trap  (?). 

One  secondhand  flintlock  musket. 

These  were  only  the  principal  commodities  which  could  be  traded 
for  baskets.    Many  others  were  also  media  of  exchange. 
One  average-sized  basket  brought — 

Two  good-sized  woven  mats  of  tule  or  rushes.  These  were  for  food,  bed,  or 
floor. 

Two  woven  bags  of  Indian  hemp  or  elseagnus  twine. 
One  pair  of  secondhand  lone  leggings  with  fringes. 
One  good  doeskin. 


158  COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  [eth.ann.41 

One  small  basket  (probably  the  smallest  burden  basket  orspa'nSk") 
was  exchanged  for — 

One  pair  of  secondhand  leggings  of  Hudson's  Bay  cloth  (red  or  blue). 

One  secondhand  Hudson's  Bay  cloth  coat  (white  or  blue). 

One  pair  of  men's  ordinary  new  moccasins. 

One  piece  of  heavy  buckskin,  enough  to  make  a  pair  of  moccasins  for  a  man. 

Two  of  the  largest-size  baskets,  burden  or  kettle  shapes,  or  one 
large  .stluk'*  imbricated  all  over,  together  with  one  small  basket, 
purchased  one  2-year-old  male  broken  horse. 

All  of  the  baskets  traded  were  new,  of  good  material  and  work- 
manship, and  imbricated.  One  of  noticeably  inferior  make  would  not 
be  worth  as  much. 

Spuzzum  informants  state  that  in  the  old  days  a  dugout  canoe  was 
worth  a  great  deal  more  than  the  best  basket.  If  any  canoe  was 
ever  traded  for  one  the  latter  must  have  been  unusually  large  and 
fine  and  included  among  other  articles  offered  in  the  transaction  or 
else  the  canoe  must  have  been  very  small  and  old. 

Among  the  Lower  Thompson  imbricated  baskets  were  of  much 
less  value,  but  no  satisfactory  information  concerning  trade  customs 
at  this  period  could  be  obtained.  It  seems  that  prices  varied  much 
even  among  themselves  and  in  some  cases  baskets  were  to  be  bought 
for  very  little. 

The  Upper  Uta'mqt  and  Lytton  informants  on  the  whole  verified 
the  statements  made  by  people  of  the  Spences  Bridge  division  as  to 
the  prices  paid  by  the  upper  division.  With  them  dressed  buckskin 
or  leather  was  the  chief  article  of  exchange  because  of  the  abundance 
of  deer  in  their  country. 

They  said  that  a  new,  ordinarily  good-sized  burden  basket  measur- 
ing about  30  or  35  centimeters  in  height  and  decorated  with  an 
average  amount  of  imbrication  would  bring  an  ordinary  dressed 
buckskin. 

A  big  basket,  one  of  the  burden  variety  of  the  largest  size,  or  a 
huge  kettle  basket,  or  a  good-sized  .stluk  would  be  worth  from  one 
and  one-half  to  two  good  buckskins.  A  smaller  size,  such  as  a  spa'nek 
or  spa'pEUEk'*  or  a  large  bowl,  jmt-shape  or  round  basket,  imbri- 
cated all  over,  might  be  exchanged  for  one  dressed  doeskin. 

The  largest  .stluk  size,  when  enth-ely  covered  with  imbrication, 
could  be  exchanged  for  two  or  three  buckskins  and  sometimes  for  as 
many  as  four,  if  the  basket  were  of  imusual  size  or  ornamented  with 
striking  designs  which  attracted  the  buyer.  Such  baskets  always 
brought  more,  whatever  were  the  kinds  or  shapes.  Prices  really 
depended  on  the  size  and  the  amoimt  of  ornamentation,  the  latter 
being  evidence  of  the  great  amount  of  labor  and  time  expended. 
According  to  the  informants  the  manufacture  of  large  wholly  imbri- 
cated baskets  seems  to  be  steadily  decreasing. 

»  See  p.  197. 


BOAS] 


THE    TECHNIQUE    OF    COILING  159 


Besides  trading  with  the  people  of  the  interior  the  Lower  Thompson 
also  sold  baskets  to  the  Lower  Eraser  people  on  the  coast  who  formerly 
did  not  make  coiled  ])asketry,  and  the  Lower  Lillooet  did  the  same. 
Usually  Thompson  baskets  were  used  from  Chilliwack  east  and 
south,  while  Lillooet  products  were  seen  lower  down,  or  to  the  M^est. 
Thompson  baskets  also  crossed  the  line  to  Nootsak  and  beyond,  in 
the  State  of  Washington.  A  few  appear  to  have  reached  the  Skagit 
and  neigliboring  tribes,  who  also  received  occasional  Wenatchi  speci- 
mens from  east  of  the  Cascades. 

Nothing  definite  was  learned  regarding  prices  paid  by  the  coast 
tribes  for  Thompson  wares,  but  it  is  known  that  the  dugout  canoes 
before  mentioned,  woolen  blankets  of  coarsely  spun  goat's  hair,  the 
best  quality  of  grass  stems  for  imbrication,  and  shells  were  some 
of  the  articles  of  exchange. 

THE  TECHNIQUE  OF  COILING 

The  Indians  say  that  formerly  great  care  was  exercised  in  making 
baskets,  in  regard  to  -size,  evenness,  and  regularity  of  stitching, 
and  that  the  people  were  especially  particular  in  their  selection  of 
materials.  On  the  whole,  coils  and  sewing  were  smaller  and  the 
work  tighter  than  is  customary  in  modern  times.  The  greatest 
attention  and  skill  was  lavished  on  fancy  baskets,  although  it  is 
said  that  the  modern  fancy  types  were  not  made  long  ago.  The 
term  applies  to  forms  not  serving  for  general  household  pmposes, 
such  as  women's  workbaskets,  gift,  or  water  baskets. 

Now  a  much  coarser  technique  prevails  for  all  kinds,  as  it  has 
been  found  to  answer  about  as  well  and  requires  less  time,  but  the 
finer  work  has  not  altogether  disappeared;  in  fact,  exquisitely 
delicate  workmanship  is  discovered  on  some  of  the  modern  fancy 
shapes,  which  are  offered  for  the  tourist  trade  or  used  for  special 
purposes  by  the  people  themselves. 

While  not  much  information  has  been  obtained  as  to  the  work  of 
beginners,  all  the  women  declare  they  are  much  slower  and  more 
awkward  than  experts.  They  are  apt  to  use  too  large  coils  and  their 
stitching  is  coarse  and  irregular.  There  is  great  individual  variation. 
Some  beginners  do  very  poor  work,  while  others,  even  when  quite 
young,  almost  equal  experienced  women.  Some  are  much  more  care- 
ful and  neat,  having  a  very  good  eye  and  judgment,  as  well  as  ability 
to  learn  rapidly.  It  is  easy  for  the  experienced  women  to  tell  who 
will  become  good  basket  makers  and  who  will  never  exceed 
mediocrity. 

Because  some  women  have  learned  to  make  certain  forms  better 
than  others  they  confine  themselves  almost  entirely  to  their  manu- 
facture. The  old  women  seem  to  make  chiefly  burden  and  circular 
baskets  or  oblong  trays.     It  may  be  because  these  were  the  foi'ms 


160  COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  Ieth.ann.41 

most  generally  iii  use  in  their  younger  days  and  that,  therefore,  they 
are  easier  for  them  to  make. 

The  character  of  coiled  basketry  depends  upon  the  foundation 
material  of  the  coil,  its  arrangement,  size,  and  flexibility,  and  the 
way  in  which  the  coils  are  stitched  together.  Among  the  tribes 
here  considered,  as  has  been  previously  mentioned,  the  foundation 
is  a  bunch  of  splints  of  irregular  cross  section,  varying  in  size  and 
length,  which  are  packed  together  and  tightly  sewed  with  thin, 
fairly  uniform  sewing  splints  of  the  same  material.  The  method  of 
sewing  has  already  been  touched  upon.  The  foundation  is  perforated 
by  means  of  a  sharp  awl,  the  sewing  splint  is  passed  away  from  the 
worker  through  the  hole  with  the  right  hand  until  the  butt  end  nearly 
disappears,  the  splint  is  carried  back  up  over  the  coil  toward  the  per- 
son manipulating  it,  down  in  front  and  through  a  second  hole  wliich 
the  awl  has  made  just  to  the  right  of  the  first  one.  It  covers  and 
catches  the  coil  material  just  to  the  right  of  the  first  stitch,  and  is 

finally  pulled  into  place,  the  stitch  being 

^.y^"^  drawn  as  taut  as  is  possible,  sometimes 

\^  being  assisted  into  "  se  ttling  "  by  a  sharp 

tapping  with  the  awl.     The  repetition  of 

Fig.  2.— Sketch  of  awl  ,  V'^      "  .  ,  ,      ■  ,. 

this  process  constitutes  tiie  technique  oi 
sewing  the  coils  to  each  other.  If  the  splint  is  long,  it  may  be  puUed 
through  a  little  way  before  the  worker  takes  a  fresh  hold  on  it  nearer 
to  the  basket.  Any  interlocking  of  stitches  is  purely  incidental  to 
piercing  the  coil;  furcation  of  stitches  depends  upon  the  closeness  of 
sewing.     There  is  no  attempt  at  regular  furcation. 

All  coiling,  unless  it  is  by  left-handed  persons,  is  from  left  to 
right,  or  clockwise.  The  awl  (fig.  2)  is  held  in  the  right  hand 
between  the  thumb  and  forefinger  while  the  rim  of  the  basket  is 
grasped  with  the  left  thumb  and  forefinger.  The  awl  is  usually 
held  between  the  second  and  third  fingers  or  else  dropped  in  the 
lap  while  the  splint  is  being  pulled  into  place.  Before  inserting 
the  sewing  strip  the  women  usually  pass  the  whole  splint  through 
the  fingers  of  the  right  hand  in  order  to  keep  it  from  twisting. 
The  end  is  kept  well  pointed.  Wlien  it  frays  the  fringes  are  split 
off  with  the  awl.  While  the  hole  is  being  made,  some  individuals 
keep  the  splint  taut  by  seizing  it  in  the  teeth;  others  hold  it  with 
the  left  forefinger  and  thumb,  in  the  meantime  supporting  the  basket 
with  the  other  fingers.  In  making  bottoms  the  awl  is  inserted  at 
right  angles  to  the  plane  of  the  work  which  is  held  almost  vertically 
in  front  of  the  person,  but  in  constructing  flaring  sides  it  is  driven 
very  slightly  upward  and  to  the  left,  the  coil  being  pushed  out  a 
little  at  each  stitch.  In  constricting  the  coils  it  is  thrust  a  little 
downward  and  to  the  right,  the  bunch  of  splints  being  pulled  very 
taut  in  the  same  direction  with  the  fingers  of  the  left  hand.  With 
practice  these  movements  become  quite  automatic. 


BOAa]  THE    TECHNIQUE    OF    COILING  161 

In  making  bottoms  and  lids,  if  the  coils  are  not  carefully  per- 
forated at  right  angles  to  the  plane  and  the  awl  inclines  one  way 
or  the  other  (and  many  women  do  not  seem  to  be  aware  that  they 
hold  the  awl  obliquely),  the  result  is  a  bottom  or  lid  which  is  not 
quite  flat. 

The  tightest  sewing  is  preferred,  and  when  finished  a  well-made 
basket  is  far  harder  and  stiiler  than  Bristol  board.  The  stitches 
completely  liide  the  foundation. 

With  the  exception  of  rim  or  foot  coils,  or  of  a  few  which  are  placed 
at  the  curve  between  bottom  and  side  walls,  the  coils  in  one  piece 
of  work  are  supposed  to  be  uniform  in  size,  and  they  usually  are. 
Since  the  foundation  splints  are  of  uneven  thickness  and  length, 
new  ones  must  be  added  from  time  to  time  to  replace  others  that 
are  used  up  and  thus  maintain  the  original  thickness.  These  are 
slipped  in,  a  few  at  a  time,  from  two  or  three  up  to  five  or  sLx,  as 
occasion  demands.  Their  selection  and  incorporation  into  the  coil 
requires  a  nice  discrimination  of  sight  and  of  touch,  for  one  or  two 
which  are  too  thick  or  of  faulty  cross  section  might  easily  create  a 
lump  or  a  depression.  Their  length  does  not  matter.  When  fresh 
material  is  added,  that  already  in  place  is  lifted  up  slightly  with  the 
left  hand,  and  the  new  is  laid  in  underneath,  the  ends  being  pushed 
in  as  far  as  they  will  go,  up  tightly  against  the  last  stitch.  The 
following  stitch  catches  the  new  ends,  and  holds  them  firmly  together 
with  the  old  splints.  The  number  introduced  varies  greatly  ac- 
cording to  the  nature  and  requirements  of  the  coil.  Often  witliin 
five  minutes'  work  none  are  added.  One  woman  inserted  two  at 
the  end  of  4  minutes  and  two  again  after  another  10  minutes. 
Another  added  three,  and  after  7  minutes  two  more,  and  then 
none  until  12  minutes  had  elapsed. 

The  uniformity  of  the  coil  is  gauged  by  eye,  and  more  especially 
by  feeling,  the  right  forefinger  and  thumb,  but  sometimes  the  left, 
pinching  the  bunch  from  3  to  8  centimeters  ahead  of  the  sewing. 
No  other  regulating  devices  are  employed.  Baskets  of  the  same  size 
ordinarily  have  coils  which  are  approximately  equal ,  although  possibly 
containing  a  different  number  of  splints,  depending  somewhat  on  the 
size  of  these.  The  number  of  splints  for  the  coils  of  the  same  basket 
also  varies.  There  are  often  from  one  to  five  less  in  some  places 
than  in  others,  while  the  same  sized  coils  in  one  basket  may  be  com- 
posed of  as  few  as  one-fifth  to  two-fifths  of  the  total  amount  employed 
in  the  coils  of  another. 

As  an  example,  some  observations  are  here  given  on  the  number 
used  in  making  medium-sized  circular  baskets  by  certain  informants 
who  themselves  pay  little  attention  to  how  many  are  included, 
provided  a  proper  sized  coil  is  the  result.  In  some  instances  the 
opinions  of  others  concerning  the  work  of  a  particular  woman  are 
also  included. 


162  COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  [eth.  ann.41 

Informant"  No.  1. — 10  splints;  considered  much  coarser  tiian  the  average. 

Informant  No.  2. — 16  splints. 

Informant  No.  3. — 13  splints;  considered  thick. 

Informant  No.  4. — 20  splints;  varied  from  19  to  25;  considered  fine  and  thin 

Informant  No.  5. — 15  splints;  varied  from  14  to  17. 

Informant  No.  7. — 20  splints. 

Informant  No.  9. — 19  splints. 

Informant  No.  10. — 22  splints. 

The  first  observation  relates  to  a  basket  slightly  larger  than  those 
made  by  informants  Nos.  3,  4,  and  5.  In  the  different  specimens 
the  coils  appeared  about  alike,  except  in  that  made  by  No.  1.  Even 
there  they  seemed  only  a  little  larger  than  the  average,  while  that 
constructed  by  No.  4  had  coils  which,  if  they  differed  at  all,  did  not 
seem  noticeably  thinner  to  the  investigator. 

No.  25,  who  seems  to  have  been  a  particularly  fine  craftswoman, 
well  informed  as  to  her  materials  and  technique,  and  a  very  careful 
worker,  had  20  to  24  splints  per  coil  in  her  burden  basket,  most  of 
which  were  necessarily  quite  fine  with  only  a  few  coarse  ones  among 
them.  No.  30  employed  23  to  28  in  hers,  some  of  which  were  very 
fine  and  only  a  few  coarse.  No.  24  had  17  to  23.  No.  22  used 
nearly  the  same  number,  but  hers  varied  more  in  size  than  those 
of  No.  24.  Nos.  12  and  13  said  people  paid  practically  no  attention 
to  the  number  of  splints,  their  one  idea  being  to  produce  a  uniform 
coil  of  the  proper  thickness  for  the  kind  of  basket  under  construction, 
and  that  thick  and  thin  splints  together  were  more  easily  handled 
than  those  all  of  a  size.  They  declared  that  fine  splints  should  be 
combined  with  thicker  ones,  even  in  fine  baskets,  because  the  coarse 
furnished  the  heavy  filling,  the  others  fitting  into  the  chinks.  Those 
who  use  only  fine  ones  spend  much  time  to  no  real  advantage.  If  a 
woman's  supply  does  not  contain  enough  of  these,  she  reduces  some 
coarse  ones  before  beginning  work. 

About  half  of  the  informants,  and  especially  No.  1,  roll  the  coil 
splints  between  their  fingers  at  the  place  where  they  intend  to  make 
a  sphce.  This  makes  the  coil  round  and  fits  the  splints  close  together. 
Five  of  the  women  before  stitching  very  frequently  drew  the  point 
of  the  awl  once  or  twice  thi-ough  the  loose  coil  splints,  from  where 
they  were  sewed  at  the  left,  to  their  ends  at  the  right.  Sometimes 
the  tips  of  the  fingers  were  used  instead.  Many  did  not  attempt  to 
manipulate  the  splints  at  all.  The  explanation  of  those  who  did  so 
was  that  the  process  spread  and  straightened  them  and  prevented 
their  becoming  entangled. 

Any  parts  of  the  coil  splints  that  seem  to  make  the  coil  too  tliick  are 
spht  or  pared  down  far  enough  to  prevent  their  spoiling  the  outlines. 
Where  necessary  the  thick  part  is  cut  off.  Some  women  are  more 
particular  about  these  points  than  others,  but  aU  pay  some  attention 

15  See  list  of  informants,  pp.  431  et  seq. 


BOAS] 


THE    TECHNIQUE    OF    COILING  163 


to  them.  From  time  to  time  the  basket  is  held  off  for  a  critical  in- 
spection of  the  evenness  of  the  coils,  and  if  a  finished  round  displays 
any  irregularity  care  is  taken  to  correct  it  by  properly  adjusting  the 
size  of  the  next  coil,  so  that  it  will  fill  a  depression  or  allow  for  a  lump 
in  that  just  completed.  (PI.  1,  b,  c.)  To  even  up  minor  inaccuracies 
the  sewing  splint  is  tightened  and  tapped  home  harder  and  oftener 
while  sewing.  If  the  fault  can  not  be  remedied  in  one  round  it  is 
usually  accomplished  in  the  second  or  third.  Careless,  inexperienced, 
or  blind  workers  are  not  able  to  correct  defects,  and  their  baskets 
often  have  a  noticeable  waviness  at  the  rim. 

The  differences  in  size  of  coil  as  made  by  individual  women  are 
slight,  and  seldom  noticeable  on  finished  baskets.  Experts  who  de- 
tect very  minute  variations  say  that  certain  coils  are  too  thick  or 
too  thin  for  a  given  size  and  kind  of  basket,  for,  roughly  speaking, 
little  ones  should  have  smaller  coils  than  large  ones,  otherwise  they 
will  appear  clumsy.  They  occasionally  criticize  work  as  being  too 
rigid,  though  as  a  rule  this  is  considered  a  "good  fault,"  except  in 
very  small  pieces,  flexibility  being  more  often  the  reason  for  disap- 
proval. Coils  of  average  thickness,  tightly  sewed  to  render  them 
rigid,  are  deemed  best  for  trays,  for  unless  these  are  stiff  they  are 
utterly  worthless. 

Rigidity  is  obtained  by  a  thickness  of  coils  sufficient  for  the  size 
and  proposed  use  of  the  basket,  by  closeness  of  stitches,  by  much 
wetting  of  both  coil  and  sewing  material,  and  especially  by  the  tight- 
ness of  the  loop  drawn  around  the  coil  which  is  accentuated  by  the 
tapping.  This  is  done  with  the  middle  of  the  awl,  which  is  held  near 
its  point  in  the  right  hand,  thus  allowing  all  the  weight  possible  to 
be  added  to  the  blow;  the  left  hand  meanwhile  pulls  whatever  slack 
there  may  be. 

On  small  workbaskets  and  the  like,  the  coils  never  can  be  too  fine, 
but  the  making  requires  more  time.  Baskets  of  very  delicate  work- 
manship are  naturally  more  valuable  because  of  this  quality  end  on 
account  of  the  greater  amount  of  time  and  labor  expended  on  them, 
but  they  are  not  judged  any  better  as  objects  of  utility,  and  therefore 
are  not  often  made.  All  women  follow  to  a  degree  the  rule  of  grading 
the  size  of  coil  to  suit  that  of  the  basket,  but  some,  if  they  have  been 
in  the  habit  of  making  chiefly  one  or  another  size,  find  it  hard  to  alter 
their  "hand."  As  with  om-selves,  however,  there  are  those  who  are 
very  adaptable  and  who  can  change  about  without  difficulty. 

The  frequency  with  which  splints  are  moistened  depends  upon  the 
dryness  of  the  weather  and  the  condition  of  the  fiber;  that  is,  whether 
it  is  pliable  or  brittle  from  long  seasoning;  and  also  upon  the  inch- 
vidual  handling  it.  If  the  splint  is  new  or  has  been  soaked  well 
beforehand  it  requires  very  little  wetting  during  sewing.  While 
some  women  dampen  it  about  every  5  to  10  minutes  others  dip  the 
hand  in  water  and  rub  the  splint  they  are  working  with  every  three 
or  four  stitches. 


164 


COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA 


[ETH.  ANN    41 


No.  3  said  that  her  fellow  workers  thought  she  made  very  rigid 
coils,  although  she  believed  they  were  no  larger  than  the  average. 
She  was  in  the  habit  of  pulling  her  stitches  very  tight  and  possibly 
she  wet  the  material  oftener  than  others,  but  she  was  not  sure  of  this. 
She  considered  rigidity,  even  in  very  small  baskets,  to  be  not  unde- 
sirable, notwithstanding  the  opinions  of  her  friends,  and  could  see  no 
advantage  in  flexibility.  No.  9  was  often  criticized  for  the  same  trait 
as  No.  3,  but  she  did  not  attempt  to  justify  herself,  merely  remarking 
that  she  always  had  made  baskets  in  this  manner  and  did  not  think 
that  she  could  do  any  differently.  She  did  not  seem  clear  as  to  why 
her  work  had  this  character,  but  thought  perhaps  her  coils  were  a 
httle  too  thick,  and  was  of  the  opinion  that  thin  walls  were  a  necessary 
factor  in  flexibility. 

Bottoms  of  spiral  coil,  when  intended  for  rectangular  baskets,  are 
given  the  required  shape  by  the  introduction  of  a  few  short,  fine, 
extra  splints  into  the  foundation  at  each  round,  where  corners  are 
desired.  Thus  the  oval  gradually  assumes  a  rectangular  form  (see 
p.  173).  Certain  women  also  flatten  the  bunch  of  splints  at  these 
places  by  pressing  it  down  and  out  with  their  fingers  or  pinching 
it  out  as  they  sew.  This  assists  the  widening  process  and  prevents 
lumps. 

About  50  baskets  of  various  kinds  were  examined  with  the  aid  of 
several  basket  makers  in  order  to  obtain  the  consensus  of  their  opin- 
ions regarding  the  proper  size  of  the  coil  in  relation  to  the  kind 
and  size  of  the  basket.  The  following  table  is  the  result  of  this 
investigation : 


Kitui  of  basket 


Nut  shape '-__ 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Barrel   shape. 

Do 

Do 


Cup.  _ 
Bowl_ 


Size  of  bjasket 


Small,. 
do- 


Large.  . 
do. 

Small.. 

Large. . 
do_ 


Small. 


Do Medium  large 6-7 

Do do 5-6 

Do do 8-9 

Large  boiler  size 8 

1  For  the  names  of  the  shapes  see  pp.  197  et  seq 


Diameter 
of  coil 


Mm. 

&-6 

7-8 

6-7 

8 

6 

6 

5-6 

5 

5-6 


Comments 


About  right. 

Unnecessarily  thick. 

About  right. 

Unnecessarily  thick. 

About  right. 
Do. 

Right    but     considered     by 
some  to  be  rather  ton  fine. 

Very  good;   6  mm.    consid- 
ered as  right  by  some. 

Right  (no   small  bowls   had 
coils  over  6  mm.). 

About  right. 

Right. 

Too  thick. 

Good. 


BOAS] 


THE    TECHNIQUE    OF    COILING 


165 


Kind  of  basket 


Size  of  basket 


Diameter 
of  coil 


Comments 


Triangular- 
Do 


SmaU-- 
do. 


Oblong,  box  shape  . 

Do 

Spoon 

Tray 

Do 


Medium  (fancy). 
Large  (fancy) 


SmaU._ 
do. 


Mm. 
5-6 
4-5 


6 
6-7 
6-7 
6-7 
4^5 


Do. 


Large. 


Burden  baskets: 
Spa'pEnEk_. 

Do_... 

Do..-. 
Spa'ngk 

Do 

Tsi.'a 


Medium. 


Baby  carriers  '- 
Do.  2 

Do.  2 


7 

6 

9 

6-7 

8 
7 


38 
3  7 

3  10 


Right. 

Right;  considered  fine  work 

but  not  too  fine  for  fancy 

basket. 
Right. 
Good. 
Do. 
Do. 
Unnecessarily  fine  but  right 

because   sufficiently   rigid. 

It  was  claimed   that  this 

size  of  coil  would  be  too 

small    for    a    large    tray. 

The    tray    would    be    too 

flexible. 
Good;     one     with     6     mm. 

coils  also  passed;  one  with 

9    mm.    coils    considered 

too  thick. 

Good. 

Passed. 

Too  thick. 

Good. 

Not  too  thick. 

The  best;  but  some  thought 
8  mm.  better;  one  meas- 
uring 6  was  not  too  flex- 
ible. 

Good. 

Passed. 

Unnecessarily  thick;  did  not 
look  well. 


2  Partly  flat,  partly  round  coil.  °  For  round  coil. 

From  tliis  table  it  would  seem  that  coils  5  to  6  mm.  in  diameter 
(in  most  of  the  baskets  6  mm.)  are  considered  to  be  the  best  size  for 
small  baskets,  irrespective  of  shape  or  purpose.  The  coils  of  fancy 
baskets  range  around  a  diameter  of  5  mm.,  although  smaller  ones 
are  not  objected  to.  In  medium-sized  baskets  6  to  7  mm.  is  a  good 
coil  diameter,  while  the  larger,  heavier  baskets  requhe  7  to  S  mm. 
For  large  .stluk  or  storage  baskets  coils  of  8  to  9  mm.  are  considered 
not  too  tliick.  One  with  a  coil  which  appeared  to  be  about  10  mm. 
tliick  (though  not  measured)  was  condemned  as  being  imnccessarily 
clumsy.  No  difference  is  discernible  in  regard  to  size  of  coUs  for  the 
different  divisions  of  the  tribe,  and  it  seems  the  people  are  not  aware 
of  any.  The  differences  in  size  of  coil  and  rigidity  are  all  individual 
witliin  the  Thompson  area,  although  Lillooet  baskets  are  usually  as  a 


166  COILED   BASKETRY   IN   BRITISH   COLUMBIA  [eth.ann.41 

class  of  much  heavier  coil.  One  tray  made  by  a  Lytton  woman  has 
coils  4  mm.  and  stitches  about  2.5  mm.  wide,  while  the  coils  of  a 
rattle  from  Spuzzum  are  about  3.5  mm.  and  the  stitches  about  2.3 
mm.  wide.  These  are  considered  by  all  those  consulted  to  be  of  fine 
workmanship  or,  as  they  say,  good  examples  of  a  "thin  hand." 
Occasionally  near  the  rims  of  baskets  the  coil,  instead  of  being  laid 
flat  and  sewed  to  the  previous  coil,  touches  it  only  at  intervals,  being 
pulled  up  into  loops  and  wrapped  instead  of  sewed  where  it  does  not 
come  into  contact  with  the  preceding  round.  This  style  of  finishing 
the  rim  will  be  taken  up  in  detail  under  the  section  entitled  "  Structure 
of  baskets."  It  is  sufficient  to  note  here  the  occasional  increased 
size  of  such  looped  coils  or  of  the  horizontal  ones  which  sometimes 
top  them  and  act  as  the  rim  proper.  Greater  durability  is  vouch- 
safed as  the  reason  for  the  larger  diameter,  as  it  is  in  many  similar 
cases. 

Of  10  trays  measured,  2  had  plain  rim  coils  thicker  than  those  com- 
posing the  main  part  of  the  structure.      Their  diameters  are  given. 
Basket  No.  1. — Rim  coil  8  to  9  mm.;  others  6  mm. 
Basket  No.  2. — Rim  coil  8  to  9  mm. ;  others  7  mm. 
Two  had  looped  tops  which  differed  in  size  from  the  rest  of  the 
coils. 

No.  1. — Average  coil  5  mm.,  loop  coil  3  to  4  mm.,  rim  coil  6  mm. 
No.  2. — ^Average  coil  7  mm.,  loop  coil  8  mm.,  rim  coil  7  mm. 
This  second  basket  had  low,  abruptly  sloping  sides,  and  the  coil 
where  sides  and  bottom  met  was  rather  thick  (8  mm.  in  diameter). 
Trays  more  frequently  had  coils  of  uniform  thickness  throughout, 
while  other  forms  often  displayed  rims  thicker  than  the  rest.  Again, 
many  loopwork  rims  were  thinner  than  the  body,  so  it  is  not  justifi- 
able to  make  any  generalization  in  regard  to  this  point;  but  what- 
ever may  have  been  true  of  these  special  parts,  the  coils  in  the  walls 
are  as  like  each  other  as  handwork  will  permit. 

One  spa'nek  basket  was  pecuhar.  The  bottom  was  of  round 
coils  averaging  7  mm.  in  diameter,  while  the  coils  of  the  connecting 
part  of  the  lower  side  walls  were  8  mm.  From  this  point  on,  the 
sides  of  the  basket  consisted  of  slats  of  wood  combined  with  sphnts 
in  the  same  WTapping,  lending  a  pronouncedly  corrugated  effect  and 
creating  a  unique  "coil"  the  cross  section  of  which  was  triangular. 
The  sphnts  were  laid  on  the  slats  on  the  inside  of  the  basket.  These 
coils  averaged  12  mm.,  while  the  rim,  which  was  round,  was  about 
7  mm.  in  diameter.  The  maker  said  she  used  slats  in  order  to  build 
up  the  sides  more  quickly,  though  it  is  not  clear  how  this  could  have 
been  accomphshed,  as  there  was  almost  as  much  sewing  to  do  as 
when  pursuing  the  old  method,  and  the  building  up  of  the  coil  by 
means  of  sphnts  on  the  inside,  to  say  nothing  of  preparing  the  slats, 
required  no  httle  time.     It  seems  rather  that  a  saving  of  sphnt 


boas] 


STRUCTURE    OF   BASKETS  167 


material  was  involved.  Her  other  reason  is  more  intelligible,  namely, 
that  she  "washed  to  ornament  her  coLls  with  a  beading  which  ran  under 
and  over  the  "^Tapping  stitches  and  which  was  composed  of  wide 
strips  of  bark,  necessitating  a  wide,  flat  coil  surface.  She  used  rather 
coarse  sphnts  for  padding  so  as  to  make  the  walls  thicker  and  stronger. 
The  finest  specimens  of  workmanship  show  about  four  or  five 
stitches  and  three  coils  to  the  centimeter.  On  most  baskets  of  mod- 
ern make  there  are  about  thi'ee  stitches  and  two  coUs  to  the  centi- 
meter, but  a  few  of  the  best  examples  of  fine  work  have  four  stitches 
and  two  coils  to  the  centimeter. 

STRUCTURE  OF  BASKETS 

Although  long  ago  the  baskets  were  confined  to  a  few  simple  round 
shapes,  at  present  forms  of  great  variety  are  produced. 

Ordinarily  the  world  over  coiled  baskets  have  rounded  forms. 
Within  the  last  few  generations,  however,  in  this  area,  a  remarkable 
development  of  elongated  shapes  with  rounded  corners  has  arisen. 
Later  these  became  more  and  more  angular  until  a  type  of  basket 
was  produced  which  resembles  an  inverted  truncated  pyramid  of 
rectangular  cross  section.  Many  of  these  later  types  are  evidently 
copies  of  utensils  and  receptacles  of  foreign  origin.  Their  reproduc- 
tion in  this  kind  of  basketry  technique  calls  for  no  small  amount  of 
ingenuity  and  skill,  even  were  the  basket  undecorated.  It  leads  to 
stiU  more  complicated  processes  when  the  ornamentation  in  woven 
designs  is  taken  into  consideration. 

Coiled  Bottoms  '^ 

When  working,  the  majority  of  the  women  squat  on  the  ground  or 
the  floor  with  feet  underneath  the  body  (pi.  2),  resting  the  basket  on 
the  lap,  although  occasionally  they  sit  with  feet  extended  in  front 
when  tired.  Others  do  this  habitually,  holding  the  basket  on  the  lap 
or  knees.  The  position  is  not  fixed,  but  altered  from  one  pose  to  the 
other  as  the  worker  chooses.  Those  who  have  adopted  the  white 
man's  habits  often  sit  on  chairs,  resting  their  work  on  a  low  table. 
When  making  a  large  basket,  informant  25  lets  it  rest  on  the  ground, 
whUe  she  sits  on  a  low  seat. 

In  the  discussion  on  structure  it  seems  best  to  begin  with  the 
bottom,  since  a  basket  is  always  started  at  the  bottom  and  the  shape 
of  the  base  determines  the  cross  section  of  the  basket.  There  are 
two  general  types,  the  coiled  and  the  slat  bottoms.  No  checkerwork 
bottoms  have  ever  been  woven  by  the  Thompson.  There  are  several 
varieties  of  the  former  type  which  are  classified  according  to  the 

"For  other  discussions  see  C.  HUl-Tout,  The  Nativo  Races  of  the  British  Empire,  British  North 
America,  I,  p.  114;  and  O.  T.  Mason,  pp.  435  and  436,  pis.  68,  163. 

53666°— 28 12 


168 


COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


kind  of  coiling  or  the  shape  attained.  These  are  the  watch  spring 
(pi.  3,  a),  elongated  watch  spring  (pi.  3,  h),  and  parallel  coiled 
(pi.  3,  c),  as  well  as  several  others  employed  for  fancy  shapes,  such 
as  triangular  and  heart-shaped  coiled  bottoms.  Slat  bottoms  are 
always  composed  of  parallel  slats  of  wood,  but  there  are  many 
different  ways  of  fastening  these  together  and  to  the  walls  of  the 
basket.  These  methods  will  be  treated  in  detail  when  the  slat 
bottoms  are  described. 

Irrespective  of  the  shape  of  basket  to  which  it  may  be  applied, 
the  watch-spring  coil  is  always  started  in  the  same  way.  A  simple 
knot  is  tightly  tied  at  one  end  of  a  bunch  of  coil  splints,  after  the 
ends  have  been  made  even  (fig.  3,  a,  b).  The  knot  is  tied  by  using 
the  fingers  and  thumbs  of  both  hands.  The  short  ends  of  the  splints 
which  project  beyond  the  knot  are  then  cut  off  close  with  a  knife  or 
scissors  (fig.  3,  c.)  The  knot  is  then  held  by  the  first  two  fingers 
and  thumb  of  the  left  hand,  wliile  with  the  right  the  sharp  point  of 
a  sewing  splint  is  passed  through  its  center  away  from  the  person 
holding  it    (d).     If  the  splint  does  not  penetrate  easily,   the  awl  is 


Fig.  3. — Beginning  of  oolHng 

used  for  enlarging  the  hole.  The  splint  is  then  pulled  through  with 
the  right  hand  until  the  rear  end  has  almost  disappeared,  when  it  is 
brought  back  up  over  the  knot  toward  the  worker,  and  passed 
through  again  to  the  right  of  the  first  stitch,  and  the  loop  thus  made 
around  the  bundle  of  splints  is  pidled  tight  (fig.  3,  e).  This  process 
of  sewing  is  exactly  like  overcasting,  except  that  the  sewing  material 
is  carried  over  the  work  toward  the  person  and  passed  through  it 
away  from  her,  rather  than  vice  versa.  The  knot  is  thus  completely 
wrapped  by  the  sewing-splint.  When  the  protmding  long  end  of  the 
bundle  of  splints  is  reached,  it  is  bent  sharply  down  aroimd 
the  knot  to  the  left  by  all  right-handed  pereons,  as  shown  in  /,  or 
to  the  right  by  left-handed  workers,  and  stitched  to  the  center  knot 
by  the  same  process  of  overcasting,  the  awl  now  being  used  to  make 
holes  for  the  stitches  near  the  outer  side  of  the  covered  knot; 
and  thus  the  sewing  is  continued,  the  coil  going  around  and  around 
until  the  bottom  is  finished  (g).  Since  tliis  is  flat,  the  awl  perforates 
the  coil  at  right  angles  to  the  plane  in  which  the  bottom  is  held. 
Usually  it  is  held  vertically,  and  worked  from  what  is  mtended  to 
be  the  outside,  which  is  toward  the  maker.     As  the  work  advances 


STRUCTURE    OF   BASKETS 


169 


it  is  turned  to  the  left  on  its  edg(>,  and  the  sewing  progresses  toward 
the  right.  A  few  individuals  start  the  ' '  watch  spring  "  with  a  coil  finer 
than  the  one  they  intend  to  employ  subsequently,  but  this  is  not  a 
general  method  and  is  not  essential  to  good  workmanship.  Plate  3, 
a,  shows  a  bottom  of  this  tj'pe.     (See  also  Mason,  pi.  68.) 

The  elongated  watch-spring  type,  of  which  Plate  3,  6,  gives  an 
illustration,  is  commonly  used  on  baskets  which  are  rougldy  rectan- 
gular. In  starting  this  variety  the  ends  of  the  coil  splints  are  evened 
and  that  of  the  sewing  splint  is  laid  diagonally  across  the  coU  near 
the  end  on  the  side  toward  the  weaver,  with  the  long  end  falling 
downward  to  the  left  (fig.  4,  a).  The  splint  is  then  carried  around 
behind  the  coil  and  up  over  it  and  down  slightly  to  the  right,  crossing 
itself  ih).     This  keeps  it  from  unraveling  later. 

The  sketch  showg  the  wrapping  placed  at  slightly  more  of  an  angle 
than  really  occui-s.  Then  the  binder  continues  in  quite  the  same 
way  as  the  sewing — doMni,  and  around  behind,  up  and  over  to  the 
right,  until  a  sufficient  length  has  been  wound  (c),  when  the  rest  of 


Fig.  4. — Beginning  of  coils  for  elongated  watch-spring  bottoms 

the  coil  is  bent  around  to  the  left  id),  and  sewed  along  one  side, 
the  wraj)ping  now  becoming  the  sewing  element.  When  the  original 
end  is  reached  the  coil  is  bent  around  it;  and  if  there  are  any  loose 
splints  protruding  where  the  wrapping  began,  they  are  now  incor- 
porated in  the  encircling  coil,  and  all  is  sewed  down  to  the  other  side 
of  the  wrapped  section.  The  process  is  continued  around  and  around 
until  the  bottom  is  large  enough  (f). 

Another  method  of  wrapping  starts  by  inclosing  the  wrajiping 
splint  in  the  bunch  of  coil  splints,  but  having  the  inserted  end  free 
in  the  opposite  direction  to  the  end  of  the  coil  (fig.  4,/).  All  the 
ends  are  then  held  firmly  with  the  fingers  of  the  left  hand,  and  the 
wrapping  splint  drawn  up  through  the  coil  and  bound  around  it  in 
the  same  way  as  in  the  first  method  ig).  Both  schemes  seem  to  be 
in  common  use,  some  women  using  one,  others  the  other,  while  a 
few  apparently  employ  both,  indiscriminately.  Sketch  h  of  the  same 
figure  shows  the  method  of  incorporating  the  loose  ends  of  the  coil 
splints  in  the  encircling  coil  when  the  splints  have  not  been  cut  off 
and  evened. 


170 


COILED    BASKETRY    IN   BRITISH    COLUMBIA 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


Fig.  5.- 


-Beginning   of   coils    for    elongated    watch-spring 
bottoms 


A  second  way  of  starting  the  elongated  watch-spring  type  is  by 
folding  over  the  end  of  a  bunch  of  coil  splints  and  fastening  the  folded 
section  to  the  adjoining  part  of  the  bundle  by  twining  (fig.  5,  a). 
From  the  finishing  of  these  two  sections  the  work  proceeds  as  in  the 
first  kind,  the  ordinary  sewing  beginning  at  the  second  bend.  In 
still  another  type  which  is  round  a  short  part  of  the  coil  is  wrapped 
before  the  winding  begins  (fig.  5,  i,  c).  At  first  the  cods  so  started 
are  rather  long  for  the  proposed  width  of  the  finished  bottom,  but 
by  thickening  them  on  the  long  sides  as  the  work  progresses,  a  circu- 
lar form  is  soon  obtained,  so 
that  what  starts  as  an  elon- 
gated watch  spring  is  fin- 
ished perfectly  round  (fig.  6) . 
This  kind  of  bottom  is  not 
considered  as  neat  or  durable 
as  a  regular  watch  spring, 
and  is  more  liable  to  leak. 
Some  Lytton  informants  say  that  probably  long  ago  all  bottoms  of 
baskets  were  of  the  watch-spring  tj^ie,  excepting  perhaps  those  in 
some  of  the  large  and  small  .stluk.  As  the  bottoms  of  these  were 
very  long  and  narrow,  they  were  probably  made  of  elongated  or 
parallel  coils,  each  woman  having  a  preference  for  one  kind  or  an- 
other. Some  tried  the  various  forms  and  later  adopted  one  for  general 
use,  while  others  simply  followed  in  their  mothers'  or  grandmothers' 
footsteps  and  used  the  kind  they  had  been  taught  to  make,  many 
never  changing  their  habits  to  an}^  extent. 

There  are  two  kinds  of  parallel  coiled  bot- 
toms— those  in  which  the  parallel  coiling  consti- 
tutes only  the  central  part,  which  is  then  sur- 
rounded by  several  rows  of  spiral  coil  (pi.  4,  a) 
and  those  ixi  which  they  form  the  whole  bottom 
with  the  exception  of  one  or  two  encircling  lengths 
(pi.  3,  c).  Aside  from  this,  there  is  practically 
no  difference  between  the  two,  hence  they  are  treated  here  together. 
The  parallel  coiling  is  begun  by  doubling  the  bunch  of  splints 
in  the  middle  and  bringing  the  two  ends  together.  A  splint  is  wrapped 
a  few  times  around  the  coil  at  the  bend,  and  then  woven  back  and 
forth  over  and  under  the  two  sections  until  they  have  been  joined 
for  the  distance  the  worker  desires,  or  approximately  the  proposed 
length  of  the  bottom  (fig.  7,  a).  A  slight  variation  is  obtained  by 
wrapping  a  piece  of  coil  and  bending  this  in  the  middle,  uniting  the 
two  sides  by  twining.  In  either  case  the  rest  of  the  technique  is  as 
follows.    One  end  of  the  double  coil  is  bent  back  along  one  side, 


Fig.  6. — Round  bottom  devel- 
oped from  elongated  watch- 
spring  coiling 


boas] 


STRTJCTUBE    OF    BASKETS 


171 


and  sewed  to  the  wrapped  double  coil  until  the  original  bend  is 
reached  (6) ,  when  it  is  doubled  back  in  the  opposite  direction  (c)  and 
sewed  to  the  finished  portion.  This  process  is  continued  until 
one-half  of  the  proposed  width  of  the  bottom  is  completed.  The  other 
half  is  made  in  the  same  manner,  with  the  remaining  part  of  the 
original  double  coil;  and  the  last  time,  when  one  side  of  the  base 
has  been  reached  the  coil  is  carried  around  past  the  bent  ends  to  the 
other  side  (d).  There  the  loose  ends  of  the  coil  of  the  first  half  are 
picked  up  and  incorporated  with  the  coil  which  now  becomes  the 
main  spiral.  Good  basket  makers  are  careful  to  cut  out  enough 
splints  at  this  point  so  that  the  foundation  will  not  be  too  thick,  thus 
causing  a  lump,  which  would  spoil  the  appearance  of  the  whole 
basket.  Figure  7,  c  and  d,  show  two  ways  of  incorporating  the  coil. 
As  the  spiral  is  carried  past  the  parallel  coils,  the  ends  of  which  consist 
in  a  series  of  loops,  these  are  caught  in  the  sewing  and  thus  all  is 
bound  together.  Along  the  sides  the  same  process  continues  that 
was  used  when  joining  the  parallel  coils  to  one  another  (e). 


Fig.  7.— Parallel  coiling  for  bottom 

A  third  method  of  fastening  the  end  of  the  coil  of  the  first  half  of 
the  bottom  with  the  encircling  coil  is  to  cut  the  splints  oflf  sharply 
on  a  line  with  the  bends.  When  the  coil  wliich  is  inclosing  the 
parallel  portion  passes  this  blunt  end,  the  stitches  which  bind  the  parts 
together  are  run  through  the  last  few  stitches  which  lashed  this  same 
"blunt-end"  coil  to  its  neighbor,  and  likewise  through  the  end  of  the 
coil  itself.  Because  it  is  at  right  angles  to  the  sewing,  a  good  hold 
can  not  possibly  be  gained  in  this  way,  but  if  the  splint  ends  are 
doubled  back  into  the  coil  itself,  so  as  to  form  a  loop  instead  of  loose 
ends,  there  is  something  to  catch  into,  and  a  firmer  grasp  is  then 
possible.  Even  in  the  other  two  methods  described  above,  where 
the  splints  of  the  coil  wliich  is  to  be  incorporated  are  conducted  in  a 
direction  parallel  to  the  encircling  one  for  a  short  distance,  a  few 
pieces  are  occasionally  bent  back  into  the  body  of  the  rest  so  that  a 
firmer  hold  may  be  gained  by  means  of  the  loops  for  the  stitches 
which  unite  the  two. 

Most  of  the  informants,  however,  did  not  seem  to  know  of  this 
plan  and  either  carried  the  two  coils  along  together  for  a  little  way 
or  sewed  one  to  the  blunt  end  of  the  other. 


172 


COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH   COLUMBIA 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


In  the  case  of  a  small  bottom  the  original  bundle  of  long  splints, 
which  is  bent  in  the  middle  to  start  the  work,  is  enough  to  finish  it; 
but  where  it  is  not,  additional  pieces  are  added  to  it,  both  to  keep  the 
coil  of  even  tliickness  throughout  and  to  lengthen  it.  The  number 
of  parallel  coils  employed  in  making  bottoms  varies  according  to  their 
tliickness  and  to  the  size  of  the  bottom,  and  apparently  there  is  no 
correlation  between  this  latter  and  the  number  of  coils.  When  it  is 
noticed  that  the  work  is  becoming  narrower  at  one  end  in  the  process 
of  manufacture,  the  coils  are  enlarged  at  that  place,  and  if  the  diffi- 
culty can  not  be  thus  entirely  remedied  the  surrounding  ones  are 
also  increased.  It  sometimes  happens  that  the  bends  of  the  parallel 
coils  are  not  always  on  a  line  with  each  other  and  it  becomes  necessary 
to  add  short  sections  of  coils  at  these  places  along  the  ends.    Plate 


Fig.  8.— Watch-spring  coiling  adapted  to  triangular  and  square  bottoms 

3,  c,  shows  how  this  has  been  done.  The  bottom  pictured  is  rather 
more  poorly  constructed  than  the  average.  Plate  4  shows  by  way  of 
contrast  two  remarkably  fine  specimens. 

Some  women  were  found  who  make  only  tliis  type  of  bottom^ 
but  this,  it  appears,  is  because  they  make  only  rectangular  baskets. 
They  know  how  to  make  the  other  kinds  as  well.  Practically  all 
circular  baskets  are  made  with  watch-spring  bottoms,  but  Plate  6,  b, 
shows  a  rare  variant. 

The  watch-spring  tj^pe  is  also  used  for  baskets  which  are  almost 
square,  triangular,  or  heart-shaped.  Figure  8  and  Plate  3,  a,  h,  show 
the  method  of  treating  the  cods  and  also  the  increase  in  thickness 
where  that  is  necessary.  A  few  women  regularly  bifurcate  the 
stitches  extending  outward  from  the  center  to  the  comers  for  the 
pui'pose  of  ornamentation. 

An  interesting  criticism  of  the  kind  of  bottom  shown  in  Figure  8,  a, 
was  elicited  from  some  basket  makers  who  thought  that  the  woman 


BOAS]  STRUCTURE    OF   BASKETS  173 

who  made  it  must  have  had  great  difficulties,  and  that  the  result  of 
her  labor  was  very  poor.  They  decided  that  it  should  have  been 
made  like  d  or  e,  either  of  which  is  much  simpler  and  better.  The 
methods  employed  in  manufacturing  the  bottoms  shown  in  h  and  c 
were  considered  much  superior  to  that  for  a,  but  not  as  suitable  as 
those  of  d  and  e.  An  especially  successful  plan  for  heart-shaped 
forms  was  thought  to  be  d,  but  equally  serviceable  for  triangular 
baskets;  e  was  considered  by  many  women  to  be  best  adapted  for 
triangular  bottoms;  /  was  said  to  be  the  proper  type  for  a  square 
basket,  whUe  g  is  used  for  oval  shapes.  Figure  8,  /,  shows  the  forma- 
tion of  a  square  bottom  of  watch-spring  type.  It  is  made  by  increas- 
ing the  thickness  of  the  coils  at  the  comers. 

As  before  stated,  the  elongated  watch-spring  coil  is  chiefly  used  on 
medium-sized  burden  baskets,  but  it  is  just  as  popular  for  oblong 
trays,  and  is  occasionally  found  in  baskets  of  other  odd  forms. 
Bottoms  consisting  of  parallel  coils  may  be  employed  for  any  rec- 
tangular or  elongated  shape.  On  specimens  of  each  of  these  types 
there  is  sometimes  added  a  medial  line  of  sewing  running  lengthwise, 
after  the  bottom  has  been  completed,  wliich  serves  as  ornamentation 
and  also  helps  to  hold  the  coils  firmly  together.  The  women  consider 
the  parallel  coiled  bottoms  best  for  large  burden  baskets  because 
they  are  stiffen  The  elongated  type  is  apt  to  sag.  There  is  no 
correlation  between  the  type  of  base  and  the  ornamentation  applied 
to  the  walls. 

Flat-coiled  sections  are  apt  to  warp  in  the  process  of  maniifacture, 
particularly  as  they  rest  on  the  rim  while  being  sewed.  To  avoid 
tliis  the  material  is  moistened  at  frequent  intervals,  either  by  being 
dipped  in  water  or  by  being  sprinkled  or  rubbed  with  the  wet  hand. 
It  is  then  bent  back  into  shape.  When  finished,  especially  if  the 
piece  is  large,  it  is  placed  wet  between  two  boards,  and  weighted  with 
stones.  Thus  it  remains  for  a  day  or  more,  until  it  has  dried  and  is 
perfectly  flat  and  rigid,  when  it  is  considered  in  the  right  condition 
for  adding  the  sides.    A  warped  bottom  is  shown  in  Plate  5,  a. 

A  common  device  for  straightening  the  bottom  is  by  the  attach- 
ment of  crossed  sticks  to  the  outside,  either  two,  crossing  each  other 
diagonally  from  opposite  comers  (fig.  9,  a),  or  four,  the  second  pair 
being  fastened  across  the  ends  (6).  When  two  or  three  coils  of  the 
sides  have  been  finished,  two  more  crossed  sticks  are  braced  inside 
against  them  (c).  All  these  are  usually  removed  after  the  bottom 
has  set,  but  Plate  5,  6,  shows  that  two  straighteners  have  been 
retained.  Rarely,  also,  spreaders  are  placed  between  the  sides  of 
the  basket.  The  popularity  of  these  devices  varies  with  the  different 
women.  Some  do  not  need  them,  merely  adjusting  the  shape  with 
their  hands,  or  they  may  use  one  or  all  of  those  described. 


174  COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  [eth.ank.41 

The  bottoms  made  by  certain  women  are  "good  to  see,"  being 
smooth,  closely  worked,  with  aU  the  coils  completely  covered; 
while  others  are  rough  and  poorly  constructed,  because  of  care- 
lessness in  the  selection  of  materials  as  well  as  in  workmanship. 
The  Upper  Thompson  seldom  make  any  but  round  coils.  Slats  or 
flat  ones  are  more  favored  by  the  Uta'mqt.  Their  slats  are  generally 
thin  and  double,  and  no  wide  single  slats  were  known  formerly, 
it  is  said.  There  is  an  impression  abroad  that  such  slats  would  not 
be  strong  nor  would  they  look  well.  Flat  coils,  which  are  now  and 
then  substituted  for  slats,  entail  less  labor  than  roimd  ones. 

As  for  the  Lower  Thompson,  the  baby  carriers  always  had  slat 
bottoms,  the  slats  varying  considerably  in  width,  although  narrow 
ones  were  preferred;  or  else  flat  coils  were  put  in  the  bottoms  and 
round  ones  in  the  sides.  The  latter  kind  is  probably  the  older  type 
in  both  areas.  Different  bottoms  are  not  characteristic  of  separate 
bands,  but  belong  to  a  certain  extent  to  individuals  or  families, 
which  may  manufacture  several  varieties. 

Slat  Bottoms 

Slat  bottoms  (pi.  6,  a,  c),  according  to  many  informants,  both 
men  and  women,  were  not  used  by  the  Upper  Thompson  years  ago, 

d 


Fig.  9. — Devices  for  straightening  bottoms  of  baskets 

but  were  copied  from  the  Upper  Uta'mqt,  who  probably  adopted 
them  from  the  Lower  Lillooet.  The  Thompson  east  of  Lytton  have 
only  used  them  since  about  1885.  There  are  tliree  types,  all  of  which 
require  slats  made  of  sap,  heart,  or  other  wood  which  splits  easily 
mto  thin  sheets.  The  slat  may  consist  of  one  or  of  several  pieces, 
accordmg  to  the  thickness  wanted  or  to  the  available  material,  but 
where  there  is  more  than  one  layer  they  are  very  thin  and  are  laid 
flat  on  one  another.  Usually  not  more  than  tlii-ee  are  so  combmed 
and  they  are  always  the  full  length  required.  It  is  clauned  that  slats 
were  spliced,  but  it  is  probable  that  examples  of  such  splicmg  are 
rare  and  found  only  in  baby  carriers. 

Among  the  Upper  Thompson  the  opinion  prevails  that  sapwood 
and  dry  cedar  slats  are  not  suitable  for  the  walls,  therefore  in  baby 
carriers  and  the  like,  the  sides  of  which  have  recently  been  made  of 
slats  also,  they  are  often  of  cedar  roots  split  in  wide,  thin  pieces, 
while  the  ordinary  kind  of  slats  are  used  only  for  bottoms.  It  is 
said  that  among  the  Lillooet  root  slats  are  preferred  for  all  purposes. 


BOAS]  STRUCTURE    OF    BASKETS  175 

In  carriers  or  in  round  or  oval  slaapes  where  the  width  across  the 
middle  of  the  base  is  greater  than  that  across  the  ends,  the  slats 
l>-ing  on  the  outside  are  left  full  width  tlu-ough  their  centers  but  are 
shaved  off  toward  their  ends  to  assist  in  gaining  the  tapering  form. 
Normal,  straight  slats  often  show  considerable  variation  even  in  a 
single  bottom,  but  careful  workers  try  to  have  them  uniform.  There 
is  no  correspondence  between  their  width  and  the  size  or  kind  of 
basket  to  which  they  may  be  applied,  as  may  be  seen  from  a  few 
measurements  which  are  given  here : 

Basket  Width  of  slats 

1.  Tray 18  to  20  mm.  wide. 

2.  Small  burden  basket 22  to  26  mm.  wide. 

3.  Small  burden  basket About  12  mm.  throughout. 

4.  Large  box-shaped  basket 10  to  14  mm.  wide. 

5.  Small  box-shaped  basket 13  to  15  mm.  wide. 

6.  Baby  carrier 16  to  18  mm.  wide. 

7.  Baby  carrier About  18  mm.  throughout. 

8.  Baby  carrier 15  to  22  mm.  wide. 


Fig.  10.— Methods  of  makiog  slat  bottoms 

In  the  first  of  the  three  t^^pes  mentioned  before  the  bottom  is 
started  by  surrounding  the  slat  on  two  sides  and  one  end  by  a  bunch 
of  coil  splints  equaling  the  slat  in  thickness.  The  ends  of  the  splints 
extend  beyond  it  to  several  times  its  length.  '  Slat  and  sphnts  are 
next  bound  together  with  a  wrapping,  beginning  at  the  end  over  which 
the  bunch  of  coil  splints  has  been  bent  (fig.  10,  a).  When  the  whole 
slat  has  been  wrapped,  another  is  placed  beside  it,  and  one  of  the  two 
parts  of  the  bunch  of  coil  splints  is  bent  back  around  it.  It  is  carried 
up  along  the  bare  outer  side.  The  splint  which  served  to  wrap  the 
first  slat  with  its  accompanying  padding  is  now  employed  to  sew  the 
slats  together  (fig.  10,  h).  The  awl  punches  the  holes  in  the  wrapped 
padding  lying  between  the  two  slats.  A  third  slat  is  added  in  the 
same  way  after  the  first  two  have  been  sewed  together.  The  inclosing 
paddmg  thus  forms  loops  as  in  the  parallel  coiled  bottoms,  with  this  dif- 
ference, that  between  each  coil  there  is  a  slat,  only  one  end  of  which  is 
inclosed,  so  there  are  along  top  and  bottom  of  the  rectangle  alternating 
covered  and  bare  slat  ends.  The  first  piece  of  wood  that  is  wrapped 
forms  the  center  of  the  base,  and  as  manj^  more  as  are  necessary  are 
added  on  either  side,  first  one  whole  half  being  completed,  then  the 


176  COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  [eth.ann.41 

other.  The  padding  or  coil  on  one  side  of  each  slat,  wliich  is  incor- 
porated with  it  in  the  same  binding  (fig.  10,  b),  furnishes  the  hold  for 
the  sewing  material  which  penetrates  it.  Sometimes,  however,  the 
sewing  splint  merely  interlocks  with  the  stitches  binding  the  previous 
slat.  When  the  bottom  is  sufficiently  large,  the  remaining  part  of 
the  bunch  of  splints  belonging  to  one  half  is  carried  across  the  ends 
of  the  slats  to  the  right  as  in  the  case  of  parallel  coiled  bottoms. 
It  conceals  as  best  it  can  the  exposed  as  well  as  the  covered  ends,  and 
when  it  reaches  the  loose  splints  which  served  as  padding  on  the 
other  half  of  the  bottom,  these  are  gathered  into  the  encircling  coil, 
in  the  manner  described  before  (p.  171),  and  the  process  of  sewing 
around  the  bottom  is  continued.  During  this  process  the  bottom 
itself  is  turned  to  the  left  as  the  sewing  moves  to  the  right,  just  as 
in  the  other  types. 

This  particular  variety  is  not  much  in  favor,  and  although  several 
women  know  how  to  make  it  few  of  them  put  their  knowledge  into 
practice.  The  only  advantages  afforded  by  it  are  that  it  rec[uires 
fewer  splints  and  much  less  time,  and  that  greater  flatness  is  obtained 
than  with  parallel  coiled  bottoms.  The  Upper  Thompson  consider 
it  very  inferior  and  less  durable.  They  say  that  only  a  few  can 
make  it  well  and  finish  it  neatly  across  the  ends,  which  is  indeed  a 
difficult  problem  on  account  of  the  irregularity  of  line  of  the  ends 
along  which  the  encircling  coil  must  pass  and  to  which  it  must  be 
fastened.  One  woman  who  manufactures  this  variety  oftener  than 
her  neighbors  has  partially  solved  the  difficulty  by  placing  the 
alternate  slats  a  little  out  of  line,  so  that  the  exposed  ends  are  even 
with  the  covered  ones.  She  also  at  times  divides  her  splints  where 
they  bend  around  the  ends  so  that  some  of  them  may  be  deflected 
in  order  to  conceal  the  bare  places.  After  this  purpose  has  been 
accomplished,  the  remaining  pieces  are  turned  in,  caught  by  the 
sewing  splint,  and  sewed  between  the  slats.  She  does  not  do  this 
every  time,  but  apparently  only  when  she  fancies  that  it  is  needed. 
It  is  an  invention  of  her  0A\'n. 

Several  methods  of  treating  the  ends  are  in  use  by  the  other  women. 
Some  bore  a  hole  with  the  awl  through  the  bare  end  of  each  slat, 
and  passing  the  sewing  splint  through  this,  fasten  it  firmly  to  the 
encircling  coil  as  it  goes  by.  But  as  the  wood  is  liable  to  split,  espe- 
cially if  it  is  brittle,  longer  stitches  are  sometimes  taken,  the  perfora- 
tion being  made  dowoi  where  the  slat  is  covered  with  wrapping; 
thus,  even  if  the  wood  does  split,  a  better  grasp  is  obtained  and  the 
stitch  can  not  pull  out  at  the  end. 

The  second  type  of  slat  bottom  resembles  the  first  except  that  the 
slats  are  not  inclosed  by  a  bunch  of  splints  which  so  effectually 
assists  in  sewing  them  together;  but  one  slat  is  bound  with  a  splint 
as  in  type  1,  and  the  rest  are  sewed  to  this  and  to  each  other. 


boas] 


STRUCTURE    OF    BASKETS  177 


the  stitching  ai'ound  a  new  slat  interlocking  with  that  of  the  previous 
one  (fig.  10,  d).  If  the  slats  are  very  thin  and  pliable,  and  green  or 
well  soaked,  the  holes  for  the  sewing  splint  are  sometimes  made  in 
the  edges  as  well. 

The  work  is  often  begun  at  one  side,  instead  of  in  the  center,  and 
the  bottom  built  straight  across;  hence  it  consists  as  often  of  an 
even  as  of  an  uneven  number  of  slats.  However,  it  is  said  that  it 
may  just  as  well  be  started  in  the  middle,  and  that  in  such  a  case 
there  is  less  tendency  to  warp.  The  first  type  may  be  begun  from  the 
side  if  desired,  which  would  bring  the  wrapped  slat  to  the  edge,  but 
this  is  not  usually  done.  In  sewing  slats  together  at  one  end,  the 
opposite  ends  tend  to  fly  apart;  therefore  they  are  lashed  together 
at  their  far  ends  until  nearly  sewed  down,  when  the  binding  is  removed, 
(Fig.  10,  c.) 

The  distinguishing  feature  of  the  third  type  is  the  twining  by 
which  the  slats  are  held  to  each  other,  a  woof  splint  passing  over  one 
and  under  one  in  the  manner  shown  in  Figure  10,  e.  This  kind  of 
bottom  is  cjuite  unpopular,  although  there  are  Thompson  and  Lillooet 
women  who  occasionally  make  it.  As  none  of  the  informants  who 
were  interviewed  knew  the  mode  of  procedure  involved  in  its  manu- 
facture, detailed  information  was  not  obtained,  but  two  reasons  were 
given  for  its  infrequent  appearance,  namely,  that  it  is  ai)t  to  warp 
and  that  the  slats  are  liable  to  drop  out  of  line.  The  Thompson  are 
said  to  have  acquired  the  idea  from  the  Lillooet.  Farther  to  the 
east  the  use  of  slat  bottoms  is  entirely  unknown. 

The  bottoms  of  the  second  and  third  types  are  always  made 
separately  from  the  rest  of  the  basket.  In  these  aU  the  ends  of  the 
slats  are  bare  and  the  first  encircling  coil  is  often  thicker  than  those 
which  follow,  because  the  ends  must  be  completely  embedded  in  it 
and  the  perforations  in  them  through  which  the  sewing  splint  goes 
are  placed  farther  away  from  the  end  to  avoid  splitting  the  wood. 

On  some  bottoms,  before  the  surrounding  coil  is  added,  the  ends 
of  the  slats  are  sewed  together,  by  starting  in  the  space  between  the 
slats,  about  1  to  2  cm.  in  from  the  end.  (Fig.  11,  a.)  The  splint  is 
drawn  through  from  front  to  back,  whence  it  passes  up  over  the  end 
of  the  slat,  crossing  it  at  its  center,  and  obhquely  down  to  the  right 
on  the  front  side,  to  a  similar  point  in  the  next  interslat  space,  where 
it  is  again  drawn  through  to  the  wrong  side.  Thus  the  process  con- 
tinues. Wlien  the  opposite  corner  is  reached,  it  is  sometimes  brought 
back  across  the  bottom  again  in  the  same  way,  so  that  the  stitches 
cross  each  other  in  the  middle  of  each  slat  and  the  effect  is  that  of  a 
zigzag.  (Fig.  11,  i.)  Wlien  two  splints  are  used  each  way,  then  the 
four  intersections  at  the  end  of  the  slat  form  a  series  of  triangles. 
(Fig.  11,  c.)  If  the  surrounding  coil  is  not  thick  enough  to  hide  the 
slats  completely,  these  crossing  stitches  ai'e  often  split  by  the  sewing 


178 


COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA 


(ETH.  ANN.  41 


splint  as  it  binds  the  coil  to  the  bottom,  and  this  so  spreads  them  that 
tlie  bare  ends  are  almost  concealed.  The  regulai'ity  of  the  stitches 
imparts  quite  an  ornamental  effect  which  the  women  strive  to  obtain, 
but  if  the  work  is  done  inaccurately  it  appears  as  an  unavoidable 
blemish. 

Two  other  methods  of  stitching  the  ends  of  slats  are  in  vogue. 
In  one  the  slat  is  perforated  in  the  center  by  means  of  an  awl  about  2.5 
cm.  from  the  end.  (Fig.  11,  d.)  Otherwise  the  result  is  the  same  as  in 
the  former  method,  when  only  one  line  is  carried  across  the  ends. 

In  the  third  the  encircling  coil  is  sewed  to  the  ends  of  the  slats  by 
one  or  more  stitches  taken  every  time  that  the  space  between  the 
coils  is  reached.  These  pass  through  the  binding  cjuite  a  distance 
away  from  the  ends  for  the  purpose  of  ornamentation  as  much  as 
of  securing  the  coil.  (Fig.  11,  e,f.)  Plate  6,  b,  c,  show  these  methods 
on  beautifully  constructed  bottoms. 

As  a  rule  slat  bottoms  of  the  second  and  third  types  which  are 
made  separately  from  the  basket  have  several  rows  of  coils  built 


I'iG.  11. — ilethods  of  making  slat  bottoms 


around  them  before  the  side  walls  are  started.  Vcrj-  angular  shapes 
which  have  a  "  foot "  to  keep  the  bottom  from  resting  on  the  floor  form 
an  exception  to  this.  Either  face  may  become  the  outside,  so  during 
its  construction  the  worker  turns  it  to  suit  her  convenience,  but  the 
direction  of  the  sewing  is  always  toward  the  right. 

The  women  give  two  reasons  for  adding  the  encircling  coils.  The 
first  is  that  they  consider  a  sharp  turn  from  bottom  to  walls  to  be 
bad  artistically;  in  fact,  absurd  for  burden  baskets.  In  some  Lillooet 
examf)les  of  this  shape  it  is  said  that  only  about  two-thirds  of  the 
entire  bottom  is  made  of  slats,  the  rest  being  of  coils  which  in  curved 
aUgnment  connect  the  plane  of  the  base  with  that  of  the  sides. 
When  the  Thompson  use  slat  walls  they  experience  great  difficulty 
in  securing  the  proper,  gradual  rounding  between  the  two  parts  of 
the  basket  and  ahvays  employ  coils  at  the  curve. 

The  second  reason  given  is  tliat  starting  the  sides  with  such  a 
sharp  angle  woidd  create  an  edge  between  the  bottom  and  the  walls 
which  would  soon  be  worn,  because  when  the  basket  is  handled  and 
knocked  about  the  point  of  wear  would  always  be  along  the  same 


BOAS]  STRUCTURE    OF   BASKETS  179 

coil  rather  than  distributed  over  a  curved  surface.  It  might  be  sup- 
posed that  when  such  an  angle  is  created  the  coil  at  the  corner  would 
usually  be  made  thicker  for  the  identical  reason  given  concerning  rim 
and  other  coils.  One  woman  makes  all  the  coils  of  the  bottom  tliicker 
than  those  of  the  sides,  but  none  of  the  others  do  so.  Informants 
Nos.  4  and  5  laughed  at  the  idea  of  increasing  the  diameter  of  any 
coils,  saying  that  this  did  not  improve  the  wearing  quality  as  the 
sewing  splints  are  the  first  to  break,  and  when  the  bunch  of  splints  is 
exposed  it  soon  drops  to  pieces.  If  the  sewing  splmts  were  thicker, 
they  said,  that  would  be  a  different  matter,  but  no  one  follows  the 
practice  of  making  them  so.  It  must  be  confessed  that  very  few 
display  such  reasoning  ability  as  these  two  women,  but  give  voice 
to  the  first  ideas  that  occur  to  them. 

Sometimes  coils  which  are  exposed  by  wear  are  resewed  with  new 
splints,  the  stitches  passing  through  the  edges  of  the  coils  above  and 
below.  The  sewing  on  slat  work  is  not  tapped  with  the  awl  to  drive 
it  home  as  is  the  case  with  coiled  work. 

Side  Walls 

According  to  our  ideas,  the  bottom  stops  where  the  sides  turn 
upward,  but  in  the  mind  of  the  Indian  woman  the  line  may  be  bcA'ond 
the  curve,  slightly  up  the  side  walls,  although  this  is  not  always  the 
case.  At  the  place  where  the  bottom  is  considered  to  end,  a  line  of 
beading  is  run  along  the  coil,  to  set  it  off  from  the  side  walls.  The 
beading  consists  of  a  strip  of  bark  passed  along  the  entire  coil,  every 
alternate  stitch  of  the  coil  passing  over  the  strip,  the  others  going 
under  it.  Occasionally  double  lines  of  beading  are  used.  When  the 
bark  is  of  a  strongly  contrasting  color  the  effect  is  very  pleasing  and 
the  women  liken  it  to  a  string  of  beads. 

When  the  sides  are  started  the  coil  is  pulled  outward  a  very  little 
with  the  thumb  and  forefinger  of  the  left  hand  in  order  to  produce  a 
gradual  flare.  The  awl  holes  are  made  pointing  slightly  upward 
into  the  last  coil,  instead  of  at  right  angles  to  the  slant  of  the  work, 
as  is  the  case  in  the  flat  bottoms.  Some  women  direct  the  passage 
of  the  awl  slightly  backward  to  the  left  as  well,  a  procedure  which 
would  seem  to  assist  in  forming  the  flare.  The  proper  flare  or  bulge 
is  determined  by  custom,  but  it  is  also  regulated  to  some  extent  by 
taste,  and  with  the-less  experienced  workers  certainly  it  is  not  com- 
pletely under  control.  If  a  woman  begins  a  basket  and  discovers 
after  several  rounds  that  it  is  going  to  flare  too  much  she  constricts 
the  coils,  thus  creating  a  quite  unusual  shape,  especially  if  the  change 
is  abrupt.  A  pronounced  flare  lessens  the  utility  of  the  basket,  par- 
ticularly if  it  be  used  for  carrying  purposes.  The  degree  of  slant  is 
entirely  determined  by  the  eye,  and  it  is  remarkable  how  closely  the 
women  adhere  to  the  tribal  standards.     Sometimes  a  basket  may, 


180  COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  [eth.ann.41 

when  finished,  flare  more  than  the  maker  intended,  but  usually  it  is 
not  enough  to  spoil  it;  and  with  an  experienced  woman  who  does 
good  work  such  accidents  rarely  happen. 

When  the  sides  are  being  built  the  bottom  inclines  toward  the 
maker,  the  upper  edge  being  the  nearest.  As  the  work  progresses 
special  care  is  taken  to  place  each  succeeding  coU  in  the  same  rela- 
tion to  the  preceding  one,  so  that  none  are  too  far  out  or  in,  for 
each  must  be  perfectly  aligned.  Naturally  practice  aids  materially, 
for  beginners  frequently  have  dents  and  bulges  in  the  side  walls  of 
their  baskets,  not  only  because  the  coils  are  not  placed  evenly  but 
also  as  a  result  of  nonuniformity  in  their  diameters,  which  creates 
waviness  in  a  vertical  direction  (pi.  7,  a,  and  the  Chilcotm  basket, 
pi.  7,  &). 

Sometimes,  as  the  basket  nears  completion,  it  will  be  seen  that  it  is 
lower  on  one  side  than  on  the  other,  and  it  is  then  too  late  to  correct 
the  shape  by  increasing  the  diameter  of  each  coil,  thus  gradually 
remed;\4ng  the  fault.  The  maker  then  has  recourse  to  the  expedient 
of  splitting  the  coil  near  the  rim,  as  the  sewing  approaches  the  low 
spot.  From  one  coil  she  creates  two  of  the  same  size,  by  working  in 
additional  splints,  and  the  blemish  is  thereby  rendered  less  notice- 
able than  if  one  very  large  coil  were  used  instead.  The  defect  may 
also  be  remedied  by  tapering  down  a  coil  and  then  beginning  again 
with  a  wide  coil  which  is  adjusted  so  that  the  upper  line  becomes 
straight  (see  pi.  7,  c). 

No  Thompson  or  Lillooet  baskets  were  made  with  the  ends  higher 
than  the  sides,  which  was  a  common  feature  of  Chilcotin  work 
(pis.  7,  6;  8,  a).  Rather,  every  effort  was  put  forth  to  secuj-e  an 
even  height. 

A  very  pecuhar  feature  in  the  structure  of  the  side  walls  is  brought 
out  particularly  well  in  the  photographs,  especially  in  those  which 
show  the  bottom,  such  as  Plates  3  and  4,  and  in  many  others  which 
give  the  full  view  of  a  long  side,  but  in  which  nevertheless  a  slight 
part  of  the  right  end  may  be  seen.  In  these  plates  it  is  clearly  shown 
that  the  corners  of  the  side  walls  do  not  radiate  from  the  bottom  in 
straight  lines  as  might  be  expected,  but  in  curved  lines  running  to  the 
left  in  pinwheel  fashion.  Some  baskets  are  so  much  awry  that  they 
appear  to  be  very  badly  warped  or  at  least  to  have  been  wrenched 
around  to  the  left,  while  the  bottom  was  held  fast  (pi.  4).  Although 
this  pccidiarity  is  not  noticeable  in  all  cases,  it  is  practically  always 
present  to  a  greater  or  less  degree  in  Thompson  baskets  having  corners. 
The  reason  is  unknown,  unless  in  working  to  the  right  and  paying 
particular  attention  to  the  corners,  quite  justifiably  when  all  the  diffi- 
culties in  decorating  this  part  of  the  basket  are  understood,  the 
workers  unconsciously  begin  to  tm-n  a  little  ahead  of  time,  each 
round. 


BOAS] 


STRUCTURE    OF   BASKETS 


181 


In  oblong  baskets  tho  spiral  coil  always  ends  on  one  of  the  long  sides 
near  a  corner.  This  is  a  very  old  custom  and  still  holds.  It  is  also 
true  for  all  oval  shapes.  On  a  burden  basket  the  side  on  which  the 
coil  ends  is  always  placed  next  the  bearer 's  back  and  the  loops  wliich 
hold  the  pack  straps  are  adjusted  accordingly.  This  is  also  an  old 
custom.  One  informant  states  that  as  baby  carriers  are  always 
held  so  that  the  head  of  the  child  lies  toward  the  right  hand  of  the 
bearer,  the  coil  should  always  end  on  what  would  be  the  baby's 
right  side  as  it  lies  on  its  back.  No  reason  except  that  of  custom  has 
been  obtained  as  to  why  the  finishing  point  on  a  basket  should  not 
be  exposed  in  carrying. 

Kims 

There  are  three  types  of  rims — plain,  braided,  and  loopwork — - 
and  the  last  named  has  many  variations.  The  current  opinion  among 
the  people  is  that  the  plain  rim 
covered  by  the  ordinary  ' '  overcast- 
ing" is  the  oldest  type.  Certainly 
it  is  the  most  common  one.  A 
heavier  foundation  frequently,  but 
not  always,  distinguishes  the  rim 
coU  from  the  others,  the  usual 
reason  given  for  the  increase  being 
that  thereby  additional  strength  is 
gained.  But,  as  was  indicated 
before,  there  are  individuals  who 
realize  that  the  dimension  of  the 
coil  has  no  effect  upon  its  wearing 
qualities.  There  are  also  two 
kinds  of  plain  rims,  the  one  which 
is  merely  a  continuation  of  the  wall 
coil,  and  which  is  finished  off  usually  by  a  gradual  reduction  in  size 
mitil  it  disappears  almost  imperceptibly;  and  the  ring  coil,  with  which 
this  ordinary  ending  is  sometimes  capped.  The  ends  of  the  ring  coil 
are  spliced  together,  and  the  whole  is  covered  with  the  sewing  splint  so 
that  the  joint  is  completely  hidden.  To  make  a  ring  of  exactly  the 
right  size  and  to  conceal  the  joint  demands  very  neat  execution.  On 
some  specimens  there  are  several  of  these  rings,  one  above  the  other, 
but  the  number  depends  entirely  upon  the  fancy  of  the  maker. 
They  lend  a  much  neater  finish,  and  if  the  wall  coil  is  properly  gradu- 
ated in  size,  the  top  is  practically  horizontal.  Figure  12  illustrates 
the  finishing  point  of  the  spiral  coil  and  shows  two  ring  coils  above. 
In  spite  of  their  merits,  they  have  not  been  universally  adopted,  and 
many  have  attempted  them  only  within  the  last  few  years.  The 
Lower  Thompson,  according  to  their  own  account,  adopted  them 


Fig.  12.— Rim  consisting  of  two  ring  coils 


182 


COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


very  recently,  and  it  is  doubtful  if  their  use  is  ancient  in  any  of  the 
tribes.  It  is  known  that  the  Nicola  did  not  have  them  long  ago, 
b.ut  reliable  information  for  the  rest  of  the  people  is  not  available. 

Braided  rims  are  common  on  Klickitat  baskets,  and  probably 
also  on  those  of  the  Cowlitz,  Nisqualli,  Wenatchi,  and  tribes  near 
them,  east  of  the  Cascade  Range.  Whether  they  were  ever  more 
common  there  than  now  is  a  question.  The  Lillooet,  Shuswap,  and 
Chilcotin  do  not  seem  to  have  made  them;  but  Lillooet  information 
is  still  fragmentary,  while  complete  data  from  the  Shuswap  can  not 
be  obtained  at  this  period.  According  to  several  informants,  braided 
rims  were  used  by  the  Lower  Thompson  and  Lytton  people,  although 
not  as  commonly  as  plain  ones,  but  they  seem  to  have  fallen  more  or 
less  into  disuse  at  the  present  day,  for  only  one  braided  I'im  has  been 


Fig.  13. — Braiding  of  rim;  Klickitat 

found  in  Thompson  collections  and  that  has  been  added  on  an  old 
basket  (fig.  13,  d).  Recent  information  has  it  that  a  few  women  are 
again  making  the  braided  rim. 

From  the  sketches  and  specimens  of  Klickitat  baskets  it  is  evident 
that  more  than  one  method  of  braiding  was  known.  Some  inform- 
ants think  that  there  was  only  one  but  are  not  sure.  They  stated 
that  formerly,  after  the  rim  coil  had  been  sewed  on  with  plam  over- 
casting, a  false  braid  was  stitched  along  the  top,  to  lend  additional 
strength  as  well  as  to  serve  as  an  ornament ;  in  fact  the  former  reason 
is  more  frequently  given.  One  woman,  however,  feels  sure  that  the 
braiding  was  the  only  sewing  which  covered  the  rim  coil  and  that  it 
was  not  apphed  afterwards.  Although  she  had  never  made  it  her- 
self, she  had  seen  her  aimt  and  a  few  other  people  do  so  when  she 
was  a  little  girl.     While  a  few  individuals  did  such  work  when  they 


BOAS] 


STRUCTURE   OF  BASKETS 


183 


were  yoxing,  they  have  long  since  given  it  up,  and  many  have  never 
seen  it  at  all. 

As  far  as  Mr.  Teit's  knowledge  extended,  in  all  the  rims  found 
braiding  and  overcasting  are  one  process.  The  steps  involved  may 
be  more  readily  visualized  if  it  is  imagined  first  that  the  basket  is  held 
as  during  ordinary  sewing.  The  first  hole  (1) ,  Figure  13,  a,  &,  is  made 
with  the  awl  in  the  coil  (4)  to  which  the  I'im  coil  (5)  is  being  sewed 
and  the  splint  is  drawn  through  it,  away  from  the  worker  as  far  as 
desired,  usually  until  the  butt  end  almost  disappears  in  the  coil  at  (1) . 
The  length  is  then  brought  back  up  over  the  rim  a  little  to  the  right 
and  a  hole  (2)  perforated  near  the  top  of  the  bunch  of  splints  that  are 
being  covered  (5),  almost  over  the  one  (1)  wliich  has  just  been  made 
in  the  coU  below.  Tlirough  this  the  splmt  passes  again  in  the  direc- 
tion away  from  the  worker,  and  after  it  has  been  pulled  tight  (2) 
it  is  brought  back  up  over  the  rim  again,  this  time  crossmg  the 
diagonal  whip  stitch  which  it  made  before,  and  commg  down  to  the 
right,  where  it  penetrates  a  hole  (3)  made  for  it  just  to  the  right  of  the 


Fig.  14.— Braided  rims;  Klickitat 

fij-st  hole  (1).  From  here  on  the  process  is  repeated  indefinitely, 
always  to  the  right,  and  a  braid  stitch  is  the  result.  Looking  down 
on  top  of  the  rim,  the  appearance  is  that  of  a  series  of  slightly  over- 
lapping V's  or  chevrons  (fig.  13,  c). 

Figure  14  shows  another  variety  (Klickitat)  where  the  braiding 
Mes  on  top  of  the  coil  mstead  of  being  sewed  to  it.  The  lower  coil  is 
perforated  as  before,  and  the  splint  is  pushed  or  drawn  through  its 
whole  length,  then  brought  up  over  the  rim  and  down  to  the  right, 
where  it  enters  a  second  hole  made  beside  the  first  one  (fig.  13,  a,  2). 
This  gives  the  necessary  "starter,"  for  without  the  diagonal  whip 
stitch  across  the  top  there  would  be  nothing  to  start  the  braid  upon. 
After  the  splmt  has  been  pulled  through  the  second  hole,  however, 
away  from  the  worker,  it  is  brought  up  over  the  rim  again  (fig.  14, 
a,  2),  but  this  time  cutting  across  it  to  the  left  and  intersecting  the 
previous  whip  stitch.  Instead  of  penetrating  a  hole  perforated  in  the 
top  coil,  it  merely  shps  under  the  first  whip  stitch  which  it  has  just 
crossed,  at  3,  and  comes  out  at  the  intersection  of  the  two,  in  the  angle 
which  hes  farthest  from  the  worker  at  4 ;  namely,  toward  the  inside 
of  the  basket.  It  now  crosses  itself  again  going  over  the  stitch  it 
53666°— 28 13 


184  COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  [eth.  ann.41 

just  made  at  5,  which  came  up  over  the  coil  from  the  bottom  and  lay 
to  the  left  and  goes  down  to  the  right,  where  it  enters  a  third  hole 
just  beside  the  second  one  (at  1)  perforated  in  the  lower  coil.  From 
here  on  the  process  is  repeated,  as  described,  from  where  the  splint 
entered  the  second  hole. 

Frequently  the  long  parts  of  the  stitches  which  seem  to  descend 
from  the  actual  braiding  are  covered  with  twining  or  imbrication  on 
the  outside  of  the  basket,  a  process  which  is  even  more  complicated, 
since  these  must  be  put  on  at  the  time  the  braiding  is  made.  Figures 
13,  d,  and  14,  b,  show  the  imbrication. 

Loopwork  has  been  touched  upon  in  the  section  on  "  Technique  of 
coiling,"  but  may  be  elaborated  somewhat  at  this  point.  Rims  of 
this  cliaracter  were  used  only  on  fancy  baskets  and  have  been  in 
existence  for  a  very  long  time;  but  since  by  their  very  nature  and 
consequently  greater  fragility  they  lessen  the  utility  of  the  baskets  to 
which  they  may  be  applied,  in  the  days  when  plain  and  useful  baskets 
were  greatly  in  demand  they  probably  were  not  much  in  vogue.  Of 
late  years  outside  trade  has  called  for  less  classic  forms;  and  loop- 
work  rims  on  many  odd  shapes  have  become  very  common.  But 
even  now  a  basket  of  the  less  utilitarian  variety  need  not  necessarily 
be  finished  in  this  manner.  Probably  the  arrangements  indicated 
in  the  sketches  are  all  of  late  development. 

Occasionally  this  technique  is  introduced  into  the  bodies  of  bas- 
kets, generally  in  the  middle  of  the  sides  (pi.  16,  a)  and  rarely  the 
entire  structure  is  of  tliis  type.  This  is  said  to  be  a  very  recent 
invention.  The  Klickitat,  Lillooet,  Stalo,  and  western  Washington 
tribes  use  loopwork;  but  not  the  Chilcotin,  Squamish,  or  Sechelt. 

Figure  15,  a,  shows  a  rim  made  of  an  extension  of  the  original  wall 
coil.  After  the  finisliing  point  has  been  reached  on  the  basket  the 
coil  is  simply  wrapped,  being  stitched  to  the  body  only  where  it 
comes  into  contact  with  it  at  the  bends  (2).  After  this  process  has 
been  continued  all  around  and  the  starting  point  has  been  reached 
at  (3)  the  coil  is  doubled,  the  two  parts  being  sewed  together.  From 
here  it  is  carried  along  horizontally,  touching  the  loopwork  only  at 
the  apices,  and  so  returns  to  the  starting  point  where  it  is  fastened. 

Figure  15,  h,  is  a  common  type;  c  is  flatter  and  less  frequently 
applied;  d  and  e  are  fairly  common,  although  e  is  less  so;/  and  (/ 
are  rare,  the  latter  especially;  A  is  a  prevalent  style  but  is  of  two 
different  kinds,  loose  and  tight.  Wlien  tight,  the  coils  are  in  such 
close  contact  that  no  spaces  can  be  detected  between  them;  i  is 
occasionally  seen,  both  loose  and  tight.  A  straight  coil  nmning 
between  the  loops  as  in  i  is  sometimes  used  with  style  h  in  the  same 
way,  and  again  a  flat  piece  such  as  a  ribbon  of  bark  takes  the  place 
of  this  coil.  Now  and  then  bands  of  silk,  braids  of  dyed  or  natural 
bark  or  horsehair,  and  formerly  strips  of  beaded  skin  were  drawn 


boas) 


STRUCTURE    OF    BASKETS 


185 


through  loops  on  small  baskets,  by  way  of  ornamentation.  Some- 
times loopwork  is  arranged  in  double  or  treble  series,  or  there  is  a 
combination  of  these,  as  in  j,  1-,  and  Z;  m  represents  a  style  recently 
noticed  on  a  basket  made  by  a  Spences  Bridge  woman.  She  declared 
that  she  had  never  made  this  kind  before,  nor  had  she  seen  it.  She 
merely  thought  of  it.  Another  woman  who  was  interviewed  said 
that  it  was  not  new  to  her,  but  that  it  was  very  little  used. 


f:\,^\yx/\7\: 


J: 


jr%r\r\. 


e 

/ 

Fig.  15. — Types  of  looi)  work 

Lids 

Lids  made  of  coiled  work  are  a  comparatively  late  development. 
Temporary  lids  for  protecting  the  contents  of  baskets  from  dust, 
smoke,  ashes,  and  insects  have  probably  been  in  use  for  a  long 
time.  They  consist  merely  of  pieces  of  bark  or  board  sUghtly  larger 
than  the  mouth  of  the  basket.  Mats  are  even  more  frequently  used, 
especially  the  small  eating  mats  which  among  the  L^pper  Thompson 
are  woven  of  rushes,  or  elaeagnus  bark;  among  the  Lower  Thompson, 
of  cedar  bark. 


186  COILED    BASKETRY   IN   BRITISH    COLUMBIA  [eth.  ann.41 

There  are  several  kinds  of  coiled  basketry  lids  which  from  the 
point  of  view  of  construction  correspond  very  nearly  to  the  various 
types  of  bottoms  already  discussed.  Some  varieties  are  very  old, 
especially  Types  I  and  IV,  as  classified  in  the  following  description. 
These  were  most  often  applied  to  the  round  or  "nut-shaped"  and  the 
long  trunk-shaped  .stlQk  baskets.  Although  complete  information 
concerning  the  construction  and  fitting  of  lids  has  not  been  gathered 
it  is  clear  that  there  are  four  types  which  may  be  grouped  as  follows: 

Type  I  includes  all  those  flat  lids  which  are  fastened  to  the  baskets 
by  means  of  thongs  or  hinges  of  leather  or  cord,  or  by  means  of 
hinges  which   at  the  same  time  are  handles   (fig.    16).     They  are 


Fig.  16.— Types  of  lids 

Type      I,  a.   Flat,  hinged,  without  flange,  resting  on  the  rim  of  the  basket. 

h.   Flat,  hinged,  without  flange,  resting  on  a  basket  flange  placed  near 
the  rim  on  the  inside. 
Type    II,  a.  Flat,  usually  without  hinges,  with  knobs  or  loops  to  pull  by,  and 
attached  flange  slanting  slightly  outward  toward  its  base,  and 
fitting  snugly  into  the  orifice.     The  lid  rests  on  the  basket  rim,  by 
means  of  its  edges  which  project  beyond  the  flange. 
6.  Flat,  without  hinges,  with  attached  flange  slanting  inward  toward 
its  base. 
Type  III,  a.  Flat,  but  with  a  turned-down  edge  which  acts  as  a  flange  covering 
an  upright  collar  rim  or  flange  which  is  sewed  to  the  basket, 
b.   Conoid  shapes,  fitting  down  over  rims  which  are  usually  supplied 
with  collar  flanges. 
Type  IV.       Flat,  and  all  of  one  piece  of  coiling  with  the  basket. 

usually  slightly  larger  than  the  mouths  they  are  designed  to  cover, 
so  that  their  edges  project  well  over  the  rim  and  prevent  the  lids 
from  dropping  into  the  orifices.  Such  covers  can  be  applied  to 
almost  any  shape,  but  are  most  often  seen  on  round  or  work  baskets. 
Their  construction  depends  somewhat  on  the  shape  of  the  basket  for 
which  they  are  intended.  Round  ones  have  lids  of  watch-spring 
coding,  started  with  the  usual  knot  (pis.  8,  h,  d:  9,  a,  &.•  36,  d;  41,  h; 
50,  c) .  In  fact,  the  construction  of  any  of  these  lids  is  exactly  the  same 
as  for  the  corresponding  type  of  bottom."  Oval  shapes  require  usually 
an  elongated  watchspring,  while  the  more  rectangular  forms,  such  as 
some  .stluk,  have  lids  built  of  parallel  or  folded  coils  (pi.  12,  i),  or  just 
as  frequently  of  slats  (pi.  8,  c) .    In  these  last  two  kinds  a  number  of  en- 

1'  Round  watch-spring  coils  are  also  used  for  more  complicated  round  forms.    (See  pi.  13,  6.) 


boas] 


STRUCTURE    OF   BASKETS  187 


circling  coils  bound  tlie  central  portion,  which  varies  from  a  true  center 
to  almost  the  entire  piece.  Plates  8,  c;  9,  c,  and  10  illustrate  these 
lids,  which  include  all  types  of  coiled  and  slat  work,  and  are  classified 
under  one  heading  simply  on  account  of  their  shape,  their  relation  to 
the  orifice  they  cover,  and  the  way  in  which  they  are  fastened  to  the 
baskets.  They  are  Lillooet  and  Thompson  specimens.  A  variation 
of  Type  I  is  characterized  by  the  following  features:  The  lid  is  flat, 
but  smaller  than  the  orifice,  so  that  it  requires  a  flange  consisting  of 
a  few  coils  sewed  around  on  the  inside  of  the  basket  near  the  rim  on 
which  to  rest.  This  variety  is  usually  found  on  shapes  which  are 
smaller  at  the  base  than  at  the  mouth,  such  as  burden  baskets;  and 
is  illustrated  by  Plate  11 ,  a.  The  flange  is  usually  high  enough  so 
that  the  lid  is  on  a  level  with  the  rim. 

The  lids  of  the  second  type  are  of  the  same  construction  as  those 
belonging  to  the  first;  they  are  flat  and  of  watch-spring  or  parallel 
coils,  but  possess  a  flange  which  is  attached  to  them  instead  of  to 
the  basket.  This  is  made  separately  of  rarely  more  than  two  coils, 
unless  the  basket  is  very  large,  and  is  either  of  the  spiral  or  ring 
variety.  Sometimes,  instead  of  this,  a  flat  and  fairly  broad  piece  of 
sapwood  is  used  hoop  fashion,  and  is  covered  with  sewing  splints  in 
the  usual  manner.  The  flange  is  sewed  very  close  to  the  edge  of  the 
lid,  as  the  latter  is  usually  constructed  so  that  it  barely  covers  the 
opening,  the  slight  projection  usually  not  extending  beyond  the  rim 
coil  of  the  mouth  on  which  it  rests. 

The  flange  is  made  to  slant  outward  a  few  degrees,  fitting  the 
mouth  quite  snugly  and  even  requiring  a  slight  pressure  to  push  it 
down,  because  the  bottom  coil  is  just  a  fraction  larger  than  the  rim 
coil,  which  must  give  a  little  to  admit  it  (fig.  17,  a,  b).  In  order  to 
remove  it,  it  is  necessary  to  give  it  a  quick  tug.  Loops — or  more 
recently,  knobs — furnish  a  hold.  Since  such  lids  can  not  fall  off,  only 
the  larger  baskets  are  provided  with  hinges  to  hold  them. 

A  variant  of  this  type  (II,  b)  which  is  made  by  a  few  people,  but 
which  has  never  attained  much  popularity,  has  a  flange  which  is 
deeper  than  the  other  kind,  usually  being  built  of  three  or  four  coils. 
It  slopes  inward  from  the  top  toward  the  bottom  (fig.  17,  c),  the 
lowest  coil  or  ring  being  of  a  diameter  less  than  the  mouth,  the  high- 
est being  slightly  wider,  so  that  the  lid  may  be  pressed  on  and  held 
firmly  like  a  plug  in  a  hole.  But  practically  this  is  not  feasible,  for, 
on  account  of  the  springy  nature  of  the  coil,  the  lid  frequently  works 
out  when  the  basket  is  moved  about.  Therefore,  it  is  considered  as 
inferior  to  the  lid  with  a  diverging  flange  which  is  used  more  often 
now  than  any  other. 

The  third  type  ranks  second  in  popularity  and  includes  flat  and 
conoid  shapes.  The  flat  variety  possesses  a  flange,  but  this  is  not  of 
a  separate  piece  which  is  later  applied  to  the  lid,  but  is  made  of  the 


188 


COILED    BASKETRY   IN    BRITISH   COLUMBIA 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


last  few  coils  of  the  main  part  of  the  lid,  which  instead  of  continuing 
in  a  horizontal  plane,  are  laid  vertically,  one  below  the  other  at  right 
angles  to  it,  liice  tlie  walls  of  a  basket  in  relation  to  the  bottom,  if 
turned  upside  down  (fig.  17,  d).  To  fit  tliis,  tlie  last  few  coils  of  the 
baslvet  are  laid  vertically  on  each  other  to  form  a  "  collar;"  for,  unlike 
the  majority  of  baskets  having  flat  lids,  those  with  flanged  ones 
usually  have  constricted  mouths,  the  approach  to  wliicli  is  an  almost 
horizontal  slioulder,  on  which  a  flanged  lid  of  the  third  type  would 
slide  about  unless  supported  on  a  collar. 

There  are  several  variants  of  this  group,  which  are  not  sufficiently 
different  to  be  placed  in  subclasses.  With  some  the  flange  slopes 
outward,  the  supporting  "collar"  inward  (see  fig.  17,  e).  Occa- 
sionally the  flange  is  made  in  a  separate  piece  and  then  attached. 

A  variation  which  in  the  main  is  like  the  first  kind  described  under 
Type  III  is  more  carefully  constructed  than  any  so  far  discussed. 
It  is  used  on  straight-walled  shapes,  where,  fastened  by  sewing  to 


£ 


5 


Fig.  17.— Types  of  lids 

the  inside  of  the  rim  coil,  is  a  thin  slat  of  wood  forming  a  hoop  of 
exactly  the  right  size.  It  lies  on  its  edge,  and  over  it,  a  coiled  lid 
with  a  flange  whose  coils  lie  in  the  same  plane  as  the  walls  fits  so 
exactly  that  lid  and  basket  walls  seem  to  be  one.  The  coils  are 
perfectly  matched  and  aUgned.  Plate  11,  b,  shows  a  very  neat  bit 
of  workmanship  on  a  lid  of  this  sort.  Figure  17,  /,  indicates  the 
arrangement  diagrammatically. 

The  conoid  variety  (Type  III,  b)  is  used  on  round  or  oblong  shapes. 
The  central  part  may  be  of  watch-spring  or  parallel  coiling,  the 
encircling  coils  being  gradually  carried  from  a  horizontal  to  a  vertical 
plane  in  a  curve  which  depends  entirely  on  the  eye  and  taste  of  the 
maker.  Wlien  intended  for  oblong  baskets,  the  corners  are  rounded, 
and  the  makers  claim  that  the  lids  are  no  harder  to  manufacture 
than  the  baskets  themselves.  Some  informants  say  that  the  conoid 
shapes  are  rather  recent.  In  fact  they  nearly  all  agree  on  this  point, 
but  they  believe  that  slightly  conoid  forms  have  been  applied  to 
nut-shaped  baskets  for  many  years. 


boas] 


STRUCTURE    OF   BASKETS  189 


The  fourth  type  of  lid  is  like  the  parallel  coiled  flat  lids  of  the 
first  type,  with  the  important  difference  that  it  is  made  all  in  one 
piece  with  the  basket;  that  is,  the  coil  which  completes  the  walls 
continues  and  makes  the  lid.  This  is  undoubtedly  a  late  develop- 
ment.    The  procedure  involved  in  its  manufacture  is  as  follows. 

When  the  basket  walls  are  completed,  the  coil  is  not  cut  off  near 
a  corner  on  a  long  side,  but  having  run  the  length  of  one  side  which 
thereafter  becomes  the  back  of  the  basket,  it  is  doubled  and  redoubled 
on  itself,  very  much  in  the  way  parallel  coiled  bottoms  are  made, 
only  that  the  lid  is  necessarily  begun  from  the  rim  instead  of  from 
the  center.  These  parallel  coils  are  a  little  shorter  than  the  orifice 
and  do  not  extend  to  cover  its  full  width.  Instead,  when  a  corner  is 
reached  at  the  front  of  the  lid,  after  a  long  side  has  been  completed 
and  the  maker  is  satisfied  with  the  width,  she  carries  the  coil  to  the 
back  of  the  basket,  past  the  loops  of  the  folded  coils  at  one  end  of 
the  lid,  where  she  doubles  it  on  itself  and  brings  it  back  again,  for- 
ward, along  the  front  edge  and  around  to  the  back  along  the  other 
end,  where  she  again  doubles  it  back  and  brings  it  around  the  lid. 
Thus  the  lid  is  encircled  on  its  three  free  sides  several  times,  until 
the  proper  dimensions  have  been  attained,  when  the  coil  is  gradually 
diminished  and  comes  to  an  end  at  the  same  corner  where  it  began 
to  surroimd  the  parallel  section.  This  method  of  framing  the  parallel 
coils  keeps  the  lid  flat,  strengthens  it,  and  also  enlarges  it  so  that  it 
projects  over  the  rim.  The  sketch  and  key  given  in  Figure  17,  g,  may 
be  of  assistance  in  elucidating  the  manner  of  procedure.  Plate  12,  a, 
represents  a 'basket  with  attached  lid. 

When  not  made  in  one  piece  with  the  basket,  practically  all  kinds 
of  lids  are  started  in  the  center,  although  there  are  a  few  excep- 
tions, as  in  the  case  of  bottoms,  where  the  work  may  be  commenced 
at  the  side.  But  there  is  another  way  of  beginning  lids  which  must 
fit  exactly  over  the  basket  flange  at  the  rim.  They  are  not  easy 
to  make,  but  enhance  the  appearance  of  the  basket  not  only  as 
regards  alignment  of  coils,  but  also,  because  the  direction  of  the 
imbrication  is  retained,  which,  when  the  lid  is  begun  from  the  center, 
is  the  reverse  of  that  on  the  basket.  Plate  11,6,  again  serves  as  the 
example. 

Informant  No.  29  told  how  she  and  her  sister  and  friends  make 
such  lids.  After  being  measured  to  fit  over  the  flange  of  the  basket 
exactly  the  length  of  coil  required  is  wrapped,  and  when  enough  has 
been  covered  to  encircle  the  basket  the  sewing  process  begins  by 
joining  the  end  to  the  coil  at  the  point  where  the  wrapping  has  been 
completed,  so  as  to  start  the  spiral.  From  there  the  bunch  of  splints 
is  sewed  down  to  the  A\Tapped  coil,  forming  the  second  loop  of  the 
spiral,  which  is  graduallj'  carried  to  the  center. 


190  COILED    BASKETRY   IN   BRITISH    COLUMBIA  (eth.  ann.  41 

All  the  informants  agree  that  this  is  a  recent  devolopment  and 
that  the  knowledge  and  use  of  the  invention  is  as  yet  confined 
to  only  a  few  individuals.  There  seems  to  be  some  doubt  as  to 
whether  the  stitching  always  proceeds  toward  the  center  in  the  case 
of  lids  made  in  the  manner  just  discussed.  One  woman  thought  that 
the  usual  method  of  semng  from  the  center  outM'ard  was  followed  on 
small  lids  and  was  accomplished  by  first  ■\%Tapping  and  basting  the 
coils  to  one  another  at  intervals  until  the  center  was  reached, 
this  being  done  merely  to  hold  them  in  place.  Thus  the  exact 
number  and  size  of  coils  needed  to  fit  into  the  space  bounded  by  the 
rim  coil  was  determined,  and  any  adjustment  of  the  size  of  the  bunch 
of  coU  splints  required  to  make  the  center  as  neat  as  the  rest  could 
be  calculated  and  provided  for.  The  real  stitching  then  commenced 
at  the  center  and  was  carried  toward  the  rim,  the  wrapping  being 
unwound  as  the  stitching  advanced  upon  it. 

A  process  requiring  so  many  operations  which  were  exactly  the 
reverse  of  those  usually  employed  and  which  entailed  so  much  more 
labor  makes  it  seem  exceedingly  unlikely  that  many  women  would 
attempt  it,  and  makes  its  suggestion,  as  coming  from  a  member  of 
the  group,  all  the  more  remarkable.  Unfortunately  it  is  impossible 
to  tell  whether  such  a  scheme  has  or  has  not  been  adopted  by  any- 
one without  observing  its  actual  execution,  since  the  finished  product 
could  not  be  distinguished  in  any  way  from  a  lid  which  really  was 
begun,  coil  and  all,  in  the  center;  and  positive  observation  of  a  case 
in  point  has  not  been  made.  Nevertheless  the  thought  through 
which  the  idea  was  evolved  is  worthy  of  recording. 

Usually,  whatever  may  be  the  type  of  lid,  the  finish  of  the  coil 
is  neatly  executed,  the  foundation  material  tapering  down  to  a 
point.  If  the  rim  of  the  basket  ends  in  this  manner,  the  lid  is 
made  so  that  the  two  pieces  fit  one  over  the  other  (fig.  17,  h).  But 
on  round  baskets  es{>ecially  the  coils  are  frequently  cut  off  bluntly, 
and  the  ends  of  basket  and  lid  coils  are  made  to  come  together  so  that 
the  effect  is  that  of  a  continuous  spiral  (fig.  17,  i). 

Ring  coils  are  also  used  to  finish  lids  and  here,  as  elsewhere,  impart 
a  very  neat  appearance.  It  is  said  by  the  Lower  Thompson  that 
these  are  a  modern  development,  introduced  about  1S85. 

A  small,  new,  circular  shape  was  made  entirely  of  ring  coUs,  the 
bottom  and  lid  being  of  the  same  construction.  These  two  parts 
were  started  with  a  knot  of  foundation  material  which  was  sewed 
around  with  a  splint,  exactly  as  when  beginning  a  watch-spring  coil, 
but  the  long  end  of  the  bunch  of  splints  was  cut  off  short  and  also 
overcast,  instead  of  being  bent  into  a  coil,  and  the  knot  was  inclosed 
by  the  first  small  ring,  followed  by  others  properly  graduated  in  size. 

The  splint  acts  as  a  measuring  instrument  for  comparing  the 
diameter  of  the  mouth  of  the  basket  with  that  of  the  lid.     Where 


BOAS] 


STRUCTURE    OF    BASKETS 


191 


the  shape  is  oblong  two  measurements  are  taken.  From  time  to 
time  the  lid  is  fitted  over  the  basket  in  order  that  a  better  idea  may 
be  gained  as  to  lunv  it  is  going  to  fit.  Every  effort  is  made  to  effect 
a  neat  joining,  to  the  extent  of  enlarging  or  diminishing  the  size  of 
the  last  coil,  but  if  there  are  slight  irregularities,  especially  on  flat, 
projecting  lids,  they  are  not  regarded  seriously. 

Where  there  is  an  upright  flange  fastened  to  the  inside  of  the 
basket  rim,  over  which  the  lid  fits,  it  is  more  essential  that  the 
measurements  be  exact,  for  the  diameter  of  the  coils  which  encircle 
the  flange  must  be  such  that  the  outside  edges  do  not  project  beyond 
those  of  the  basket  walls  (fig.  17,/). 

The  lids  of  fancy  baskets  are  frequently  made  of  combinations  of 
loopwork  and  plain  coil  and  are  without  knobs  or  pull  loops,  the 
interstices  admitting  the  entrance  of  the 
fingers  (fig.  IS).  Most  of  the  women  make 
all  the  types  of  lids  mentioned,  but  there  are 
some  who  do  not  make  any,  or  at  least  have 
attempted  them  only  occasionally.  Some 
make  only  one  kind  or  another. 

The  Foot 

Among  other  comparatively  recent  "im- 
provements" is  the  foot,  which  seems  to  have 
come  into  use  about  ISOO,  and  which  has 
been  apphed  to  fancy  and  storage  baskets 
where  it  was  thought  necessary  to  keep  the 
bottoms  from  contact  with  the  floor.  By  fig. 
being  so  protected,  the  bottom  actually  does 
have  a  longer  life  and,  according  to  prevailing  ideas,  the  whole  basket 
gains  artistically  by  the  addition  of  this  little  stand.  It  has  never 
been  adopted  for  large  or  medium-sized  household  baskets,  nor  for 
those  used  for  carrving  burdens,  as  it  would  merely  be  in  the  way 
and  would  soon  become  damaged. 

Unless  it  is  composed  of  loopwork,  as  is  frequently  the  case  on 
fancy  baskets,  the  foot  consists  of  several  plain  coils  added  below 
the  bottom,  at  its  edge,  which  resemble  the  inception  of  a  second 
basket,  built  on  upside  down  (pis.  9,  a;  11,  a,  h;  12,  c).  The  number  of 
coils  depends  on  the  size  of  the  basket  and  for  medium  shapes  rarely 
exceeds  two.  Too  many  are  considered  as  evidences  of  bad  taste,  for 
they  apparently  alter  the  standard  proportions  to  which  the  people 
have  so  long  been  accustomed.  Therefore,  usually  a  four-coil  foot 
is  regarded  as  being  extremely  high.  Small  baskets  with  a  high  foot 
are  characterized  as  foolish  looking,  but  it  is  said  that  there  can  be 


18.— Sketches   of  lids    with 
loopwork 


192 


COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


^ 


no  such  thing  as  too  low  a  foot.  It  is  high  enough  when  the  bottom 
of  the  basket  clears  the  ground.  A  protecting  foot  is  preferred  to 
a  sagging  bottom. 

It  will  be  remembered  that  in  parts  exposed  to  wear  the  coils  were 
constructed  with  larger  diameters.  This  is  also  often  the  case  with 
the  bottom  coil  of  the  foot. 

There  are  several  ways  of  adding  this  part  to  the  basket,  one  of 
which  is  to  build  a  separate  piece  either  of  spiral  or  ring  coils  and  to 
fasten  it  by  sewing  to  the  bottom  before  the  walls  are  commenced. 
It  may  be  either  of  spreading  shape  or  straight  but  the  former  is 
preferred.  It  is  not  necessary,  however,  to  sew 
the  foot  on  before  the  side  walls  are  begun,  but 
it  is  easier  than  attaching  it  to  the  complete 
basket. 

A  watch-spring  coiled  bottom  of  either  the 
circular  or  elongated  type  usually  has  a  separate 
foot,  even  though  this  is  not  a  necessary  concomitant.  On  the  other 
hand,  slat  bottoms  or  those  made  of  parallel  folded  coils  more 
frequently  have  feet  which  are  made  in  one  piece  with  the  side  walls. 
The  separate  pieces  built  of  ring  coils  are  less  common  because  of 
the  time  required  to  splice  each  ring  and  to  make  sure  that  the 
joints  do  not  come  one  over  the  other.  Where  the  spiral  is  employed 
it  is  begun  with  a  very  small  coil  which  is  stitched  to  the  edge  of 
the  bottom  and  which  gradually  increases  in  diameter  as  the  work 
proceeds.  The  sewing  is,  as  usual,  toward  the  right  and  is  caught 
into  that  coU  which  divides  the  planes  of  bottom  and  wall,  because 


FiQ.   19.— Method  of  making 
foot  of  basket 


Fig.  20.- 


Method  of  making  foot  of  basket 


a  better  hold  is  to  be  gained  there.  When  the  foot  is  high  enough, 
the  coil  is  again  diminished,  so  that  the  decreased  portion  comes  on 
the  same  side  as  that  where  the  work  began,  thus  making  a  level 
stand.  Figure  19  shows  the  finished  product  upside  down  as  it  is 
made. 

When  the  foot  is  to  be  made  all  of  one  piece  with  the  side  walls, 
as  frequently  happens  on  rectangular  shapes,  a  round  coil  is  stitched 
in  the  middle  of  its  length  to  the  bottom  at  or  near  a  corner.  The 
left-hand  portion  is  left  loose,  to  be  taken  up  later,  when  the  foot  is 
started.     That  at  the  right  is  used  to  build  the  side  walls,  which  are 


boas] 


STRUCTURE    OF   BASKETS  193 


carried  up  a  short  distance  before  the  work  on  the  foot  is  commenced. 
Wiien  this  occurs,  the  basket  is  inverted,  and  the  material  which 
formerly  lay  loose  to  the  left  now  lies  to  the  right,  in  the  correct 
position  for  being  sewed  (fig.  20).  It  is  not  feasible  to  divide  a 
watch-spring  coil  in  this  manner,  for  when  the  edge  is  reached,  the 
coil  is  lying  entirely  to  the  right,  everything  to  the  left  being  sewed 
down.  To  add  coil  sphnts  in  the  opposite  direction  would  be  as 
awkward  as  to  bend  back  some  of  those  already  in  place. 

There  are  at  least  two  ways  of  constructing  the  loopwork  foot, 
especially  as  far  as  the  final  rim  coil  is  concerned.  One  is  to  make 
the  loops  and  rim  separately,  the  beginning  and  end  of  the  looped 
coil  being  brought  together  and  stitclied  down  at  the  same  point, 
namely,  at  an  apex  which  joins  the  basket. 

Figure  21,  a,  h,  illustrate  how  this  is  done.  Both  ends  are  reduced 
in  size,  and  when  covered  with  stitching  the  joint  is  practically  in- 
visible. The  application  of  the  rim  coil  is  shown  in  Figure  21,  c.  It 
is  begun  and  ended  at  the  apex  of  a  loop,  where  the  ends  are  lapped 
over  each  other,  having  been  cut  down  so  that  together  they  are 
no  larger  than  the  single  coil.     Another  possible  rim  is  the  ring  coil. 


'    /  d 

Fig.  21.— Methods  of  making  a  loofed  foot 


but  in  this  connection  it  wotild  be  less  satisfactory  because  the  joining 
of  the  two  ends  wovdd  be  necessarily  weak,  owing  to  the  fact  that  it 
is  not  supported  by  another  coil  sewed  to  it,  for  the  apex  of  a  loop 
is  hardly  a  sufficient  foimdation  on  which  to  fasten  the  joint  of  a  ring. 

In  the  second  type  the  loopwork  is  begun  at  an  apex  near  the 
rim  (fig.  21,  d,  e),  and  when  the  circuit  has  been  completed  the  coil 
is  brought  past  the  point  of  beginning,  where  it  is  fastened,  and  then 
carried  around  to  make  the  rim,  returning  to  the  same  point  to  be 
reduced  and  finished  in  the  customary  fashion  (fig.  21  e).  Figiure  21,/^ 
shows  the  appearance  of  the  completed  basket. 

About  half  of  the  women  interviewed  could  and  did  make  the  foot, 
esj^ecially  on  fancy  shapes.  A  few  add  this  part  after  completing 
the  side  walls,  but  most  of  them  have  adopted  the  more  convenient 
plan  of  making  it  first. 

A  rare  basket  is  pictured  in  Plate  13,  a.  Here  the  bottom  is  fin- 
ished with  two  ring  coils  which  are  added  in  such  a  way  that  the  inner 
one  seems  to  result  from  a  division  of  the  coil  which  made  the  bottom. 
The  foot  is  constructed  of  four  rings  and  above  these  the  basket 
proper  is  built  up. 


194 


coiled  basketry  in  british  columbia 
Handles 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


Handles  are  likewise  of  late  introduction  but  are  very  common  at 
present,  because  they  are  most  frequently  added  on  fancy  shapes 
for  which  there  is  a  constantly  increasing  demand. 

The  simplest  kind  are  merely  interstices  left  between  the  coils 
where  the  upper  two  or  three  are  looped  up  slightly  in  the  middle  of 


Fig  22.— Loops  used  as  handles 

the  wall,  to  make  room  for  the  fingers  to  enter  between  them  and  the 
coils  below.  Such  openings  are  also  made  so  that  the  basket  may  be 
suspended  from  a  peg  or  by  a  rope.  The  number  of  coils  so  lifted  or 
waved  depends  entirely  on  the  judgment  of  the  maker,  who  takes 
into  consideration  the  size  of  the  receptacle  and  the  probable  weight 
which  it  wiU  sustain.     For  trays  this  type  is  the  only  kind  of  "  handle  " 


Fig.  23.— Loops  made  of  thongs 

used  (fig.  22,  a,  b;  pi.  28,  d).  The  angular  opening  (c)  is  rather 
imcommon.  When  the  loop  is  of  a  single  coil,  it  is  thickened  in 
diameter  (pi.  40,  c).  This  type  of  handle  is  said  to  be  very  old. 
Certainly  it  is  widely  distributed  through  the  Rocky  Mountain 
Basin  region. 

There  are  also  loops,  thongs,  or  lugs  of  cord  or  leather  which  are 
drawn  between  the  coils,  by  means  of  holes  bored  by  the  awl  and 


'(X)  C 


Fig.  24. — Types  of  handles 

tied  at  the  ends  with  knots  to  prevent  their  pulling  out.  Various 
kinds  are  shoAvn  in  the  sketches  of  Figures  16  and  23.  In  the  latter, 
a  and  a'  show  the  right  and  reverse  sides  of  one  variety;  h  and  c, 
two  other  types.  Lugs  of  iron  and  wire  are  modern  and  rec^uire  no 
discussion  here. 

Real  handles  of  coiled  work,  attached  to  tlie  rims  or  walls,  are  also 
manufactured,  and  these  merit  some  attention. 


boas) 


STRUCTURE    OF   BASKETS 


195 


Occasionally  a  leather  thong  was  used  for  the  handle  foundation, 
instead  of  a  bimch  of  coil  splints,  or  even  fiber  strings,  either  of  which 
are  more  flexible  and  durable  than  splints  (fig.  24,/).  Wliere  single 
coils  are  used  (fig.  24,  a),  they  are  ■^Tapped  with  a  splint,  but  when 
the}'  are  double,  the  WTapping  is  alternately  carrietl  from  one  to  the 
other,  or  the  second  coil  may  be  sewed  to  the  first  (fig.  24,  h).  The 
stitches  may  be  held  together  more  firmly  by  se\\ing  up  and  down 
through  them  for  the  length  of  the  handle  between  the  coils,  as  may 
be  seen  in  Figure  24,  g.  Such  coiled  handles  were  passed  through  a 
loop  made  by  the  rim  coil,  or  else  tlirough  a  leather  loop,  and  the  ends 
were  doubled  back  and  fastened  to  the  body  of  the  handle  by  a  tight 
wrapping  and  sewing  (pis.  14,  a,  i,  c,  e;  16,  a;  31,  a,  which  are  Lillooet 
specimens,  and  fig.  24,  a,  h,  c). 

The  Upper  Thompson  very  rarely  braided  handles  of  leather  thongs, 
twine,  Indian  hemp,  or  horsehair — another  widely  diffused  type. 


Fig.  25.— a,  b,  Method  of  attaching  thong  line;  c,  Load  supported  by  sticks;  d,  c.  Tying  of  top 

of  basket 

No  wooden  handles  were  employed,  such  as  bent  sticks  sewed  to 
the  basket  walls,  but  some  of  the  Uta'mqt  used  sapwood  wrapped  in 
splints  of  clieiTy  bark  or  in  quills  for  the  kind  of  handles  similar  to 
those  pictured  in  Figure  24,  a,  h,  c. 

In  addition  to  these  aids  in  carrying  baskets,  where  there  were 
heavy  loads  to  be  transported,  wrappings  of  ropes  and  withes  were 
bound  around  the  whole  bundle  to  lessen  the  strain  on  the  handles, 
and  the  burden  was  lifted  by  means  of  stout  sticks  passed  beneath 
them.     For  carrying  on  the  back  tump  hues  were  deemed  sufficient. 

All  handles  such  as  knobs  on  lids  and  cups  are  modern.  The  lid 
knobs  are  made  exactly  like  a  miniature  foot  (pi.  14,  d),  while  cup 
handles  and  the  like  are  merely  short  bits  of  coiled  work  sewed  to  the 
wall  of  the  mam  structure  (fig.  24,  d,  e).  Figure  25,  a,  h,  shows  how 
the  tump  fine  is  attached,  c  shows  a  top  load  with  supporting  sticks 
and  ties,  and  d  and  e  the  methods  of  attaching  strings  across  the  tops 
of  loads. 


196  COILED   BASKETRY   IN   BRITISH   COLUMBIA  [eth.ann.4I 

CARE  AND  PRESERVATION 

The  information  included  in  this  section  is  chiefly  applicable  to 
the  Upper  Thompson,  although  probably  it  is  equally  true  of  other 
tribes. 

Wlien  a  new,  fine  basket  was  much  prized,  and  in  the  old  days 
such  were  not  lightly  regarded,  the  owner  took  precaxitions  at  the 
outset  to  protect  it,  as  much  as  possible  from  the  hard  wear  which  by 
necessity  usually  devolved  upon  it.  Wlien  rawhide  was  plentiful  a 
large  piece  was  fastened  over  the  bottom  on  the  outside,  extending  well 
up  the  sides,  but  in  later  times  this  was  supplanted  by  heavy  canvas. 
Such  patches  were  especially  placed  on  baskets  used  for  carrying 
loads  on  the  backs  of  horses,  where  the  severe  rubbing  against  the 
packsaddle,  to  which  they  were  subjected,  would  cut  short  the  life 
of  the  best  coU  work.  The  loads  were  always  piled  to  the  rim,  lest 
the  pressure  of  the  lash  rope  on  the  partially  empty  basket  would 
dent  or  break  it.  If  there  were  not  sufficient  contents  to  fill  the 
basket,  brush  was  stuffed  into  the  remaining  space. 

Empty  baskets  were  placed  upside  down  on  the  top  of  the  load 
and  tied  to  it  with  small  cords.  As  was  mentioned  in  the  section 
on  "the  foot"  (pi.  14,  b),  the  bottoms  of  those  baskets  which  habitu- 
ally rested  on  the  ground  were  protected  from  contact  with  it  by  a 
few  rings  of  coil.  Only  the  Chilcotin  put  hoops  around  the  rims,  and 
with  them  it  may  have  beeii  force  of  habit,  on  account  of  their  previous 
acquaintance  with  bark  basketry  and  because,  later,  their  coiled  ware 
never  attained  the  rigidity  of  that  manufactured  by  their  neighbors. 
(See,  however,  p.  201.)  Dirt  was  removed  by  scouring  and  scrubbing 
with  tepid  water.  At  present  the  people  take  much  less  care  of  their 
belongings  than  formerly,  another  indication  of  the  loss  of  the  sense 
of  responsibility  which  must  be  laid  at  the  door  of  the  white  man. 

REPAIRING 

Different  methods  of  repairing  have  been  mentioned,  such  as  calk- 
ing, putting  in  new  bottoms,  resewing  coils,  etc.,  so  that  there  is  little 
need  of  entering  into  this  subject  in  detail  here.  Rawhide  thongs 
or  bark  twine  were  sometimes  used  for  patching  coils  or  for  fas- 
tening in  a  patch  of  stiff  rawhide  over  the  hole  left  by  the  wearing 
out  of  a  bottom.  The  stitching  ui  such  cases  was  vertical,  catch- 
ing m  different  coils  alternately  long  and  short,  like  that  on  birch 
bark,  where  the  purpose  is  to  prevent  its  tearing  along  the  grain. 
Loose  pieces  of  hide,  the  size  of  the  original  bottom,  were  occasion- 
ally di-opped  inside  to  protect  the  bottom,  and  for  these  or  for  new 
skin  bottoms,  old  parfleches  were  cut  up.  In  a  few  cases,  wooden 
bottoms,  consisting  of  pieces  of  board  about  a  centimeter  thick, 
were  cut  to  fit  the  space,  and  sewed  to  the  sides  by  thongs  which 
passed  thi-ough  small  holes  bored  near  the  edges.  These  holes  and 
the  joint  were  then  pitched  to  prevent  leakage. 


BOAS]  FORMS    AND    PURPOSES    OF   BASKETS  197 

Often  when  a  bottom  is  quite  badly  worn  it  is  cut  from  the  basket, 
together  with  the  lowest  coils  of  the  sides  back  to  where  they  are 
sound.  A  new  bottom  is  made  separately,  which  can  be  almost 
exactly  fitted  to  the  opening,  and  this  is  sewed  in,  the  splint  passing 
through  and  joining  the  edges  of  the  walls  to  those  of  the  bottom. 
The  stitch  may  include  a  coil  or  two  on  either  side,  at  least  in  places. 
But  as  mending  entails  no  small  amount  of  labor,  few  people  seek 
to  preserve  their  baskets  and  prefer  to  make  new  ones. 

FORMS  AND  PURPOSES  OF  BASKETS 

According  to  tradition,  in  olden  times  there  were  10  different 
kinds  of  baskets  recognized  by  the  tribe.  These  fall  naturally  into 
four  groups  according  to  their  general  shapes.  (See  appendix, 
p.  395.)     They  are: 

Group  I.   Burden  baskets  (fig.  26,  p.  198). 

1.  Tsi.'a,  common  large  burden  basket. 

2.  Tsi.he'tsa,  shallower  and  smaller  form  of  burden  basket,  generally 

two-thirds  to  three-quarters  the  size  of  the  tsi.'a. 

3.  Spa'nek,'  .small  burden  basket  about  half  the  size  of  the  tsi.'a. 

4.  Spa'pEnEk,  smallest  burden  basket,  about  one-quarter  the    size   of 

the  tsi.'a. 
Group  II.   Round  baskets,  basins,  pails,  bowls,  kettles  (fig.  27,  p.  201). 

5.  .nko'EtEU,  a  large  circular  basket  (kettle). 

0.   .nko'koEtEn,  small  circular  basket,  the  size  of  a  large  bowl. 
Group  III.   Nut-  and  pot-shaped  baskets  (fig.  2S,  p.  203). 

7.  .slkomoxe'lEmox,  small  round  basket. 

8.  Slkapuxe'lEmox,  nut-shaped  basket. 
Group  IV.   Storage  baskets  (fig.  29,  p.  206). 

9.  .stluk,   large   storage   basket,    oblong,    with   rounded   corners,   high 

shoulders. 

10.  .stlu.lk.,  smaller  size  of  same  shape,  workbasket  (?). 

In  addition  to  these  four  groups,  all  of  which  are  represented  by  old 
and  well-established  forms,  there  are  numerous  "freak"  shapes,  copies 
of  more  or  less  modern  utensils,  boxes  and  dishes,  which,  although 
showing  many  variations,  are  classed  together  in  a  fifth  group. 
The  basis  of  this  last  classification  is  merely  that  the  forms  are  not 
indigenous.  One  cjuite  old  shape  which  is  not  included  by  the  in- 
formants in  the  original  four  groups  but  which  certainly  was  made 
from  very  early  times,  is  the  tray,  frequently  of  great  width,  but 
very  shallow  or  even  flat. 

Each  of  the  four  original  groups  is  represented  by  numerous 
gradations  in  size,  as  well  as  form,  especially  the  last  named.  Some 
forms  are  due  to  modern  influences  which  have  crept  in  gradually. 
The  classification  given  above  is  therefore  not  rigid  and  must  seek 
justitication  also  from  the  purpose  to  which  each  group  of  baskets 
is  put.  Group  I  are  used  chiefly  for  dry  burdens  of  all  descriptions. 
Group  II  are  for  liquids.  Group  III  are  for  the  storage  of  small  articles, 


198 


COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


and  Group  IV  are  for  storage  of  large  amounts  of  food  or  clothing. 
The  Indians  recognize  further  subdivisions  by  descriptive  terms, 
such  as  large,  small,  medium  sized,  low,  high,  very  small,  very 
round,  big  or  small  mouthed,  constricted.  In  the  appendix  are  given 
all  the  names  that  have  been  secured  (pp.  395  et  seq.). 

The  various  kinds  of  baskets  are  not  local  forms  but  are  rather 
generally  made  by  all  the  divisions  of  the  tribe,  although  there  is  a 
tendency  on  the  part  of  different  bands  to  manufacture  some  kinds 
more  than  others.  The  forms,  Figure  26,  a-f,  are  very  common 
everywhere,  while  the  remainder  are  made  chiefly  by  the  bands 
along  the  Fraser  River.  Those  around  Lytton  perhaps  preferred 
round  forms  like  those  of  Group  III,  while  the  Lower  Thompson 
favored  oblong  shapes  similar  to  those  represented  in  Group  IV. 
Most  of  the  largest  .stluk  are  made  by  them,  while  their  neighbors 


Fig.  26. — Types  of  burden  baskets 

produce  a  smaller  size  of  the  same  variety.  The  bands  east  of 
Lytton  made  none  of  these  storage  baskets,  and  only  a  few  round 
forms. 

Group  I.  Burden  Baskets 

As  might  be  inferred  from  their  general  distribution  and  popu- 
larity, the  burden  baskets  represented  by  the  first  group  are  the 
oldest  forms.  Tlieir  shapes  range  from  a  truncated  cone  to  a  trun- 
cated pyramid,  and  the  former  is  said  to  be  the  older  form.  Figure 
26,  e,  f,  g,  approximate  old  Wenatchi  types  which  the  Thompson 
imitated  long  ago.  Their  shape  lay  probably  between  these  and 
those  represented  by  a  and  h.  These  old  forms  were  deeper  in 
proportion  to  their  diameters  and  resembled  the  earlier  birch  bark 
shapes;  '*  but  they  are  no  longer  made.     The  sketches  a  and  h 

"  Another  old  type  resembled  some  of  the  modern  forms  such  as  Figure  26,  h,  but  had  straighter  walls. 
It  was  like  those  existing  among  the  tribes  in  southern  Washington  west  of  the  Cascades,  such  as  the 
Nisqualli  and  Cowlitz,  and  is  said  to  have  been  used  by  the  interior  Salish  along  Columbia  River. 
Among  the  Klickitat  the  tendency  of  late  has  been  away  from  this  type  toward  a  distinctly  conical  form, 
with  very  small  bottom  and  Daring  walls.  It  is  doubtful  if  the  tribes  living  east  of  the  Cascades,  in  the 
State  of  Wasbington,  ever  made  any  but  circular  forms. 


BOAS]  FORMS   AND    PURPOSES    OF    BASKETS  199 

represent  also  old  types  which,  however,  are  still  in  use,  although 
h  is  at  present  rather  rare.  Tyj^e  c  is  a  modern  development,  approxi- 
mating the  common  Lillooet  style,  but  with  a  larger,  longer  base 
and  less  flare  of  sides  which  lack  the  sharp  corners  so  characteristic  of 
the  Lillooet.  Most  of  the  people  consider  sharp  corners  detrimental 
to  durability.  Type  d  represents  a  very  large-mouthed  type,  which  is 
said  not  to  be  very  old.  The  most  common  modern  baskets  tend 
toward  tliis  form,  with  the  flare  becoming  less  in  the  upper  half  or 
third  of  the  basket.  There  are  at  present  all  possible  variations  of 
these  forms,  with  sharp  or  rounded  corners,  sc|uared  oval,  purely 
oval  and  quite  rectangular  bottoms  and  mouths,  or  with  bottoms  of 
one  of  these  forms  and  mouths  of  another.  It  seems  that  the  in- 
dustry is  passing  tlirough  a  transitional  stage,  at  least  as  far  as  the 
forms  of  the  products  are  concerned,  so  that  it  is  difficult  to  draw 
hard  and  fast  lines.  Still,  with  all  these  burden  shapes,  there  is  a 
group  similarity  and  a  noticeably  fairly  regular  proportion  main- 
tained between  the  parts  of  any  one  basket.  The  shallower  forms 
(fig.  26,  Ji,  i)  are  not  common.  They  resemble  the  lower  parts  of 
burden  baskets. 

The  tsi.'a  is  the  largest  of  the  typical  burden  shapes.  It  is 
40  cm.  high,  or  thereabouts,  60  cm.  long  at  the  mouth,  and  45  cm. 
wide,  with  varying  base  measurements.  Sometunes  the  end  waUs 
flare  a  little  more  than  the  sides.  It  is  used  for  big  loads,  such  as 
wood,  roots,  etc.,  and  even  for  boiling  soapberries  by  means  of  heated 
stones.  It  is  carried  on  the  back  by  means  of  tump  lines  and  is 
strapped  on  the  sides  of  the  horses  when  making  long  journeys  or 
when  the  load  is  too  heavy  for  the  people  to  transport.  It  is  said 
that  the  tsi.'a  was  gradually  made  more  and  more  elongated,  when 
it  was  discovered  that  a  modified  shape  did  not  roll  so  much  when 
being  carried.  Nearly  all  of  these  baskets  have  elongated  coiled 
bottoms. 

Sometimes  the  largest  baskets  were  used  for  bathtubs,  or  wash- 
tubs,  either  in  or  out  of  doors.  If  used  for  bathing  purposes,  a  hole 
was  frequently  dug  in  the  ground  into  which  the  basket  was  placed, 
so  that  it  might  not  tip  over  with  its  occupant. 

Some  old  people  declare  that  the  tsi.'a  was  specially  designed  for 
carrying  burdens  and  that  the  present  form  is  the  acme  of  perfection. 
Its  lower  part  is  made  narrow  to  fit  the  small  of  the  back,  and  its 
upper  part  wide  where  it  rests  on  the  shoulders.  One  of  the  longer 
sides  rests  firmly  and  flatly  on  the  back,  preventing  the  troublesome 
rolling  of  round  forms.  There  is  just  enough  flare  so  that  the  basket 
is  about  vertical  when  the  bearer  is  bent  forward  under  the  load,  and 
the  slant  of  the  end  walls,  which  is  a  little  more  than  that  of  the  sides, 
is  sufficient  to  prevent  the  carrying  strap  which  passes  around  it  from 
slippmg  up  and  bringing  too  much  stram  on  the  loops  through  which 
53666°— 28 14 


200  COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  [eth.  ann,41 

it  passes.  The  bottom  is  just  large  enough  so  that  the  basket  will 
remain  upright  when  on  the  ground.  The  old  people  consider  as 
awkward  and  impracticable  conical  baskets  which  can  not  stand  up 
and  must  be  transported  on  carrying  frames,  such  as  they  have  seen 
m  pictures  of  the  Pima  and  Papago  Indians  in  the  southwestern  part 
of  the  United  States. 

It  seems  quite  certain  that  rounded  forms  were  the  earliest  and 
that  the  rectangular  ones  have  gradually  superseded  them,  but  that 
the  extreme  angularity  noticeable  in  modern  specimens  is  copied  from 
the  LiUooet,  who  have  used  these  shapes  for  a  long  time. 

The  Thompson  greatly  admire  the  Lillooet  forms  and  in  trying  to 
improve  their  own  styles  surpass  their  models  in  extreme  angularity, 
but  fail  to  acaomplish  the  ends  they  strive  for  because  they  still  make 
the  bottoms  too  large  and  the  sides  too  low. 

The  second  size  of  burden  basket,  the  tsi.he'tsa,  is  also  an  old 
type  and  varies  little  in  shape  from  the  large  type,  although  according 
to  a  Nicola  informant  and  his  wife,  who  were  partly  of  Thompson 
descent,  this  basket  has  a  wider  mouth  in  relation  to  its  height.  It 
serves  as  a  berry  basket  or  for  carrying  roots.  Wlien  the  women  go 
out  to  gather  roots,  berries,  or  any  other  similar  foods  they  often  carry 
a  large  and  a  small  basket,  and  when  the  latter  is  filled  they  empty  the 
contents  into  the  larger  receptacle,  and  when  this  is  full  it  is  carried 
home,  the  little  basket  resting  on  top  of  the  load.  The  tsi.he'tsa 
measures  about  30  cm.  in  height;  the  mouth  35  by  45  cm.,  and  the 
base  18  by  22  cm. 

Young  girls  carry  smaller  baskets,  and  with  them  the  spa'nSk 
and  spa'pEUEk  are  popular.  These  range  from  17  to  24  cm.  in 
height,  16  by  22  to  25  by  35  cm.  for  mouth  dimensions,  and  7  by  11  to 
11  by  23  cm.  for  the  base.  Their  names  merely  denote  differences  in 
size.  A  few  very  small  ones  are  made  for  little  gii'ls,  and  are  used  by 
them  in  play.  Since  they  are  quite  as  strong  as  other  baskets,  they 
are  frequently  pressed  into  service  about  the  lodge,  as  dippers,  scoops, 
etc.  Burden  baskets  of  almost  any  size  were  used  when  removmg 
snow  or  earth.  In  the  former  case  they  were  employed  like  shovels, 
but  as  the  moving  of  earth  or  sand  was  a  more  arduous  process  which 
was  likely  to  damage  the  basket  the  soil  was  first  loosened  and  heaped 
up  and  then  scooped  into  the  large  basket  wliich  lay  on  its  side  with 
the  rim  on  a  level  with  the  bottom  of  the  pile  of  earth,  while  it  was 
steadied  with  the  knee. 

Three  loops  of  buckskin  passed  around  three  or  four  coils  serve  to  hold 
the  carrying  strap.  They  are  placed  at  both  corners  of  the  side  which 
is  intended  to  lie  next  to  the  back  and  in  the  center  on  the  opposite  side. 
The  tump  line  passes  through  them  and  crosses  on  the  back;  the  ends 
which  are  brought  around  in  front  of  the  person  are  tied.  Methods 
of  tying  coi'ds  across  the  top  of  the  load  have  been  treated  in  the 


boas] 


FORMS   AND    PURPOSES    OF   BASKETS  201 


section  on  "handles"  (p.  195).  If  the  load  is  heavy  and  the  basket 
does  not  fit  the  back  well,  small  pads  of  bunches  of  grass,  some  brush, 
or  a  folded  shawl  or  sack  are  laid  across  the  small  of  the  back. 

Group  II.  Kettles  and  Bowls 

The  circular  forms  of  the  second  group  were  used  principally  for 
holding  liquids.  Of  many  variations  of  this  general  type,  the  kettle 
basket,  .nko'EtEn  (fig.  27,  e),  is  the  most  common.  It  is  the  general 
basket  used  for  cooking,  or  was  until  the  white  man's  kettle  sup- 
planted it.  It  also  held  water  for  household  purposes,  but  was  then 
called  xaiS'ka.  There  were  sizes  for  all  possible  uses,  in  which  the 
degree  of  flare  varied  considerably.  The  smaller  bowls  were  given 
the  general  name  .nko'koEtEn,  but  when  used  by  shamans  in  cere- 
monies were  called  kaiskstEn  (thing  for  dipping  the  hands  in)." 

Special  names  were  given  to  baskets  employed  about  the  house, 
according  to  the  use  to  wliich  they  were  put,  rather  than  according 
to  size.  They  held  food,  water,  oil,  berries,  or  medicine  and  were 
used  as  dishes,  washbowls,  or  mortars.     They  also  were  filled  with 


Fig.  27. — Types  of  kettles  and  bo\vls 

water  and  placed  beside  the  cooking  basket,  and  into  them  the  house- 
wife dipped  her  hot  stones  to  cleanse  them  of  ashes  before  dropping 
them  into  the  cooking  kettle.  Sometimes  the  larger  kettles  had  hoops 
of  wood  fastened  near  the  rim  to  assist  in  keeping  them  in  shape  and 
as  an  aid  in  lifting  them,  but  this  is  more  characteristic  of  Chilcotin 
than  of  Thompson  baskets.  The  large  sizes  were  35  to  50  cm.  high 
and  50  to  70  cm.  in  diameter  at  the  mouth,  winch  was  about  double 
the  size  of  the  bottom.  Like  the  large  bm'den  baskets  they  were 
sometimes  requisitioned  for  bathtubs. 

The  sketches,  Figure  27,  a-d,  show  different  forms  of  bowls  down 
to  the  smallest,  which  were  used  as  cups.  Figure  27,  /,  shows  a  pail 
which  resembles  the  earlier  bark  baskets  from  which  it  may  have 
been  copied.     It  is  rather  rare  at  the  present  time. 

Baskets,  shallow  and  wide  at  the  mouth  in  proportion  to  the 
height,  served  as  basins.    They  were  made  by  the  Upper  Uta'mqt  and 

"  When  the  shaman  treated  a  sick  person  the  bowl  was  filled  with  water  and  placed  near  him.  He  dipped 
his  fingers  into  it  and  transferred  the  moisture  to  his  mouth  while  performing  the  ceremony.  The  same 
type  of  basket  was  used  in  the  sweat  lodge  for  holding  water  which  was  sprinkled  on  hot  stones.  These 
two  kinds  were  specially  decorated  and  kept  separate,  never  being  used  for  secular  purposes.  There  were 
others  which  were  used  by  youths  and  maidens  during  their  training,  but  most  of  these  were  of  bark.  Al- 
though the  sizes  merge  into  one  another  almost  imperceptibly  to  our  eyes,  the  Indians  differentiate  them 
more  particularly  than  we  should  be  apt  to  do.  Figures  156  and  157  and  Plate  35  in  Mason's  "Aboriginal 
American  Basketry"  represent  some  common  shapes. 


202 


COILED   BASKETRY   IN   BRITISH   COLUMBIA 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


Lytton  bands.  Many  were  provided  with  two  lioles  on  opposite 
sides,  for  finger-holds  when  they  were  hl'ted,  but  it  is  said  that  okler 
specimens  were  suppHed  with  buckskin  loops.  Figure  27,  g,  gives 
the  general  form. 

Usually  those  baskets  which  are  intended  for  the  same  purpose 
in  any  group  are  approximately  of  the  same  size.  This  may  be 
illustrated  by  the  "cup,"  which  is  perhaps  the  smallest  of  the  round  • 
forms.  Those  measui'ing  12  cm.  in  depth  and  mouth  diameter  and  5 
cm.  across  the  bottom  are  said  to  be  of  average  size  and  shape,  with 
the  proper  amomit  of  flare.  But  there  are  others  only  8  cm.  deep, 
8  cm.  wide  at  the  mouth,  and  6  cm.  across  the  bottom.  These  are 
considered  small  specimens.  The  average  cup  appears  to  our  eyes 
somewhat  deep  in  proportion  to  its  width  and  the  walls  almost  too 
vertical.  Mr.  Teit  was  told  that  a  cup  might  have  considerable  flare 
and  still  be  used,  but  that  it  would  be  recognized  as  being  wrongly 
proportioned.  The  men  would  probably  notice  the  unusual  shape 
but  would  not  criticize  it  shai-ply  as  long  as  it  could  be  made  to  serve 
its  purpose. 

Cups  were  called  za'utEn  or  .nza'umEn  (thing  for  dipping) .  They 
are  not  as  common  as  bark  vessels  used  for  the  same  purpose.  The 
dipper  is  supposed  to  have  more  flare  than  the  cup.  A  man  said  it 
resembled  the  Wenatchi  baskets  (fig.  26,  e,  f,  p.  198),  but  was  small. 
It  is  said  that  basketry  cups  were  mostly  used  by  girls. 

Of  the  bowls  and  other  round  baskets  exammed,  the  height 
measurement  usually  lay  between  those  of  the  diameters  of  bottom 
and  mouth.  Two  bowls  were  considered  small,  the  measurements  of 
which  are  as  follows : 


Height 

Diameter 
of  bottom 

Diameter 
of  mouth 

No.  1 

No.  2 

Cm. 
10.  8 
12.  1 

Cm. 

7.  6 

10.8 

Cm. 
14  6 
20.3 

Round  trays  measuring  40.7  cm.  to  50.9  cm.  in  diameter  were 
considered  large  by  three  Upper  Thompson  experts,  who  said  very 
few  were  made  measuring  more  than  50  cm.  Trays  25.4  cm.  to  30.5 
cm.  in  diameter  were  classed  as  small. 


Group  III.  Nlt-sh-^ped  Baskets 

To  this  group  belong  also  the  pot-shaped  baskets,  robin's  nest, 
and  underground  house  forms. 

The  "nut-shaped"  baskets  were  used  for  storing  berries  and  were 
also  the  common  workbaskets  for  the  women,  used  to  hold  small 
tools — awls,  thread,  shells,  trinkets,  and  any  other  odds  and  ends. 
(See  fig.  28,  e.)     They  derived  their  name  from  then-  resemblance  to 


boas] 


FORMS   AND   PURPOSES   OF   BASKETS 


203 


hazelnuts.  They  are  practically  identical  in  size,  for  the  "nut 
shape"  is  the  most  fixed  and  widely  known  of  any  of  the  round  forms. 
It  is  also  one  of  the  oldest.  The  bottom  is  usually  small,  circular, 
and  flat,  but  the  sides  have  two  distinctive  forms.  The  fii'st  variety 
is  largest  in  diameter  tlu-ough  the  middle;  the  other  is  widest  higher 
up,  at  what  may  be  called  the  shoulder.  Among  the  people  them- 
selves there  is  some  disagreement  as  to  which  is  the  original  form, 
but  according  to  Mr.  Teit,  the  former  type  is  the  older  one.  So  well 
estabhshed  have  size  and  shape  become  that  no  one  who  makes  a 
nut-shaped  basket  attempts  to  deviate  noticeably  from  the  standard. 
Every  woman  who  manufactures  one  has  a  clear  conception  of  how 


Fig.  28.— Types  of  baskets 

it  must  appear  when  finished  and  adjusts  her  work  accordingly. 
She  may  alter  the  size  a  little,  but  never  the  shape,  which  is  always 
one  of  the  two  tj^es  just  mentioned.  It  is  claimed  that  long  ago 
there  were  very  large  "nut  shapes,"  but  these  are  not  made  any  more. 
They  were  about  four  times  the  size  of  the  little  ones  and  were  used 
for  holding  stored  provisions,  or  for  clothes  and  ornaments,  tobacco, 
or  kinnikhinick. 

The  average  size  of  the  former  variety  and  its  most  common  pro- 
portions are  illustrated  by  the  following  measurements  of  four  speci- 
mens wliich  were  declared  by  the  three  women  of  the  upper  bands 
before  mentioned  to  be  good  examples. 


Height 

Greatest 
diameter 

Diameter 
of  bottom 

Diameter 
of  mouth 

No.  1- 

Cm. 
15.  0 

Cm. 
20.3 
19.3 
19.3 

17.8 

Cm. 

12.  1 

11.9 

8.  9 

11.3 

Cm. 
13.  0 

11.  3 

12.  1 
12.  7 

No.  2 

No.  3 

No.  4 

12.  7 
12.  1 
11.3 

Very  small  baskets  of  this  shape  would,  according  to  these  inform- 
ants, be  considered  as  curiosities  and  were  of  little  practical  use.  A 
nut-shaped  basket  with  greatest  diameter  a  httle  above  the  middle, 
which  measured  19.4  cm.  in  height,  23.5  cm.  in  its  greatest  diameter, 


204  COILED  BASKETRY  IN  BRITISH  COLUMBIA  ieth  ann.  41 

11.9  cm.  across  the  bottom,  and  11.3  cm.  across  the  mouth,  was 
considered  rather  too  high  for  the  other  proportions.  The  mouths 
of  these  baskets  were  made  just  large  enough  to  permit  the  easy 
entrance  of  a  woman's  hand.  Most  of  the  women  said  tlaere  was  no 
point  in  malving  them  any  larger  and  none  were  made  smaller,  be- 
cause they  would  be  inconvenient  (pi.  17,  d).  Almost  all  of  these  are 
provided  with  lids  (pis.  8,  d,  and  9,  a),  which  are  attached  by  one  or 
two  long  loops  of  buckskin,  fastened  as  shown  in  Figure  16,  e  and/, 
p.  186.  Occasionally  they  are  attached  with  pieces  of  leather  resem- 
bling lunges  (fig.  16,  a),  but  this  style  is  not  popular,  for  the  hinge 
obscures  part  of  the  design.  Other  methods  are  pictured  in  Figure 
16,  h-d.  Modern  baskets  have  a  flanged  rim  and  lid,  as  shown  in 
Figm-e  17,  d  and  /,  p.  188.  Lids  of  hide  were  ornamented  with 
designs  carried  out  in  paint  or  beads,  and  were  sometimes  pinked 
around  the  edges.  The  small  nut-shaped  baskets  are  often  imbri- 
cated aU  over  with  great  care,  for  they  are  usually  intended  for  gifts 
to  be  given  to  other  women  or  girls,  and  sometimes  to  men.  A  few 
have  conoid  lids  instead  of  flat  ones,  with  a  knob  on  top  as  a  handle. 
The  knobs  are  cjuite  modern  and  are  made  principally  by  the  Lower 
Thompson.     One  of  these  is  shown  in  Plate  14,  d. 

Very  httle  is  known  about  the  pot-shaped  baskets.  They  were 
rather  large,  like  jars,  with  constricted  mouths,  just  large  enough  to 
admit  a  hand,  and  supplied  with  buckskin  loops  for  handles.  They 
were  used  for  storing  water,  oil,  grease,  etc.  The  mouth  may  have 
been  sealed  with  pitch,  although  there  is  no  information  on  this 
point.     The  age  of  the  type  is  not  known. 

The  jar  shape  given  in  Figure  28,  d,  is  not  made  at  aU  now,  and 
many  persons  do  not  even  know  it.  The  neck  was  about  3  cm.  high 
and  was  seldom  over  7  cm.  in  diameter.  There  was  no  lid,  but  the 
opening  was  stopped  with  a  plug  of  grass,  bark,  or  wood.  The  loops 
for  carrying  are  shown  in  the  figure.  Just  when  these  shapes  were 
used  is  not  known,  but  they  are  supposed  to  have  been  employed  for 
carrying  water,  or  as  pitchers  in  the  house.  Some  people  say  they 
were  fii'st  made  in  the  time  when  the  Hudson  Bay  Company  flour- 
ished; that  is,  from  1810  to  1860;  and  again  this  is  denied.  It  is 
possible  that  they  were  an  old  type,  for  bags  and  bark  baskets  with 
constricted  mouths  were  commonly  known  and  used  by  the  tribe. 
Their  exact  proportions  are  uncertain. 

A  small  round  basket  about  the  size  of  a  cup  but  wider  and  with 
a  slightly  constricted  rim  was  made  by  the  Lytton  people  and  dubbed 
"robin's  nest"  (fig.  28,  c).  It  was  used  as  a  cup,  generally  by  girls. 
"Robin's  nests"  were  freciuently  imbricated  all  over  the  surface  and 
even  supplied  with  loopwork  borders.  In  this  case  they  were  prob- 
ably never  intended  to  be  used.     They  are  rarely  made  now. 


BOAS]  FORMS   AND    PURPOSES    OP    BASKETS  205 

Another  peculiar  shape  was  the  ''underground  house,"  so  named 
from  its  resemblance  to  the  winter  lodge.  It  had  bulging  sides, 
long  sloping  shoulders,  and  a  small  mouth,  and  was  used  for  storage 
purposes,  even  very  long  ago,  but  was  not  very  common.  It  differs 
from  the  nut  shape  in  its  greater  size  and  broad  base.  Figure  28,  /, 
gives  a  conception  of  its  general  outline,  which  is  not  fixed,  but  takes 
two  forms,  as  may  be  seen  from  the  sketches.  Its  capacity  was  com- 
parable to  that  of  a  large  burden  basket,  or  of  the  large,  old-style 
nut-shapes.  When  the  base  was  small  it  was  quite  similar  to  a  nut- 
shaped  basket.  There  was  a  tendency  to  decorate  ''underground 
house"  baskets  with  ladder  designs,  representing  the  notched  ladders 
of  the  semi-underground  lodges;  and  also  to  apply  a  vertical  stripe 
design  wliich  pictured  the  posts  used  in  the  construction  of  the  house. 

Some  informants  think  these  shapes  were  given  their  names  on 
account  of  their  resemblance  to  the  objects;  others  say  they  were 
actually  imitations  of  such  objects  and  were  necessarily  so  called. 

The  Lytton  band  was  evidently  more  ingenious  and  original  than 
some  of  the  others,  if  they  may  be  judged  by  the  variety  of  shapes 
they  invented.  They  are  responsible  for  all  the  "fanciful"  shapes 
as  weU  as  for  the  triangular,  oval,  and  heart-shaped  forms. 

Group  IV.  Storage  Baskets 

To  the  last  of  the  four  groups  of  old  shapes  belong  the  .stluk  or 
storage  baskets,  often  called  "trunk  baskets"  by  the  whites.  It  will 
be  remembered  that  the  ancient  types  were  rounded,  and  that 
angular  forms  are  a  modern  development.  Figure  29,  a-e,  represent 
tlie  old  styles,  while/  represents  a  new  form.  Usually  they  have  lids 
which  are  provided  with  buckskin  hinges.  Plate  15  gives  excellent 
illustrations  of  three  specimens  of  this  type.''*  The  largest  equal  in 
capacity  a  good-sized  trunk  of  white  manufacture.  Their  use  was 
formerly  confined  to  the  bands  around  Lytton,  who  used  them  for  the 
storage  of  clothing,  blankets,  and  robes,  while  among  the  Upper 
Thompson  bags  took  their  place.  These  large  sizes  were  seldom 
taken  away  from  the  village,  but  the  smaller  ones,  which  were  used  for 
food,  were  carried  along.  Very  small  ones  are  longer  in  proportion 
to  their  lieight  than  the  large  specimens  (fig.  29,  e)  and  serve  as 
women's  workbaskets  or  for  treasure  boxes  in  which  to  keep  valuable 
feathers,  small  feather  headdresses,  necklaces,  and  fragile  trinkets. 
The  trunk-shaped  baskets  were  also  made  among  the  adjoining  tribes 
west  of  the  Cascades  in  western  Washington,  and  by  the  Coeur  d'Al^ne 
and  Lake  tribes  of  the  interior.     It  seems  doubtful  whether  they  were 

»•  See  also  pis.  8,  c;  9,  c;  10,  a,  b;  11,  b:  12,  a,  b;  17,  c;  18,  b;  26,  h;  35,  e;  38,  a,  b;  -12,  g:  50,  d,  e. 


206 


COILED    BASKETRY   IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


copied  from  the  trunks  used  by  whites  who  were  in  the  service  of  the 
Hudson  Bay  Company  as  suggested  by  Mason,^"  for  they  seem  to  ante- 
date by  a  long  time  the  advent  of  these  traders,  and  the  earhest  arrivals 
probably  brought  no  baggage.  In  later  years  trunks  may  have  been 
carried  to  the  trading  posts,  but  there  were  no  such  stations  in  the 
Thompson  territory  and  many  Thompson  Indians  never  saw  any  posts 
previous  to  about  1860.  It  seems  more  probable  that  if  they  were  not 
invented  by  the  people  for  their  own  requirements,  they  may  have 
been  copies  of  the  bent  cedar  wood  or  bark  boxes  made  by  the  coast 
Indians,  as  Doctor  Boas  has  suggested,  although  in  this  case  the 
difference  of  form  can  not  well  be  accounted  for,  since  exact  dupli- 
cates could  have  been  just  as  easily  made,  as  imitations  of  Lillooet 


Fig.  29. — Types  of  storage  baskets 

forms  are  at  the  present  day.  The  arrangement  of  the  attached  Ud 
(pi.  12,  a)  seems  to  resemble  flaps  on  woven  or  skin  bags  which  were 
common  enough  among  the  interior  tribes. 

Gkoup  V.  Odd  Shapes 

In  addition  to  the  groups  so  far  discussed,  there  were  many  odd 
forms  used  for  a  variety  of  purposes.  The  most  numerous  smiong 
these  types  are  trays  and  plaques,  which  were  used  as  food  dishes  and 
eating  plates  and  especially  for  passing  food  during  ceremonies,  as  weU 
as  to  toss  dice  on  in  gambling,  and  to,  fan  the  fire  with.  These,  as 
their  names  suggest,  have  broad,  flat  bottoms  and  flaring  sides  which 
might  better  be  termed  rims,  because  of  their  insignificant  height. 
Those  intended  for  ceremonies  have  higher  walls  than  those  used  for 
ordinary  purposes.     They  are  of  various  shapes,  as  Figure  30  shows. 

"  O.  T.  Mason.  Aboriginal  American  Basketry,  p.  285. 


boas) 


FORMS   AND    PURPOSES    OF   BASKETS 


207 


Here  also  the  Fraser  River  people  who  manufacture  them  display 
their  inventive  genius.  The  Lower  Thompson  have  only  recently 
attempted  to  make  them,  while  the  bands  east  of  Thompson  Siding 
never  have  done  so,  but  used  woven  mats  and  bark  vessels  instead. 

The  former  distribution  of  coiled-work  trays  and  dishes  is  not 
known,  but  the  people  say  that  there  were  not  many  long  ago. 


Fig.  30.— Types  of  trays 

Those  used  for  household  purposes  were  rather  plain,  being  orna- 
mented near  the  rim  with  a  line  of  beading  or  imbrication  in  an  old 
arrowhead  design.  Imbricated  ornamentation  on  the  inside  bottom 
was  unknown  in  former  times,  but  at  the  present  time  for  the  ceremo- 
nial utensils  an  elaborate  scheme  of  decoration  of  this  part  has  come 
into  vogue.  Although  the  people  discrimmate  between  the  variotis 
sizes  and  forms  according  to  the  uses  to  which  they  are  put  and  use 


u. 


Fig.  31. — Types  of  baskets— n,  tub-shaped;  6,  c,  bo.\-shaped 

distinctive  terms  for  these,  the  common  name  for  this  type  of  utensil 
is  zalt. 

A  circular  tub-shaped  basket  sketched  in  Figure  31,  a,  is  a  modern 
form  which  is  occasionally  made  by  the  Fraser  River  people,  generally 
of  sapwood  foundation  coil.  They  call  these  baskets  .nkwoi'tsEmEn 
or  .ntsau'niEn,  names  wliich  they  also  apply  to  washtubs  and  basins 
of  white  manufacture.  Mason  ^'  shows  a  specimen  of  tliis  type  in 
his  Plate  156,  which  he  says  comes  from  Port  Douglas  in  the  country 
of  the  Lower  Lillooet. 


I  O.  T.  Mason,  Aboriginal  American  Basketry. 


208 


COILED    BASKETRY   IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA 


[eTH.  ANN.  41 


The  boxes  sketched  in  Figure  31,  6,  c,  are  examples  of  the  unitations 
of  white  men's  boxes  made  at  the  present  time.  They  are  of  all 
sizes  and  either  oblong  or  square,  and  when  they  are  Lower  Thompson 
products,  frequently  have  a  slat  bottom  and  a  stand  or  foot.  They 
are  used  in  the  house  for  storage  purposes  and  may  or  may  not  have 
lids.  Usually  when  these  are  present  they  are  of  the  variety  seen  in 
Plate  12,  a,  or  flat,  tied  on  with  buckskin  thongs;  a  few  fit  into  the 
rim,  as  do  those  of  crocks  or  pots  of  white  manufacture,  and  quite  a 
number  are  provided  with  basketry  knobs  of  one  description  or 
another.  They  are  frequently  profusely  decorated  with  imbricated 
designs  and  on  account  of  their  neat,  attractive  appearance  are 
bought  in  large  numbers  by  the  whites. 

There  are  also  baskets  for  pouring  liquids,  shown  in  Figure  32,  a,  b, 
which  were  likewise  used  as  berry  dishes  or  bins  for  dry  materials, 
and  flat-backed  tjqaes  shown  in  Figure  32,  c,  and  on  Plate  9,  d,  which 
were  formerly  used,  but  are  seldom  manufactured  now.     The  origin 


Fig.  32.— Types  of  baskets— a,  6,  lor  pouring  liquids;  c,  storage  basket  for  tobacco  and  pipe;  d,  for 

general  storage;  e,  rattle 

of  this  type  is  uncertain,  for  it  is  very  unlikely  that  the  fur  traders 
introduced  the  shape.  Its  first  appearance,  the  people  claim,  was  at 
Lytton,  where  so  many  other  odd  shapes  originated;  it  was  not 
adopted  elsewhere,  and  was  used  in  much  the  same  way  as  fishermen 
employ  it  now,  or  it  was  hung  up  in  the  house  and  held  tobacco, 
kinnikinnick,  and  pipes.  The  hole  is  said  to  have  been  made  in 
order  to  allow  the  long  pipestcms  to  protrude  from  it.  Such  a  shape 
was  also  useful  when  traveling,  for  it  made  a  very  excellent  saddlebag. 
Figure  32,  d,  is  simply  a  square  receptacle  for  suspension.  The 
type  of  rattle  in  Figure  32,  e,^^  is  usually  about  8  cm.  high,  coiled  all 
in  one  piece,  beginning  at  the  top  and  worked  toward  the  handle.  It 
ends  in  a  loopwork  coil.  The  head  and  handle  are  hoUow  and  the 
pebbles  in  the  head  are  kept  there  by  a  wooden  plug,  which  stops  the 
opening.  The  larger  and  heavier  kinds  used  ui  dances  and  ceremonies 
frequently  had  additional  loops  of  basketry  or  thongs  by  which  to 
hold  them.  They  were  made  by  all  the  Fraser  Bands  and  the  Upper 
and  Lower  Lillooet.  Fancy  baskets  of  all  shapes  are  now  made  of 
loopwork  coil.     (Pis.  16,  a;  17,  a,  e,  g.) 

"  See  top  view,  pi.  13,  6. 


boas] 


FORMS    AND    PURPOSES    OF    BASKETS 


209 


Innumerable  other  objects  are  also  manufactured  by  the  Thompson 
and  Lillooet,  including  backs  for  quivers;  shields,  which  were  of 
slats  woven  together  with  cordage  or  splints,  but  not  so  far  as  known 
of  coiled  ware;  gaming  rings  and  targets;  toys  of  all  sorts,  which 
comprise  mmiature  lodges;  tents;  sweathouses;  grave  fences;  and 
boxes  and  doll  carriers,  ornamented  with  streamers  of  dyed  bark, 
feathers,  beads,  shells,  teeth,  and  hoofs.  The  little  houses  are  fre- 
quently imbricated  with  designs  representing  house  beams,  and 
furnished  with  miniature  ladders,  carved  and  painted.  For  "under- 
ground houses"  only  that  part  which  shows  above  the  ground  is 
constructed. 

The  Lytton  people,  the  Upper  Thompson,  and  Upper  Fraser  Band 
even  undertook  to  manufacture  spoons  of  coiled  work, 
and  so  ingenious  is  their  construction  that  it  seems 
worthy  of  a  full  description. 

Some  are  toys  for  little  girls  and  therefore  not  very 
durable,  but  those  intended  for  actual  use  are  rigid 
enough  for  all  purposes.  Where  the  handles  show 
signs  of  bending,  a  light  rod  or  slat  is  lashed  to  the 
back  throughout  the  length,  or  occasionally  a  thick 
strip  of  rawhide  or  the  stiff  leg  sinew  of  a  deer  is  sub- 
stituted. The  spoons  formerly  in  use  are  said  to  have 
been  strong  and  rigid,  perhaps  35  cm.  in  length,  over 
9  cm.  across  at  the  bowl,  and  2.5  cm.  across  the  handle. 
They  were  as  thick  as  one  round  coil  of  basketry  such 
as  would  be  used  in  a  burden  basket,  perhaps  7  mm. 
A  loop  or  hole  was  left  at  the  end  of  the  handle  for 
suspension.  Usually  spoons,  if  ornamented  at  all,  bore 
only  Unes  of  beading.  However,  only  a  few  of  the 
bands  used  spoons  of  basketry ;  the  common  ones  were 
of  horn  and  wood. 

Figm-e  33  shows  the  method  of  construction.  The  center  of  the 
handle  is  made  by  folding  and  wrapping  a  coil,  catching  the  two 
sides  together  with  medial  sewing.  One  loose  end  is  doubled  back 
at  1  and  the  end  caught  in  the  last  of  the  wrapping  which  covers  the 
original  double  section.  This  folded  end  is  then  covered  with  a 
sewing  splint,  and  then  the  other  end,  which  is  longer,  is  brought 
around  it  and  sewed,  ending  at  2.  Three  short  pieces  of  coil  (some- 
times consisting  of  a  single  piece  doubled  back  and  forth)  are  sewed 
around  the  outside  of  these  to  form  a  nucleus  for  the  bowl-shaped 
portion;  a  new  piece  is  started  at  3,  the  end  being  sewed  down  to  the 
central  part  of  the  handle,  after  wliich  it  is  brought  around  the  top 
as  a  loop,  separated  from  the  rest,  and  wrapped  to  the  corresponding 
point  4  on  the  other  side.  From  here  it  is  carried  completely 
aroimd  the  spoon  to  the  point  from  which  it  started,  where  it  is 


Fig.  33.  — Sketch 
illustrating  the 
making  of  a  bas- 
ketry spoon 


210  COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  Ietb.ann.41 

fastened.  A  medial  sewing  extends  dowTi  the  center  of  the  handle 
and  across  the  bowl.  It  is  said  that  there  are  many  chfferent  methods 
of  making  spoons,  but  this  is  the  only  one  of  which  a  full  description 
could  be  obtained. 

Plate  16,  h,  shows  a  modern  basket  with  a  partition.  Such  devices 
were  unknown  in  former  times,  the  form  being  derived  from  knife 
and  fork  baskets  and  boxes  belonging  to  the  white  man.  In  fact 
there  is  scarcely  an  object  which  has  been  introduced  by  trade  with 
the  white  men  and  which  can  possibly  be  copied  in  basketry  that 
these  people  have  not  attempted  to  make.  In  addition  to  their 
inventive  and  creative  genius  which  has  led  them  to  originate  many 
odd  forms  whose  construction  is  no  easy  task,  and  whose  ornamen- 
tation is  so  difficult  of  satisfactory  accomplislunent  that  the  beautiful 
finished  products  challenge  admiration,  their  imitative  faculty  is  also 
highly  developed,  as  the  foregoing  descriptions  have  made  clear. 

BABY  CARRIERS 

Baby  carriers  of  basketry  were  rather  rare  long  ago,  although 
they  are  common  enough  at  the  present  day.  Nevertheless  they  are 
quite  an  old  invention.  Formerly  the  carriers  were  of  bark.  Some 
say  that  the  Thompson  adopted  them  from  the  Lower  LiUooet,  who 
made  theirs  of  rather  narrow,  flat  coils  or  slats  of  cedar  wood.  The 
Thompson  have  always  made  their  carriers  of  slats  or  flat  coils 
rather  than  of  round  ones.  Sometimes  they  are  entirely  constructed 
of  slats,  or  else  several  kinds  of  technique  are  used,  one  kind  for  the 
bottom,  another  for  the  sides.  In  fact,  there  are  five  principal  types. 
The  first  is  of  round  coil  throughout,  the  second  of  flat  coil  tlu-ough- 
out,  though  usually  even  on  these  a  round  coU  connects  the  bottom 
and  sides  and  finishes  the  rim.  The  third  type  has  the  middle  part 
of  the  bottom  constructed  of  flat  coils,  with  roimd  coUs  for  the  rest 
of  the  basket,  while  the  fourth  has  practicaUy  the  whole  bottom  of 
flat  coU.  The  last  type  has  the  bottom,  to  above  the  curve,  of  roimd 
coil,  with  the  remainder  of  flat  coil,  except  the  rim,  wliich  is  again 
round.  In  the  place  of  flat  coils,  wooden  slats  are  frequently  used, 
being  wrapped  with  a  sewing  splint  in  the  same  manner  as  other 
foundation  material. 

In  addition  to  being  sewed  with  brightly  colored  splints,  wliich  at 
the  present  time  are  usuaUy  tinted  with  commercial  dyes  in  several 
colors  besides  the  customary  red  and  black,  the  carriers  are  partially 
covered  and  lined  with  gay  pieces  of  cloth  and  sometimes  decorated 
with  shells  or  other  little  articles  wliich  jingle  pleasantly. 

In  former  times,  accorchng  to  the  old  people,  all  baskets  were  very 
simple.  They  were  rarely  decorated  with  designs  in  colored  materials. 
Even  now  those  people  who  are  more  conservative  and  try  to  main- 
tain the  old  traditions  prefer  only  natural  tints  or  simple  figvues. 


boas] 


BABY   CARRIERS 


211 


But  they  are  at  pi'esont  far  outnumberetl  by  others  who  are  rapidly 
developmg  the  art  of  basketry  decoration  to  the  highest  degree.  It 
seems,  however,  that  baby  carriers  have  always  been  an  exception 
to  the  rule,  and  that  the  practice  has  been  to  make  them  quite 
gaudy.^ 

The  kind  of  beaded  work  which  is  so  often  seen  on  baby  baskets 
manid'actured  by  the  Lillooet,  Squamish,  and  their  coast  neighbors 
is  not  used  by  the  Thompson,  and  probably  never  has  been. 

Most  Thompson  carriers  are  ornamented  with  simple  beading  or 
unbrication  on  one  side  only,  or  more  generally  on  one  side  and  ends, 
the  opposite  long  side  being  left  undecorated  because  it  is  always 
carried  next  to  the  bearer.  The  same  thought  seems  to  control  the 
situation  here  as  with  the  imadorned  bottoms  of  baskets,  or  with 
the  bare  section  of  the  burden  basket  which  lies  next  the  back. 

The  left  side  of  the  basket,  i.  e.,  the  side  to  the  left  of  the  child  in 
the  cradle,  is  the  one  which  is  decorated,  for  when  carried  on  the 
mother's  back  the  cradle  is  horizontal  and  the  child  lies  with  its 
head  toward  the  mother's  right,  while  the  child's  right  side  is  next 


■     ■■     ■  rr 

^ 

^n 

!■.■  P 

"PS 

%"^-*  E 

1^!^ 

m_ 

1  1  1  1  r 

mM 

K^ 


Fig.  34. — Beaded  designs  for  baby  carriers 

to  the  mother.  Mr.  Teit  thinks  that  the  custom  of  carrying  the 
baby  in  this  manner  has  something  to  do  with  right-handedness 
and  a  belief  ua  the  superior  or  mystic  nature  of  the  right  side,  as 
opposed  to  the  left.  Some  women  say  it  is  the  most  convenient 
method,  while  others  give  the  usual  reason:  "It  is  the  old  way." 

Nevertheless,  there  are  carriers  wliich  are  ornamented  all  around, 
but  even,  when  this  is  so  the  left  side  bears  more  elaborate  work, 
and  only  a  few  are  evenly  decorated.  Some  are  entirely  without 
ornamentation,  wliile  others  bear  designs  only  about  the  rim. 

Figure  34  gives  five  beaded  designs  seen  on  baby  carriers  among 
the  Upper  Thompson.  It  was  not  known  where  the  carriers  so 
adorned  had  been  made,  as  they  had  passed  through  several  hands. 
It  is  possible  that  they  were  of  Lillooet  manufacture.  The  owner 
of  one  thought  that  hers  had  been  made  by  the  Lillooet,  but  was  not 
sure,  while  the  owner  of  another  said  she  believed  hers  came  from 
the  Thompson  living  near  Lytton,  but  she,  too,  was  not  certain. 
Several  Thompson  women  said  they  could  make  all  of  the  designs 
showTi  in  Figure  34  if  they  chose. 


"  See  also  p.  148. 


212  COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  [eth.  ann.  41 

The  general  shape  of  the  baby  carrier  is  sho\™  in  Phites  42,  i, 
and  43,  a,  b. 

PROPORTIONS   OF   BURDEN   BASKETS 

In  order  to  understand  the  characteristic  application  of  designs  to 
different  surfaces,  vvliich  is  one  of  the  most  important  question?  to  be 
considered,  it  is  necessary  to  concentrate  particularly  on  the  burden 
baskets,  which  are  probably  the  most  numerous  of  the  various  forms 
on  wliich  these  people  lavish  their  art.  On  account  of  the  pecul- 
iarly shaped  fields  that  they  offer  for  decoration  they  furnish  the 
best  opportmiities  for  study,  and  a  closer  analysis  has  been  at- 
tempted which  will  furnish  the  necessary  basis  for  the  study  of 
their  ornamentation. 

In  dealing  with  the  proportions  of  various  kinds  of  baskets  it  is 
mtercsting  to  note  the  degree  of  correspondence  between  what  the 
basket  makers  themselves  consider  proper  and  what  are  actually 
the  proportions  arrived  at  in  the  products  which  they  complete. 
Personal  opinion  regarding  shapes  and  parts  of  baskets  varies  con- 
siderably. The  variation,  however,  is  not  sufficient  to  disturb  the 
fact  that  baskets  of  certain  types,  such  as  burden  baskets,  do  bear 
a  striking  resemblance  one  to  another.  This  is  the  more  remark- 
able since  not  all  the  makers  have  definite  proportions  in  view; 
inaccuracies  of  workmanship  affect  the  resultant  form;  and  measure- 
ments, when  made  at  all,  are  approximate  only.  Furthermore,  some 
of  the  most  obvious  proportions  between  dimensions  have  never 
been  observed  by  the  people  themselves,^*  and  in  regard  to  others 
the  claims  of  the  makers  are  contradicted  by  actual  observation. 

We  shall  first  note  the  opinions  of  the  people  themselves  as  re- 
corded by  Mr.  Teit  and  thus  gain  an  insight  into  their  methods 
before  discussing  the  results  of  an  objective  study  of  the  baskets. 

The  same  three  experts  who  were  questioned  regarding  "nut- 
shaped"  baskets  approved  as  of  average  size  and  correct  proportions 
four  baskets,  two  called  by  them  spa'pEUEk  (see  p.  197)  and  two 
classed  as  spa'nek  (see  p.  197),  the  measurements  of  which  are  as 
follows : 

2*  These  points  will  appear  more  clearly  from  a  study  of  the  lists  of  measurements  for  some  museum 
specimens  given  in  the  appendix  (pp.  416  et  seq.),  together  with  some  statements  from  recognized  tribal 
authorities  on  basket  making  regarding  correct  proportions.    (See  also  p.  220.) 


boas] 


PROPORTIONS  OF   BURDEN   BASKETS 

Spa'pEnEk 


213 


Height 

Length  of 
mouth 

Width  of 
mouth 

Length  of 
bottom 

Width  of 
bottom 

No.  1 

No.  2 

Cm. 
18 
16 

Cm. 
24 
23 

Cm. 
18 
16.5 

Cm. 
13 
11 

Cm. 

8 
8 

Spa'nek 

No.  1 

25 
23 

36 
32 

26 
23 

23 
20 

11 

No.  2           .                   _       

11 

From  this  table  it  will  be  seen  that  for  either  type  the  width  of 
mouth  and  height  are  very  nearly,  if  not  exactly,  the  same.  The 
ratios  of  the  width  of  the  mouth  to  the  length  of  mouth  are,  respec- 
tively, 0.73,  0.72,  0.72,  and  0.7,  averaging  0.72.  The  width  of  the 
bottom  is  a  little  less  than  half  the  height  and  a  little  less  than  half 
the  width  of  the  mouth.  There  is  too  much  variation  in  the  other 
proportions  in  their  relation  to  each  other  to  admit  of  any  general- 
ized statement,  except  that  in  the  case  of  the  spa'pEUEk  the  length 
of  bottom  is  about  half  that  of  the  mouth  while  with  the  spa'nek  it 
is  from  five-eighths  to  two-thirds. 

One  of  the  three  informants  mentioned  above,  with  two  others, 
considered  the  bottom  of  the  first  of  the  two  spa'nek  a  little  too 
narrow  for  its  length,  the  general  appearance  of  the  whole  basket 
being  too  long.  Some  thought  a  common  spa'nek  should  be  smaller. 
All  the  women  judged  by  the  eye,  and  made  no  attempts  to  measure. 

For  the  purpose  of  comparison  it  is  interesting  to  note  the  measure- 
ments of  another  burden  basket  made  in  Nicola  Valley:  height,  31 
cm.;  length  of  mouth,  46  cm.;  width  of  mouth,  27  cm.;  length  of 
bottom,  27  cm.;  width  of  bottom,  15  cm. 

This  was  condemned  as  very  badly  proportioned,  too  long  for  its 
width,  although  the  height  was  deemed  about  right  for  a  small 
burden  basket  (tsi.'a)  or  one  of  this  general  size.  Other  informants 
said  if  it  was  too  long  it  was  only  slightly  so,  but  that  the  mouth 
was  too  naiTow. 

Siiice  there  is  psychologically  a  vast  difference  between  the  ability 
to  appreciate  the  proportions  of  a  finished  product  and  the  faculty 
of  analyzing  such  proportions  and  defining  the  principles  upon  which 
they  should  be  judged,  it  will  be  interesting  to  observe  the  opinions  of 
several  women  as  to  what  constitutes  the  correct  proportions  of  the 
various  types  of  burden  baskets.  It  will  be  apparent  that  they  differ 
not  only  in  theory  but  in  their  methods  of  determination.  To  what 
extent  may  be  more  clearly  seen  from  the  table  on  pages  416  et  seq. 


214  COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  tETH.ANN.4l 

Informants  Nos.  19  and  24  thought  that  the  bottoms  of  burden 
baskets  should  be  a  httle  more  than  half  as  wide  as  they  were  long. 
According  to  them,  the  width  of  the  mouth  should  be  a  little  more 
than  double  that  of  the  bottom,  while  its  length  should  be  a  little 
less  than  double  the  corresponchng  measm-ement  of  the  base.  (The 
proportions  of  the  mouth,  under  these  conditions,  would  be  quite 
different  from  those  of  the  bottom  in  the  same  basket.  The  latter 
would  approximate  the  form  of  Figiire  35,  a,  wliile  the  former  would 
resemble  6.)  They  maintained  that  the  height  should  be  about 
equal  to  the  length  of  the  bottom,  and  thought  the  greatest  variation 
in  burden  baskets  was  in  the  proportionate  length  of  the  mouth. 
Different  women  were  not  so  particular  about  proportionate  heights. 
A  basket  which  they  called  a  large  spa'nek  or  small  tsi.'a  measured 
in  height  roughly  26  cm.,  length  of  mouth  41  cm.,  width  of  mouth  28 
cm.,  length  of  bottom  23  cm.,  and  width  of  bottom  13  cm.  Another 
person  said  it  was  a  little  too  low,  which  might  well 
be,  if  actual  study  of  measurements  counts  for  any- 
thing. The  width  of  mouth  and  height  are  generally 
practically  the  same. 

The  same  informants  said  tsi.he'tsa  baskets  were 
lower  than  real  burden  baskets.  They  thought  the 
height  should  be  double  the  width  of  the  bottom 
or  a  little  less,  and  about  the  same  as  the  width  of 
the  mouth,  while  the  length  of  the  mouth  should  be 
about  half  again  as  long  as  that  of  the  bottom. 
Fig.  35.-Form  of  These  women  said  that  they  and  some  others  meas- 
bottom  and  mouth    urcd  burdcu  baskets  with  their  fingers  and  strove  to 

of  burden  basket  i        •        i  •  t  ■         j>  /     a1 

obtam  these  proportions.  In  measurmg  tor  a  spa  nek 
they  made  the  length  of  the  bottom  about  one  span  (the  distance 
between  the  ends  of  the  extended  thumb  and  middle  finger),  while 
the  width  equaled  that  of  the  widest  part  of  the  hand.  The  height 
for  such  a  basket  was  usually  about  one  span.  They  observed  that 
the  greatest  \vidth  of  the  hand  is  about  equal  to  the  length  of  the 
middle  fuiger  from  point  to  knuckle,  or  a  little  less,  so  they  often 
used  this  instead  of  the  width  of  the  hand  as  a  unit  of  measurement. 
A  slightly  larger  basket  than  the  above-mentioned  spa'nek  measures 
one  span  and  one  joint  (the  distance  from  finger  tip  to  the  first  joint), 
which  determines  the  length  of  bottom  or  height  or  both.  The  meas- 
urements vary,  so  the  people  say,  because  there  are  many  shapes  and 
sizes  of  hands.     Some  women  do  not  measure  at  aU. 

No.  29  claimed  that  she  and  a  number  of  others  measured  their 
baskets  more  or  less  in  order  to  obtain  better  proportions.  They 
only  measured  the  length  and  width  of  bottom.s,  however,  and  the 
height  of  the  sides.     Some  took  only  one  or  two  of  these  measure- 


BOAS)  PROPORTIONS    OF    BURDEN    BASKETS  215 

ments,  and  gauged  the  rest  altogether  by  eye  or  with  splints.  No. 
29  herself  always  measured  the  bottoms,  especially  for  the  length, 
taking  tliis  also  for  the  approximate  height  of  the  sides.  She  gen- 
erally used  the  middle  finger,  and  put  the  point  down  first,  then 
joint  after  joint,  to  the  knuckle.  Besides  such  measurements, 
this  group  of  informants  used  single  joints,  counting  one,  two, 
three,  etc.,  and  also  the  span,  as  well  as  the  width  of  the  hand,  that 
of  the  fingers  when  lying  close  side  by  side,  or  single  finger  widths, 
counted  in  the  same  way  as  the  joints. 

They  declared  that  the  bottom  of  a  common  tsi.'a  should  measure 
in  length  one  span  and  one  finger  length,  while  the  sides  should  be 
between  that  and  two  spans  in  height. 

No.  22  said  she  frequently  measured,  especially  for  the  diameters 
of  the  bottom  and  the  height  of  the  walls.  She  did  tliis  with  her 
fingers,  in  the  same  way  as  the  others.  According  to  her,  women 
varied  especiallyin  the  height  selected.  Her  tsi.'a  baskets  were  always 
two  spans  and  two  joints  high,  the  length  of  bottom  being  a  little  less 
than  this.  The  width  of  the  bottom  was  half,  or  a  little  more  than 
half,  of  the  length.  She  said  women  varied  in  making  the  bottoms 
for  tsi.'a  or  burden  baskets.  Some  made  them  smaller,  wliile  others 
varied  the  proportions.  A  basket  with  a  wider  bottom  should  have 
a  wider  mouth,  she  thought. 

No.  25,  apparently  an  expert  basket  maker,"  said  that  the  height 
was  determined  cliicfly  by  the  size  and  proportions  of  the  bottom. 
She  did  not  measure  bottoms  but  judged  by  the  eye.  It  became  a 
habit  to  work  by  eye  and  she  knew  the  approximate  size  for  the 
bottom  of  any  particular  size  and  kind  of  basket.  She  thought  per- 
haps she  was  especially  expert  regarding  burden  baskets.  The 
common  large  burden  basket  was  made  in  different  sizes  by  different 
women.  Apparently  a  "size  and  shape"  habit  is  acquired.  Some 
women  preferred  smaller  baskets  than  others,  or  made  them  a  very 
little  longer,  wider,  or  higher,  but  all  generally  acliieved  the  same 
shapes.  Either  by  unconscious  habit  or  by  design  they  make  the 
change  of  plane  from  bottom  to  sides  very  abrupt.  No.  25  did  not 
measure  the  sides  until  they  were  about  half  up,  when  she  followed 
the  very  common  method  of  gauging  with  the  splint. 

An  Upper  Thompson  informant  (not  a  numbered  one)  stated  that 
she  had  seen  women  measuring  the  bottoms  of  burden  baskets  with 
their  hands.  Some  considered  that  the  proper  diameters  for  the 
bottoms  of  small  burden  baskets  should  correspond  to  the  length 
and  breadth  of  the  hand. 

"  See  appendix,  p.  446,  for  her  personal  qualifications. 
53666°— 28 15 


216  COILED    BASKETRY   IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  [eth.ann.41 

It  is  quite  clear  in  spite  of  differences  that  the  women  on  the  whole 
have  quite  well  defined  ideas  as  to  what  constitutes  a  good  form  for  a 
burden  basket.  Only  a  bottom  ranging  in  size  within  certain  rather 
narrow  limits  is  ever  used  with  a  basket  of  a  given  size.  When  a 
woman  has  completed  a  bottom  to  a  certain  point,  she  may  be  heard 
to  say  that  now  it  is  about  the  right  size  for  such  and  such  a  type  of 
basket.  The  whole  picture  of  the  one  she  intends  to  create  is  in 
her  mind  before  she  even  commences  the  bottom,  and  this  picture  is 
her  pattern.  The  proper  flare  is  obtained  by  practice  and  good 
judgment.  A  woman  soon  learns  to  pinch  out  the  coil  to  the  right 
degree  and  so  nearly  do  they  all  follow  the  standard  that  one  woman 
can  complete  another's  basket  without  perceptibly  changing  the 
flare.  A  rough  calculation  tells  a  woman  after  the  sides  are  up, 
and  a  certain  flare  has  been  obtained,  when  it  is  time  to  make  the 
rim.  Two  or  three  coils,  more  or  less,  on  a  large  basket  make  little 
difference  in  the  general  appearance  while  on  a  small  one  they  would 
utterly  destroy  the  proportions  which  experience  and  taste  have 
created  as  standards. 

Sometimes  the  height  of  the  walls  is  measured  in  the  following 
manner.  When  the  sides  are  about  halfway  up,  the  woman  measures 
with  a  sewing  splint,  from  the  coil  at  which  she  is  working  do^^•n  to 
the  bottom,  seizing  the  splint  between  the  thumb  and  forefinger  and 
marldng  the  completed  height  with  the  edge  of  the  nails.  She  then 
holds  the  splint  up  from  the  top  coil  to  assist  her  in  visualizing  where 
the  rim  will  come.  If  it  appears  too  high  by  what  seems  to  be  two 
or  three  coils,  she  measures  to  within  a  coil  or  two  of  the  bottom  and 
by  means  of  tliis  shortened  measurement  gauges  the  correct  height. 
When  she  is  satisfied  as  to  the  proportion,  she  counts  the  number  of 
coils  which  have  been  made  in  the  approved  distance  from  the  top 
coil  do^vn  to  the  one  from  which  the  splint  was  measured  and  adds 
the  same  number  above.  The  proportions  are  not  altered  by  the 
kind  of  bottom  made,  nor  does  sharpness  or  roundness  of  corners 
affect  them.  As  a  rule  the  Thompson  adhere  quite  closely  to  their 
own  ideas  of  proportion  and  therefore  the  Lillooet  tliink  their  baskets 
are  of  very  bad  shape. 

When  the  corners  arc  very  rounded,  the  whole  form  approaching 
an  oval,  it  is  difficult  to  tell  where  sides  leave  off  and  ends  begin. 
The  women  do  not  seem  to  think  it  necessary  to  determine  this 
exactly,  and  no  measurements  are  taken.  The  point  of  rounding  is 
dependent  upon  the  eye  of  the  maker.  Baskets  with  very  rounded 
corners  are  considered  to  be  of  the  real  old  Thompson  style.  The 
best  old  specimens  show  a  very  gradual  transition  from  base  to  sides. 

Several  reasons  are  given  for  using  the  line  of  beading  which  marks 
the  theoretical  limit  of  the  bottom. 


boas] 


PROPORTIONS   OF   BURDEN    BASKETS 


217 


1 .  This  is  declared  to  be  a  mark  which  defines  the  division  between 
the  sides  and  the  bottom  of  the  basket. 

2.  It  is  considered  as  a  marginal  line  for  the  design  field  or  else  a 
base  line  for  the  ornamentation,  giving  it  a  border. 

3.  It  is  used  as  a  mark  to  count  the  coils  from  or  to  measure  from, 
in  commencing  designs,  or  to  help  the  eye  to  note  their  position 
quickly.  The  height  of  the  sides  of  the  basket  is  also  frequently  meas- 
ured from  this  line  by  women  who  do  measure,  even  though  it  is  onlj' 
a  theoretical  and 

seldom  an  actual 
bottom  edge. 

4.  It  is  also 
used  to  protect 
the  basket  from 
wear  at  this  point, 
which  is  where 
burden  baskets  re- 
ceive the  most  con- 
tact. Strangely 
enough  this  is  the 
most  common  ex- 
planation, and 
some  offer  it  as 
the  only  one.  The 
thii"d  explanation 
ranks  second  in 
popularity,  and 
the  first  is  like- 
wise common, 
while  the  second  is 
rather  rare.  Very 
few  women  give 
all  four  reasons. 

Having  thus  ob- 
tained an  idea  of 
what  the  makers 
themselves  regard  as  the  working  principles  of  basketry  construction, 
it  is  highly  instructive  and  interesting  to  see  what  are  the  actual  pro- 
portions, and  how  nearly  the  makers  come  to  accomplishing  what  they 
start  out  to  do,  and  what  are  some  of  the  fairly  constant  proportions 
which  they  do  achieve  without  apparently  being  conscious  of  them  as 
such.     The  following  is  based  on  observations  of  museum  specimens. 

Roughly  speakmg,  the  burden  baskets  of  the  Thompson  fall 
naturally  into  two  not  very  strongly  differentiated  groups.  A  casual 
investigation  will  scarcely  reveal  this  difference.  The  general  im- 
pression is  one  of  decidedly  rectangular  shaj)cs,  the  sides  longer  than 
the  ends,  with  rather  smaU  bases,  flarmg  walls,  and  wide  mouths,  the 


a  b 
Fig.  36. — Forms  for  Thompson  baskets 


218  COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  [eth.ann.41 

area  of  these  being  at  least  four  times  that  of  the  base,  frequently 
more.  On  the  whole,  the  shapes  appear  to  be  rather  deep,  the 
height  measurement  falling  about  halfway  between  the  width  and 
length  of  the  mouth,  and  exceeding  a  little  the  length  of  the  bottom. 
Closer  examination  reveals  that  one  group  is  marked  by  a  decidedly 
oval  wall  contour  throughout  the  lower  half  of  the  basket,  the  corners, 
if  noticeable,  being  rounded  (fig.  36,  a).  There  is  a  flare  of  end  walls 
of  about  30°;  of  side  walls,  about  20°.  From  about  the  middle  of 
the  basket  upward  the  direction  of  the  walls  shifts  to  almost  vertical, 
perhaps  a  slant  of  10°  being  carried  to  the  rim  where  the  corners  are 
more  clearly  defined.  This  feature,  together  with  the  rounded 
corners,  small  bases,  wide  mouths,  and  comparative  depth,  gives  an 
exceedingly  graceful  effect. 

It  will  be  remembered  that  in  the  section  on  structure  it  was 
reported  that  the  women  corrected  a  too  great  tendency  to  flare  by 
holding  in  the  coils.  Evidently  for  a  certain  type  of  basket  this  has 
become  a  part  of  the  established  procedure,  for  there  are  too  many 
examples  having  almost  identical  form  for  the  shift  in  direction  of 
wall  building  which  occurs  somewhere  between  the  middle  and  upper 
third  of  the  basket  to  be  accounted  for  in  each  case  as  a  correction. 
Such  an  explanation  might  be  given  for  baskets  made  by  beginners, 
or  poor  hands,  but  not  for  all  of  those  noted,  many  of  which  are 
undoubtedly  the  handiwork  of  expert  craftswomen. 

The  second  group  resembles  the  first  in  general  proportions,  but 
chiefly  lacks  the  curb  to  the  flare.  The  walls  are  straight,  and  flare 
continuously,  the  ends  at  an  angle  of  about  35°,  the  sides  at  about 
25°.  The  corners  are  perhaps  more  sharply  defined  and  some  of 
the  specimens,  at  least,  are  longer  in  proportion  to  their  width. 
The  height  is  not  quite  so  great,  being  more  nearly  equal  to  the  width 
of  the  mouth.  Figure  36,  b,  shows  a  typical  side  and  end  of  tliis 
style. 

Within  these  two  groups,  which  for  convenience  will  be  styled 
A  and  B,  there  is  an  almost  continuous  range  of  size,  from  the  largest 
(A,  height  40  cm.,  bottom  19  by  30,  mouth  39  by  52;  B,  height  35, 
bottom  16  by  27,  mouth  39  by  52)  to  the  smallest  (A,  height  16, 
bottom  7  by  11,  mouth  18  by  23;  B,  height  18,  bottom  11  by  16, 
mouth  23  by  29) .  There  are  deep  ones  and  shallow  ones,  but  not  in 
such  number  as  to  form  distinct  groups,  while  there  are  all  possible 
variations  in  between.  Group  A  has  more  representatives  than 
group  B  and  a  more  clearly  defined  middle  or  medium  size,  a  good 
example  of  which  measures  for  the  height  27  cm.,  bottom  22  by  15, 
and  mouth  40  by  30.  There  is  also  a  variety  of  these  two  groups, 
A  and  B  (medium  to  small  size) ,  represented  by  a  few  baskets  whose 
walls,  even  at  the  rim,  are  almost  purely  oval.  Looking  down  into 
them  one  is  reminded  of  a  clothes  boiler  or  vat.  The  straightening 
of  the  walls  toward  the  top,  while  less  than  in  group  A,  is  still  notice- 
able.    There   is   another  intermediary  group   which  combines   the 


BOAS)  PROPORTIONS   OF  BURDEN   BASKETS  219 

characteristics  of  the  types  A  and  B  in  middle-sized  baskets.  They 
are  rectangular,  with  a  flare  halfway  between  that  of  types  A  and  B 
and  about  the  same  relative  height. 

Many  baskets  have  straight  rims  on  sides  and  ends  with  roimded 
comers,  but  rims  which  bxilge  along  the  sides  and  ends  are  quite 
common.  It  is  impossible  to  tell  whether  tliis  roimdness  between 
corners  is  an  intentional  feature  in  each  case.  Most  of  the  baskets 
have  been  used  for  many  years,  and  their  shape,  at  the  rim  at  least, 
where  they  arc  more  flexible,  has  been  altered  no  doubt  quite  materi- 
ally in  many  cases  by  the  character  of  burdens  carried  in  them. 
AU  that  it  has  been  possible  to  do  in  the  way  of  classifying  these 
was  to  fit  them  as  best  it  could  be  done,  with  due  regard  for  all  these 
points,  and  thus  group  them  together. 

There  are  a  few  specimens  wliich  are  almost  rectangular,  some  show- 
ing very  sharply  defined  corners ;  and  some  shallow,  very  long  forms 
with  walls  straighter  and  more  vertical  than  the  average,  but  these  are 
after  all  rare  compared  to  the  others.  Mr.  Teit  declared  that  there 
is  no  relation  between  the  type  of  bottom  used  and  the  shape  of  the 
basket,  but  observation  of  specimens  shows  that  there  is  some  relation 
at  least.  AU  baskets  with  watch-spring  bottoms,  or  those  composed 
of  several  parallel  lengths  surrounded  by  elongated  watch-spring 
coiling,  are  much  more  oval  tlii'oughout  their  lower  half  than  those 
made  entirely  or  almost  entirely  of  parallel  coils.  With  these  latter 
the  tendency  is  toward  well-defined  corners.  There  is,  however, 
a  type  of  elongated  watch-spring  bottom,  the  coils  of  which  are 
thickened  to  approximate  the  bottom  to  the  proposed  rectangular 
shape.  This  type  is  always  associated  with  walls  having  corners, 
which,  if  not  sharply  defined,  are  nevertheless  discernible.  None 
of  these  remarks  apply  to  the  upper  half  of  the  basket,  where,  the 
farther  away  from  the  bottom  the  worker  goes,  the  more  easily  she 
can  adapt  the  form  to  her  taste,  since  she  is  limited  in  her  treatment 
of  corners  only  by  the  thickness  and  rigidity  of  her  material.  A  few 
baskets  with  very  rectangular  bases  have  perfectly  oval  rims,  but 
these  are  rare,  and  the  coils  are  in  most  cases  unusually  heavy  and 
stiff,  although  there  are  enough  examples  of  thin  and  pliable  coils 
to  refute  the  theory  that  the  oval  form  is  due  largely  to  the  rigidity 
of  material.  From  the  list  of  measurements  given  in  the  AppencUx, 
p.  416,  it  may  be  seen  that  there  is  a  much  closer  relation  between 
the  height  and  the  width  of  mouth  than  between  the  length  of  bottom 
and  height,  or  length  of  bottom  and  width  of  mouth,  all  three  of 
which  dimensions  have  been  stated  to  be  nearly  equal. 

The  average  excess  of  width  of  mouth  over  height  is  a  little  over 
12  per  cent.^^  Taking  the  height  as  standard,  there  are  variations 
all  the  way  from  94.5  to  150  per  cent.     These  extremes  are  rare, 


"  See  Appendix,  pp.  416  et  seq.,  for  this  series  of  ratios. 


220  COILED    BASKETRY   IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  [eth.ann.41 

however,  and  indicate  that  the  baskets  having  such  proportions  are 
evidently  of  anotlier  class,  or  are  badly  proportioned.  It  is  some- 
times quite  difficult  to  know  just  how  to  classify  a  basket,  on  account 
of  the  surprising  number  of  featiu-es  usually  not  associated,  which 
occasionally  are  represented  together.  The  greatest  number  of  meas- 
urements showing  the  ratio  of  width  of  mouth  in  relation  to  height 
center  around  113  per  cent.  In  a  number  of  cases  the  two  measure- 
ments are  identical.  Few  women,  however,  are  aware  of  this,  and 
few  seem  to  have  noticed  that  the  trapezoidal  end  of  a  basket  thus 
has  practically  the  same  measurements  for  its  two  most  conspicuous 
dimensions,  the  height  and  width  at  the  top.  This  makes  a  T  form 
which  could  in  most  cases  be  inclosed  in  an  almost  perfect  square. 
On  glancing  at  the  baskets  it  would  appear  that  the  width  of  the 
bottom  is  about  half  that  of  the  mouth,  but  a  study  of  this  ratio  proves 
that  there  is  so  much  variation  that  no  generalized  statement  can  be 
safely  made.  One  very  interesting  ratio  of  proportions  holds  for 
practically  all  the  baskets  and  is  remarkably  constant.  The  width 
of  the  mouth  is  about  tlu"ee-fourths  of  its  length.^'  The  average 
for  the  series  is  74  per  cent,  the  variations  showing  10  cases  below 
70  per  cent  and  7  above  80  per  cent  out  of  103  baskets  measured. 

Because  of  this  constant  ratio  between  width  and  length  of  mouth, 
the  side  of  the  basket  in  its  two  most  conspicuous  chmensions  also 
has  a  fairly  fixed  form,  which  could  theoretically  be  inclosed  in  a 
rectangle,  the  size  of  that  of  the  mouth,  or  nearly  so.  Owing  to  the 
fact  that  the  height  is  a  little  less  than  the  width  of  mouth,  the  width 
of  this  second  rectangle  would  not  be  quite  the  same,  but  according 
to  the  average  obtained  from  the  same  set  of  measurements  as  in 
the  case  of  the  shape  of  the  mouth  would  be  only  66  per  cent  of 
the  length.  The  variation  in  the  ratio  of  the  height  to  the  length 
of  mouth  in  this  series  of  basketry  is  greater  than  for  the  mouth 
measurements. 

The  chief  difficulty  which  lies  in  the  way  of  discovering  a  fairl}' 
constant  arithmetical  relationship  between  the  dimensions  already 
discussed  and  those  of  the  bottom  lies  in  the  extreme  variability  of 
the  bottoms.  To  the  eye  a  fairly  constant  trapezoid  form  is  main- 
tained for  all  the  baskets,  chiefly  because  the  angle  of  inclination  of 
the  walls  changes  comparatively  little.  The  lower  limit  of  the  side 
walls  is  obscured  by  the  gradual  curve  which  unites  bottom  and  side, 
and  does  away  with  a  defining  edge,  making  it  very  difficult  to 
measure  the  exact  dimensions,  theoretical  or  actual.  The  bottoms 
are  also  very  small  as  compared  with  the  upper  portions  of  the  baskets, 
which  fact  tends  to  make  any  variation  from  the  form  much  less 
evident. 

"  For  this  average  and  variations  see  appendix,  pp.  416  et  seq.    • 


BOASl 


PROPORTIONS    OF    BURDEN    BASKETS  221 


The  rariabilit}'  in  size  and  sliape  ma}'  be  attributed  partly  to  the 
fact  that  women's  hands  vary  in  size,  partly  to  the  different  types  and 
forms  of  bottoms  made,  the  shapes  of  wliich  are  often  somewhat 
di'cciving,  and  partly  to  the  influence  of  the  method  of  startiuj^ 
the  coil.  In  watch-spring  coiled  bottoms  a  very  slight  difference  in 
the  length  or  width  of  the  first  turn  of  a  coil  will  create  a  great  differ- 
ence in  shape  b}'  the  time  the  base  is  completed.  Hence  it  is  to  be 
expected  that  very  little  satisfaction  can  be  gained  from  trying  to 
determine  the  ratio  of  the  bottom  to  the  rest  of  the  basket. 

An  attempt  has  been  made,  however,  to  construct  a  synthetic  sketch 
of  the  ends,  sides,  and  mouths  of  the  burden  baskets  of  both  A  and  B 
types,  the  proportions  of  which  are  based  on  a  comparative  study 
of  the  above  mentioned  measurements  (fig.  36,  p.  217).  It  was  found 
that  for  both  types  the  ratio  of  the  width  of  the  mouth  to  the  length 
was  74  per  cent.^*  The  dotted  lines  show  the  approximate  curves  at 
the  corners. 

The  length  and  width  of  the  bottom  present  considerable  difficulties. 
Since  these  two  measurements  control  the  form  of  the  trapezoids 
wliich  constitute  ends  and  sides,  it  would  be  desirable  if  an  average 
could  be  found  which  would  be  of  value.  As  it  is,  the  variations  in 
both  are  I'ather  large.  In  Group  A  the  ratio  of  the  width  of  the 
bottom  to  that  of  the  mouth  lies  between  40  and  60  per  cent,  with  an 
average  of  about  44  per  cent.^*  This  average  has  been  indicated  by 
solid  lines  in  the  sketch:  the  variations  and  consequent  change  of 
angle  of  the  slope  of  sides  by  dotted  lines.  The  shift  in  Hare  of  walls 
is  also  indicated  approximately  by  dotted  lines.  Since  it  comes 
somewhere  between  the  upper  half  and  upper  third,  with  considerable 
variation,  and  exact  measurements  are  not  only  difficult  owing  to 
rounded  corners,  but  also  of  httle  practical  value,  the  outlines  have 
only  been  roughly  indicated. 

The  same  method  of  tracing  average  form  and  variation  was  used 
for  the  projections  of  the  sides  of  the  baskets.  Here  the  lengths  of  the 
bottoms  ranged  from  40  to  60  per  cent  of  the  lengths  of  the  mouths, 
the  greatest  number  falling  between  44  and  59  per  cent,  with  an 
average  of  about  52  per  cent.^* 

In  Group  B  the  case  is  a  little  different.  It  has  been  stated  that 
the  proportions  of  the  mouth  were  the  same  for  this  group  as  for 
Group  A.  There  is  also  no  material  difference  in  the  ratio  of  the 
height  to  the  mouth  measiu"ements.-^ 

The  lengths  and  widths  of  bottoms  in  relation  to  their  respective 
mouth  measurements  differ  somewhat  from  those  found  in  Type  A. 
The  length  of  bottom  in  relation  to  the  length  of  mouth  varies  from  40 
to  74  per  cent,  with  one  case  at  84  per  cent  and  a  slight  preponderance 

28  See  appendix,  p.  416.  2"  See  appendix,  p.  417. 


222 


COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA 


[ETD.  ANN.  41 


at  52  per  cent.^'^  This  measurement  has  been  indicated  by  solid  lines, 
while  the  greatest  variations  and  consequent  changes  in  flare  of  sides 
are  shown  by  dotted  lines.  The  ratio  of  width  of  bottom  to  that  of 
mouth,  however,  is  represented  by  a  quite  marked  preponderance  of 
cases  at  42  per  cent,  with  a  range  from  30  to  59  per  cent  and  a  solitary 
case  at  76  per  cent.  It  is  worth  noting  that  this  single  example  is 
the  same  one  which  showed  the  high  ratio  of  84  per  cent  in  the  rela- 
tion of  the  length  of  bottom  to  length  of  mouth,  mentioned  above. 
The  outlines  of  this  trapezoid  are  indicated  in  the  same  manner  as 
described  above.  The  straight  walls  of  the  baskets  in  Group  B  are 
their  most  characteristic  feature.^' 

Proportions  of  Lillooet  baskets. — Opinions  concerning  the  propor- 
tions for  Lillooet  baskets  have  not  been  obtained  from  their  makers. 


Fig.  37.— Forms  for  Lillooet  ba.skets 


In  form  they  are  more  nearly  square,  with  very  small  bases,  wide 
mouths,  straight  walls,  and  sharp  corners.  The  average  ratio  of  the 
widths  of  mouths  to  the  lengths  is  between  75  and  85  per  cent.  The 
greatest  variations  are  68  to  86  per  cent,  but  the  extremes  are  few  in 
number;    about  80  per  cent  seems  to  be  the  norm. 

The  ends  and  sides  are  trapezoids,  the  projections  of  which  are  shown 
in  Figure  37.  Their  measurements  were  obtained  in  the  same  way  as 
those  of  the  Thompson  baskets. ^^  The  width  of  the  mouth  averages 
about  12  per  cent  more  than  the  height.  Therefore  the  trapezoid 
end  is  inclosed  theoretically  in  about  the  same  rectangle  as  that  of 
the  Thompson  basket,  while  tlic  side  is  a  little  shorter. 

The  widths  of  the  bottoms,  which  in  their  ratio  to  the  widths  of  the 
mouths  control  the  form  of  the  trapezoid  assumed  by  the  ends,  show 
a  very  interesting  division  into  two  groups,  one  with  an  average  of 
about  34  per  cent,  with  greatest  variation  from  26  to  37  per  cent,  and 
another  with  an  average  of  44  per  cent  and  variations  from  approxi- 
mately 37  to  49  per  cent.  The  lengths  of  bottoms  in  relation  to 
lengths  of  mouths,  however,  are  about  the  same  in  both  groups,  the 
variation  ranging  from  35  to  55  per  cent,  with  the  average  about  44 

30  See  appendix,  p.  417. 

^1  In  the  appendi.\,  pp.  416  et  seq.,  the  opinions  of  the  makers  regarding  proportions  and  what  has 
actually  been  found  to  e.xist  have  been  tabulated  for  purposes  of  convenient  comparison. 
"  See  appendix,  p.  421. 


BOAS]  METHODS  OF  ORNAMENTATION  223 

per  cent.  There  is  one  freak  basket  in  which  the  width  of  base  is 
65  per  cent  of  that  of  the  mouth  of  the  basket,  while  the  length  of 
the  bottom  is  83.5  per  cent  of  the  length  of  the  mouth. '^ 

There  is  a  very  small  group  of  Lillooet  baskets  in  the  American 
Museum  of  Natural  History  which  represents  the  kiketca  or  small 
katca  ^*  of  quite  variable  form.  The}-  measure  about  12  cm.  in  height, 
but  the  ratio  of  the  width  to  the  lengtli  of  mouth  ranges  from  44  to  76 
per  cent.  The  width  of  mouth  exceeds  the  height  by  from  52  per 
cent  to  79  per  cent  and  the  other  ratios  show  equal  variations;  in 
some  instances  the  corresponding  measurements  of  bottom  and  mouth 
almost  equal  each  other. 

METHODS  OF  ORNAMENTATION 

A  tradition  exists  among  the  Thompson  that  the  art  of  making 
and  ornamenting  coiled  basketry  was  taught  them  long  ago  by  the 
culture  hero  Coyote,  incidentally,  along  with  other  arts.  Baskets 
are  often  mentioned  in  mythology  and  are  described  as  being  coiled 
or  of  bark. 

The  majority  of  coiled  baskets  made  by  the  Thompson,  Lillooet, 
Chilcotin,  Klickitat,  and  Wenatchi  are  ornamented  on  the  outside 
surface  by  beaded  or  imbricated  colored  designs.  Either  may  furnish 
the  sole  means  of  decoration  or  the  two  may  be  combined. 

Beading 

According  to  the  Upper  Thompson,  designs  in  beading  are  con- 
sidered as  imitations  of  strings  and  necklaces  of  beads,  or  even  of  bead 
or  quill  embroidery.  About  1860  and  earlier  beading  was  more  com- 
mon, and  at  that  time  some  baskets  were  completely  covered  with 
designs  executed  in  this  technique.  Certainly  it  is  very  old,  as  its 
presence  on  the  runs  of  ancient  birch-bark  baskets  would  indicate.'^ 
As  far  as  tradition  goes,  the  Thompson  have  always  used  both  bead- 
ing and  imbrication.  There  is  no  statement  that  one  is  older  than 
the  other. 

Red  and  black  bark  or  grass  are  used  for  putting  in  the  designs, 
red  being  more  popular.  The  combination  of  these  two  with  a  third, 
such  as  white  grass  or  straw,  is  rather  rare. 

In  beading  the  outside  of  a  coil,  as  it  is  being  sewed  and  covered,  is 
faced  with  a  thin  strip  of  brightly  colored  bark  or  grass.  Occasionally 
more  than  one  strip  is  used  on  the  same  coil  at  the  same  time.  Neces- 
sarily, in  such  cases,  the  strips  are  reduced  in  width.  (Fig.  38,  a,  h.) 
The  diagonal  work  shown  in  c  and  d  is  done  by  the  Lillooet  and 
Upper  Fraser  peoples  but  it  has  not  been  found  among  the  Lower 

33  .\U  Lillooet  bottoms  are  made  of  parallel  coils  or  slats.    Thus  their  marked  rectangular  form  is  in  part 
accounted  for. 
^*  Lillooet  terms  for  burden  baskets. 
55  See  Teit,  The  Shuswap.    (Publication  of  the  Jesup  North  Pacific  Expedition,  Vol.  II,  p.  478;  flg.  202.) 


224 


COILED    BASKETRY   IN    BRITISH   COLUMBIA 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


Thompson.  When  finished  ordinary  beading  looks  Hke  a  ribbon 
drawn  along  the  coil,  after  it  has  been  sewed  over  and  under  the 
stitches.  Plate  18,  b,  shows  a  lid  decorated  in  this  manner.  The 
bark  may  be  carried  over  or  under  varying  niunbers  of  stitches,  any 
combination  being  pemiissible  which  lends  itseK  to  the  formation 
of  a  pleasing  design.  When  the  ribbon  passes  beneath  more  than 
three  stitches,  however,  it  is  cut  off  and  started  afresh,  so  as  to  avoid 
too  great  a  waste  of  material  It  is  seldom  carried  over  more  than 
two  stitches  because,  when  so  exposed,  it  is  liable  to  wear  off  or  to 
catch  and  tear. 

With  the  exception  of  the  difference  in  the  number  of  stitches 
passed  over  or  under,  the  process  which  is  about  to  be  described  in 
detail  is  the  same  in  all  cases. 

In  the  first  place,  the  strip  of  colored  bark  is  commonly  laid  face 
downward  on  the  coil,  extendmg  to  the  left,  with  the  right-hand  end 
beneath  the  fingers  at  the  point  of  sewmg.     A  coil  stitch  is  then  made 


■ 

2 

■ 

E 

s! 

Jii 

J 

22 

■ 

S 

^ 

sa 

w 

■ 

m 

■ 

_ 

_ 



H 

_ 



" 

■ 

~ 

■ 

m 

„ 

□□□□□□□c 

ES3  ^  EiaES3  C3  EZI3  E23  fSi. 

VWftiVWW^ 

CZlCDCDCIiCjaCIII^ 

cDCDCiininciiiiiici 


Fig.  38.— Methods  of  beading 


over  this  end  and  pulled  tight.  Thus  it  is  secured,  and  if  the  sewing 
splint  is  wide  enough  it  is  also  covered  over,  although  this  is  not 
absolutely  essential  as  the  next  stitch  hides  the  end  completely. 
After  the  stitch  has  been  made  the  strip  is  folded  back  over  it  and 
drawn  taut  to  the  right,  the  second  stitch  lying  over  the  bark,  which 
is  now  face  upward.  This  time  the  coil  stitch  is  left  on  top,  the  bark 
ribbon  being  merely  folded  back  again  face  downward  to  the  left 
to  permit  of  a  tliird  coil  stitch  being  taken  which  will  lie  underneath 
the  ribbon  when  it  is  again  brought  back  right  side  up  to  the  right. 
If  the  beaded  effect  is  over  and  under  one  stitch  alternately  the  ribbon 
is  thus  folded  back  and  forth,  lying  face  down  to  the  left,  so  as  to 
be  out  of  the  way"  when  a  stitch  is  to  be  made  directly  on  the  coil 
and  face  up  to  the  right  when  the  coil  stitch  is  to  pass  over  it.  Where 
a  different  combination  is  desired  one  or  the  other  of  the  processes 
is  repeated  without  alternation  with  the  other  as  many  times  as  is 
necessary. 

Another  method  of  beginning  the  work  is  to  place  the  ribbon  right 
side  up  on  the  coil,  with  the  left-hand  end  under  the  fingers  at  the 
point  of  sewing,  the  remainder  lying  to  the  right.  This  causes  the 
first  stitch  on  the  coil  to  be  exposed,  and  is  a  much  less  secure  means 
of  fastening  the  end  of  the  ribbon.     There  are  several  ways  of  joining 


BOAsl 


METHODS    OF    ORNAMENTATION  225 


strips,  whether  of  the  same  or  different  colors.  The  explanation  wUl 
be  clearer  if  it  be  supposed  that  there  are  two  colors.  If  a  strip  of  red 
is  finished,  or  it  is  desired  to  shift  from  red  to  black,  the  former  is  cut 
off  just  beyond  where  the  final  stitch  will  be  made  before  the  change. 
The  left  end  of  the  black  strip,  right  side  up,  is  laid  over  the  right  end 
of  the  red  strip,  that  is,  the  ends  overlap,  right  side  up  (fig.  39,  a),  and 
a  stitch  is  taken  over  both,  concealing  the  junction  and  holding  them 
firmly.  Care  is  taken  that  the  end  of  the  new  strip  does  not  protrude 
to  the  left  from  beneath  the  stitch. 

In  a  second  method,  occasionally  used,  the  ribbons  are  placed  end 
to  end  just  touching  each  other  instead  of  overlapping  (fig.  39,  &),  so 
that  the  stitch  covers  the  joining  and  at  the  same  time  holds  both 
ribbons  firmly.  This  is  more  difficult  of  accomplishment  than  the 
former  method,  because  of  the  narrowness  of  the  sewing  splint.  It 
is  more  commonly  employed  with  "over  and  under  two"  than  with 
"over  and  under  one." 

Instead  of  overlapping  the  ends  of  the  ribbons  of  bark  or  laying 
them  end  to  end,  a  few  women  place  the  new  strip  face  down  on  top 
of    the    coil  just   beaded, 

with  the  end   of    the  old  "r-^^iL  r---- 

strip  and  the  beginning  of   ^ — ""'L     '  ^      >  !       •  \ 

the    new    meeting,    both    [_,,.,- — iC^"rtri- )  CT.j 

pointing     to     the     right.  a  b 

After  they  have  both  been  ^'"-  39-Ioining  of  strips  used  in  beading 

caught  by  the  stitch,  the  new  strip  is  folded  back  to  the  right 
over  the  top  of  the  stitch  and  drawn  tight,  when  the  ordinary  beading 
process  is  continued.  With  this  plan,  which  has  been  used  on  a  num- 
ber of  Thompson  baskets,  the  stitch  which  fastens  in  the  new  strip  is 
not  exposed  as  in  the  other  two  methods,  but  is  finally  covered  by  the 
bark.  The  old  strip,  like  the  new  one,  extends  a  little  beyond  the 
stitch.  While  a  few  women  know  all  of  these  ways  of  joining  ribbons, 
following  any  which  seems  most  convenient  at  the  time,  they  all  have 
habits  of  work  more  or  less  firmly  established,  resulting  in  their 
preference  for  certain  ones. 

As  a  means  of  ornamentation  beading  is  still  employed,  particularly 
on  lids  and  bottoms  (pis.  3,  h;  4,  a:  8,c;  9,  c;  10,  a,  h:  11,  h;  50,  a,  e)  and 
occasionally  by  the  LJllooet  on  the  walls  (pi.  18,  c'').  It  wiU  be  remem- 
bered that  a  line  of  beading  almost  invariably  defines  the  theoretical  if 
not  actual  limits  of  the  bottom,  and  serves  to  mark  off  the  field  avail- 
able for  designs.  Not  quite  as  often,  it  is  found  near  the  rim,  delineating 
the  top  of  the  design  field,  while  its  appearance  on  top  of  the  rim  coil  is 
by  no  means  rare.  There  seems  to  be  no  rule  for  its  application,  but 
practically  always  it  may  be  found  in  a  single  line  near  the  base  of 
the  side  walls. 

^  Another  view  of  the  same  basket  (pi.  57,  g)  shows  that  the  beading  is,  as  usual,  confined  to  the  side 
resting  against  the  back  of  the  person  who  carries  the  basket. 


226 


COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH   COLUMBIA 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


All  of  the  women  interviewed  are  well  acquainted  with  its  decora- 
tive possibilities  and  its  simple  technique  and  make  most  of  the  easier 
patterns  that  are  found,  while  the  experts  have  evolved  a  number  of 
other  very  pretty  and  quite  complicated  designs  which  will  be  dis- 
cussed later.  In  addition  to  making  various  patterns,  a  few  women 
enhance  their  effect  by  regularly  bifurcating  the  stitches  on  the  coil 
above  that  which  has  been  beaded. 


Fig.  40.  — Method  of  imbrication 


Imbrication 

Imbrication,  which  is  the  characteristic  feature  of  modern  baskets, 
is  quite  unique  in  the  types  of  basketry  technique  of  the  world. 
Many  of  the  design  elements  used,  however,  are  found  in  the  Plains, 
California,  or  the  Southwest. 

The  material  employed  is  the  same  as  in  beading,  except  for  the 
occasional  recent  substitution  of  black  cloth  for  black  bark  or  dyed 
grass.    The  process  is  as  follows :  After  being  started  as  just  described 

in  the  third  method,  the  ribbon  is 
bent  back  face  upward  to  the  right 
over  the  coil  stitch  which  fastens 
the  end.  A  second  coil  stitch  is 
then  taken,  but  not  pulled  tight. 
The  bark  strip  is  bent  back  on  itself 
to  the  left,  the  sewing  always  pro- 
gressing toward  the  right  in  normal 
cases.  Care  is  taken  that  the  fold 
of  the  bark  will  come  just  where  the  lialf-finished  stitch  will  lie.  The 
fold  is  then  slipped  under  the  .sewing  splint,  which  is  now  pulled  tight 
(fig.  40).  The  wet  sewing  splint  holds  the  fold  of  the  ribbon  firmly. 
A  sharp  tug  would  be  necessary  to  pull  the  bark  from  under  it.  As 
soon  as  a  succession  of  stitches  has  been  made,  and  the  moist  basket 
dries  and  "sets"  a  little,  it  becomes  even  more  difficult  to  pull  out 
the  ribbon.  Rather,  instead  of  unraveling,  the  bark  will  break,  be- 
cause when  dry  it  is  quite  brittle.  At  the  completion  of  the  second 
stitch  the  ribbon  lies  as  it  did  in  the  beginning,  and  the  same  process 
is  repeated  for  two  stitches,  as  has  just  been  described,  and  so  a 
second  imbrication  is  completed.  When  a  change  or  addition  of  a 
strip  is  necessary  it  is  made  as  in  the  third  method  of  beading.  The 
two  processes  of  starting  beading  and  imbrication  are  closely  related, 
and  imbrication  may  have  developed  from  beading. 

The  effect  of  a  line  of  imbricated  stitches  is  that  of  a  row  of  tiny 
overlapping  shingles,  only  that  the  overlapping  edges  lie  vertically, 
not  horizontally,  the  left-hand  edge  of  each  "shingle"  being  on  top. 
In  working,  the  bark  is  placed  in  position  with  the  thumb  and  fore- 
finger of  the  left  liand,  sometimes  assisted  by  those  of  the  right  hand, 
which  are  also  used  for  folding  the  bark  back.     Wlien  finisliing  an 


BOAS]  METHODS   OF   ORNAMENTATION  227 

imbricated  strip  the  end  of  the  ribbon  of  bark  is  caught  under  a  coil 
stitch  and  then  cut  off  close  with  a  knife.  Several  women,  wlien 
making  a  design  consisting  of  a  large  field  of  one  color,  instead  of 
cutting  it  off  carry  it  through  underneath  the  stitches  which  are  to 
be  worked  in  another  color,  placing  the  strips  for  the  intervenmg 
inabrication  on  top. 

One  informant  reduced  the  'thickness  of  her  coil  very  slightly 
where  the  imbrication  was  applied,  by  this  delicate  adjustment  pre- 
venting an  embossed  surface.  She  explained  that  she  desired  an 
even  thickness  of  wall  throughout,  and  declared  that  several  other 
women  pursued  the  same  plan,  but  none  were  observed  by  Mr.  Teit. 
Coil  reduction  is  accomplished  by  special  tiglitcning  and  tapping 
home  of  the  sewing  splint  or  by  removuig  a  small  part  of  the  founda- 
tion. 

Because  of  the  sjiiral  construction  of  the  basket,  imbrication  or 
beading  which  passes  in  the  same  coil  completely  around  the  basket 
can  not  be  made  to  meet,  but  ends  one  row  higher  than  where  it 
began  (pi.  8,  d;  50,  c),  unless  ring  coils  are  used,  which  does  not  often 
happen;  hence  it  is  customary  to  arrange  the  designs  so  that  any 
such  breafe  in  the  lines  occur  near  one  corner  of  a  short  end  (on  a 
rectangular  burden  basket)  (pi.  3,  &),  but  some  bring  the  break  on  a 
long  side,  near  a  corner  (pi.  8,  c). 

All  informants  of  the  Upper  and  Lower  Thompson  agree  that  no 
imbrication  was  placed  on  the  bottoms  of  any  kind  of  baskets,  out- 
side or  inside,  in  former  times.  Even  at  the  present  day  imbrica- 
tion on  the  outside  of  bottoms  is  exceedingly  rare.  In  small  cu'cular 
baskets  an  imbricated  piece  of  work  which  was  originally  intended 
for  a  lid  is  now  and  then  converted  into  a  bottom. 

According  to  Lower  Thompson  informants  all  bottoms  were 
formerly  devoid  of  beading  except  for  the  dividing  line  already 
mentioned,  although  a  few  L'pper  Thompson  say  that  small  circular 
baskets  had  bottoms  of  groups  of  beaded  coils  alternating  with  plain 
ones.  The  number  in  each  group  ranged  from  one  to  four.  A  few 
instances  are  on  record  of  bowls  the  bottoms  of  which  were  beaded 
over  the  entire  surface,  except  for  one  or  two  groups  of  from  one  to 
three  undecorated  coils.  It  is  said  that  lids  were  treated  in  the  same 
way.  Very  rarely  the  beaded  designs  on  the  sides  extended  to  the 
center  of  the  bottom.  If  they  were  placed  in  radial  rows  they  all 
converged  at  the  center.  At  the  present  day  many  trays  are  imbri- 
cated on  the  mside,  at  the  bottom,  and  on  the  outside  of  the  sides  as 
well.  Several  Lytton  people  say  that  trays  used  for  ceremonial 
purposes  were  ornamented  in  this  manner  very  long  ago.  Whether 
those  used  in  gambling  games  to  toss  dice  upon  were  also  ornamented 
was  not  learned.  When  designs  are  to  be  placed  on  the  inside  of  a 
bottom  it  is  considered  better  to  make  this  section  of  the  basket  in 


228 


COILED   BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH   COLUMBIA 


[eTH.  ANN.  41 


a  separate  piece.  To  use  a  watch-spring  coil  base,  which  is  continu- 
ous with  the  side,  adding  the  design  as  the  woi'k  proceeds,  is  thought 
to  be  very  slow  and  awkward.  An  imbricated  bottom  worked  in 
the  ordinary  way — with  the  side  which  bears  the  design  held  toward 
the  maker — is  reversed  after  being  completed  and  the  walls  are  added 
with  their  designs,  for,  if  it  were  to  be  made  m  one  piece  with  the 
sides,  either  the  design  on  it  would  necessarily  Be  applied  on  the 
side  away  from  the  worker  or  else  the  coiling  would  have  to  be  re- 
versed at  the  rim  of  the  base. 

Where  imbrication  or  beading  was  not  desired,  as  was  the  case 
with  the  Shuswap,  a  very  pleasing  ornamental  effect  was  achieved 
by  the  furcation  of  the  coil  stitches  in  alternate  groups  of  coils,  those 
between  being  sewed  in  the  ordinary  manner.  At  other  times  verti- 
cal or  diagonal  lines  of  bifurcation  were  attempted  (fig.  41).  Regular 
bifurcation  was  practiced  only  to  a  limited  degree,  and  then  chiefly 
on  baskets  ornamented  only  with  beadmg  or  utterly  bare.     It  was 


Fig.  41.— Bifurcation  of  coil  stitches 

nsed  on  bottoms,  from  the  centers  to  the  corners  (pi.  6,  i).  As  a 
rule  the  stitches  are  furcated,  but  the  predommant  aim  is  a  water- 
tight product,  even  if  regular  stitching  must  be  sacrificed. 

A  few  other  means  of  deriving  an  ornamental  effect  were  tried  and 
practiced  to  some  extent.  Darker  tinted  sewing  splints  were  used 
on  different  coils,  giving  a  banded  appearance,  and  on  rare  occasions 
the  use  of  larger  or  finer  splints  for  sewing  groups  of  coils  was  also 
attempted." 

DESIGN  FIELDS 

General  Remarks 

The  Thompson  informants  all  agree  that  any  design  may  be  used 
on  any  kind  of  basket  and  that  its  selection  does  not  depend  on  the 
type  of  bottom  used. 

On  round,  high  forms  resembling  the  modern  paU  practically  any 
type  of  decoration  may  be  successfully  applied.  The  continuous,  im- 
brokcn  wall  surface  lends  itself  equally  well  to  horizontal  arrange- 
ments in  bands,  to  vertical  stripes,  all-over  arrangements  of  isolated 

"  See  also  Teit,  The  Lillooet  Indians,  pp.  205  et  seq. 


boas] 


DESIGN   FIELDS  229 


figiu-es  which  may  be  aligned  horizontally,  diagonally,  or  vertically,  to 
diagonals  and  spirals;  in  fact,  to  practically  any  type  of  decoration, 
even  that  which  cuts  tlie  basket  surface  into  two  sections.  All  of 
these  are  found  with  the  exception  of  the  last.  Vertical  decoration, 
however,  including  stripes,  is  rather  uncommon  on  these  shapes. 

Flat  tray  fomis  are  best  adapted  to  designs  which  radiate  from  the 
center,  and  the  Thompson  recognize  this  very  clearly.  Most  of  the 
women  express  a  preference  for  the  radial  arrangement  of  designs  on 
flat  round  shapes  (pis.  17,/;  44,  e;  52,  c;  54,  c),  saying  that  those 
wliich  "lay  across"  the  field  were  not  "good."  (See  pi.  50,/.)  By 
this  they  meant  patterns  which  ignored  the  relation  of  the  center  of 
the  circle  or  oval. 

They  feel  that  certain  patterns  do  not  permit  of  satisfactory  ad- 
justment on  some  lids  and  trays.  Often  in  trunk-shaped  baskets 
the  design  on  the  body  is  carried  over  to  the  lid  and  converges  there, 
a  treatment  which  makes  its  adaptation  at  times  more  or  less  diffi- 
cult (pi.  48,  h).  Circular  bands  are  frequently  used  on  trays  (pi.  54,  h). 
The  women  try  to  have  the  radiating  portions  of  the  design  equidis- 
tant, but  this  is  often  difficult  to  do  when  working  only  by  eye. 

Burden  Baskets 

The  rectangular  burden  basket  offers  an  entirely  different  problem. 
Nevertheless  many  of  the  typical  patterns  of  round  baskets,  such  as 
horizontal  bands,  diagonals,  and  spirals,  are  used  on  the  modified  and 
rectangular  shapes.  Evidently  such  types  of  ornamentation  have 
always  been  in  existence  on  imbricated  basketry.  This  corroborates 
the  tradition  that  the  burden  baskets  were  formerly  round  and  high, 
like  the  Klickitat  baskets  still  manufactured.  The  Klickitat,  who 
do  not  use  the  rectangular  shapes,  decorate  many  of  their  tall  round 
burden  baskets  with  wide  horizontal  zigzag  bands  which  reach  from 
the  base  nearly  to  the  rim. 

Rectangular  jorms. — The  Lillooet,  Chilcotin,  and  Thompson  Indians 
have  all  adopted  the  rectangular  forms,  and  while  other  shapes  are 
also  produced,  particularly  by  the  Lytton  band  of  the  Thompson,  the 
most  interesting  problems  of  decorative  designs  center  around  the 
burden  baskets  with  their  trapezoidal  fields,  and  it  is  here  that  the 
most  striking  tribal  differences  are  apparent,  even  though  a  certain 
degree  of  assimilation  prevails  owing  to  intertribal  intercourse.  The 
Thompson  now  possess  several  distinct  styles,  some  of  which  are 
closely  related  to  the  typical  patterns  of  the  LiUooet  and  Chilcotin. 
A  characterization  of  the  Thompson  style  is  made  difficidt  also  by  the 
development  of  peculiarities  among  the  various  local  bands.  Broadly 
speaking,  however,  the  products  of  the  different  tribes  may  be  dis- 
tinguished by  the  arrangement  of  the  design  field. 


230  COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA 


|ETH.  ANN.  41 


Lillooet  designs. — Lillooet  designs  are  divided  horizontally  into  two 
fields,  the  upper  and  larger  one  with  imbricated  backgromid  covering 
the  entire  surface  and  bearing  one  large  design  in  outlines,  which 
occupies  the  whole  space.  This  is  sometimes  divided  vertically  into 
two  complementary  and  symmetrical  sections.  There  are  perhaps 
eight  or  ten  designs  of  this  character  and  rectangular  in  construction. 
As  an  accompaniment  of  these,  there  extend  from  this  field  into  the 
lower,  which  has  a  plain,  unimbricated  background,  two  or  three  ver- 
tical stripes — droppers — bearing  small  geometric  figures.  Plate  18,  a., 
represents  a  Lillooet  basket  in  which  the  upper  half  has  no  imbri- 
cated background. 

In  a  second  characteristic  Lillooet  type  of  decoration  the  field  is 
ornamented  with  vertical  bands  ascending  from  base  to  rim  (pis.  35, 
i;  37,  a;  57,  a).  Manj'  baskets  of  this  class  are  constructed  of  broad 
flat  coils  which  are  distinctive  of  the  Lillooet. 

On  many  Lillooet  burden  baskets  the  side  that  lies  against  the  back 
of  the  person  who  carries  the  basket  is  beaded.  (Pis.  18,  c;  27,  Ji; 
55,  g;  57,  c,  g.) 

Chilcotin  designs. — Almost  all  the  Chilcotin  baskets  have  three  dec- 
orative fields,  the  upper  and  lower  imbricated  entirely,  and  bearing 
designs  which  are  alike,  the  middle  being  either  unmibricated,  except 
for  lines  crossing  it  and  connecting  the  other  two  fields  (pi.  59,  a),  or 
imbricated,  bearing  totally  different  patterns  (pi.  60,  a). 

Other  tribes. — Mr.  Teit  says : 

That  the  basketry  of  other  Interior  Salish  tribes  also  had  peculiarities  seems 
likely.  So  few  specimens  are  obtainable  nowadays  from  the  Shuswap  and 
southern  Salish  tribes  that  it  is  impossible  to  ascertain  their  styles  of  orna- 
mentation. The  Shuswap  claim  that  although  some  of  their  baskets  were  so 
much  like  those  made  by  neighboring  tribes  that  they  could  hardly  be  dis- 
tinguished from  them,  yet  on  the  whole  a  Shuswap  product  could  be  told  from 
others  by  its  general  appearance,  there  being  certain  minor  points  in  workman- 
ship, shape,  and  designs  by  which  it  could  be  identified.  Yet  in  the  absence 
of  specimens  it  has  been  impossible  to  learn  the  exact  nature  of  these  differences. 
The  same  is  said  of  the  basketry  of  the  Moses,'*  Columbia,  and  Wenatchi, 
although  it  seems  that  on  the  whole  the  arrangement  of  the  ornamentation  on 
their  baskets  was  similar  to  that  of  the  Thompson. 

Thompson  designs. — Long  ago,  according  to  native  informants, 
three  ways  of  dividing  the  design  field  of  burden  baskets  were  in  use 
among  the  Lower  Thompson,  perhaps  also  among  the  upper  bands. 

First  type.  The  field  was  arranged  in  two  sections.  The  upper 
occupied  about  two-thirds  of  the  entire  side,  the  lower  one-third. 
Occasionally  the  two  sections  were  more  nearly  equal.  The  upper 
was  imbricated  over  its  entire  surface  with  a  light  background  and 
dark  designs,  but  on  the  lower  the  designs  appeared  on  a  backgroimd 
of  bare  coils.     The  designs  in  the  two  fields  were  unrelated.     Some- 

38  These  people  were  commonly  called  by  this  name  after  one  of  their  prominent  chiefs. 


boas] 


DESIGN    FIELDS  231 


tixaes  each  field  contained  only  one  design,  but  occasionally  there 
were  two  (pi.  19).  Tliis  style  closely  resembled  one  still  employed 
by  the  LiUooet  (pi.  20,  a,  6).  Plate  21,  c,  represents  a  modern  copy 
of  this  old  style  as  well  as  of  the  old,  somewhat  roimdod  form  of 
burden  basket. 

Second  type.  There  are  also  two  fields,  but  the  upper  occupies 
about  tliree-quarters  of  the  entire  surface  and  carries  the  designs, 
while  the  lower  is  left  plain,  without  any  imbrication.  If  patterns 
appear  at  all,  they  are  merely  lines  of  beacUng.  (PI.  22,  a,  b:  c  is  a 
modern  adaptation.)  As  far  as  the  informants  could  recall,  no  "drop- 
pers" like  those  on  LiUooet  baskets  were  ever  used  by  the  Thompson, 
no  matter  what  type  of  ornamentation  was  applied.^' 

Thu'd  type.  It  was  less  common,  but  still  frequent;  charac- 
terized by  the  use  of  three  fields,  all  about  the  same  width,  the 
upper  and  lower  thirds  imbricated  aU  over  for  backgrotmd  and  de- 
sign, while  the  middle  third  lacked  the  imbricated  background.  In 
some  instances  the  central  field  was  entirely  imbricated,  both  back- 
ground and  design,  while  the  upper  and  lower  fields  carried  only 
imbricated  or  beaded  designs  on  a  plain  background  (pi.  24,  d). 
Either  the  three  fields  carried  diflerent  designs  or  else  the  upper  and 
lower  thirds  had  the  same  pattern,  while  the  middle  area  was  differ- 
ent. Occasionally  baskets  with  tliis  style  of  ornamentation  bore  im- 
bricated vertical  bands  crossing  the  central  section  at  regular  dis- 
tances, connecting  the  upper  and  lower  fields.  They  were  usually 
narrow  and  contained  small  designs.  The  Lytton  people  used  this 
scheme  of  decoration  quite  frequently. 

Nowadays  very  few  if  any  Thompson  baskets  are  decorated  in 
any  of  the  above-mentioned  ways,  but  the  first  method  is  common 
among  the  LiUooet,  while  the  third  is  characteristic  of  the  Chilcotin 
(pi.  8,  a).  An  example  of  a  Thompson  basket  of  the  third  style 
is  probably  represented  by  Plate  24,  a. 

Mr.  Tcit  summarizes  his  long-continued  observations  in  the  field 
as  follows: 

Thompson  baskets,  especially  burden  baskets,  usuallj'  have  no  Imbricated 
field  in  which  the  designs  are  set.  As  a  rule,  the  bare  coils  of  the  basket  form  the 
background,  the  designs  only  being  imbricated,  and  worked  in  three  colors,  red, 
white,  and  black.  When  this  is  not  the  case,  as  happens  in  less  than  a  quarter  of 
the  baskets  made,  then  the  whole  is  imbricated  with  white  straw,  excepting  the 
designs  which  are  in  bark,  usually  dyed  red  or  black.  Sometimes  white  (straw) 
is  used  as  a  filler  in  the  design  when  its  character  permits  this.  Occasionally 
two-thirds  of  the  basket  surface  is  imbricated  with  bark,  as  in  checker  designs  of 
all-over  distribution,  where  all  three  colors  appear  in  equal  proportions,  but  in 
this  case  no  one  color  can  be  called  the  background.  Red  is  the  preferred  color 
when  onl}'  one  is  used,  black  is  ne.xt  in  popularity,  but  white  is  seldom  used 
except  for  backgrounds.  The  exceptions  to  the  single  field  of  designs  on  modern 
baskets  are  ver}'  few. 

"  See,  however,  remark  on  p.  232. 
53666°— 2S 16 


232  COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  [eth.  ann.41 

During  many  years  Mr.  Teit  has  noted  only  tlu'ee  or  four  Thomp- 
son baskets  with  designs  arranged  in  three  fiekls.  One  of  these  was 
imbricated  only  in  the  central  zone,  the  others  being  ornamented  solely 
with  beading.  Another  similar  to  tliis  had  a  middle  field  equal  to 
about  half  of  the  entire  surface,  while  a  tliird  one  was  imbricated  over 
the  upper  two-thirds  and  had  a  narrow  unbricated  band  at  the  bottom 
with  several  vertical  bands  connecting  it  ^^^th  the  upper  fields.  Mr. 
Teit  says  that  it  is  one  of  very  few  specimens  he  has  seen  with  indi- 
cations of  "droppers"  which  are  such  a  common  feature  of  Lillooet 
baskets.  He  has  noted  some  eight  Thompson  baskets  imbricated 
over  at  least  the  upper  two-thirds,  with  unimbricated  lower  sections 
without  even  a  trace  of  designs.  A  modern  style,  quite  common,  is  a 
grouping  of  designs  into  two  sections,  one  of  which  occupies  more 
than  the  upper  half  of  the  surface  while  the  other  covers  the  remain- 
der, and  these  two  groups  differ  in  type  of  pattern  used. 

Other  varieties  of  present-day  Thompson  styles  which  are  men- 
tioned by  Mr.  Teit  are  the  division  of  the  field  into  horizontal  bands 
encircling  the  basket,  all-over  patterns,  such  as  "net"  or  "mesh" 
designs,  and  the  large  rectilinear  designs  before  mentioned  which 
occupy  one  or  two  fields  on  the  basket  face. 

The  vertical  arrangement  of  designs  in  imbricated  stripes  which 
traverse  the  unimbricated  faces  of  the  baskets  from  base  to  rim  has 
not  been  discussed  by  the  Thompson  themselves,  nor  have  we  dis- 
covered any  notes  concerning  it  from  Mr.  Teit.  At  the  present  day 
it  is  one  of  the  most  common  arrangements  and  probably  has  per- 
sisted from  the  earliest  times  to  the  present,  although  it  has  not  always 
been  so  popular  as  now. 

The  spccunens  collected  show  that  the  single  field  has  become 
popular  in  recent  years.  Three  varieties  of  this  style  have  devel- 
oped. In  the  first,  the  whole  basket  is  imbricated  with  the  excep- 
tion of  a  small  section  at  the  bottom,  and  the  designs  occupy  the 
whole  field  (pi.  23,  a).  In  the  second,  the  basket  is  left  bare,  ex- 
cept for  the  designs  themselves,  which  are  imbricated  and,  as  in  the 
fu-st  instance,  cover  the  entire  field  (pis.  18,  d;  22,  d;  23,  d;  24,  6;  77). 
The  third  resembles  the  second,  but  the  designs  are  in  two  series,  one 
above  the  other.  Tliis  recalls  the  first  of  the  tliree  ancient  types, 
except  that  the  upper  section  lacks  the  imbricated  background  (pi. 
24,  c).     These  last  two  varieties  are  far  more  common  than  the  first. 

It  is  odd  that  most  of  the  Thompson  men  admire  the  Lillooet 
baskets  rather  than  those  constructed  by  their  own  people.  Many 
express  a  liking  for  even  and  regular  stitching  and  cods,  and  although 
serviceability  impresses  them,  they  prefer  to  see  it  combined  with 
fineness  of  workmanship.  A  few  of  the  men  show  a  marked 
preference  for  certain  designs,  and  consider  the  women  who  make 
them  very  clever  and  ingenious. 


BOASI 


DESIGN   FIELDS  233 


Aside  from  the  Lillooet  type  of  two-field  decoration  mentioned 
above  and  the  single  or  double  unimbricated  background  Held  bearing 
imbricated  designs,  there  are  among  modern  Thompson  baskets  speci- 
mens showing  the  imbrication  of  background  on  tlie  upper  half  of  the 
surface  with  mixed  designs  in  both  fields;  there  are  also  entirely  imbri- 
cated baskets  bcarmg  classic  or  modern  figures  set  "all-over"  fashion 
in  a  white  background.  (PI.  23,  b.)  These  are  fr(>quently  made  as 
gifts. 

The  fact  that  the  informants  in  discussing  old  styles  began  with 
the  division  into  fields  is  probably  merely  an  indication  that  tliis 
tvpe  differs  from  the  ordinary  modern  forms  and  that  it  is  striking. 
They  can  not  now  trace  its  origin,  but  recognize  its  similarity  to 
Lillooet  and  Chilcotin  arrangements,  f^ike  all  people,  they  are 
inclined  to  ascribe  the  invention  of  cultural  forms  common  to  them- 
selves and  to  their  neighbors  to  their  o\^^l  creativeness. 

As  remarked  before,  the  baskets  of  the  Thompson,  Lillooet,  and 
Chilcotin  may  be  distinguished  not  only  by  the  arrangement  of  the 
designs  but  also  by  various  technical  features.  Thompson  coils  are 
finer  than  those  of  the  Lillooet  and  very  uniform  in  construction. 
In  burden  baskets  the  coils  of  both  tribes  are  of  nearly  the  same  tex- 
ture, but  the  sewing  splints  of  the  former  are  finer  and  the  diameter 
of  the  coils  smaller.  The  wall  construction  among  the  two  tribes  is 
alike,  for  both  can  build  perfectly  smooth  straight  walls,  without 
bumps  or  any  unevenness,  vertically  or  horizontally.  The  shapes, 
however,  are  different,  the  walls  of  Thompson  baskets  being  drawn 
in  more  nearly  to  a  vertical  direction  than  the  Lillooet,  which  flare 
unrestrictedly  to  the  rim.  Thompson  baskets  stand  on  broader 
bases  and  present  a  less  angular  appearance,  the  corners  being  fairly 
rounded  even  in  their  most  angular  specimens.'"'  As  stated  before, 
the  division  of  the  basket  surface  into  two  decorative  fields,  and 
also  the  presence  of  beading  in  place  of  imbrication  in  the  upper 
section  on  one  or  two  faces  of  the  basket,  is  characteristic  of  the 
Lillooet  style.  It  is  instructive  to  observe,  where  similar  decoration 
of  field  is  concerned,  the  difl^erences  between  the  two  tribes  as  shown 
in  Plate  24,  r/,  a  Thompson,  and  Plates  24,  e,  and  76,  Lillooet  baskets. 
The  baskets  of  the  Chilcotin  are  characterized  by  remarkably  fine 
stitching,  accurately  bifurcated  splints,  uneven  coils,  bumpy  walls, 
and  a  rim  wliich  is  higher  at  the  ends  than  in  the  center  of  the  sides. 

The  types  found  in  the  collections  which  we  have  studied  do  not 
wholly  agree  with  the  descriptions  given  by  the  Indians.  A  great 
many  old  baskets  have  entirely  imimbricated  backgrounds  bearing 
simple  beaded  or  imbricated  horizontal,  vertical,  and  diagonal  lines 
or  small  figures. 

The  lines  are  usually  cjuite  narrow,  the  horizontal  commonly 
consisting  of  one  coil  beaded  or  imbricated,  the  diagonal  or  A^ertical 
being  composed   of  series   of   two   or  tliree  imbricated   or  beaded 

"  See  also  p.  222. 


234  COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH   COLUMBIA  [eth.  ann.41 

stitches.  Of  these  very  many  show  only  horizontal  lines  encircling 
the  basket  at  regular  intervals.  A  number  of  modern  specimens 
are  exactly  of  the  same  kuid.  The  horizontal  lines  are  imbricated 
or  beaded  (pis.  8,  d;  9,  a;  27,  d,f,  g).  The  chagonal  (pi.  31,  h,  d)  and 
vertical  lines  (pis.  14,  a;  34,  a-c;  35,  h)  and  the  horizontally  or  verti- 
cally trenduig  zigzags  are  imbricated  (pis.  10,  a;  11,  b;  14,  e;  18,  a; 
22,  c;  23,  c). 

Use  of  Colors 

Only  rarely  is  any  fixed  connection  established  between  color  and 
design,  the  aim  usually  being  merely  to  obtain  a  contrast.  In  the 
arrangement  of  parts,  wlxite  is  often  employed  to  separate  red  from 
black  or  as  a  border  around  patterns  executed  in  these  colors.  It  is 
always  used  for  backgrounds,  except  in  rare  cases  on  small  baskets 
for  which  enough  purple  has  been  secured.  Perhaps  because  there 
are  so  few  colors  in  use,  practically  any  design  may  be  carried  out  in 
any  one  of  them,  and  usually  no  attempt  is  made  to  give  a  more 
realistic  effect  by  selecting  the  one  most  suitable.  For  instance, 
panthers  may  be  black,  red,  white,  or  spotted.  Of  the  few  known 
designs  which  are  always  carried  out  in  the  same  color,  those  repre- 
senting rain,  hail,  and  snow  are  examples.  The  first  is  invariably 
red  or  black,  the  last  two  are  wliite,  snow  being  differentiated  from 
hail  by  its  spotted  formation.  Whore  berries  are  depicted  the 
red  currant  (laa'za)  is  red,  the  service  berry  black. 

Attempts  were  occasionally  made  to  take  advantage  of  the  natural 
colors  or  shades  of  splints  and  grass.  The  darker  colored  splints  used 
for  sewing  were  put  in  one  ])lace  and  the  lighter  in  another.  Thus  a 
basket  might  have  all  the  lower  coils,  perhaps  a  third  of  the  entire 
surface,  imbricated  in  dark  colors,  the  rest  being  lighter.  Also,  in 
the  same  way  but  more  rarely,  grass  was  selected  according  to  its 
color — white,  yellow,  or  purple — and  used  (each  color  by  itself)  for 
imbricating  certain  sections.  Baskets  imbricated  entirely  in  grass 
were  very  rare.  However,  this  plan  of  segregation  of  colors  was 
not  often  adopted,  owing  to  the  great  diversity  in  shades  of  a  given 
color.^' 

BEADED  DESIGNS 

There  are  not  many  photographs  of  baskets  bearing  beaded 
patterns,  and  in  the  few  that  do  illustrate  this  technique  the  work 
is  of  the  simplest  kind  which  in  the  photographs,  unless  taken  at 
close  range,  is  not  to  be  readily  distinguished  from  imbrication.  Mr. 
Teit  has  furnished  a  number  of  sketches  of  difl'erent  patterns  which 
he  has  seen  during  his  many  years  spent  among  the  Thompson 
Indians  and  these  are  reproduced  here  with  such  comment  as  he  has 
supplied.  It  will  prove  instructive  to  return  to  these  figures  after 
the  study  of  imbricated  design  has  been  completed,  m  order  to  note 

'1  See  p.  153. 


boas] 


BEADED    DESIGNS 


235 


the  many  similarities  between  patterns  produced  in  the  two  kinds  of 
technique.  He  has  been  unable  to  determine  whether  the  imbri- 
cated designs  are  derived  from  beaded  designs  or  vice  versa,  since  no 
actual  liistory^  is  known.  It  seems  as  if  imbrication  as  a  technicjue 
may  have  been  the  result  of  an  attempt  to  solve  the  problem  of 
obtaining  a  contmuous  line  of  color  without  the  intervening  coil 
stitch  always  necessary  in  beading. 

From  the  series  of  simple  beaded  designs  given  by  Mr.  Teit  in 
Figures  42^5  *^  it  seems  that  some  of  the  most  likely  combinations, 
such  as  two  rows  of  over  and  under  one,  alternating,  were  not  seen 
by  him,  although  several  rows  of  this  technique  occur  occasionally. 


B  VB  V 


10 


\A>V     ^T^ 


D  □  n  n  p 


n 

n 

n 

n  u 

u 

m 

i 

u  a 
n  n 

8 

■ 

B 

8  5 

Fig.  42. — Beaded  designs 

The  very  simple  combinations  have  given  way  to  more  complicated 
forms,  and  even  these  are  falling  into  disuse,  for  beading  is  going  out 
of  style. 

Nos.  6  and  12,  Figure  42,  sometimes  formed  connected  patterns 
covering  the  whole  surfaces  of  baskets.  They  were  also  used  in 
bands.  Nos.  4  and  8  were  common  in  bands  three  to  five  coils  wide, 
between  which  bare  spaces  of  equal  width  were  left.  No.  14  was  a 
very  frequent  pattern.  All  of  the  others  shown  were  used  in  bands 
of  different  sorts  with  bare  spaces  between  them.  Nos.  1-5,  7-10, 
and  16  were  at  times  employed  as  borders  along  the  rims  of  baskets. 
Some  baskets  were  ornamented  with  two  or  more  patterns,  such  as  a 
border,  for  instance  No.  1  or  5,  which  covered  one  or  two  coUs,  and 

i-  In  these  sketches  diagonal  shading  indicates  red,  solid  black,  black. 


236 


COILED    BASKETRY   IN    BRITISH   COLUMBIA 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


below  this  extending  over  most  of  the  side  a  pattern  such  as  No.  14, 
while  below  this  might  be  a  band  like  No.  6. 

Of  late  years  certain  beaded  patterns  have  become  more  popular 
than  others.  Thosenotedrecentlyare  shown  in  Figure42,  Nos.  1-8  and 
12-14.  Nos.  9-11,  13,  15,  and  16  are  said  to  have  been  used  formerly, 
as  well  as  several  others  of  which  exact  descriptions  were  not  obtained. 


Fig.  43.— Beaded  designs 

Figure  43  represents  beaded  designs  related  to  the  t_\'pe  just 
described. 

The  so-called  woven  design  shown  in  Figure  44,  a,  is  made  by  two 
women  of  Spuzzum  and  by  one  woman  hving  among  the  Upper 
Uta'mqt.     It  is  used  as  a  single  pattern  once  only  on  each  face  of  a 

basket,  but  the  upper  and  lower 
single-stitch  border  runs  entirely 
around  all  four  sides.  The  pattern 
here  shown  was  copied  from  a 
small  carrying  basket  belongmg  to 
Mrs.  Guichon,  of  Port  Guichon, 
British  Coliunbia.  The  basket 
measiu'ed  8  inches  deep,  the  mouth 
was  lOj^  by  13  inches,  the  bottom 
5  by  9  inches  at  the  Ime  of  bead- 
ing wliich  marks  this  part  off  from 
the  side  walls. *^ 

It  is  said  that  patterns  like  this 
are  occasionally  used,  and  according 
to  one  informant,  an  Uta'mqt  wo- 
man, they  are  loaned  and  copied. 
Figiu-e  44,  h,  gives  the  pattern 
known  as  "woven  design,  short 
ends."  The  intricacy  of  the  inter- 
woven, continuous  bands  is  quite 
foreign  to  Thompson  basketry  art.  There  is  no  uiformation  avail- 
able regarding  the  possible  derivation  of  this  pattern. 

IMBRICATED  DESIGNS 

The  statement  of  the  informants  that  long  ago  burden  baskets  were 
roimd  is  substantiated  by  the  fact  that  the  old  examples  have 
roimded  corners  and  are  decorated,  as  we  might  expect,  by  designs 

"The  pattern  gives  the  impression  of  being  in  part,  at  least,  imbricated.    Continuous  lines  can  not  be 
made  in  beading. 


Fig.  44. — Beaded  designs 


BOAS]  IMBRICATED    DESIGNS  237 

suitable  for  conical  or  cylindrical  shapes,  such  as  horizontal  lines, 
zigzags,  and  small  figures  arranged  in  spirals  which  partially  en- 
circle the  baskets  as  they  ascend  from  base  to  rim,  without  regard 
to  corners.  In  addition  to  this,  round  baskets  showing  similar 
artistic  treatment  are  still  occasionally  made.  Modern  rectangular 
shapes  which  are  decorated  in  one  of  these  ways  are  fairly  common. 
Evidently  such  types  of  ornamentation  have  always  been  in  exist- 
ence throughout  the  life  of  imbricated  basketry  in  this  region.  In 
fact,  unimbricated  backgrounds,  bearing  groups  of  small  designs,  are 
more  typical  of  Thompson  basketry  art  than  any  other  kind  of 
decoration. 

The  Thompson  like  to  use  the  same  pattern  on  all  sides  of  a  basket, 
whatever  may  be  its  shape.  Square  and  oblong  forms  are  well 
adapted  for  the  short  ends.  Different  designs  might  be  used  on  the 
long  sides,  because  the  sides  are  separated  from  each  other  by  the 
corners.  Yet  the  people  do  not  seem  to  have  realized  this,  for  their 
designs  are  an-anged  in  a  way  which  would  be  equally  effective  on 
cylindrical  shapes.  Only  four  or  five  specimens  have  been  seen  with 
decorated  sides  and  bare  ends  and  none  with  end  designs  only.  Two 
or  three  were  noted  in  which  ends  and  sides  were  different  but  none  in 
which  the  patterns  on  either  side  or  end  were  fundamentally  different 
from  those  on  the  other.**  The  Lillooet  and  near-by  coast  tribes  have 
a  curious  habit  of  ornamenting  two  sides  and  an  end  and  leaving  the 
other  bare  or  giving  it  a  different  decoration.  This  plan  has  never 
been  adopted  by  the  Thompson. 

Arrangement  of  Designs 

In  the  arrangement  of  designs  on  the  basket  walls  there  seem  to  be 
some  rather  definite  tendencies  which  Mr.  Teit  has  noted  in  the 
following  manner.  The  numerical  listing  corresponds  to  the  degree 
of  popularity  prevailing  for  the  particular  arrangement. 

A.  Separate  or  disconnected  figures: 

1.  Vertical  rows. 

2.  Horizontal  rows. 

3.  Diagonal  rows. 

4.  Zigzag  rows. 

5.  Scattering. 

6.  One  figure  occupying  the  entire  field. 

7.  All-over  arrangements  which  may  be  considered  in  any  one  of  the  first 

three  classes. 

B.  Connected  figures: 

1.  Vertical. 

2.  Horizontal. 

3.  Diagonal. 

4.  Vertical  (in  banded  arrangements). 

5.  Horizontal  (in  banded  arrangements). 

6.  Diagonal  (in  banded  arrangements). 

'<  The  observations  made  by  Mr.  Teit  extend  over  many  years,  during  which  time  hundreds  of  baskets 
were  examined. 


238  COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  [eth.  akn,  41 

C.  Figures  connected  by  lines: 

1.  Vertical. 

2.  Horizontal. 

3.  Diagonal. 

4.  Zigzag. 

5.  Not  conforming  to  any  of  the  above,  such  as  net  designs,  or  to  be 

regarded  as  belonging  to  any  of  the  first  three  classes. 

D.  Designs  composed  of  hues: 

1.  Vertical  (straight,  zigzag,  or  meander). 

2.  Horizontal  (straight,  zigzag,  or  meander). 

3.  Diagonal  (stepped,  straight). 

E.  Combinations  of  figures:   Frequent  and  numerous. 

F.  Fillings":  Sketches  39,  42,  159-162,  222-229,  231,  232,  245,  246,  254,  278,  281, 

303,  398,  525,  529,  547,  859. 

G.  All-over:   Close  connected   or  open   arrangement.     Sketches   244,   264-267; 

more  rarely  24,  268,  272,  274,  275,  288,  289,  293,  307,  308,  564,  565,  689; 
rarely  399,  400,  402,  457,  536,  537,  558,  559,  563. 

There  are  some  designs  the  arrangement  of  which  has  become  so 
fixed  as  to  be  aknost  invariable. 

Of  the  separate  figures  (Group  A),  designs  222-229,  231,  232,  and 
859  are  jiractically  always  scattered  over  the  surface.  Designs  135, 
237,  240,  241,  261,  271,  311,  328,  339-341,  511,  548,  608-615, 686, 700, 
and  701  are  practically  always  found  as  a  single  figure  occupying  the 
entire  field.  Designs  222-229,  231,  232,  240,  241,  339-341,  547,  548, 
615,  and  859  are  also  sometimes  seen  in  smaller  dimensions  arranged 
in  vertical,  horizontal,  or  diagonal  rows.  Designs  268,  272,  274,  and 
275  generally  form  horizontal  zigzags,  and  700  and  701  are  also  some- 
times found  arranged  in  this  manner.  Designs  135,  149,  237,  261, 
271,  and  511  are  occasionally  seen  in  vertical  or  horizontal  rows,  but 
the  last  named  is  more  frequently  horizontal  than  vertical. 

Of  the  connected  figures,  245,  247,  252,  254,  278-281,  284-285, 
288,  289,  329,  and  330  are  generally  vertical,  while  designs  293  and 
307  are  found  about  equally  in  vertical  and  horizontal  arrangement. 
Designs  264-267  are  generally  arranged  horizontally,  as  are  315  and 
316  occasionally,  although  these  are  more  often  arranged  diagonally. 
Designs  42,  138,  141,  246,  249-251,  257,  292,  298,  301-304,  332, 
334-337,  529,  532,  and  533  are  always  seen  in  stripes,  usually  vertical, 
rarely  horizontal.  The  elements,  however,  are  placed  along  the  stripe 
in  zigzag  or  diagonal  alignments  or  are  separated  fi'om  each  other 
by  stepped  or  diagonal  lines. 

Of  the  figures  which  are  joined  by  lines,  78  is  usually  placed  in 
horizontal  zigzag  arrangement;  244,  308,  564,  565,  and  689  are 
arranged  all-over  fashion  and  may  be  regarded  as  in  vertical,  hori- 
zontal, or  diagonal  series,  depending  on  the  point  of  view;  but  562, 
564,  and  565  are  also  not  infrequently  placed  in  single  horizontal  rows. 

«  These  niunber,s  reter  to  Plates  78-94.    The  numbers  here  given  and  those  contained  in  the  following 
paragraphs  are  taken  from  Mr.  Teit's  notes.     They  could  not  be  checked  from  available  specimens. 


boas] 


IMBRICATED    DESIGNS  239 


There  are  many  common  arrangements  not  mentioned  here,  which 
may  be  seen  in  the  photographs,  and  others  are  taken  into  account 
in  the  sketches  themselves,  which  often  give  not  only  the  pattern 
itself  but  its  arrangement.  Wliile  Mr.  Teit  says  that  this  classifi- 
cation is  not  complete,  he  thinks  that  the  great  majority  of  figures 
are  included  in  it. 

Vertical  arrangements  include  the  alignment  of  figures  one  above 
the  other  in  an  open  formation,  two  or  three  or  more  series  occupy- 
ing one  face  (pis.  15,  c:  25,  c,  d;  26,  a-f),  or  the  confinement  of 
patterns  to  vertical  stripes  having  straight  edges,  which  appear  like  a 
ribbon  on  which  the  designs  are  set  (pis.  10,  h;  11,  a;  12,  a,  h;  26, 
c,  d,  e,  h:  51,/,  j).  These  are  imbricated  in  dark  or  light  straw  or 
bark,  while  the  figures  are  -wrought  in  contrasting  colors.  Such 
vertical  stripes  are  very  popular  as  decorative  schemes.  Wliether  or 
not  this  idea  also  came  from  the  Lillooet  is  not  knowni  at  the  present 
time.  As  a  method,  it  bears  marked  resemblance  to  that  employed 
by  them  on  low-walled,  long  storage  baskets  (pi.  15,  a,  h),  as  well  as 
to  the  droppers  which  are  pendent  stripes  extending  down  into  the 
lower  field  from  the  upper.  (Pis.  18,  c;  29.)  Plate  30  illustrates  the 
use  of  the  droppers  by  the  Lillooet.  Vertical  lines  decorated  with 
various  types  of  patterns  may  be  observed  in  a-e,  g,  and  t.  There 
are,  however,  also  a  variety  of  designs  used  in  the  field  ordinarily 
occupied  by  the  droppers.  Isolated  lines  occur  in  Plates  30,  Z;  51,  c, 
and  58,  a:  triangular  figures  in  Plate  30,  m;  beaded  horizontal  stripes 
in  Plate  30,  Ji;  and  a  number  of  larger  figiu-es  may  be  seen  in  the 
remaining  illustrations  on  this  plate. 

Whatever  the  origin  of  the  stripes  may  be,  the  Thompson  have 
given  to  them  sometliing  of  their  own  individuality  and  have  adopted 
them  to  the  extent  of  almost  supplanting  many  of  the  other  artistic 
forms  that  once  prevailed  so  widely.  Of  necessity  tlie  figures  in  the 
''ribbons"  are  small,  and  in  this  respect  they  resemble  most  of  the 
other  elements  which  are  combined  in  different  ways  on  typical 
Thompson  products.  They  are  also  infinitely  varied.  Since  from 
many  points  of  view  they  have  influenced  the  modern  art  to  a  great 
degree,  and  since  there  are  so  many  possible  ways  actually  in  use  of 
subdividing  these  long  narrow  spaces  into  figures,  it  seems  best  to 
postpone  a  discussion  of  them  until  the  last  and  to  dispose  first  of 
the  horizontal  and  "all-over"  distributions  and  of  large  designs 
wliich  are  not  in  series. 

There  are  two  varieties  of  horizontal  arrangement.  The  first  is 
in  several  series  or  bands;  the  second  is  composed  only  of  one, 
which  generally  encircles  the  basket  about  the  middle,  but  more 
rarely  in  the  upper  half.  The  simplest  figiu-es  are  mere  lines,  as 
has  been  said  before.  Sometunes  these  are  interrupted  by  small  rec- 
tangles divided  into  three  sections.     (Pis.  21,  d;  27,  d.)     Except  for 


240  COILED   BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH   COLUMBIA  [eth.  ann.4: 

these,  or  numerous  adaptations  of  the  zigzag,  or  the  disposal  of  figures 
such  as  right  angles,  diamonds  or  triangles,  the  horizontal  arrangement 
is  not  very  often  used.     (Pis.  12,  c;  28,  a,  d;  36,  h;  41,  a,  j;  51,  &,  d,  Tc.) 

The  diagonal  series  usually  begin  at  the  left  side  below  and  run 
toward  the  right  above.  On  rectangular  shapes  the  diagonal  may 
merely  traverse  one  face  of  the  basket  from  base  to  rim,  or  it  may 
extend  over  to  another  face,  without  regard  to  the  corner,  in  which 
case  it  is  called  spiral.  There  are  no  variations  of  the  diagonal 
arrangements,  except  in  direction  to  right  or  left,  as  there  is  always 
a  continuous  series  starting  along  the  base,  never  only  one  to  a  field. 

Diagonal  distributions  are  very  common  and  aside  from  the  ordi- 
nary zigzags,  include  series  of  small  squares,  rectangles,  triangles  or 
"little  spot"  designs.  (Pis.  25,  a;  27,  e;  28,  c,  h;  33,  a;  36,  Ic;  50,  h; 
51,  e,  i;  77.) 

The  all-over  distributions  of  small  or  large  figures  are  always 
orderly  and  usually  permit  of  a  consideration  as  horizontal,  diagonal, 
or  vertical,  according  to  their  size  and  spacing.  At  any  rate,  the 
elements  are  generally  aligned  in  at  least  two  of  these  directions, 
instead  of  being  scattered  aimlessly,  although  Plates  27,  e,  and  41,  c, 
show  an  exception.  Plates  25,  a,  h,  d;  26,  g;  28,  e;  42,  e;  47,  d,  and 
the  frontispiece  are  examples.  The  arrangement  on  the  basket  Plate 
27,  e,  might  be  considered  as  horizontal  or  diagonal,  although  the 
last  is  more  obvious.  The  example  in  Plate  47,  d,  is  a  similar  case, 
really  identical  except  that  the  vertical  distance  between  figures  is 
less  than  the  horizontal,  thus  giving  the  effect  of  vertical  rows, 
especially  with  the  added  emphasis  in  color.  Plate  25,  b,  shows  a 
predominating  horizontal  arrangement,  because  the  distances  between 
the  figm-es  in  that  direction  are  less,  and  because  the  vertical  align- 
ment is  imperfect.  Plate  25,  «,  gives  an  unmistakable  diagonal,  not 
only  on  accoimt  of  the  color  but  because  of  the  interruptions  in  ad- 
joming  rows  in  other  directions.  The  crosses,  which  are  the  elements, 
are  quite  rare  as  outlined  figm-es.  Single  elements  are  not  often 
large,  and  on  this  account  these  are  also  unusual.  In  Plate  25,  d, 
and  the  frontispiece  the  arrangement  may  be  considered  as  either 
vertical  or  horizontal.  The  feeling  for  the  diagonal  has  been  mini- 
mized by  the  exact  alignments  in  the  other  two  directions  as  well 
as  by  the  closmg  up  of  the  series  in  a  vertical  direction.  It  is  rather 
interesting  to  note  that  in  the  examples  given  the  diagonal  elements 
are  predominant. 

Designs  resembling  the  head,  mouth,  intestine,  and  other  such 
figures  are  employed  in  all-over  effects  by  the  Thompson,  as  well  as 
in  vertical  stripes  and  two  field  distributions.  The  figure  is  called 
by  them  "half  circle."  Plate  32  illustrates  some  of  these  types. 
Whether  these  circles  are  adaptations  suggested  by  the  larger  figures 
or  vice  versa  is  not  known.     They  occur  more  frequently  among  the 


BOAS] 


IMBRICATED    DESIGNS  241 


Thompson  than  among  the  Lillooet,  where,  however,  they  are  not 
lacking.  Plate  32,  b,  pictm-es  an  all-over  distribution  in  the  upper 
field  adapted  to  the  t^'pical  Lillooet  style.  In  present-day  Thompson 
baskets  these  patterns  are  not  often  seen. 

Large  single  patterns  are  not  very  numerous.  They  are  probably 
all  of  modern  conception.  The  pattern  shown  on  Plate  33,  h,  was 
introduced  by  an  Uta'mqt  woman,  who  called  it  "leaves  and  ferns." 
It  is  obviously  derived  from  the  hammer  pattern,  although  so  difler- 
ently  interpreted.  Plate  28,/,  shows  a  variation  of  the  widely  known 
"leg"  design;  Plate  28,  g,  what  was  interjjreted  as  part  of  an  aiTOw 
design;  Plate  33,  d,  merely  part  of  a  design,  the  remainder  of  which 
is  probably  carried  over  to  the  other  side  of  the  basket.  More  data 
about  these  patterns  would  be  A^ery  desirable;  for  instance,  whether 
they  were  taken  from  other  articles,  such  as  blankets.  Surely  the 
last  pattern  suggests  "borrowing,"  since  it  is  placed  in  a  manner 
foreign  to  the  usual  basket  arrangements  and  is  too  large  for  proper 
presentation  to  the  eye  at  one  glance. 

For  several  reasons  it  would  seem  that  the  large  rectilinear  designs 
are  of  foreign  extraction.  In  the  first  place  the  upper  half  of  the 
surface  which  bears  these  designs  has  an  imbricated  background,  a 
trait  which,  except  for  the  few  definite  patterns  always  appearing  with 
this  style,  is  seen  only  in  a  few  very  modern  specimens  which  differ 
from  the  older  art  in  design,  material,  shape,  color,  and  general 
treatment. 

Secondly,  the  patterns  used  in  this  type  of  decoration  number 
about  six  or  eight  only.  They  are  large.  Generally  Thompson 
designs  are  small,  or  if  they  assume  any  considerable  size  they  are 
cut  up  by  checkerwork  or  some  other  form  of  subdivision,  wliich 
does  away  entirely  with  any  considerable  plain  surface  inclosed  in 
outlines.  Thirdly,  these  designs  are  all  rectangular.  Thompson 
designs  as  a  whole  show  fewer  rectangles  than  any  other  figures,  and 
when  these  do  appear  they  are  small.  The  large  outlined  square, 
or  anything  approaching  it  excepting  for  these  few  designs,  all  of 
similar  type,  is  conspicuously  absent.  Fourtldy,  these  same  six  or 
eight  patterns  are  typically  Lillooet. 

The  early  type  of  simple  Thompson  baskets,  characterized  by 
the  undivided  field  and  imimbricated  background,  is  still  produced 
in  large  nuinbers  and  has  always  been  one  of  the  commonest  styles  in 
use.  The  division  of  the  field  is  made  according  to  Lillooet  standards, 
with  designs  worked  partly  or  wholly  on  unimbricated  backgrounds. 
It  seems  likely,  therefore,  that  the  fashion  of  so  dividing  the  surface 
into  fields  came  into  vogue  at  a  later  time.  With  these,  as  part  of  the 
complex,  came  the  peculiar  designs  always  associated  by  the  Thomp- 
son with  this  style,  the  so-called  head,  mouth,  hammer,  intestine, 
grave-box,  and  similar  patterns.  Any  of  these  alone  fills  the  entire 
upper  or  lower  field,  and  is,  according  to  the  particular  design,  either 


242  COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  [Era.  ann.41 

one  large  figure  or  two  halves  divided  vertically,  facing  each  other 
symmetrically. 

On  the  parfleches  of  the  western  plains  the  rectangle  is  rather 
conspicuous,  not  only  as  represented  by  a  single  line  running  around 
the  edges  of  the  flap,  but  as  a  smaller  design  element.  In  all  sections 
of  the  plains  the  two  flaps  of  the  envelope  are  treated  in  the  same 
fashion,  so  that  two  complementary  sections  result.  This  same  idea 
is  presented  in  the  Lillooet  mouth  patterns,  although  these  particiflar 
designs  do  not  seem  to  be  part  of  the  parfleche  group.  Nevertheless 
it  seems  cjuite  possible  that  some  connection  exists  between  the  two. 
These  patterns  are  quite  popular  among  the  Thompson,  and  the  many 
baskets  adorned  with  them  form  no  inconsiderable  group.  Plate  29 
shows  the  ends  of  two  Lillooet  baskets  and  one  side  with  the  head 
and  intestine  designs,  respectively.  Plate  20,  a,  also  shows  the  head 
design,  as  does  Plate  57,/,  with  the  head  pattern  occupying  the  lower 
field.  Plate  30  illustrates  LiUooet  work  with  large  symmetrical  de- 
signs. It  is  also  distinguished  by  the  "droppers"  and  by  imbricated 
backgroimds  in  the  upper  field.  Except  on  some  of  the  newest 
baskets,  all  of  these  patterns  arc  more  or  less  related  artistically, 
and  as  used  by  the  Thompson  include  to  a  large  extent  aU  that  they 
possess  which  resemble  outlined  squares  or  rectangles. 

Whatever  may  be  the  history  of  the  typical  Lillooet  style  as  found 
among  the  Thompson,  the  fact  remains  that  the  most  usual  method  of 
decoration  is  that  of  placing  imbricated  designs  on  an  unimbricated 
background  which  is  all  one  field,  although  there  is  a  variation  of  this 
with  a  two-field  arrangement  whore  the  lower  one  may  or  may  not  be 
totally  bare. 

The  Vertical  Stripe 

The  vertical  stripe  is  a  comparatively  narrow  space  inclosed  by 
vertical  lines  usually  extending  from  base  to  rim  but  occasionally 
rimning  down  from  the  rim  for  about  two-tliirds  of  the  way.  It  is 
executed  in  a  color  contrasting  with  the  background  of  the  basket, 
and  set  off'  by  perfectly  straight  edges.  Within  the  boundaries 
of  the  wider  stripes  there  are  many  possible  arrangements  of  smaU 
designs  wliich  frequently  give  rise  to  other  designs  as  the  result  of 
the  small  remaining  spaces  of  backgroimd  on  the  stripe  itself.  Such 
"by-product"  or  reverse  patterns,  if  the  term  may  be  used,  are  most 
apparent  when  the  real  designs  extend  to  the  edge  of  the  stripe,  thus 
definitely  cutting  up  its  whole  width.  Tliis  method  of  decorating 
basketry  by  means  of  vertical  stripes  is  not  unknown  to  the  LUlooet, 
as  has  already  been  indicated.  Short  stripes  are  often  seen  in 
the  so-called  droppers,  while  completely  developed  forms  are  also 
present.  The  Lillooet  specimens  give  many  illustrations  of  these,  of 
which  good  examples  may  be  seen  in  Plates  7,  c;  10,  b;  15,  a,  b. 


BOAsl  IMBRICATED    DESIGNS  243 

The  vertical  stripe  is  usually  entirely  imbricated.  In  its  simplest 
and  probably  most  common  form  it  consists  of  a  series  of  checks, 
either  small  squares  or  small  rectangles  standing  on  end.  (PI.  33,  c.)^^ 
Very  narrow  ones  are  composed  of  one  series  of  such  rectangles. 
Another  variation  is  a  series  of  four  or  five  vertical  lines,  cut  up  into 
small  sections  by  changes  of  color.  (PI.  34,  a.)  The  sections  are  about 
as  long  as  the  whole  series  is  wide,  so  that  they  form  squares.  Still 
another  variety  is  composed  of  alternating  dark  and  Ught  narrow 
vertical  lines,  about  five  or  seven  of  which  constitute  a  stripe.  At 
intervals  these  are  interrupted  by  a  short  section  of  checkerwork. 
(Pis.  7,  a;  34,  d.)  There  are  others  composed  of  small  squares  ex- 
tending down  the  center  of  the  stripe.  (PI.  34,  c.)  Uninterrupted 
vertical  lines  are  also  seen.     (Pis.  34,  b;  35,  h.) 

There  is  no  rule  regarding  color.  Stripes  may  be  black  or  red  with 
light  figures,  or  light  with  dark  figures,  wliile  their  edges  may  or  may 
not  be  outlined  with  contrasting  colors.  Plate  34  illustrates  various 
forms  of  vertical  stripes  in  which  only  vertical  and  horizontal  subdi- 
visions are  employed. 

Another  very  popular  way  of  ornamenting  the  stripe  is  by  means 
of  parallel  diagonal  lines,  in  the  handling  of  which  several  ingenious 
variations  are  noted.  The  most  common  is  that  involving  long 
diagonals,  which  slip  past  each  other,  giving  a  clear  effect  of  parallel 
lines  with  no  very  apparent  "by-product"  patterns.  These  are 
illustrated  on  Plates  26,  h,  and  35,  c,  d,  e. 

There  are  other  shorter,  thicker  diagonals,  the  adjoining  lines 
beginning  or  ending  on  the  same  level,  instead  of  slipping  past.  If 
the  stripe  is  narrow,  so  that  the  corner  of  the  one  just  finishing  about 
touches  that  of  the  new  one  just  beginning,  the  reverse  patterns 
along  the  sides  of  the  stripe  consist  of  two  series  of  superimposed 
right-angled  triangles,  the  apex  of  one  touching  the  base  of  the 
next.  If  the  parallel  lines  trend  toward  the  right,  as  they  usually 
do,  the  series  of  such  right-angled  triangles  on  the  left  turn  down, 
those  on  the  right  turn  up.  (PI.  40,  a.)  If  the  lines  trend  to  the  left 
the  positions  of  these  two  series  are  reversed.  Sometimes,  when  the 
stripe  is  wider,  two  parallel  lines  are  found  on  a  level  instead  of  one, 
wliich,  except  that  they  are  a  bit  out  of  line  with  those  on  the  next 
level,  might  give  the  impression  of  slipped  diagonals.  (PI.  36,  g.) 
Much  of  the  general  effect  depends  upon  the  width  of  the  stripe  and 
the  comparative  width  and  length  of  the  diagonals.  Plates  37,  a; 
43,  c  (  a  storage  basket),  show  this  type  of  decoration  where  the  lines, 
although  no  thicker  than  those  shown  in  the  plates  illustrating  slipped 
lines,  are,  because  of  then-  shortness  and  relative  width  as  compared 

"  The  vertical  zigzag  belongs  neither  to  the  vertical  series  of  small  figures  nor  to  the  vertical  stripe  with 
straight  edges.  It  is  included  here  for  convenience.  See  also  PI.  33,  e,  which  is  a  photograph  of  a  rather 
old  specimen. 


244  COILED    BASKETRY   IN    BRITISH   COLUMBIA  [eth.  \nn.41 

to  that  of  the  stripe,  almost  rhomboids.  In  this  style  of  art  they 
seldom  are  wide  enough  to  give  that  impression,  as  they  do  in 
CalLfornian  baskets,  and  in  addition,  they  are  here  almost  always 
associated  with  the  vertical  stripe,  wliereas  in  California  they  are 
usually  connected  with  the  spiral  or  diagonal. 

Where  the  design  figures  do  not  come  close  to  the  edge — and  here 
again,  closeness  is  only  a  comparative  term,  depending  on  the  width 
of  the  stripe  and  the  width  and  shortness  of  the  hgures — the  reverse 
designs  appear  not  so  much  like  triangles  as  like  vertical  lines  with 
serrated  edges.  Plate  37,  a,  demonstrates  this.  Although  in  this 
sample  the  lines  extend  to  within  one  stitch  of  the  edge  and  in  diagonal 
patterns  the  edge  is  almost  never  broken  or  interrupted  (see  pi. 
39,  c,  for  a  rare,  exceptional  specimen),  the  figures  are  so  broad  and 
short  that  these  single  stitches  along  the  edge  form  a  distinctly  con- 
tinuous line.     (See  also  pi.  49,  d.) 

Next  to  the  checker  stripes,  those  enlivened  by  diagonal  parallel 
lines  are  the  most  common  of  any  to  be  seen  on  either  Thompson 
or  Lillooet  baskets. 

There  are  besides  these  many  other  combinations  which  will  be 
treated  briefly.  Perfectly  plain  stripes  are  occasionally  seen,  espe- 
cially on  newer  baskets.     (PI.  36,  e,f.) 

The  zigzag  is  more  rarely  used  than  might  be  imagined.  Plates 
37,  d;  42,  g,  show  two  of  the  few  examples.  The  employment  of 
diamonds  formed  by  an  intersecting  zigzag  is  also  rather  rare. 

The  chevron  is  a  popular  figure  on  the  vertical  stripe.  Plates 
37,  e,  and  38,  d,  show  it  in  the  usual  position  and  color,  light  on  a 
dark  grotmd.  Plate  38,  c,  gives  a  variant,  not  only  because  of  the 
reversed  color  but  also  because  of  the  alternations  in  direction  of  the 
chevrons  on  the  difi'erent  stripes.  Occasionally,  as  in  Plate  42,  g, 
a  combination  of  up  and  down  turning  chevrons  occurs  in  one  ctripe 
resulting  in  the  diamond  in  tlie  middle.  This  is  exceptionally  ornate 
and  beautiful. 

Triangles  in  vertical  series  turning  up  or  down  are  also  employed 
on  vertical  stripes.  (Pis.  37,  b;  39,  a.)  In  either  case  the  reverse 
triangles  along  the  sides  are  necessarily  on  the  same  level.  In  fact, 
the  reverse  triangles  are  always  so  situated  in  opposite  pairs,  whether 
they  turn  in  different  directions  or  not.  It  is  this  fixetl  character 
of  reverse  patterns  that  is  most  striking,  for  an  uneven  alignment 
is  not  impossible.  Did  such  an  arrangement  occur,  there  would  be 
no  very  evident  design  down  the  center,  a  condition  which  is  utterly 
foreign  to  the  Thompson  stripe,  unless  the  whole  stripe  bo  divided 
from  side  to  side  by  diagonals,  as  is  shown  in  Plate  39,  c. 

Because  of  the  truncation  of  the  triangles  in  Plate  39,  h,  and 
the  short  distances  between  vertical  stripes,  it  is  difhcult  to  decide 
which  is  the  design  and  which  the  background.     The  black  triangles 


boas] 


DESIGN    ELEMENTS 


245 


arranged  along  the  white  stripe  are  much  more  evident  at  first  glance 
than  the  vertical  stripe  with  its  straight  edges  and  central  design  of 
truncated  triangles,  yet  it  would  seem  that  this  is  the  form  intended, 
judging  by  other  stripes  of  similar  character.  It  would  be  quite 
impossible  for  the  maker  not  to  see  the  other  possibility  involved 
here,  and  that  the  people  did  observe  the  charm  of  the  reverse 
patterns  is  evident  in  many  of  the  baskets  of  tliis  group.  Basket  i 
in  Plate  36  shows  this  recognition  in  the  stripes  which  are  like  those 
of  Plate  39,  h,  but  with  dark  triangles  doubled  symmetrically.  There 
is  no  doubt  that  arrangements  of  triangles  such  as  these  are  suggested 
by  reverse  patterns.  The  division  of  the  stripe  vertically  into  pairs 
of  two  right-angled  triangles  occasionally  gives  rise  to  a  very  curious 
arrangement  which,  because  of  its  apparent  lack  of  sjoninetry,  does 
not  seem  at  all  typical  of  either  the  Thompson  or  LUlooet.  Nor  is  it. 
This  may  be  seen  on  the  lower  specimen  on  Plate  49,  a.  Here  the 
color    combination 


Fig.  45. — Designs  on  vertical  stripes 


is  accountable  for 
the  apparent  gross 
breach  of  art  eti- 
quette in  the  associ- 
ation of  what  seems 
to  be  two  series  of 
black  right-angled 
triangles  which 
trend  in  opposite 
directions  but  face 

the  same  way.  The  design  in  reality  is  the  series  of  superimposed 
isosceles  triangles  which  are  divided  through  the  center  into  two 
sections  of  contrastmg  colors.  The  remaining  background  series  of 
necessity  are  developed  in  opposite  colors.  This  is  the  only  specimen 
that  has  been  noted  which  displays  such  incongruity,  which,  after 
all,  is  not  faulty  as  far  as  arrangement  goes,  but  merely  in  regard  to 
coloring,  since  it  emphasizes  one-half  of  the  design  and  one-half  of 
the  background,  giving  to  them  an  apparent  association  which  does 
not  and  should  not  exist. 

Some  unusual  and  elaborate  subdivisions  of  the  vertical  stripe 
taken  from  photographs  which  were  too  poor  to  be  reproduced  as 
plates,  are  given  in  Figure  45,  while  the  plates  throughout  the  book 
give  numerous  other  examples. 

The  diagonal  stripe  is  very  rare  indeed,  but  seems  to  be  coming 
into  vogue  on  the  newer  baskets.  Plates  27,  a:  36,  Ji:  41,  b:  42,  h,  are 
illustrations.    On  trays  it  gives  the  impression  of  rotation  (pi.  17,  li). 

DESIGN  ELEMENTS 

Before  taking  up  the  question  of  the  treatment  of  designs  and  their 
adaptation  to  given  fields  in  detail  it  is  necessary  to  make  a  survey 
of  the  elements  and  their  variations  which  are  employed  in  their 


246  COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  [eth.ann.41 

creation.  In  order  to  enable  the  reader  to  appreciate  fully  the  almost 
endless  number  of  variations  on  a  simple  theme  which  are  used  by  the 
Thompson  in  their  decorative  art,  we  have  grouped  the  more  than  800 
forms  which  have  been  noted  and  copied  by  Mr.  Teit,  during  many 
years  of  close  association  with  the  people,  around  the  simple  form 
elements  from  which  they  may  be  derived.  (See  pis.  78-94.)  To 
a  certain  extent  these  groupings  are  necessarily  arbitrary  and  patterns 
assigned  to  one  group  might  just  as  well  be  associated  with  another, 
but  in  this  attempt  at  an  arrangement  of  designs  from  the  most  simple 
to  the  most  complex,  it  must  be  understood  that  the  order  as  given  is 
merely  one  of  convenience. 

The  art  is  almost  Avholly  conventional.  Dr.  W.  H.  Holmes  in  his 
paper  on  "Textile  ^^t  in  its  Relation  to  Form  and  Ornament"  *"  has 
discussed  at  length  the  decoration  of  basketry  and  its  limitations. 
Due  to  these  same  limitations  the  art  is  almost  wholly  angular,  near 
curves  being  seen  only  seldom  and  attained  by  series  of  stitches 
arranged  in  step  formation. 

There  is  a  group  of  semirealistic  forms,  in  which  the  objects  are 
mostly  represented  by  lines  which  can  usually  receive  but  one  inter- 
pretation, and  another  of  purely  geometric  forms  in  which  the  geo- 
metric figures  may  be  interpreted  in  various  ways  as  representations 
of  objects.  This  latter  type  of  art  preponderates  largely  and  will 
receive  first  consideration. 

Geometric  Designs 

Most  of  the  simple  geometric  forms  appear  and  are  elaborated. 
These  are  the  horizontal,  oblique,  and  vertical  lines,  meanders, 
chevrons  and  zigzags,  the  triangle,  square,  rectangle,  rhomboid, 
trapezoid,  diamond,  hexagon,  and  octagon.  There  are  a  few  other 
figures  which  result  from  the  truncation  of  some  of  these  forms,  and 
a  number  which  are  more  complicated. 

The  creation  of  the  horizontal  line  is  practically  determined  by  the 
technique  of  the  basket.  It  is  the  result  of  beading  or  imbrication 
carried  sufficiently  far  along  one  coil  to  produce  a  decorative  effect. 

Theoretically,  vertical  rows  should  not  be  particularly  difficult  to 
create,  since  they  merely  require  for  their  construction  a  repetition 
of  the  technical  process  of  beading  or  imbricating  stitches  in  each  coil 
directly  over  those  so  treated  in  previous  rounds.  Practically,  how- 
ever, with  the  Thompson,  at  least,  this  is  quite  a  difficult  achieve- 
ment, for,  while  they  spht  the  stitch  beneath  on  the  side  toward  them 
when  making  the  awl  hole,  they  seldom  divide  it  into  equal  portions, 
as  is  done  by  the  Chilcotin.  Because  they  drive  the  awl  through 
the  basket  at  right  angles  to  it,  they  likewise  furcate  the  stitch  on  tlie 
inner  side.     The  splint  lies  across  the  coil  in  a  more  nearly  vertical 

"  Siith  Ann.  Kept.  Bur.  Ethn.,  pp.  187-252. 


boas] 


DESIGN   ELEMENTS  247 


direction  on  the  reverse  side,  while  it  slants  downward  to  the  right 
on  the  face  of  the  coil,  giving  each  stitch  the  appearance  of  leaning 
to  the  left.  Even  were  the  stitches  exactly  divided  on  the  face  a  true 
vertical  series  could  not  be  obtained  on  account  of  the  leftward  lean- 
ing of  each  stitch,  although  a  perfectly  straight  edge  could  be  pro- 
duced. But  when  the  furcation  is  uneven  the  second  difficulty  ap- 
pears in  the  impossibility  of  making  a  straight  line  (fig.  46).  This 
last  the  Thompson  doubtless  soon  learned  to  overcome,  although 
there  are  plenty  of  examples  which  show  that  many  women  did  not 
recognize  the  cause  of  the  trouble.  The  other  more  fundamental 
practice  continues  until  the  present  day  in  nearly  all  Thompson 
work,  although  a  few  women  have  succeeded  in  bringing  their  splints 
over  the  face  of  the  coil  in  an  almost  perfectly  vertical  direction, 
after  the  manner  of  the  Chilcotin,  thereby  securing  vertical  lines. 
The  majority  of  so-called  vertical  bands  on  Thompson  baskets  show 
a  decidedly  leftward  trend  which,  however,  must  not  be  confused 
with  the  true  diagonal,  where  each  stitch  in  the  series  is  placed  at 
least  the  distance  of  one  to  the  right  or  left  of  that 
similarly  treated  by  imbrication  or  beading  in  the 
coil  beneath. 

It  is  quite  likely  that   the  same   difficulty  of  ob- 
taining  perfectly  vertical    effects    was    encoimtered 
where  purely  beaded  designs  were  used.     There  are 
few  specimens,  apparently,  which  show  attempts  to 
obtain  vertical  lines  in  beading,  but  it  is  probable  that 
this  was  not  the  result  of  failure  to  produce  the  desired 
results,  but  merely  that  the  people  adopted  the  prac-     fig.    46.— Biiurca- 
tice  of  beading  alternate  stitches  in  successive  rows,      tion of cou stitches 
This  would  at  once  give  rise  to  diagonal  effects  which  would  be  more 
pronounced  than  the  vertical.     Slight  inaccuracies  in  the  width  of  the 
splint  or  in  the  placing  of  the  stitch  would  also  not  be  evident. 

When  once  the  stepped  diagonal  has  become  thoroughly  estab- 
lished, by  one  means  or  another,  an  enormous  development  in  deco- 
rative designs  becomes  possible.  In  anj^  series  of  Thompson  baskets 
appear  zigzags  in  niunerous  varieties  or  some  step  figm'e,  or  the 
chevron  or  V,  the  last  one  being  far  more  frequently  built  up  from 
the  apex  than  vice  versa.  The  diagonal  zigzag  in  both  horizontal 
and  vertical  arrangements  is  one  of  the  most  common  figures.  There 
is  also  that  composed  of  horizontal  and  approximately  vertical  lines 
which  is  seen  on  many  old  baskets,  and  frequently  on  rectangular 
shapes,  where  it  starts  at  equal  distances  around  the  bottom,  ascend- 
ing spirally  to  the  rim,  crossing  over  corners  or  faces  of  the  basket 
surface.  Undoubtedly  it  is  a  survival  of  one  way  of  decorating  the 
old  round  forms.  These  two  types  of  the  zigzag,  that  composed  of 
53666°— 28 17 


248  COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  [eth.  ann.41 

diagonal  lines  and  that  built  of  horizontal  and  vertical  sections,  are 
quite  distinct  and  probably  had  entirely  different  histories.  The 
meander  is  also  derived  from  the  combination  of  short  vertical  and 
horizontal  sections,  but  because  of  its  construction  is  confined  to  ver- 
tical and  horizontal  bands. 

Checkerwork  likewise,  which  imdoubtedly  contributed  to  the 
appreciation  of  the  diagonal  and  which  is  inextricably  associated  with 
it,  is  naturally  present  in  great  abundance. 

A  rapid  survey  of  the  elements  and  designs,  as  well  as  closer  study, 
gives  the  impression  of  a  preponderance  of  diagonal  forms,  although 
vertical  lines  and  arrangements  as  well  as  right  angles  are  not  lack- 
ing, particularly  owing  to  the  great  popularity  of  the  mouth  or  head 
design.  Having  touched  upon  the  lines  necessary  in  the  construction 
of  figures,  and  which  are  present  in  the  art  of  this  region,  it  will  be 
seen  that  curved  figures  are  conspicuous  by  their  absence.  The 
designs  are  entirely  angular. 

It  now  becomes  necessary  to  discuss  the  elements  used  and  their 
treatment  and  subdivision  according  to  their  sizes.  The  simple  geo- 
metric forms  before  mentioned  will  be  reviewed  separately  from  this 
standpoint.  The  figures  which  result  from  the  combination  of  these 
are  not  especially  common  and  may  be  better  comprehended  by 
illustrations. 

THE    SQUABE 

We  begin  the  discussion  with  the  square,  since  its  form  is  presented 
immediately  to  the  eye  on  the  accomplishment  of  the  first  stitch  in 
beading  or  imbrication.  All  beaded  or  imbricated  designs  are 
composed  of  series  of  squares  or  rectangles,  made  either  of  single  or 
double  coil  stitches  or  larger  combinations  of  these.  Checkerwork  is 
purposely  omitted  from  this  discussion.  The  smallest  square  is 
necessarily  of  one  solid  color — red,  black,  or  white.  It  can  not  be 
subdivided,  but  squares  which  ai'e  produced  by  a  number  of  stitches 
en  masse,  or  by  an  outline  which  may  include  many  stitches  within  its 
boundaries,  may  be  subdivided  in  a  number  of  ways.  The  extent  or 
kind  of  subdivision  depends  on  the  size  of  the  square. 

In  speaking  of  subdivision  it  must  not  be  understood  that  the  people 
consciously  subdivide  a  large  square,  but  the  temi  is  merely  used  in 
an  objective  sense.  Of  the  many  possible  combinations  or  sub- 
divisions in  a  square  composed  of  four  stitches  where  three  colors  are 
available,  comparatively  few  arc  actually  represented. 

Before  discussing  the  subdivided  square  it  is  necessary  to  state  that 
occasionally  the  single  stitch  in  any  of  the  three  colors  is  used  as  an 
element,  or  two  stitches  if  one  woxdd  be  too  narrow  (pi.  41,  a,  c). 
But  when  the  square  of  four  stitches  appears  there  are  odd  gaps  in 
the  scries  as  actually  found,  compared  to  what  is  theoretically  possible. 
The  square  composed  of  four  stitches  may  be  divided  in  various  ways 


boas] 


DESIGN    ELEMENTS 


249 


by  the  employment  of  two  contrasting  colors.     The  vertical  stripes 
on  the  basket  in  Plate  29,  c,  are  decorated  witli  these  rare  squares. 

A  nine-field  but  not  necessarily  nine-stitch  square  is  fairly  common 
on  modern  baskets;  and  has  been  seen  on  some  rather  well  worn 
specimens.  Usually  it  extends  over  three  coils  in  height  and  is  about 
six  stitches  wide.  The  nine  fields  are  of  alternating  black  and  white, 
or  red  and  white,  so  that  the  effect  is  that  of  a  dark  cross  on  a  light 
background.  Usually  the  central  square  is  light.  The  related  figuire, 
without  the  four  light  corner  squares  which  provide  the  so-caUed 
backgroimd,  is  frequently  interpreted  as  the  "star"  or  "little  spot" 
design,  and  as  such  it  appears  either  alone  or  in  a  series.  Figure  47 
shows  this  nine-field  square. 

The  larger  squares,  totaling  in  all  25  units  or  more,  are,  on  the 
whole,  rare  and  usually  found  on  new  baskets.  One  Lillooet  speci- 
men displays  large  squares  divided  diagonally,  covering  three  broad 
coils  and  extending  for  six  stitches,  but  these  are  very  rare.  A  very 
few  Thompson  specimens  give 
the  figure  in  black  outline, 
with  an  unimbricated  center 
or  one  filled  in  with  white 
imbrication.  Such  figures 
cover  about  four  coils,  and 
from  five  to  eight  stitches  usu- 
ally, although  lai-ger  ones  Iiave 
been  noted  on  very  new  speci- 
mens (pi.  41,  g).  Another 
rare  white  square  is  delineated 
partially  by  a  narrow  black 
band  along  the  sides,  but  not  at  bottom  or  top,  while  a  still  more 
peculiar  variant  has  a  fine  of  black  along  the  bottom  and  the  right 
side  (pi.  41,  ^).  This  type  is  closely  related  to  triangular  forms.  In 
this  case  the  artist  goes  out  of  her  way  to  complete  the  square  form; 
in  partially  outlined  triangles  she  does  not.  Black  solid  squares  about 
three  coUs  high  and  seven  stitches  wide  are  more  common,  even  on 
earlier  baskets,  and  appear  alone  or  in  vertical,  horizontal,  or  diagonal 
series  (pi.  36,  a).  In  the  last-named  arrangement  their  corners  may 
or  may  not  touch;  in  the  first  two  they  are  either  widely  separated  or 
appear  in  close  formation  with  only  narrow  intervening  stripes  of  white. 

Banded  squares  are  six  stitches  wide  and  extend  over  tliree  coils. 
Others  are  ten  stitches  wide  and  extend  over  five  coils  (pi.  7,  a),  or  six 
stitches  wide  and  extend  over  four  coils  (pi.  26,  c).  Some  are  divided 
into  vertical  stripes,  each  one  or  two  stitches  wide.  Wlien  there  are 
three  stripes,  the  center  is  white,  the  outer  two  are  black.  A  horizon- 
tal arrangement  of  a  similar  nature  on  another  basket  gives  rather  the 
impression  of  three  narrow  separate  bands  than  of  a  subdivided  square, 


Fig.  47.— Basket  with  star  design.    U.S.N.M.  217438 


250  COILED    BASKETRY   IN   BRITISH    COLUMBIA  [eth.akn.41 

although  technically  it  may  be  so  characterized.  The  banded  ar- 
rangements are  very  common  in  squares  of  tliis  size  on  old  baskets. 

Recent  specimens  present  squares  subdivided,  as  shown  in  Plates 
41,  h,  d,f;  44,  b,  i.     (See  also  the  sketches  on  pi.  85,  Nos.  348  et  seq.) 

The  large  square  in  outlines  is  used  as  an  element  by  the  Clulcotin. 
It  seems  to  have  enjoyed  great  popularity  among  them  and  is  found 
in  a  variety  of  styles.  The  people  not  only  bifui'cate  their  stitches 
with  remarkable  accm-acy  but  also  on  many  baskets  bring  their 
splints  over  the  face  of  the  coil  in  an  almost  vertical  direction, 
keeping  the  cUagonal  direction  on  the  reverse  side.  Being  thus  able 
to  place  their  stitches  almost  exactly  over  one  another,  the  Chilcotin 
impart  to  their  basket  surfaces  a  vertical  effect  wliich  is  quite  as 
pronounced  as  the  diagonal  ribbing  on  a  piece  of  serge  cloth  (pis. 
58-62). 

It  is  impossible  to  say  how  much  influence  the  technique  has  had 
on  the  art  style  developed,  but  it  is  certain  that  habit,  whatever 
may  have  been  the  initial  cause,  has  led  to  two  very  different  styles 
with  the  two  peoples. 

THE    RECTANGLE 

The  large  and  small  rectangles  are  more  common  than  the  squares 
as  elements  and  seem  to  have  been  suggested  very  often  by  the 
horizontal  direction  of  the  construction  of  the  basket.  Small  ones, 
only  a  coil  in  height  and  three  or  four  stitches  long,  are  often  seen  in  all 
black  or  red,  or  when  longer,  in  sections  of  different  colors  (pis.  21,  d; 
27,  h,  c,  d).  Tall  rectangles  (really  placed  on  end)  cover  usually  three 
coUs  and  two  stitches  and  arc  sometimes  seen  in  the  dark  colors,  but 
rarely  in  white.  A  common  and  fairly  old  vertical  stripe  arrangement 
is  composed  of  a  series  of  black  and  white  tall  rectangles  (pi.  26,/). 
The  first  pair  may  be  black  to  the  left,  white  to  the  right.  Joined  to 
these  and  immediately  above  is  another  pair  with  color  reversed, 
and  so  on  (pis.  34,  d;  56,  d;  57,  d).  Tins  idea  does  not  seem  to  have 
been  developed  further. 

The  largest  rectangles,  extending  over  several  coUs,  are  usually 
about  twice  as  long  as  they  are  wide  and  are  generally  horizontal. 
They  are  worked  in  black,  red,  or  white,  and  appear  singly  or 
in  vertical,  horizontal,  or  diagonal  series  as  well  as  in  checker 
formation  (pis.  24,  A  worked  in  a  wide  coU;  26,  a).  They  are  varied 
by  subdivision  into  smaller  vertical  or  horizontal  rectangular  fields. 
One  was  divided  vertically  into  four  sections,  tlie  two  ends  being 
black,  the  two  centers  white;  others  were  composed  of  tlnee,  of 
which  the  center  was  white,  the  outer  two  black,  or  vice  versa. 
When  the  division  is  into  horizontal  fields  along  the  line  of  the  coil 
regular  alternation  of  dark  and  hght  seems  to  be  the  rule  (pi.  45, 
I,  m).     In  the  modern  basket  (pi.  52,  i)  wiiite  fields  alternate  with 


boas] 


DESIGN    ELEMENTS  251 


black  and  red  ones.  In  horizontal  figures  the  failure  to  attain  truly 
vertical  lines  is  not  disturbing,  because  they  do  not  extend  over 
more  than  two  or  three  coils;  but  it  is  noticeable  in  tall  and  narrow 
figiu-es.  A  number  of  rectangles  may  be  seen  in  the  plates  illustrating 
the  use  of  squares  and  triangles. 

THE   TRIANGLE 

Not  a  single  old  basket  and  only  very  few  modern  specimens  have 
the  true  triangle  appearing  alone  as  a  single  element,  unconnected  in 
any  manner  with  other  triangles  or  figures;  but  botli  isosceles  and 
right-angled  triangles  in  series  are  common  on  all  specimens.  Where 
the  triangle  is  connected  with  others  the  figure  is  the  result  of  diago- 
nal divisions  of  a  larger  surface.  A  casual  glance  at  himdreds  of 
specimens  would  lead  the  student  to  suppose  tliat  the  triangle  was 
one  of  the  most  common  single  elements  in  Tliompson  art.  By  the 
term  triangle  a  three-sided  figure  is  meant,  which  by  its  treatment 
shows  that  it  is  a  three-sided  figiu-e,  not  a  space  between  converging 
lines.  It  is  an  independent  form  worked  in  solid  color,  or  outlined 
on  tlu"ee  sides,  imbricated  or  plain  within  these  boundaries.  The 
presence  of  such  figures  would  lead  the  student  to  suppose  that  the 
triangle  as  a  separate  art  element  was  consciously  recognized.  Only 
on  a  few  baskets  of  fairly  late  origin  is  anything  conforming  to  these 
specifications  discovered.  Here  one  finds  the  simple  very  small 
triangle — of  course  with  the  step  edge,  not  exceeding  four  coils  in 
height — built  up  in  solid  colors  as  a  separate  element.  Usually  the 
direction  of  building  is  upward  from  a  single  stitch  at  the  apex  to  four 
or  five  stitches  at  the  "inverted  base,"  except  where  tliere  is  an 
opposed  series.  Here  in  one  series  the  direction  of  building  is  to  our 
eyes  normal.  The  niunber  of  stitches  along  the  base  as  compared  to 
the  height  usually  depends  on  whether  the  triangle  is  right-angled  or 
isosceles. 

The  outlined  triangle  is  also  seen  occasionally  on  modern  examples 
but  nearly  always  in  a  series.  The  only  illustrations  of  the  use  of  true 
triangles  (that  is,  not  interlocking)  are  given  in  Plates  25,  d;  44,  c,  h,  i, 
and  45,  A,  whicli  are  almost  all  that  were  found  after  a  careful  study 
of  hundreds  of  photographed  specunens  comprising  not  only  entire 
collections  from  all  tlie  large  museums  in  this  coimtry  but  also  those 
belonging  to  individuals.  In  some  semirepresentative  attempts  the 
wings  of  butterflies  and  birds  assimie  truly  triangidar  forms.  These 
are  excepted  from  this  statement.  In  one  example  the  true  triangle 
is  used  along  the  rim.  It  may  be  that  the  necessarily  increased 
widtli  of  the  horizontal  outline  of  the  triangle  which  must  have  the 
ivR  width  of  the  coil,  as  compared  to  that  of  the  diagonal  sides,  wliich 
consist  of  one  or  two  stitches,  accounts  for  the  frequent  omission  of 
this  part  of  the  figure  in  the  case  of  outlines.     Certainly  when  present 


252  COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  [eth.ann.41 

it  gives  a  very  heavy  effect.  The  triangle  shown  in  Plate  45,  A,  is 
interesting  because  its  base  is  worked  in  alternate  stitches  of  black 
and  white  in  a  single  row,  mstead  of  being  composed  of  two  rows, 
one  white  and  one  black,  as  is  the  case  along  the  sides.  In  some 
cases,  when  tilling  the  space  between  the  black  lines  ■with  white,  the 
artist  merely  emphasizes  the  space  enclosed  by  the  diverging  lines. 
It  is  peculiar  that  on  coiled  baskets  of  all  the  tribes  studied  practically 
all  old  tiiangular  decorations  consist  of  a  field  set  off  b}'  an  angle  and 
filled  with  plain  imbrication,  checkerwork,  or  with  lines  parallel  to 
the  outlines.  The  expedient  of  increasing  the  -v^-idth  of  the  diagonal 
lines  to  offset  the  necessarily  wide  horizontal  line  of  the  base  has  ap- 
parently not  been  resorted  to. 

In  addition  to  the  baskets  shown  in  Plates  42,  e,  and  44,  d,  e,  J,  i, 
which  are  decorated  with  single  isosceles  and  right-angled  triangles, 
three  or  four  other  specimens  (pis.  8,  c;  13,  6)  show  the  presence  of 
small  isolated  figures  worked  in  solid  color,  but  these  are  very  few  on 
which  to  base  a  theory  of  the  construction  of  elaborate  series  of  tri- 
angles in  vertical  and  horizontal  arrangement  from  the  triangle  as  an 
element,  or  the  conscious  application  of  this  as  a  figure  in  art,  except 
in  very  recent  times;  yet,  on  account  of  the  very  number  of  superim- 
posed, divided  and  complete  triangles  appearing  in  combination,  it 
seems  impossible  that  the  people  have  not  long  recognized  the  tri- 
angular form.  This  is  proved  by  the  filling  in  of  the  space  between 
the  diverging  lines  of  chevrons.  Certainly  the  triangular  figure  is 
given  an  individuiil  hiterpretation  in  the  majority  of  cases. 

There  is  little  doubt  that  if  an  isolated  triangle  had  been  drawn  in 
outline  by  a  wliite  man  and  shown  to  the  Indians,  the  old  people  would 
have  seen  nothing  new  in  it.  The  infrequent  appearance  of  the  fig- 
ure as  a  separate  element,  and  tli«  universal  appearance  of  the  chev- 
ron in  outline  or  filled  in,  as  well  as  of  inmmaerable  triangles  found 
in  series  separated  by  lines  or  contrasts  in  colors,  merely  suggests 
that  the  development  of  the  form  came  through  the  channels  of  that 
of  intersecting  or  opposed  zigzags  or  filled-in  chevrons.  It  also  sug- 
gests that  it  was  comparatively  long  in  being  recognized  as  a  possi- 
ble separate  design  and  illustrates  what  a  large  part  habit  plays  in 
the  formation  of  an  art  style. 

The  subdivisions  of  true  triangles  are  rare  indeed,  although  fre- 
quently the  figure  is  outlined  once  or  twice  in  black,  and  the  space 
between  the  lines  is  imbricated  in  white,  or  the  outline  may  be  in 
white  wliile  the  center  is  black,  as  may  be  seen  in  the  Wenatchi 
specimen  shown  in  Plate  44,  c.  A  triangle  worked  all  in  checker  is 
practically  the  same  in  effect  as  a  series  of  concentric  chevrons  with 
the  spaces  between  worked  in  white.  For  the  other  treatments  of 
triangular  surfaces  the  reader  is  referred  to  Plates  78-94. 


BOAS]  ,  DESIGN    ELEMENTS  253 

THE    CHEVROX 

The  chevron  (pi.  21,  b)  should  bo  discussed  before  taking  up  the 
subject  of  the  diamond  and  hexagon.  Its  presence  is  very  signilicant 
and  doubtless  has  been  influential  in  the  development  of  diagonal 
designs.  It  does  not  seem  probable  that  the  figure  was  derived 
from  the  vertical  zigzag  (pis.  33,  c,  e;  7G)  which  is  merely  a  diagonal 
line  which  changes  the  trend  of  its  direction  from  right  to  left  or 
vice  versa  at  given  intervals,  although  it  is  closely  allied  to  it.  The 
chevron  starts  with  a  single  stitch  from  which  others  branch  to 
right  and  left  simultaneously.  The  fact  that  it  is  found  so  widely 
with  several  elaborations  both  on  old  and  new  baskets  suggests  that 
it  is  very  old.  It  is  nearly  always  interpreted  as  the  flying  bii'd 
design  and  as  such  is  often  elaborated  (pis.  21,  a;  24,  h).  In  its 
inverted  form,  appearing  singly  or  in  opposition  to  others  placed  apex 
downward,  it  is  much  less  commonly  seen  and  is  undoubtedly  newer. 
Still  more  rarely  is  it  turned  on  its  side  so  that  the  apex  lies  to  the  right 
or  left.  It  is  a  design  which  seems  to  be  suited  equally  well  to  all 
shapes  of  baskets,  especially  when  arranged  in  a  vertical  series. 

On  round  flat  shapes  these  series  radiate  from  the  center ;  on  rectan- 
gular and  cylindrical  forms  they  ascend  side  by  side  from  base  to 
rim.  The  sides  of  the  angles  often  overlap.  The  series  of  plates 
which  illustrate  squares,  rectangles,  and  triangles,  as  weU  as  Plates 
7,  c:  3.5,  d:  37,  e;  38,  c,  d,  give  some  good  ideas  also  of  the  forms  and 
varieties  of  chevrons.     They  likewise  indicate  their  popularity. 

THE    FALSE    TRIANGLE 

The  term  "false  triangle"  is  not  synonymous  with  chevron,  for  the 
latter  implies  diverging  lines,  the  former  a  solid  figure  in  which, 
however,  the  idea  of  divergence  is  prominent,  as  in  the  emphasizing 
of  the  angle  rather  than  the  inclosed  triangle  which  requires  a  con- 
tinuation of  the  outline  across  the  base.  These  false  triangles  are 
illustrated  on  Plates  44,  d,  f:  45,  c:  46,  a. 

THE    DIAMOND 

The  diamond  is  an  old  figure  in  Thompson  art,  for  it  is  found  on 
many  well-worn  and  even  ancient  baskets,  as  well  as  on  modern  speci- 
mens. It  occurs  freciuently  as  a  separate  element  (pis.  37,  c;  76) ,  either 
outlined  in  a  dark  color  or  as  a  solid  or  checkered  figure  (pi.  17,  c,  f). 
It  is  often  subdivided  by  diamonds  of  contrasting  colors  arranged 
within  it  in  concentric  order.  Plate  38,  d,  shows  a  diamond  outUned 
in  three  rows,  black,  white,  and  black,  and  combined  with  chevrons 
to  form  a  design.  There  are  black  diamonds  outlined  in  white  and 
black  (pi.  49,  c)  and  black  and  white  ones  outlined  in  black  (pis.  17,  h; 
25,  h),  as  well  as  others  consisting  of  bare  or  imbricated  surfaces 


254  COILED    BASKETRY   IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA       ,    [eth.  ann.41 

with  black  outlines  (pis.  21,  c;  22,  d;  31,  a;  38,  a;  40,  d:  49,  f ,-  54,  d). 
A  diamond,  to  be  recognized  as  such,  must  cover  at  least  fivQ  coils, 
since  the  size  of  the  stitch  and  the  width  of  the  coil  count  very 
materially  in  reducing  the  effect  of  a  short  diagonal  produced  by  the 
necessary  "steps."  The  three-coil  diamond  would  be  exactly  like 
the  star  design  discussed  in  connection  with  scjuares.  A  five-coil 
diamond  would  not  be  obviously  more  clean-cut  (pi.  42,  li).  Average 
sizes  are  seven  to  nine  coils  in  height,  although  there  are  many  which 
are  larger  than  these.  Diamonds  are  frequently  imbricated  in  solid 
colors  with  one  of  the  above-mentioned  "star"  designs  of  a  con- 
trasting color  placed  in  the  center  and  with  or  without  an  outline  of 
the  same  shade  around  the  whole  figure  (pis.  28,  h;  46,  d).  As  a  single 
figure  the  division  of  the  diamond  is  usually  concentric  (pi.  38,  d). 
In  series  there  is  sometimes  a  vertical  or  horizontal  subdivision 
through  the  axes,  but  both  do  not  often  appear  together,  nor  have 
diagonal  subdivisions  or  banded  effects  been  noted  (pi.  14,  d).  The 
long  axis  almost  invariably  lies  in  a  vertical  direction,  although  there 
is  one  exception,  to  be  seen  in  sketch  562,  Plate  89. 

HEXAGON,    OCTAGON,    CROSSES    AND    STARS 

The  hexagon  and  octagon  occur  in  outline,  concentric  and  single 
(pis.  5,  a;  38,  a,  b;  49,  a),  but  not  in  solid  or  checker  formation,  and  both 
are  usually  found  in  connection  with  diamonds,  although  they  are 
sometimes  seen  alone.  They  are  rarely  regular  but  are  more  often 
elongated  vertically  or  horizontally,  corresponding  to  the  arrange- 
ment on  the  basket.  This  feature,  together  with  th«ir  frequent 
appearance  with  the  diamond,  makes  it  seem  possible  that  they  have 
been  derived  from  it  through  truncation,  particularly  as  they  are 
found  encircling  diamonds  more  often  than  not.  Stars  and  crosses 
are  also  used  as  single  design  elements.     (Pis.  25,  a;  51,  g;  52,  a,  i.) 

TLEE'KA    DESIGNS 

The  Indians  divide  all  designs  into  two  classes  as  real  designs  (that 
is,  evidently  geometric,  highly  conventionalized  figures)  or  represen- 
tations of  objects  (tlEe'ka)  and  therefore  not  to  their  minds  real 
designs. 

The  tlEe'ka  are  as  nearly  realistic  representations  as  basketry 
technique  permits  and  include  animal  and  human  figures,  plants, 
insects,  birds,  and  objects,  such  as  bows  and  arrows,  moss  cakes, 
tipis,  etc.  Because  these  figures  are,  as  it  were,  unmodified,  being 
pictures  which  are  seldom  made  twice  alike,  they  are  recognized  as 
being  different  from  the  others.  Each  woman  exercises  her  own 
fancy  in  regard  to  them  and  is  not  obliged  to  follow  any  definite  rule 
in  their  composition  but  merely  strives  to  represent  as  well  as  possi- 
ble the  object  of  her  choosing. 

As  a  i-ule  tlEe'ka  patterns  do  not  appear  with  geometric  designs, 
except  when  they  act  as  fillers  in  what  would  otherwise  be  large  blank 


BOAS]  DESIGN    ELEMENTS  255 

spaces  not  covered  by  the  real  designs.  Usually  they  consist  of 
rather  large  single  representations  which  occupy  the  side  of  a  basket. 
(Pis.  21,  c;  22,  b;  23,  a;  24,  f;  44,  a,  g;  45,  a,  b,  d-g,  i-k;  46,  e,  g,  h; 
47,  e:  52,  a,  b;  76.) 

Apart  from  the  general  conception  of  tlEe'ka  designs,  there  is 
among  some  informants  a  slightly  different  idea  as  to  what  character- 
izes them.  If  a  reahstic  representation  of  a  deer,  for  instance,  appears 
once  as  a  fairly  large  single  figure,  it  is  called  tlEe'ka,  but  if  this 
figure  is  small  and  repeated  many  times  in  some  regular  order,  a 
real  design  is  the  result,  and  it  is  named  "deer  pattern."  The 
regular  deer  design  may  be  seen  in  Sketches  790  and  791.  There 
is  no  reason  why  one  woman  may  not  execute  either  type  of  design; 
she  usually  makes  the  one  which  she  knows  best.  Those  not  know- 
ing how  to  reproduce  a  real  deer  pattern  (that  is,  witli  a  tribaUy 
prescribed  arrangement)  may  attempt  it,  in  reality  producing 
tlEe'ka  patterns  to  which  they  give  the  name  "real  deer  design," 
but  this,  according  to  authorities  in  the  tribe,  is  wrong.  They  say 
that  any  pattern  not  conforming  to  the  rules  of  arrangement  is 
tlEe'ka.  Under  these  conditions  Sketches  804-806  showing  the  eagle 
are  tlEe'ka,  as  are  Sketches  746  and  798-800  (pis.  92,  93),  which 
depict  the  butterfly,  no  matter  whether  they  are  large  or  small  or 
whether  or  not  they  are  used  as  fillers. 

Other  informants  differ  on  this  point.  To  them  the  best,  that  is 
most  realistic,  representations  of  birds  and  animals,  etc.,  are  given 
the  highest  standing,  or  are  called  real  designs  and  designated  by 
the  names  of  the  creatures  or  objects  pictured.  According  to  these 
individuals,  those  patterns  which  are  less  detailed  and  are  arranged 
in  groups  are  considered  more  or  less  conventional,  having  been  altered 
to  suit  the  conditions.  With  these  people,  all  forms,  including  the 
realistic,  are  called  true  designs  or  parts  or  variations  of  them,  while 
the  tlEe'ka  are  those  which  have  not  yet  been  generally  recognized 
or  adopted,  being  new  or  as  yet  untried  in  arrangement  or  not 
reduced  to  conventional  form  for  convenient  basketry  decoration. 
The  following  sketches  are  termed  by  some  people  tlEe'ka,  not  real 
designs:  430,  740,  838,  844,  848,  and  859  (pis.  88-94). 

Others  include  in  this  class  most  of  the  flower  and  leaf  designs 
shown  in  Sketches  219,  539,  546,  642-644,  658,  659,  665-667,  733, 
741,  742,  792,  793,  828,  842,  843,  as  wefl  as  panther,  salmon,  otter, 
beetle,  and  other  rare  realistic  figures  wliich  are  seldom  reduced 
to  any  standard  arrangement. 

There  are  people  who  place  in  the  tlEe'ka  class  all  patterns,  even 
though  they  are  really  geometric,  which  have  been  copied  from 
white  sources,  or  invented  by  women,  which  have  not  yet  been 
applied  in  regular  basketry  arrangement  but  merely  in  single  figures 
or  on  small  baskets.     Such  are  the  designs  appearing  in  Sketches 


256  COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  [eth.  ann.41 

328,  333,  339-341,  most  of  those  from  608-614,  some  of  the  hammer 
figures  like  808,  as  well  as  394,  416^18,  515,  604,  605,  641,  656,  657, 
660,  661,  and  675. 

Generally  these  patterns  become  real  designs  as  soon  as  they  are 
reduced  to  a  specified  arrangement,  or  one  that  becomes  commonly 
adopted.     Some  of  these  may  be  similar  to  those  shown  in  Plate  46,  e,  g. 

Mr.  Teit  describes  a  typical  tlEe'ka  basket  thus  (pis.  22,  b;  76) : 

One  side  pictures  a  buck  deer,  another  a  bow  and  arrow,  a  third  a  man,  and 
the  fourth  a  moon.  This  is  one  of  a  small  group  of  baskets  with  designs  that 
illustrate  a  continuous  story.  As  arranged  in  this  order,  the  Indians  give  the 
patterns  the  following  explanation:  "It  was  moonlight.  A  man  was  hunting  in 
the  moonlight  and  saw  a  buck  deer  running  away  and  shot  it  with  a  bow  and 
arrow  in  the  back."  Some  of  the  interpreters  feel  sure  that  the  maker  had  this 
idea  in  mind  when  she  made  the  basket.  Such  instances  are  exceedingly  rare. 
*  *  *  Another  tlEe'ka  basket  is  nut-shaped  and  bears  quite  unrelated  designs. 
On  it  there  are  three  large  patterns  about  ecjually  spaced — a  snowshoe,  a  beetle 
(nkokauEm) ,  and  an  eight-pointed  arrowhead  star  with  a  square  center. 

It  will  be  seen  that  the  Indians'  classification  of  designs  into  those 
which  are  tlEe'ka  and  not  tlEe'ka  corresponds  roughly  to  oui"  own 
wliich  takes  into  account  the  realistic  designs  and  the  purely  geo- 
metric. In  addition,  their  undecided  and  vague  conception  in 
regard  to  patterns  which  may  once  have  been  tlEe'ka  but  are  now  in 
process  of  change  toward  conventionalization  and  therefore  toward 
increased  geometricity,  as  indicated  by  their  conflicting  classification, 
matches  our  own  rather  ill-defined  term  "conventional." 

There  are  a  vast  nmuber  of  patterns  which  may  be  described  as 
being  on  the  borderland  between  realistic  and  geometric.  Their 
classification  is  difficult,  owing  to  the  fact  that  even  realistic  designs 
on  basketry  are  necessarily  more  or  less  conventional.  The  only 
criterion  to  be  employed  in  doubtful  cases  is  the  judgment  of  the 
student  and  the  name  applied  to  the  pattern.  Where  more  than 
one  name  is  given  the  design  is  considered  as  in  the  borderland  class. 
Only  those  which  are  obviously  pictures  belong  to  the  reafistic  group. 

From  what  has  already  been  said  in  regard  to  design  elements 
and  their  arrangement  in  fields,  to  the  use  of  lines  and  their  re- 
lation to  geometric  figures  which  are  often  merely  a  chance  result 
of  their  intersection  or  combination,  not  ends  in  themselves,  and 
from  the  recognition  by  the  Indian  of  the  reverse  patterns  on  vertical 
stripes  it  seems  that  it  is  quite  unwarranted  by  the  facts  to  suppose 
that  aU  these  geometric  combinations,  so  simply  derived  from  playing 
with  the  technique,  ever  originated  in  an  attempt  to  depict  natiu-al 
or  artificial  objects;  in  other  words,  had  their  inception  in  realistic 
art.  This  viewpoint  is  strengthened  by  the  fact  that  to  most  of  the 
simple  geometric  figui-es  so  many  different  and  utterly  unrelated 
interpretations  are  given  that  it  is  quite  evident  that  the  process  of 
i-eading  in  meanings  has  been  carried  very  far.     While  the  resem- 


BOAS]  DESIGN    ELEMENTS  257 

blances  are  in  many  instances  so  striking  as  to  suggest  themselves  to 
anyone,  in  otliers  they  are  so  remote  as  to  be  recognized  only  after 
the  interpretation  has  been  given.  The  element  so  charged  with 
representative  significance  is  certainly  far  older  than  most  of  its 
connotations  and  certainly  the  supposition  of  its  technical  origin  as 
a  geometric  figm-e  is  as  capable  of  acceptance  as  that  of  its  first 
introduction  as  a  delineatory  attempt  which,  by  the  conventionaliza- 
tion of  form  through  stereotyped  arrangement  and  repetition,  has 
been  reduced  to  the  most  unrecognizable  and  "  gcometrified  "  shapes. 

To  return  to  the  undeniably  strong  tendency  of  delineatory  art 
which  is  used  for  decorative  purposes  to  pass  into  conventional  and 
then  geometric  form,  which  may  be  due  to  any  of  a  number  of  causes, 
such  as  diiBculty  of  execution  in  rigid  technicjue,  stereotyped  and 
frequent  repetition,  increasing  freedom  in  execution  resulting  often 
in  omission  of  details  not  essential  for  the  effect  desired,  and  speed, 
which  is  most  easily  gained  by  cm-tailment  of  all  but  necessary 
details,  it  is  not  surprising  that  conventionalization  might  seem  to 
be  the  fate  of  all  representation  utilized  for  decorative  effect.  There 
are  several  interesting  instances  of  this  process  in  a  collection  of 
sketches  of  imbricated  birds  and  insects  made  by  Mr.  Teit.  The 
eagle  is  shown  in  Sketches  804-806  in  a  surprisingly  accurate  fashion 
illustrating  how  much  can  be  done,  even  in  basketry,  by  painstaking 
care,  attention  to  details,  and  a  great  expencUture  of  time  and  labor. 
Less  perfect  forms  are  shown  in  Sketches  706,  710,  716,  and  717. 
In  Sketch  707  the  form  is  so  far  reduced  that  the  head  is  missing. 
In  Sketch  711  the  tail  has  disappeared,  and  in  Sketches  712  and  718 
both  are  wanting.  In  Sketch  713  the  shape  of  the  wings  is  retained 
but  there  is  no  division  indicating  that  there  are  two,  while  in  Sketch 
70S  the  form  is  a  mere  rectangle.  All  of  these  figures  are  interpreted 
as  eagles  and  all  are  still  being  made. 

The  beaded  "butterfly"  designs  shown  m  Figure  43,  a  (p.  236),  were 
so  named  by  a  number  of  women,  among  whom  were  two  from  Lytton 
and  two  from  the  Upper  Uta'mqt,  who  called  b  and  c  l)y  the  same 
term.  They  said  that  these  patterns,  including  d,  e,  f,  g,  and  h, 
were  not  "Indian  rice"''*  designs,  nor  halves  or  fragments  of  them, 
nor  were  they  "fly"*''  patterns.  They  agreed  that  they  might  be 
called  "spot"  or  "bead"  designs  because  of  their  checked  elements, 
but  that  their  real  name  was  "butterfly,"  a  name  used  also  by  the 
mothers  and  grandmothers  of  the  women  interviewed.  People  who 
designated  them  by  any  other  term  did  so  because  they  did  not 
know  any  better.  They  are  all  old  common  figures  and  were  used 
in  embroidery  on  clothing  as  well  as  on  baskets.  There  were  many 
variations  of  the  design,  all  called  butterfly,  of  which  only  a  few  are 
shown  in  the  figure. 

"  See  p.  406,  under  "  mula."  "  See  p.  465. 


258  COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  Ieth.ann.« 

The  same  women  designated  Figm-e  43,  i  (p.  236),  as  a  butterfly, 
saying  that  the  cross  was  the  head.  They  declared  that  all  checker- 
work  designs  with  crosses  were  really  "buttei-fly"  figures. 

On  the  other  hand,  the  series  of  sketches  of  imbricated  butterflies 
corresponds  to  that  of  the  eagle  just  given.  Sketches  798-800  show 
beautifid  realistic  figures.  Sketches  801  to  803  are  much  reduced. 
Finally  in  Sketches  704  and  705  only  the  wings  are  seen,  while  in 
Sketches  136,  151,  and  305  there  are  mere  triangles  capable  of  various 
arrangements,  onlj^  some  of  which  are  knowTi  as  butterflies. 

In  discussing  designs  there  must  be  no  confusion  between  the  ele- 
ments composing  them  and  the  designs  proper. 

TlEe'ka  designs  may  serve  as  design  elements.  In  rare  cases,  as  on 
the  two  baskets  described  by  Mr.  Teit,  they  may  tell  a  story.  There 
the  several  figures  of  persons  and  objects  occurring  in  the  tale  might 
for  the  sake  of  argument  be  considered  as  elements  of  the  whole  design. 

In  geometric  art,  all  designs,  practically,  consist  of  a  combination 
of  simple  geometric  elements.  Only  rarely  do  these  figures  forsake 
their  true  sphere  as  elements  and  rise  to  the  status  of  designs.  These 
are  the  infrequent  cases  of  the  use  of  large  single  figures,  such  as  the 
diamond,  real  and  false  triangles,  the  chevron,  etc. 

At  least  one  band  of  the  Thompson,  namely,  the  Uta'mqt,  are 
much  inclined  to  regard  certain  of  their  patterns  as  half  designs  or 
parts  of  patterns  which  are  considered  as  complete  designs  by  the 
Upper  Thompson  and  are  called  by  different  names. 

Thus  the  "bent"  or  "broken  back"  figure  L,  especially  when  in 
an  inverted  position  T,  is  called  a  part  of  the  ladder  or  step  design. 
Indeed,  some  people  consider  the  two  as  having  the  same  origin. 
Diamonds,  particularly  if  arranged  in  horizontal  rows,  and  also 
chevrons  are  thought  to  bo  parts  of  an  aU-over  design  known  as 
"mesh"  or  "net."  Many  checker  patterns  which  are  not  diamond 
in  general  shape  are  called  half  or  part  of  the  "  Indian  rice  "  pattern, 
and  all  figures  which  are  mere  symbols  are  considered  as  parts  of  full 
designs. 

The  index  to  the  sketches  includes  a  number  of  interpretations  of 
these  fragments  (pp.  473  et  seq.). 

APPLICATION  OF  THE  DESIGN  TO  THE  FIELD 

In  the  application  of  the  design  to  the  trapezoidal  field  of  the 
burden  basket  the  Indian  woman  encounters  many  technical  as 
well  as  artistic  difficulties.  Although  she  may  possess  a  clear  idea 
of  the  design  she  intends  to  place  on  her  basket  before  she  more 
than  finishes  the  bottom,  it  frequently  happens  that  she  is  prevented 
from  accomplishing  what  she  proposes  to  do  by  the  complications 
arising  from  the  many  points  wliich  require  attention  at  the  same 
time.     The  general  form  and  structure  of  the  basket,  working  the 


boas] 


APPLICATION    OF   DESIGN   TO    FIELD  259 


coil  splints  up  into  a  perfect  round  bundle,  adding  new  splints, 
preventing  lumps  or  depressions,  keeping  coils  uniform  both  as 
regards  size  and  tightness  of  sewing,  attending  to  the  proper  dampen- 
ing of  material,  the  imbrication — which  mth  some  women  means 
lessening  also  the  thickness  of  the  coil  sufficiently  to  keep  the  imbri- 
cated surface  even  with  the  plain  sections — the  selection  of  colors, 
spacing  and  treatment  of  designs,  with  enlargement  or  diminution 
accorcUng  to  the  changing  size  of  the  field,  all  are  to  be  considered 
at  the  same  time.  It  would  not  be  surprising  if  something  were 
temporarily  overlooked  and  mistakes  occurred  which  were  observed 
only  when  it  was  too  late  to  remedy  them.  In  fact,  it  is  amazing 
that  the  general  character  of  the  entire  product  is  so  perfect,  the 
stitches  so  even,  the  coils  so  uniform,  the  colors  so  well  blended,  and 
the  designs  so  well  adapted  and  spaced. 

It  will  be  seen  from  Figure  36  (p.  217)  that  roughly  trapezoidal 
fields  are  formed  on  all  sides,  wdtliin  which  the  designs  selected  must 
be  arranged.  Owing  to  the  teclmique  of  sewing  and  imbrication,  two 
stitches  never  are  placed  exactly  over  each  other  in  succeeding  rows, 
but  run  to  the  left,  more  or  less  markedly,  according  to  the  amount 
of  care  exercised  by  the  maker.  Thus  all  designs  which  under  ideal 
conditions  would  present  vertical  lines  lean  to  the  left,  and  in  the 
upper  right-hand  corner  of  the  field  a  space  results  wloich  is  actually 
much  larger  than  it  should  be  if  the  design  could  be  properly  con- 
structed. The  people  evidently  feel  the  need  for  filling  in  this  space, 
thus  helping  to  obscure  an  otherwise  obvious  fault  in  the  technique 
and  therefore  add  sections  of  design  to  occupy  this  left-over  tri- 
angular field.  This  treatment  of  corners  furnishes  material  for  a 
most  interesting  and  instructive  study  of  the  inventive  faculties, 
resourcefulness,  and  artistic  taste  of  these  Indians.  To  our  eyes, 
long  accustomed  to  symmetry,  or  balance,  these  "left-overs"  fre- 
quently present  an  annoying  spectacle. 

Considering  the  inconvenience  to  successful  ornamentation  occa- 
sioned by  such  forms  as  the  burden  baskets  have  assumed,  in  which 
pronounced  corners  have  created  new  difficulties,  it  would  seem  that 
round  forms,  the  smface  of  which  presents  an  easily  treated  and  un- 
broken field,  would  have  remained  in  favor.  A  stiff,  round  burden 
basket  is  inconvenient,  however,  because  it  roUs  back  and  forth  while 
being  carried.  Flat  sides  lend  greater  stabihty  to  the  load  which  is 
carried  on  the  backs  of  men  or  on  the  sides  of  horses.  It  seems  that 
the  practical  improvement  secured  by  the  alteration  of  shape  has 
outweighed  all  artistic  considerations  and  has  determined  the  devel- 
opment of  the  form. 

Of  those  who  plan  their  work  (and  they  are  in  the  majority),  a  few 
sketch  the  design  first  on  paper.  Some  who,  when  not  engaged  in 
basket  making,  see  designs  which  please  them,  sketch  them  at  once 


260  COILED    BASKETRY    IN   BRITISH    COLUMBIA  [eth.ann.41 

in  a  rough  fashion  and  carry  them  home  for  future  reference,  if  thoy 
think  they  are  unhkcly  to  liave  an  opportunity  to  reexamine  the 
original.  Long  ago,  before  the  wliites  came,  such  sketches  were  made 
on  birch  bark  with  bits  of  charcoal.  Baskets  which  are  traded  from 
one  place  to  another  and  arouse  a  woman's  admiration  are  some- 
times taken  as  models  if  she  has  decided  to  attempt  an  entirely  new 
design  instead  of  adapting  an  old  and  tried  figure.  If  she  chooses 
the  latter  alternative  she  generally  knows  beforehand  just  how  she 
will  alter  the  pattern.  It  is  quite  usual  for  a  woman  to  remark, 
"I  will  make  'such  and  such'  a  pattern  this  time,"  naming  a  well- 
known  design,  much  as  our  grandmothers  in  weaving  woolen  cover- 
lets or  patcliing  quilts  might  have  said,  "I  shall  try  the  log-cabin 
pattern  on  this  one";  but  such  a  decision  does  not  prevent  the 
basket  maker  from  changing  her  mind,  especially  if,  on  account  of 
technical  difficulties,  the  pattern  does  not  fit  as  well  as  expected. 
As  a  rule,  however,  difficulties  are  anticipated  and  allowance  is 
made  for  them,  so  that  very  little  change  in  the  original  plan  is 
necessary.  There  are  undoubtedly  some  standards  of  taste  to 
wliich  all  the  basket  makers  adhere  as  closely  as  they  can,  but  natu- 
rally considerable  variation  occurs  in  the  abilities  of  the  different 
women,  such  as  would  occur  among  ourselves,  and  each  woman  is 
likewise  free  to  exercise  her  own  ingenuity  in  working  out  the  adapta- 
tion of  her  design  to  its  field.  Considerable  effort  is  made  to  produce 
as  much  symmetry  as  possible  on  the  trapezoidal  field.  Practically 
everyone  pays  some  attention  to  these  points,  but  an  artistically  suc- 
cessful result  depends  very  largely  on  the  designs  selected  for  the 
type  of  basket.  With  some  women  far  more  attention  is  given  to 
the  design  itself,  its  symmetry,  and  execution,  than  to  its  suitable 
position  in  the  field. 

Although  the  number  of  coils  to  be  covered  by  a  pattern  is  not 
usually  calculated,  the  relative  size  of  the  figure  as  compared  with 
that  of  the  entke  field  serves  as  the  guide.  The  coils  are  only  counted 
when  there  is  to  be  a  second  tier  of  designs  above  the  first,  composed 
of  the  same  figures,  unless  these  are  enlarged  to  correspond  with  the 
increased  size  of  the  field. 

As  far  as  the  stitches  are  concerned,  counting  them  would  not 
assist  in  obtaining  exact  diiplication  of  patterns  on  account  of  the 
constant,  almost  imperceptible  variation  in  the  width  of  the  sewing 
splint,  which  amounts  to  very  little  spatial  difference  in  the  course 
of  a  few  stitches  but  which  becomes  very  noticeable  in  a  large  design. 
Usually  more  care  is  exercised  to  make  the  stitches  even  where  they 
are  covered  by  imbrication  than  where  they  are  not,  especially  if 
more  than  one  stitch  is  covered  by  the  same  fold,  as  happens  at  times 
when  the  stitches  are  small,  since  there  are  greater  chances  of  notice- 
able variation  in  the  combination  of  two  stitches  than  in  single  ones. 


BOAS]  APPLICATION   OF   DESIGN  TO   FIELD  261 

No  matter  how  carefully  the  artist  may  perform  her  task,  certain 
conflicts  are  bound  to  arise  between  any  design  arrangement  she 
may  select  and  the  peculiar  form  of  the  burden  basicet  which  she 
seeks  to  beautify.  Thus  she  is  constantly  prevented  from  accom- 
plishing with  success  that  which  she  attempts  to  do.  We  see  that 
the  creative  instinct,  at  least  along  the  lines  which  tradition  has  laid 
down,  is  cm-bed  in  many  ways  by  conditions  which  could  only  be 
removed  by  radical  changes  in  the  shape  of  the  basket. 

So  we  find  here  a  group  of  artists  struggling,  for  the  most  part,  to 
ornament  a  peculiarly  difhcult  shape  with  designs  which  are  in  many 
instances  not  capable  of  perfect  adjustment.  Even  in  the  case  of 
the  more  easily  handled  patterns,  however,  there  are  problems  the 
successful  solution  of  wliicli  would  tax  to  the  utmost  the  patience 
and  ingenuity  of  the  majority  of  white  women. 

Among  the  general  obstacles  in  the  way  of  successful  treatment, 
from  wliich  no  woman  can  escape,  however  true  may  be  her  eye, 
however  painstaking  her  work,  however  extraordinary  her  artistic 
sense,  is  the  leaning  stitch,  a  difhculty  which  is  unsolvable  except  by 
a  complete  change  of  sewing  methods,  something  not  likely  to  occur 
in  a  tribe  which  has  sewed  in  this  manner  for  generations.  The 
leaning  stitches  necessarily  affect  more  or  less  all  lines  intended  to 
be  truly  vertical.  Secondly,  there  is  the  constantly  varying  width 
of  the  sewing  splints  which,  minute  as  it  is,  affects  the  size  of  the 
imbricated  block  to  no  slight  degree  when  a  number  of  stitches  are 
taken  en  masse.  This  difficulty  could  never  be  adjusted  without  a 
machine  gauge  for  preparing  the  splints,  since  human  handiwork 
almost  never  attains  to  mechanical  acciu-acy.  Lastly,  there  is  the 
structure  and  form  of  the  basket  itseff  which  includes  several  prob- 
lems. The  coarse  coils  and  stitches  do  not  admit  of  direct  diagonals, 
but  necessitate  "steps."  Neither  is  it  possible,  or  at  least  practi- 
cable, to  make  smaller  adjustments  than  the  size  of  coil  and  stitch 
admits,  although  in  one  rare  instance  we  may  see  how  the  square 
block  of  a  bird's  beak  was  shaved  down  by  narrowing  the  ribbon 
in  successive  stitches  (pi.  47,  e).  On  account  of  the  square  stitches 
curved  designs  are  eliminated  altogether. 

The  spual  coil  necessitates  a  "jump"  at  some  point  on  the  basket 
wall  at  each  round  and  therefore  at  that  point  two  adjacent  figures 
lying  either  side  of  it  although  otherwise  alike  are  bound  to  differ  in 
their  relative  position  on  the  basket  by  the  distance  of  one  coil. 
The  form  of  the  basket  with  its  constantly  increasing  wall  circum- 
ference in  the  direction  of  the  rim  and  the  oblique  corners  offer  the 
last  two  and  probably  most  baflling  of  aU  the  problems  with  which 
the  artist  must  wrestle. 

With  all  these  difficulties  to  be  kept  in  mind,  we  will  attempt  to 
discuss  the  remarkable  ingenuity  of  the  weavers.     At  the  same  time 


262  COILED    BASKETRY   IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  [eth.  ann.41 

we  will  also  call  attention  to  the  irregularities  in  their  work  which  are 
instructive  because  they  show  how  attempts  have  been  made  to  solve 
the  arising  difficulties. 

The  imperfections  will  be  taken  up  first  in  a  general  way,  from  the 
standpoint  of  the  adjustment  of  the  designs  to  the  field,  and  coincident 
with  this,  as  occasion  demands,  the  attention  of  the  reader  will 
be  called  to  any  minor  points  that  may  present  themselves.  The 
relation  of  designs  to  each  other,  as  regards  spacing  or  incongruity, 
will  also  be  touched  upon,  as  well  as  the  adjustment  of  figures  made 
necessary  by  wrong  calculations.  Next  occurs  the  question  of  sub- 
dividing the  surfaces  of  imbricated  areas,  such  as  the  vertical  stripe, 
and  the  lesser  mistakes  that  result  from  the  varying  width  of  stitches 
or  from  distracted  attention,  wrong  calculation,  or  inherent  inability 
on  the  part  of  the  worker  to  keep  in  mind  changes  of  rhythm.  It 
will  also  be  interesting  to  discuss  some  specimens  technically  and 
artistically  almost  perfect.  Some  problems  arising  from  the  decora- 
tion of  lids,  when  the  designs  are  carried  over  from  the  walls  of  the 
basket  and  converge  there,  together  with  the  related  question  of 
designs  on  oval  trays,  are  also  important. 

We  shall  first  discuss  the  various  types  of  designs  in  use  by  tlic  tribe 
as  burden  basket  decorations.  We  must  recall  the  several  cUstinct 
styles  of  distribution  which  have  already  been  treated,  namely,  the 
horizontal,  diagonal,  vertical  (including  the  vertical  stripe),  all- 
over,  and  large  single  patterns.  It  has  been  observed  that  the 
Thompson  have  tried  and  still  use  all  of  these  in  the  application  of 
their  designs  to  baskets,  so  that  they  offer  a  more  varied  and  inter- 
esting study  than  the  similar  specimens  manufactured  by  the  sur- 
rounding tribes.  In  the  application  of  large  single  designs,  one  to  a 
field,  which  is  perhaps  the  easiest  type  of  decoration  and  strangely 
enough  one  of  the  rare  ones,  the  first  problem  is  to  center  it, 
which  is  generally  accomplished  by  eye,  but  sometimes  aided  by 
means  of  rough  measurements.  These  designs  must  be,  in  most 
cases,  symmetrical,  and  slight  inaccm-acies  such  as  arise  from  the 
varying  width  of  stitches  are  usually  not  very  obvious.  Plate  46,  c, 
shows  a  basket,  which,  while  having  more  than  one  figure  to  a  face, 
at  least  has  only  one  on  each  level,  and  each  of  these  designs  center- 
ing on  the  same  principle  as  a  single  large  design.  It  is  interesting 
to  note  how  the  upper  figures  have  been  increased  in  size  the  better 
to  fill  the  larger  field.     (See  also  pis.  28,/,  g;  29;  31,  e;  46,  c;  51,  h.) 

One  of  the  simpler  distributions  is  the  horizontal  banded  arrange- 
ment which  rims  completely  around  the  basket  (pis.  8,  d;  9,  a;  21,  d; 
27,  c,  d,f;  36,  c;  41,  i;  54,  h).  Here,  at  least,  with  plain  continuous 
lines,  there  is  not  the  difficulty  of  spacing  isolated  designs  or  vertical 
stripes  and  providing  for  fillers,  etc.,  or  of  doing  what  seems  to  us  so 


BOAS]  APPLICATION    OF   DESIGN   TO    FIELD  263 

obvious  and  easy,  dividing  tlie  ciirumference  of  tlie  bottom  into  a 
given  number  of  sections  for  ends  and  sides,  at  wliich  points  stripes  or 
figures  are  to  be  started.  It  will  be  remembered  tliat  the  horizontal 
beaded  lines  were  the  common  type  of  decoration  on  old  baskets  (Lil- 
looet,  pis.  18,  c;  55,  g).  But  these  have  long  since  given  way  to  more 
complicated  horizontal  bands  which  in  their  complexity  rival  the 
vertical  stripes. 

Practically  all  the  types  of  decoration  used  in  this  area  present  some 
undesirable  difficulties  in  the  way  of  their  successful  execution.  The 
diagonal  all-over  arrangements  of  small  figures  are  perhaps  the  only 
exceptions,  since  a  little  more  latitude  in  selection  of  stitches  may  be 
assumed  without  very  noticeable  bad  effects  and  the  very  number  of 
the  figures  conceals  the  errors  more  successfully.  Yet  diagonal 
patterns  of  this  type  are  used  on  far  less  than  half  of  the  baskets  and 
on  the  other  hand  a  large  percentage  of  the  patterns  on  more  recent 
baskets  consist  of  vertical  stripes  or  vertical  series. 

The  women  are  well  acquainted  with  the  difficidties  of  their  work. 
The  specimens  illustrate  many  devices  intended  to  overcome  faidts, 
but  the  basket  makers  have  not  worked  out  any  well-defined  and 
generally  accepted  system  for  disposing  of  difhciilties,  except  that  of 
the  use  of  the  fdlers  for  bare  corners.  Even  here  a  great  amount 
of  latitude  prevails,  so  that  while  fillers  are  sanctioned  there  is 
almost  no  common  feature  which  characterizes  them.  For  some 
reason  the  cu-cumference  spacing  in  the  placing  of  designs  seems 
a  particularly  difhcult  problem  for  the  Thompson  women.  Of  course 
there  are  individuals  who  accomplish  it  very  easily  but  most  of  them 
seem  to  have  their  greatest  trouble  here,  which  is  due  not  entirely, 
however,  to  incorrect  divisions  in  the  beginning,  but  rather  to  the 
premature  turning  of  the  coil  at  the  corner,  which  becomes  more 
accentuated  as  the  basket  is  built  up  and  which  makes  the  trapezoidal 
field  askew,  and  not  at  all  conforming  to  the  shape  of  the  bottom. 
All  divisions  of  the  circumference  are  made  by  eye  or  only  very 
roughly  with  a  splint,  and  slight  inacciu-acies  at  the  bottom  of  the 
wall  become  more  apparent  as  the  work  proceeds. 

The  Horizontal  Band 

The  horizontal  band  is  more  easily  handled,  although,  if  it  consists 
of  a  row  of  smaller  figures,  there  is  always  the  problem  of  spacing  them 
and  avoiding  a  too  small  or  too  large  unit  where  the  circle  is  completed, 
as  well  as  of  affording  a  satisfactory  solution  of  the  jump.  If  the 
horizontal  band  is  wide,  difficulties  arise  on  account  of  the  greater 
circmnference  of  the  upper  edge,  as  compared  with  that  of  the  lower. 
Tliis  incompatibility  of  upper  and  lower  edges  must  often  be  dealt 
with  entirely  in  the  region  of  the  corners  of  the  basket  because  a 
63666°— 28 18 


264 


COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


gradual  adjustment  of  figures  along  the  sides  and  ends  can  not  always 
be  nxade.  The  two  panunount  difficulties  of  the  continuous  horizon- 
tal band  are  the  rounding  of  the  corner  and  the  treatment  of  the 
jump,  although  in  successive  horizontal  rows,  each  with  its  distinc- 
tive tj'pe  of  figure,  a  thu-d  problem  of  keeping  these  properly  aligned 
presents  itself. 

In  a  design  such  as  that  shown  in  Plate  46,  d,  some  women  would 
certainly  try  to  have  the  points  of  the  central  row  of  "stars"  or 
diamonds  touch  the  centers  of  the  triangles  above  and  below,  but 

this  is  practically  an  impossible 
feat,  if  the  latter  are  to  be  kept 
all  of  a  size,  owing  to  the  increas- 
ing length  of  the  field.  To  render 
such  a  plan  feasible  it  would  be 
necessary  to  enlarge  or  spread  out 
the  triangles  in  the  upper  series, 
and  tliis  would  throw  them  out  of 
proportion  with  the  lower  series. 
The  woman  who  made  the  basket 
probably  knew  from  experience 
that  an  exact  symmetry  and  bal- 
ance could  not  be  maintained  be- 
tween the  different  "layers"  of 
designs,  and  therefore  gave  her 
cliief  attention  to  properly  spacing 
the  "stars,"  letting  the  triangles 
take  care  of  themselves. 

While  a  few  women  constantly 
attempt  to  bring  about  harmony 
between  different  bands  bearing 
unrelated  designs,  most  of  them 
have  probably  observed  that  at 
least  they  themselves  have  no  suc- 
cess, and  therefore  treat  each  sec- 
tion independently,  especially  if  there  is  no  very  obvious  relation 
between  the  designs  in  each. 

In  a  three-banded  arrangement,  where  the  upper  and  lower  bands 
are  alike,  frequently  the  designs  in  the  upper  can  be  placed  exactly 
over  those  m  the  lowest  band,  with  room  at  either  end  near  the  cor- 
ners for  an  additional  element.  This  is  a  very  satisfactory  method, 
especially  if  the  elements  are  "  stars,"  crosses,  or  diamonds.  But  where 
meanders  or  mouth  designs  encircle  the  basket  or  are  applied  all-over 
fashion,  as  m  Figures  48  and  49  and  Plate  11,  &,  the  problem  is  com- 
plicated greatly  because  the  notches  are  continuous,  not  spaced,  and 
the  shghtest  miscalculation  m  the  first  row  at  the  bottom  in  such  a 


Fig.  48.— Corner  of  basket.    A.M.N.H. 
16-4M5 


boas] 


APPLICATION    OF   DESIGN    TO    FIELD 


265 


Fig.  49— Corner  of  basket.    U.S.N.M.  217463 


design  creates  untold  difficulties  in  subsequent  layers;  that  is,  if  any 
attention  is  paid  to  their  relation  to  each  other,  even  if  the  basket 
is  without  corners.  Figure  49  shows  the  arrangement  secured  by 
one  artist,  the  result  of  whose  efforts  can  not  but  challenge  admiration. 
The  late  Dr.  Hermann  K.  Haeberlin,  who  made  a  special  study  of 
these  technical  problems  and  their  solutions  by  the  women,  collected 
a  number  of  specimens  in 
which  various  points  were 
illustrated,  and  made  some 
sketches  of  them.  Disre- 
gardmg  for  the  moment 
baskets  with  corner's,  it  is 
instructive  to  discuss  the 
Tery  interesting  specimen 
shown  in  Figure  50.  The 
desecration  consists  of  six 
horizontal  bands  of  imbrica- 
tion, each  of  which  covers 
three  coils.  In  the  first  two 
the  alternation  of  colors  is 
regularly  white,  red,  and 
black.  The  bands  are  connected  at  regular  mtervals  by  vertical  stripes 
which,  although  only  one  stitch  wide,  mark  the  surface  into  sections. 
In  the  first  two  tiers  these  stripes  appear  after  every  second  block,  and 
those  of  the  second  tier  are  halfway  between  those  of  the  first.  In  the 
third  and  fourth  tiers  the  stripes  still  come  after  every  second  block, 
but  the  regular  arrangement  of  the  blocks  has  been  dropped  and  they 

have  been  made  longer  in  an  effort 
to  accommodate  them  to  those  of  the 
tiers  below,  a  task  which  becomes 
mcreasingly  difficult  as  the  basket 
circumference  becomes  greater. 
Finally  in  the  fifth  and  sixth  tiers 
the  stripes  and  blocks  show  no  coor- 
dination. This  basket  tells  a  story  as 
plainly  as  words  of  a  woman  who  had 
a  definite  idea  of  decoration  wliich  she 
was  obliged  to  abandon  because  of  the  impossibility  of  harmonizing 
the  design  with  the  shape  of  the  basket,  although  the  fact  that  she 
sought  to  do  so  is  evident  in  the  middle  zone  of  the  basket. 

Figures  51  and  52  are  sketches  of  baskets  decorated  with  designs  in 
such  a  manner  that  the  corners  are  ahnost  ignored.  Were  these  bas- 
kets round  instead  of  rectangular  the  style  of  decoration  could  not 
be  improved  upon. 


Fig  50.— Banded  decoration  on    basket. 
Peabody  Museum.  62239 


266 


COILED    BASKETRY   IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


As  it  is,  in  Figure  51  the  artist  could  not  have  selected  a  much 
worse  design  than  the  "leg"  pattern  for  this  particular  trapezoidal 
field,  especially  since  the  figures  all  face  in  the  same  direction.  This 
is  technically  a  very  carefully  consti'ucted  basket.  Sketch  a  shows 
how  well  the  figures  were  started  and  adjusted  in  the  given  space. 
The  pattern  is  perfectly  placed.  On  account  of  the  nature  of  the 
design,  however,  the  upper  portions  of  these  figures  must  in  some 
cases  pass  around  the  corners,  and,  since  each  figure  is  so  large,  this 
detracts  from  the  symmetrical  appearance  of  each  face.  If  the  artist 
sought  to  avoid  the  use  of  fillers,  her  selection  was  excellent  and  the 


■^:<^m<ym^''y^-W'^\ 


22 


'^/////////////////////////////////////y'Z^;'^^ 


^ 


\''/My///////Ay///////////////////7m 


■////////////////////////////A 


%   Y//////////////////////////////. 


■'V//////////////77777.- 


Wi 


^/<>;v/,vXvy///////////////////x-y//-^///r<>'; 


>////////, 


\W 


i 


'.'////////A 


'-^////////////////////w//////; 


V//////////////////////A-'////77V7. 


Fig.  51. — Adjustment  of  meander  to  sides  of  basket.    U.S.N.M.  217434 

handling  of  the  design  at  the  corners  is  admirable.  Technically  the 
pattern  has  its  merits,  especially  in  connection  with  tliis  type  of  bas- 
ket, since  it  admits  of  such  comparatively  easy  methods  of  maintain- 
ing equal  spaces,  on  account  of  the  number  of  lines  involved,  but  ar- 
tistically it  seems  rather  unsatisfactory.  The  series  of  short  horizon- 
tal lines  placed  beneath  the  main  band  of  decoration  show  no  particu- 
lar effort  on  the  part  of  the  artist  to  correlate  them  with  the  design 
above,  a  fact  which  adds  to  the  artistic  confusion  (see  Sketches  h 
and  c).  In  accuracy  of  workmanship  nothing  better  could  be  desired. 
Sketch  &  proves  this.  Doctor  Haeberlin's  notes  say  that  each  scjuare 
represents  one  coil  and  one  stitch.  All  of  the  figures  extend  over  21 
coUs,  with  one  coil  or  one  stitch  of  white  intervening  between  aU 


BOAsl 


APPLICATION    OF   DESIGN   TO    FIELD 


267 


black  lines.  The  distances  between  the  figures  are  always  three 
white  coils  or  stitches  and  the  height  of  the  horizontal  arms  nine  coils. 
On  the  other  hand,  the  series  of  horizontal  lines  beneath  are  very 
irregular.  The  length  of  the  lines  varies  from  6  to  1 1  stitches  and  the 
distances  between  the  series  are  also  not  constant,  the  average  being 
five  nonimbricated  coil  stitches.  The  remarkable  feature  about  this 
basket  and  that  pictured  in  Figure  .52  is  that  the  distances  between 
the  figures  are  always  exactly  the  same  for  the  entire  circumference 
of  the  basket.  In  the  meanders  of  the  basket  sketched  in  Figure  52 
the  length  of  the  figures  is  not  fixed,  and  indeed  in  Figure  51  the 
upper  portion  of  the  leg  figure,  which  reaches  around  the  corner,  is 
somewhat  longer  in  places  than  the  corresponding  section  at  the 


'AWA'MWiuWMWM'MM 


M'l'MVA'iVMW,;','^ 


(■'«■/)'/ 


A'M'iVi''VA',i 


[;V//////////V////////////W«, 


I't'i'iWfWi'i^t^tWi'i*/'''^ 


WM'i-UfffiVfi'iVi'fi'fi'i-i'-fi^ 


l'>\\V\Vv\'-Vi'.V'.'>'iWv| 


iVVOO.\v,'.\v?: 


% 

^ 

^ 

^ 

'^ 

''^ 

^ 

'//, 

// 

% 

% 

% 

% 

% 

'^/A 

^ 

^ 

% 

j^ 

% 

Wt 

^ 

% 

% 

^ 

% 

t 

^ 

^ 

Fig.  52.— Adjustment  of  meander  to  sides  of  basket.    U.S.N.M.  217447 

base  of  the  same  figure.  Nevertheless,  the  variations  are  very  slight 
and  show  extremely  accurate  spacing  of  the  designs  when  they  were 
first  begun.  Starting  at  the  jump  on  the  basket  shown  in  Figure  52, 
the  lengths  of  the  meanders  are  as  follows : 

First  meander 15  stitches 8  cm. 

Second  meander 15  stitches 8  cm. 

Third  meander 17  stitches 8  cm. 

Fourth  meander 16  stitches 8  cm. 

Fifth  meander 16  stitches 8  cm. 

Sixth  meander 17  .stitches 8H  cm. 

Seventli  meander 16  stitclies --8J^  cm. 

Eightli  meander 16  stitches 7J^  cm. 

Ninth  meander 13  stitches 63^  cm. 


268 


COILED    BASKETRY    IN   BRITISH    COLUMBIA 


lETn.  ANN.  41 


Like  the  basket  sketched  in  Figure  51,  the  block  pattern  beneath 
the  meander  is  quite  independent  of  it,  as  is  the  border.  The  latter 
consists  of  two  or  three  dark  stitches  alternating  with  three  to  six 
white  ones  in  uTcgular  succession. 

In  many  specimens  the  treatment  of  the  corner  has  given  more 

trouble  than  in  those  cases  just 
discussed,  even  though  the  design 
distribution  has  been  in  horizontal 
bands  (pi.  37,/). 

Figure  53  shows  an  excellent 
adjustment,  which  although  not 
quite  perfect  is  certainly  very 
well  done.  Note  the  increased 
size  of  the  flattened  apex  of  the 
diamond  to  the  right  as  com- 
pared with  that  on  the  left,  and 
that  it  is  a  little  farther  away 
from  the  corner. 

Figure  54  shows  how  the  position 
of  the  apex  of  a  zigzag  was  altered. 
The  outline  has  been  changed  so  that  the  point  is  shifted  from  the 
place  where  it  theoretically  belongs  to  the  corner.  (See  also  pis.  18,  d; 
24,  a,  c,  d:  28,  b,  d:  77.)  Plate  46,  h,  and  Figure  55  (both  the  same  bas- 
ket) ;  also  Plate  55,  h,  show  the  clever  avoidance  of  trouble  by  the  length- 


FiG.  53. — Corner  of  basket 


Fig.  54.— Corner  of  basket 


ened  connecting  line  between  the  zigzags  at  the  corner.  Figure  55 
also  shows  the  extremely  successful  concealment  of  the  jump,  which  in 
this  design  is  scarcely  noticeable.  On  the  left  face  the  apex  of  each  di- 
agonal is  one  coil  higher  than  those  which  correspond  on  the  right  face. 


boas] 


APPLICATION    OF    DESIGN    TO    FIELD 


269 


Fig,  65.— Corner  or  basket.    U.S.N. M.  217467 


Figure  56  is  taken  from  a  basket  whose  maker  was  f ai-  too  ingeni- 
ous to  wrestle  with  c6rner  problems.  That  she  could  have  done  so 
better,  perhaps,  than  most  of  her  fellow  workers  is  demonstrated 
by  her  remarkably  well  placed  de- 
signs and  even  work.  Undoubtedly 
she  preferred  a  vertical  alignment 
for  the  loose  ends  of  the  superposed 
zigzags  rather  than  the  compromises 
which  might  have  been  necessary 
at  the  corners.  Doctor  Haeberhn 
remarks  concerning  it  as  follows: 

This  basket  and  its  ornamentation  are 
most  beautifully  made.  The  regularity 
shown  l)y  the  exact  measurements  proves 
that  in  a  basket  of  this  kind  the  surface 
as  such  is  ornamented  and  that  great 
pains  have  been  devoted  to  the  task  of 
dividing  the  surface  correctly. 

Sketch  a.  Figure  56,  is  a  reproduction  of  a  section  of  the  pattern, 
showing  the  careful  nature  of  the  work. 

The  treatment  of  the  jump  in 
a  basket  with  horizontal  banded 
decoration  is  illustrated  in  Figure 
57;  a  gives  the  general  scheme  of 
decoration.  Sketch  b  is  an  en- 
larged section  of  the  lowest  band 
E  in  sketch  a,  at  that  part  of  the 
basket  where  the  jiunp  occurs.  Of 
this  Doctor  Haeberlin  says: 

This  first  band  is  quite  regular  in 
the  numbers  of  stitches  composing  the 
pyramids.  The  junction  (A)  always  con- 
sists of  four  stitches  except  at  the  break 
(jump),  and  after  the  second  pyramid 
from  the  last.  Here  A  consists  only  of 
two  stitches.  At  the  break  the  diffi- 
culties are  solved  as  presented  in  the 
drawing. 

The  second  band  from  the  bot- 
tom is  presented  in  sketch  c.  Tliis 
band  has  been  lettered  D  in 
sketch  a.  It  again  shows  the 
break.     Doctor  Haeberlin  says: 

As  seen  in  the  drawings,  the  triangles  of  D  fit  into  those  of  band  E.  Due  to  the 
curvature  of  the  basket  the  spaces  between  the  bases  of  the  triangles  (marked 
.4)  can  not  be  so  regular  as  those  of  band  E.  The  number  of  stitches  at  the  A's 
in  band  D  are  as  follows  (beginning  at  the  break):  3,  5,  5,  4,  8  (corner),  5,  5,  8 
(corner),  4,  3,  3,  5,  6  (corner),  3,  3,  4  (break,  at  corner). 


Fig.  56.- 


-Adjustment  of  zigzag  pattern  to  sides 
of  basket.    U.S.N.M.  216416 


270 


COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  Ieth.  ann.41 


Fig.  67. — Adjustment  of  zigzag  pattern  to  sides  of  basket.    A.M.N.H.  16-4862 


BOAS)  APPLICATION   OF   DESIGN   TO   FIELD  271 

Band  C  (sketch  a)  consists  of  lozenge-shaped  figures  in  black  and  white 
imbrication.  Wliere  the  coils  begin  an  unmistakable  attempt  was  made  to 
bring  these  diamonds  symmetrically  between  the  triangles  of  bands  D  and  B. 
But  on  account  of  the  curvature  of  the  basket  these  triangles  shift  in  their  position 
and  make  the  symmetrical  alignment  of  band  C  impossible.  This  shifting  and 
the  corresponding  lack  of  symmetry  become  more  and  more  marked  the  farther 
the  distance  from  the  bottom  of  the  basket. 

The  spaces  of  band  B  are  again  all  uniform.  All  the  junctions  consist  of  three 
stitches,  excepting  near  the  break,  as  shown  at  M  in  sketch  d.  The  corner 
where  the  break  occurs  is  accurately  represented. 

Band  A  (sketch  e)  locks  into  band  B;  as  D  does  into  E.  The  bases  of  the 
inverted  triangles  of  band  A  again  vary  like  those  of  band  D.  The  number  of 
stitches  connecting  the  bases  of  the  triangles,  beginning  with  the  break,  are  as 
foUows:  3,  4,  3,  3,  4,  3,  8  (corner),  1,  3,  2,  4,  6  (corner),  3,  4,  3,  3,  4,  5  (near 
corner),  4,  4,  2,  3,  3,  2  (at  break  and  corner). 

All-ovek  Large  Figures 

The  ornamentation  of  the  hasket  showTi  in  Figure  58  may  be  con- 
sidered as  all-over,  diagonal,  or  horizontal,  but  for  the  purposes  of 
this  study  may  just  as  well  be 


treated  here.    It  will  be  seen  that  \    JT  n     n  pTL-K-rL 

the  upper  left  corners  are  bare,  \ jvjv'j-l'vCH/V^ 

due  to  the  fact  that  the  vertical  \^}^-{rC^ 

arms  of  the  crosses  in  adjoining  \  tj  'tj-'  '-lP  'ij  '-lt 

horizontal  rows  dovetail  and  that  a 

in  the  top  row  at  the  left  corner  fig.  as.— Decoration  ot  sides  of  basket.  Pea- 
there  was  no  room  for  a  complete  ^"'^^  ^'^^"'^  «''^° 
cross.  Usually  the  situation  is  reversed  in  the  numerous  patterns  com- 
posed of  vertical  stripes  which  lean  to  the  left,  so  that  the  bare  space 
is  in  the  upper  right  corner.  Here  a  sequence  of  events  due  to  placing 
the  lowest  crosses  in  b  too  far  to  the  left,  or  in  failing  to  begin  a  cross 
just  before  turning  the  corner  in  the  top  row  (a),  as  well  as  the 
tendency  for  all  workers  to  buUd  true  diagonals  to  the  right  in  the 
direction  of  sewing,  caused  the  placing  of  these  stars  as  they  are, 
more  than  compensating  for  any  leftward  lean  of  vertical  lines. 
The  bare  upper  left  corners  on  this  basket  did  not  seem  to  disturb  the 
esthetic  taste  of  the  worker  as  much  as  the  balancing  lower  right 
corners.  Perhaps  they  were  a  welcome  relief.  But  it  is  interesting 
to  note  that  the  maker  deemed  a  filler  desirable  for  the  lower  right 
corner  on  the  ends  of  the  basket.  The  necessity  for  tliis  in  her  mind 
must  have  been  apparent  before  she  could  have  progressed  very 
far  in  her  work.  The  five  stars  of  the  lowest  row  on  the  long  sides 
are  very  evenly  distributed,  but  the  filler  appears  on  both  short  ends. 
There  are  many  types  of  decoration  besides  the  complicated 
horizontal  band,  wliich  require  circumference  spacing  and  sub- 
division of  the  basket  walls.  All  figures  ranged  in  horizontal  series, 
all-over  effects,  and  vertical  stripes  are  among  the  number.     The  few 


272 


COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA 


|ETH.  ANN.  41 


practically  perfect  specimens  of  horizontal  and  all-over  designs  may 
be  discussed  here,  before  taking  up  the  vertical  styles,  since  the  latter 
bring  with  them  a  number  of  other  problems  not  presented  by  the 
first  group. 

The  first  of  these  perfect  specimens  with  a  horizontal  zigzag 
pattern  in  red,  white  and  black,  which  has  been  admirably  handled, 
has  been  sketched  by  Doctor  Haeberlin  in  Figure  59.  He  discussed 
the  design  as  follows: 

There  are  four  zigzags  on  each  long  side  and  two  on  each  short  side.  The  long 
sides  are  about  8  inches  in  length,  the  short  sides  about  4.  (This  is  a  spa'pansk 
basket,  of  the  same  shape  as  the  full-sized  burden  baskets.)  At  each  of  the 
four  corners  the  zigzags  are  symmetrical  with  the  edge  of  the  basket.  They 
extend  over  12  coils  and  the  different  parts  of  all  of  them  are  in  corresponding 


^/M  o^  B/IJI^rT 


Fig.  69.— Adjustment  of  zigzag  pattern  to  corner  of  basket.    A.M.N.H.  16-4581 

coils;  that  is  to  say,  point  m,  Figure  59,  is  in  the  same  coil  in  every  zigzag.  The 
top  and  bottom  of  the  zigzags  consist  always  of  three  stitches.  This  is  a  remark- 
able regularity,  especially  striking  at  the  corner  where  the  coil  stops.  What 
has  been  said  above  also  obtains  for  this  corner.  This  regularity  was  not  brought 
about  by  counting  the  intervening  unimbricated  stitches,  because  these  are  not 
by  any  means  of  corresponding  numbers.  It  seems  to  have  been  accomplished 
by  dividing  the  first  coil  by  eye  into  four  parts  on  the  long  sides  and  two  on  the 
short  sides.  The  ensuing  difficulties  were  then  avoided  by  making  the  unim- 
bricated stitches  larger  and  smaller  as  the  case  dictated.  The  stitches  are 
irregular  in  size  and  number,  excepting  those  of  the  imbricated  band,  which  are 
at  least  always  constant  in  number. 

An  all-over  decoration  which  is  very  pleasing  to  us  on  accoimt  of 
its  regularity  is  shown  in  Figure  60.     Doctor  Haeberlin  says: 

This  arrangement  is  so  regular  that  the  intention  of  dividing  the  circumference 
into  eight  parts  when  the  first  imbricated  coil  was  made  is  quite  obvious.  The 
number  of  stitches  between  the  blocks  did  not  furnish  a  basis  of  division  because 
these  vary,  but  the  divisions  must  have  been  made  by  eye. 


boas] 


APPLICATION   OP   DESIGN   TO   FIELD  273 


It  is,  of  course,  possible  that  the  sewing  splint  was  used  as  a  gauge, 
but  realizing  the  comparative  infrequency  of  such  measuring,  it  is  at 
least  doubtful  if  tliis  was  done.  There  are  four  black  diagonal  rows  of 
blocks  and  four  red  ones,  wliich  divide  the  circumference  into  eighths. 

Plate  46,  e,  shows  a  remarkably  fine  treatment  of  flying  birds. 
Note  the  gradually  increased  size  of  the  figm-es  toward  the  rim. 
They  could  hardly  be  better  adjusted  to  the  given  space.  Only 
two  minor  defects  are  apparent  in  the  photograph.  The  first  is  a 
correction  of  the  direction  of  the  bird's  head  in  the  lower  left  figure, 
the  other  the  failure  to  maintain  a  straight  line  for  the  edges  of  the 
bird's  wings  on  the  right,  such  as  has  been  done  so  beautifully  on  the 
left.  Tills  is  due,  of  course,  to  the  leftward  lean  and  the  troublesome 
right  corner,  but  nevertheless  the  basket  is  a  remarkable  piece  of 
work.  The  bulges  and  depressions  in  the  walls  are  an  interesting 
and  rather  rare  structural  de- 
fect. Usually  Thompson  women 
are  perfect  builders.  (See  also 
pi.  46,  g.) 

There  are  two  baskets  por- 
trayed among  Doctor  Haeberlin's 
sketches  the  long  sides  of  which 
are  decorated  with  zigzags  which 
do  not  extend  to  the  corners  and 
where  other  problems  than  cir- 
cmnference  spacing  arise.    Tliese 

are   shown  in  Figures  61  and  62.       Fio.  eO.-D.agonal  .rraagement.    A.M.N.n.lf^l(M4 

"The  design  on  one  long  side  in  Figure  61,  o,  h,  does  not  reciuire  special 
comment.  It  was  interpreted  as  a  snake  and  small  triangles."  The 
head  and  tail  as  they  are  arranged  here  fill  the  upper  corners  of  the 
field  very  well  indeed,  although  in  her  effort  to  fill  the  right  corner 
the  artist  overemphasized  her  spacing  in  that  direction.  The  general 
decoration  of  the  basket  marks  it  as  a  rare  specimen  and  leads  to  the 
suspicion  that  it  may  be  of  Lillooet  rather  than  of  Thompson  origin, 
since  Mr.  Teit  says  that  the  Thompson  are  not  addicted  to  the  use  of 
different  patterns  for  the  different  faces,  or  even  for  a  fourth  face, 
wliile  the  Lillooet  frequently  used  this  peculiar  style. 

Doctor  Haeberlin's  discussion  concerns  the  three  sides  the  upper 
portions  of  which  are  beaded,  below  wliich  is  a  broad  slanting  design 
composed  of  short  horizontal  and  vertical  sections.  The  large  beaded 
field  is  another  typical  Lillooet  featm-e,  but  since  the  basket  is  Usted 
as  a  Fraser  River  specimen  it  is  included  here. 

The  side  of  the  basket  shown  in  Figure  61,  c,  is  very  interesting.  The  steplike 
figure  (c)  consists  exclusively  of  black  imbricated  lines  enclosed  by  two  white 
imbricated  lines.  Accordingly  the  upper  end  of  the  ornament  ought  to  extend 
over  three  coils — one  black  and  two  white  coils.  But  this  is  not  the  case;  it  only 
extends  over  two.     How  is  the  principle  of  the  step  ornament  carried  out  under 


274 


COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  [eth.ann.41 


Whirt 

BLUK 


3  ceili 


Fig.  61.— Arrangement  of  zigzag  pattern.    U.S.N.M.  219879 


boas) 


APPLICATION    OF   DESIGN    TO    FIELD 


275 


these  conditions?  The  maker  resorts  to  the  following  method.  Instead  of 
imbricating  the  top  coil  with  one  strip,  as  is  ordinarily  the  ease,  she  used  two, 
one  over  the  other,  first  black,  and  above  it  white.  Thus  the  design  is  carried 
through  and  the  black  line  appears  between  the  two  white  ones.  The  maker 
did  not  move  up  one  coil  for  the  top  white  line  because  she  had  already  started 
the  snake  on  the  opposite  long  side  (a)  in  that  coil  and  the  jump  occurs  at  the 
edge  between  the  sides  a  and  b.  The  snake  must  extend  over  the  same  number 
of  coils  as  the  beadwork  of  the  other  sides.  The  mistake  was  made  when  the 
weaver  started  the  low-est  extremity  of  the  stepped  ornament  on  the  lower  part 
of  the  basket.  She  ought  to  have  started  one  coil  sooner  than  she  did.  What 
has  been  said  of  the  treatment  of  the  top  coil  on  the  side  c  also  pertains  to  the 
corresponding  parts  of  tiie  ornaments  on  the  other  sides. 

.Vertical  Strifes  and  Series 

The  vertical  styles  of  decoration,  or  those  which,  while  not  vertical, 
do  not  encircle  the  basket,  are  numerous,  and  offer  perhaps  the  best 
opportunities  for  the  study  of  the  points  in  which  we  are  interested. 
The  question  as  to 
whether  these  stripes  or 
series  extend  all  the  way 
from  base  to  rim  or  not 
does  not  affect  the  prob- 
lems which  the  women 
have  to  solve,  except  in 
one  particular.  Vertical 
stripes  or  series  begun  at 
the  base  of  a  basket  are 
more  likely  to  be  out  of 
line  and  place  in  the  up- 
per portion  of  the  basket 
than  those  which  have 
been  begim  somewhere  about  halfway  between  the  base  and  the  rim. 
In  the  latter  case  the  peculiar  twisted  form  which  the  basket  generally 
acquires  has  had  ample  chance  to  become  apparent  by  the  time  the 
structure  is  partly  completed,  and  the  woman  has  at  least  some  idea 
of  the  degree  of  structural  defect  she  is  likely  to  have  to  deal  with 
and  can  space  accordingly.  Designs  begun  at  the  very  bottom  are 
perhaps  spaced  correctly  around  the  circumference  of  the  base,  but 
the  subsequent  turning  of  corners  of  the  basket  wall  so  completely 
alters  the  relation  of  the  faces  to  the  bottom  that  designs  frequently 
are  quite  out  of  place.  It  often  happens  that  a  woman  appears 
to  take  this  probable  difHculty  into  account  at  the  beginning,  for 
in  no  other  way  could  we  find  a  reason  for  the  extremely  one-sided 
spacing  sometimes  seen,  except  the  lack  of  even  average  ability  to 
calculate  distances.  Her  overanxiety  to  correct  the  trouble  at  the 
outset  sometimes  results  in  even  more  pronounced  incongruities 
than  usual,  since  the  defects  in  structure  occasionally  do  not  come 
up  to  her  anticipations. 


Fig.  62.— .Arrangement  of  zigzag  design.    U.S.N.M.  216408 


276  COILED    BASKETRY   IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  [eth.  ann.41 

Fillers 

Figure  62  shows  the  presence  of  a  filler,  the  most  interesting 
feature  of  wliich  seems  to  be  the  beginning  of  another  zigzag  which 
the  maker  soon  chscovered  would  not  fit  in  the  remaining  space  and 
therefore  abandoned  for  a  small  filler.  Otherwise  the  distances 
between  the  points  are  remarkably  constant  and  accurate. 

In  such  a  basket  as  that  shown  in  Figure  63  the  vertical  scries  re- 
quire a  circumference  division,  but  the  design  in  itself  presents  prob- 
lems of  horizontal  balancing  of  the  arms,  as  well  as  their  vertical 

spacing  one  from  the  other.  Discussing 
this  specimen,  Doctor  Haeberlin  says: 

There  are  in  most  of  these  vertical  arrange- 
ments four  rectangular  areas  which  lie  one  below 
the  other,  downward  from  the  rim  (fig.  63,  a). 
But  this  idea  could  not  be  carried  out  in  all 
cases  because  of  the  pronounced  curvature  of  the 
basket  walls.  The  result  is  that  the  ornamental 
combinations  seen  in  sketches  b,  c,  and  d  also 
occur.  At  each  right  corner  (6)  on  all  four  faces 
a  short  design  of  only  two  rectangles  is  found. 
Really  these  are  fillers. 

In  addition,  at  one  place,  not  at  a 
corner,  the  unusual  and  incongruous  device 
shown  in  sketch  c  is  placed  between  the 
usual  ornaments  which  are  here  too  far 
apart.  The  women  quite  often  resort  to 
some  such  means  of  fiUing  large  spaces, 
and  the  type  of  figure  chosen  depends 
entirely  upon  the  individual  taste  of  the 
artist.  Sketch  d  shows  another  odd  treat- 
FiG.  63.— Fillers  on  side  of  basket,  ment  at  the  top  of  One  of  the  usual  orna- 
u.s.N.M.  222032  mcuts  wliich  can  not  be  explained  on  the 

ground  of  filling  a  space,  but  rather  seems  like  an  instance  of  play- 
ing with  the  design  element. 

The  rectangles  of  all  the  ornaments  vary  greatly  in  length,  ranging  from  2 
to  over  5  inches.  Inasmuch  as  the  basket  appears  to  be  very  old  and  a  number 
of  stitches  have  been  broken  it  is  not  always  possible  to  locate  mistakes  in  tech- 
nique or  in  carrying  out  the  color  scheme,  which  is  here  executed  in  white  and 
black.  The  black  imbrication  material  is  cloth  and  forms  the  outline  of  the 
figure. 

Doctor  Haeberlin  says  that  the  basket  maker  has  succeeded  well 
in  placing  the  corresponding  rectangles  of  the  figures  along  the  same 
coil.  Their  leftward  lean  is  particularly  noticeable,  although  they 
have  been  trued  in  the  sketches. 


boas] 


APPLICATION   OF   DESIGN    TO   FIELD 


277 


Fig. 


64. — FUler    on     corner    of 
basket 


Figure  64  illustrates  a  beautiful  corner  of  an  extremely  well  made 
basket.  The  filler  in  tliis  case  was  not  needed  to  help  to  cover  a 
side,  but  rather  serves  as  a  decoration  for  the  corner  itself  and  its 
character  is  in  perfect  keeping  with  that  of  the  main  design.  The 
basket  sketched  in  Figure  65  affords  an  instructive  contrast,  show- 
ing in  a  the  almost  perfect  spacing  of  the 
zigzags  at  the  bottom  if  we  consider,  as  we 
must,  that  one  farthest  to  the  right  which 
is  carried  aroimd  the  corner.  But  the  ever- 
present  leftward  lean  and  the  "wrenched" 
corners  or  oblique  edges  occasion  again  the 
filler  seen  at  M.  This  is  very  carefully 
placed  and  evenly  spaced  in  accordance 
with  the  four  zigzags  to  the  left,  so  that 
along  the  rim  almost  no  fault  could  be 
found  with  the  decoration.  Nearly  as  good 
a  distribution  occurs  at  the  bottom.  All  of  this  woman's  difficulties 
would  have  been  met  if  in  buUding  the  walls  she  had  bent  her  coil 
at  the  correct  places  for  the  corners,  a  little  more  to  the  right  at 
each  round,  instead  of  attempting,  as  do  most  of  them,  to  make  the 
corner  appear  vertical  from  a  fuU  view  of  any  face,  or  in  other 

words,    to    bring    the    right    corner 
around  on  to  the  face. 

Figure  65,  6,  shows  the  treatment 
of  another  comer,  with  the  selection 
of  two  utterly  incongruous  elements 
as  fillers,  which,  however,  are  sym- 
metrically placed.  They  are  merely 
single  rows  of  imbricated  stitches. 

Figure  66  illustrates  another  bas- 
ket with  a  comer  filler  which  ought 
not  to  have  been  difficult,  simple  as 
it  is,  to  place  exactlj'  on  the  corner, 
but  the  same  trouble  prevails  here  as 
elsewhere,  and  the  corner  was  turned 
too  soon. 


The  basket  sketched  in  Figure  67 


65. — Filler    on     corner 
U.S.N.M.  216426 


basket. 


is  ornamented  with  vertical  series  of 
imbricated  blocks,  all  of  which  extend 
over  three  coils  except  those  in  the  topmost  row.  These  cover  only 
two.  By  change  of  color  the  imbrication  forms  a  vertical  subdivision 
in  each  block,  where  every  colored  imbricated  stitch  covers  two  coU 
stitches,  or  more  rarely  three.  The  blocks  are  arranged  regularly,  a 
circumstance  which  is  not  attained  by  counting  the  stitches  between 


278 


COILED    BASKETRY   IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA 


(liH.  ANN.  41 


them,  because  these  vary,  but  the  ahgmnent  is  made  entu-ely  by  eye. 
(Fig.  67,  d.)  An  odd  inconsistency  is  foimd  in  the  vertical  spacing 
between  the  blocks.  The  intervals  between  all  horizontal  series  are 
four  unimbricated  coils,  except  at  the  interval  e  (fig.  C7,  a).  Here 
there  are  only  three.  As  may  be  seen  from  sketch  h,  in  Figure  67,  aU 
imbricated  sections,  both  red  and  white,  cover  two  coil  stitches  ordi- 
narily, leaving  one  stitch  without  imbrication.  But  occasionally  the 
imbrication  crosses  three  stitches;  that  is,  three  coil  stitches  are 
covered  by  one  imbricated  stitch  (d)  rather  than  the  usual  single  coil 
stitch  that  is  so  treated  on  the  majority  of  the  baskets. 

It  has  been  said  that  with  the  exception  of  the  top  row,  the  blocks 
extend  over  three  coils,  the  middle  being  unimbricated  in  each  case, 
but  in  the  top  row  this  center  coil  is  omitted,  as  shown  in  Figure 
67,  c. 

In  the  alignment  of  the  blocks  over  one  another  there  is  considerable  variation 
of  the  distances  maintained  between  the  different 
rows;  the  intervals  range  from  4  to  10  stitches.  Even 
between  the  blocks  in  two  adjoining  rows  there  are 
not  the  same  number  of  stitches  at  different  heights. 
For  instance,  there  may  be  more  in  one  space  (fig. 
67,  d)  than  at  another.  But  the  distances  are  aU 
approximately  constant  because  an  effort  has  been 
made  to  secure  a  perfect  alignment,  even  if  it  has 
been  done  only  by  eye. 

Ordinarily  the  vertical  rows  of  blocks  are 
continuous  and  there  are  eight  between  the 
rim  and  the  bottom  of  the  basket.  But  due 
to  the  vertical  alignment  and  the  conical  shape 
of  the  structure  certain  sectors  without  orna- 
mentation would  be  bound  to  occur  under 
this  plan  of  decoration.  (Fig.  67,  e.)  The  gaps 
between  series  are,  of  course,  widest  at  the 
rim  and  are  fiUed  in  with  vertical  rows  of 
four  blocks  each,  while  the  blocks  in  themselves  are  simplified  forms 
of  those  used  elsewhere,  as  may  be  noted  in  Figure  67,/.  It  is  rather 
interesting  that  the  rectangles  are  here  carried  out  only  in  red. 
There  are  six  sectors  filled  out  in  this  manner,  but  on  the  whole  the 
work  on  them  is  quite  haphazard  and  certainly  does  not  rest  upon 
any  scheme  of  counting,  and  every  sector  is  different  in  some  partic- 
ular. At  times  the  blocks  consist  of  only  two  imbricated  stitches; 
again,  near  the  rim  they  are  quite  as  complete  as  those  used  in  the 
main  design;  wliile  those  below  are  made  smaller  to  accommodate 
them  to  the  narrower  space.  (Fig.  67,  g.)  In  addition  to  all  the 
other  irregularities  the  blocks  in  these  places  are  not  located  upon  the 
same  coils  as  the  corresponding  ones  in  the  adjacent  complete  rows 
(fig.  67,  h),  nor  is  the  ordinary  number  of  intervening  coils  adhered  to. 
The  six  sectors  are  also  unevenly  distributed  about  the  basket,  for 


Fig. 


3. — Filler    on    corner    of 
basket 


boas] 


APPLICATION    OF   DESIGN   TO    FIELD 


279 


two  of  them  are  near  two  corners  while  four  are  near  the  other  two. 
One  gap  is  quite  as  wide  as  those  which  have  been  supphed  with 
these  "fillers"  and  this  is  left  entirely  bare. 

Such  a  lack  of  symmetry  is  due  not  only  to  the  fact  that  no  attempt 
is  made  to  count  the  stitches  or  to  measure  spaces,  except  by  eye, 
but  also  to  the  woman's  poor  judgment  in  spacing  and  incapacity 
for  calculation.  Even  in  such  work  as  this,  where  study  reveals  so 
many  discrepancies,  it  is  surprising  how  well  the  finished  product 
appears  to  the  casual  observer,  and  it  is  indeed  remarkable  that 
such  good  results  are  obtained  with  such  a  complicated  problem 
and  by  such  methods  as  each  woman  has  at  her  command.     No 


W/MM        WMMM        MSMM      -Wmm 

^m.      Wm.     WMiii — ^m. 


Fig.  67.— FUler  on  corner  of  basket.    U.S.N.M.  277607.    Cross  hatching;  red;  diagonal  hatching: 
white;  white:  unimbricated 

better  gauge  than  a  true  eye  could  be  desired,  but  many  women,  as 
with  ourselves,  do  not  possess  this  gift.  And  so,  without  natural  or 
mechanical  aid,  they  nevertheless  struggle  with  the  most  perplexing 
and  patience-exhausting  artistic  and  technical  problems,  with  results 
that  are  often  not  without  real  beauty. 

Figure  68  and  Plate  47,  rf,  give  a  similar  basket,  in  which  all  the 
blocks  extend  over  two  coils  and  each  horizontal  row  consists  of 
blocks  which  lie  at  the  same  level.  The  nimiber  of  coils  in  the  inter- 
vals between  the  horizontal  rows  is  five  in  each  case  except  the  last, 
where  it  increases  to  six.  Vertically  the  blocks  are  very  carefully 
aligned,  but  entirely  by  eye.  The  intervening  stitches  vary  in  num- 
ber not  only  between  different  vertical  rows  of  blocks  but  also  be- 
tween different  pairs  of  single  blocks  in  any  two  adjoining  rows. 
63666°— 28 19 


280 


COILED   BASKETRY   IN   BRITISH   COLUMBIA 


(ETH.  ANK.  41 


The  distances  between  the  different  vertical  rows  vary  from  4  to 
about  10  stitches,  showing  that  the  circumference  division  for  spac- 
ing the  figures  is  in  this  case  not  very  accurate.  The  colors  em- 
ployed are  white,  red,  and  black,  and  the  succession  is  as  shown  in 
Figure  68,  b,  and  is  adhered  to  throughout  the  whole  basket,  each 
vertical  row  being  always  executed  in  the  same  colors,  with  one  excep- 
tion, which  is  obviously  the  result  of  an  early  mistake  on  the  part  of 
the  basket  maker.  The  red  in  this  row  (see  c)  is  applied  in  the  same 
fashion  as  the  black  in  other  rows  on  either  side  of  a  white  imbricated 
stitch,  instead  of  between  two  white  ones.     The  open  spaces  near  the 


\   u   u 

u 

u 

U      U    j 

\   n   n 

□ 

n 

a   a 

Ion 

n 

□ 

an 

\  n  a 

□ 

a 

□  o  / 

\    D    D 

n 

□ 

do/ 

j  D  n 

n 

n 

a  a 

\    O    D 

□ 

□ 

D  o  / 

^^ 

sfc 

^^ 

m 

\  BmcH 


p 

m 

^ 

% 

w 

m 

m 

m 

i- 


C       M 


Fig.  68. — Vertical  arrangement  of  ornamentation. 
U.S.N.M.  222.'i95 


rim  are  filled  out  by  incomplete  vertical  rows,  as  illustrated  in  Figure 
68,  c.  Three  of  these  spaces  are  at  corners;  the  fourth,  however,  is 
several  inches  away  from  the  corner  which  itself  has  no  open  space.  In 
contradistinction  to  the  basket  pictured  in  Figure  67,  the  blocks  of 
the  fillers  of  Figure  68  are  at  the  same  coil  level  as  the  blocks  of  the 
full  series  and  are  on  the  whole  better  arranged  than  those  on  the 
former  basket.  The  arrangement  of  colors  in  the  blocks  of  the  fillers 
is  interesting  and  may  be  seen  in  sketch  d.  It  is  consistent  for  all 
fillers.  An  odd  feature  is  a  fifth  filler  ornamented  with  only  one 
block  at  the  rim. 


boas] 


APPLICATION    OF   DESIGN   TO    FIELD 


281 


Figure  69  not  only  shows  the  introduction  of  a  filler  in  the  upper 
right  corner  but  an  interesting  treatment  of  one  of  the  stripes  near  the 
bottom  at  the  corner  of  the  basket.  Here,  owing  to  miscalculation 
in  spacing,  the  stripe  was  begun  too  far  to  the  right  and  therefore  was 
interfered  with  by  the  presence  of  the  corner.  In  order  not  to  have  the 
stripe  carry,  around  on  to  the  other  side,  the  woman  has  resorted  to  the 
expedient  sketched  in  Figure  69,  6,  where  the  treatment  is  reproduced 
so  as  to  show  the  decoration  on  either  face  and  at  the  corner  (the 
middle).  The  stripe  was  begim  with  only  one  stitch  and  increased 
diagonally  along  the  right  edge  where  the  edge  of  the  wall  occurs, 
tmtil  the  space  became  wide  enough  for  its  increase  to  full  size. 
Then,  to  balance  this  increase,  an  abrupt  addition  appears  on  the  left 
side  of  the  stripe. 

The  fillers  frequently 
consist  of  different, 
smaller  designs  than  the 
majority  of  those  used, 
or  else  are  portions  of 
the  prevailing  ones.  The 
baskets  sho^vn  in  Plates 
12,  b;  18,  a;  2S,d;  24:,  g; 
26,  d;  34,  a,  c,  d,  and  35,  e, 
are  examples  of  such  a 
treatment.  In  most  of 
these  the  tendency  of  the 
design  to  "rim"  to  the 
left  is  very  clearly  seen. 
Good  results  as  regards 
vertical  stitching  are  ob- 
tained where  the  work  is 
not  ciuite  so  accurate,  and  where  the  stitches  of  the  new  coil  bifur- 
cate those  of  the  previous  row  to  the  right  of  the  middle.  But  the 
irregularity  in  stitching  frequently  interferes  with  the  creation  of 
absolutely  straight  vertical  edges,  hence  is  not  practicable  for  certain 
types  of  designs. 

A  straight  edge  is  the  prime  essential,  therefore  the  fault  of  leaning 
is  considered  much  more  glaring  if  an  attempt  is  made  in  the  middle 
of  the  band  to  correct  the  trend  than  if  it  is  allowed  to  continue  in 
the  same  direction,  even  when  the  slant  is  very  pronoimced. 

In  the  baskets  depicted  in  Plates  36,  /,  and  47,  a,  the  maker  at- 
tempted in  vain  to  correct  the  trend  of  her  right  band,  thus  creatmg  a 
bend  in  it.  The  introduction  of  animal  figures  at  the  corner,  however, 
shows  what  poor  success  she  had,  although  it  wiU  be  noted  that  at  the 
outset  indications  were  certainly  in  favor  of  a  good  trend.  It  may 
be  that  she  foresaw  that,  if  she  continued,  the  space  would  then  be 


Fig.  (iU.— Filler.     Peabody  Museum  57203 


282 


COILED    BASKETRY   IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


too  great  between  the  third  and  fourth  bands.  Certainly  it  is  rather 
odd  that  she  should  have  known  how  to  direct  the  band  to  the  right 
in  the  beginning  in  a  way  which  was  the  only  possible  solution  of 
her  difficulty  and  not  have  applied  this  principle  throughout  for 
aU  the  bands  which  ought  to  have  leaned  in  that  direction.  It  may 
be  that  the  care  involved  in  carrying  out  the  plan  proved  too  much 
in  addition  to  all  the  other  points  about  the  work  which  had  to  be 
kept  in  mind,  or  that  owing  to  the  technique  the  band  as  it  progressed 
would  necessarily  have  had  to  lean  too  far  to  the  right. 

In  many  cases  the  right  band  is  begim  so  far  to  the  left  (for  ex- 
ample, see  pis.  24,  g;  77)  that  it  is  difficult  to  understand  how  its  maker 
did  not  foresee  the  result.  The  band  in  this  particular  example,  which 
properly  should  balance  the  one  on  the  left,  has  not  the  same  degree 
of  slant  ordinarily  encountered,  but  it  was  so  badly  spaced  that 
not  one  but  two  additional  design  elements  were  required  to  fill  the 
vacant  spot. 

Figure  70,  a,  b,  show  the  introduction  of  a  filler  the  presence  of 

which  is  not  so  much  demanded  by  the 
leaning  verticals,  which  in  this  case  are 
not  enough  out  of  line  to  affect  the  corner 
seriously,  as  on  account  of  a  miscalcula- 
tion in  placing  them  when  the  wall  was 
first  begim.  The  ends  of  the  baskets  are 
alike  and  the  long  sides  also  resemble 
each  other  except  that  on  one  the  filler 
consists  of  a  double  row  of  imbricated 
stitches,  while  on  the  other  it  is  single. 
The  checker  idea  introduced  here  is  hardly 
in  keeping  with  the  diagonal  subdivision  of  the  stripes,  but  as  has  been 
pointed  out  before,  such  artistic  incongruities  are  by  no  means  rare. 
The  space  to  be  filled  in  tliis  case  would  admit  of  little  else. 

The  sketches  in  Figure  71  show  the  four  sides  of  a  basket,  the  first 
of  which  (a)  is  remarkable  for  the  even  distribution  of  the  meanders. 
Although  the  same  number  of  stitches  is  not  used  every  time,  prob- 
ably because  of  the  varying  width  of  the  sewing  splint,  the  distances 
maintained  are  very  exact.  The  short  side  (h)  shows  the  same  char- 
acter of  treatment  as  far  as  an  even  distribution  is  concerned.  On 
the  second  long  side  (c)  it  has  been  found  necessary  to  insert  a  fiUer, 
as  was  the  case  also  on  the  fourth  side  (d).  The  order  of  the  sides  is 
reckoned  from  the  break,  which  shows  where  the  walls  were  begun. 
This  is  an  interesting  specimen,  since  it  shows  that  a  woman  who  is 
capable  of  making  very  exact  circumference  divisions  and  calcula- 
tions does  not  always  keep  up  to  standard,  even  on  the  same  basket. 
It  may  be  that  her  attention  wandered  or  that  it  was  difficult  to 
concentrate  for  long  on  her  complicated   task.     At  any  rate,  so 


Fig.  70— FUler,    U.S.N.M.  222586 


BOAS] 


APPLICATION    OF   DESIGN   TO    FIELD 


283 


important  is  the  work  on  the  lowest  coil  that,  once  started,  with 
reasonable  care  a  very  good  distribution  could  be  maintained. 
Here  it  seems  that  not  even  for  the  extent  of  the  circumference  of 
the  bottom  did  the  woman  succeed  in  measuring  accurately,  but 
even  so  the  basket  is  very  much  better  handled  than  those  which 
have  just  been  discussed. 

It  is  probable  that  in  most  baskets  bearing  corner  designs  fillers 
were  not  at  first  intended,  but  that  the  necessity  for  their  incorpora- 
tion was  felt  as  the  work  progressed.  Undoubtedly  this  was  so  in  the 
basket  shown  in  Plate  49, /'. 


Fig.  71.— Filler 

Some  women,  however,  to  judge  from  the  character  of  these  small 
figures,  evidently  know  that  the  filler  is,  in  theu"  work,  usually  un- 
avoidable and  plan  for  it,  either  creating  for  these  spaces  smaller, 
complete  designs,  which  are  totally  different,  as  in  Plates  47,  h;  49,/, 
or  else  cuttmg  down  or  rearranging  those  already  in  use  so  that  their 
proportions  are  appropriate,  as  in  Plates  33,  e,  and  39,  c.  The  pres- 
ence of  these  "foreign"  elements  seldom  seems  to  disturb  the  esthetic 
sense  of  the  people;  indeed,  if  the  other  bands  come  out  fairly  well, 
so  that  fillers  are  needed  in  either  corner,  they  are  much  preferred, 
and  it  must  be  admitted  that  the  effect  is  better  than  when  they  are 
absent  (pi.  40,  b). 


284 


COILED    BASKETRY   IN    BRITISH   COLUMBIA 


(ETH.  ANN.  41 


According  to  information  collected  from  a  number  of  women  only 
a  comparatively  small  group  of  designs  could  be  used  as  fillers  for 
the  left-over  upper  corners  in  the  trapezoidal  fields  of  burden  baskets. 
Flower  designs  were  only  rarely  used  in  this  way.  On  the  other 
hand,  one  or  two  rather  plain  vertical  "droppers"  or  stripes,  or  small 
combinations  of  arrowheads  or  half  arrowheads  which  usually  pomted 
downward,  were  most  frequently  employed.  Half  arrowhead  designs 
of  this  character  resemble  those  shown  in  Sketches  277  and  292  but 
are  without  borders.  Other  fillers  are  typified  in  Sketches  245,  254, 
288,  and  293.  Still  other  patterns  are  Nos.  42,  66,  75,  173  extended 
vertically,  176,  230  upside  down,  303,  361,  363  and  364,  433,  434, 
606,  625,  and  626,  although  there  was  some  doubt  expressed  regarding 
684,  685,  698,  and  699.  The  remainder  of  the  list  mcludes  45,  63,  64, 
69,  70,  144,  145,  150  in  one  line  vertically,  159-162,  277  rather  rarely, 
294-296  rather  rarely,  331,  357  and  358  arranged  vertically,  359, 

365,  395,  398,  438,  514  as  a  single 
figure,  524,  551  with  ends  turned 
down,  570,  571,  627,  and  757  in  one 
line  verticaUy.^" 

The  basket  sketched  in  Figure  72 
speaks  for  itself.  At  first  glance 
side  a  appears  well  made,  and  the 
bare  corners  about  even.  But  this 
feature  has  been  secured  only  at  the 
cost  of  a  great  difference  in  width  be- 
tween the  first  and  third  of  the  wide 
stripes.  Note  also  the  omitted  stitch 
at  the  top  of  the  left  stripe.  A  similar  incongruity  occurs  in  the 
widths  of  the  stripes  of  the  other  sides,  those  on  h  being  more  nearly 
equal.  This  is  still  another  method  of  correcting  miscalculation  in  cir- 
cimiference  spacing  which  has  not  been  touclied  upon  before. 

Doctor  Haeberlin  has  sketched  in  Figure  73  a  basket  belonging 
to  the  collection  in  the  United  States  National  Museum  which  is 
reported  to  come  from  the  Fraser  River  region.  One  side  contains 
no  designs  except  a  band  of  plam  beading  near  the  top.  According 
to  Mr.  Teit's  observations  and  data,  this  should  be  a  Lillooet  speci- 
men, perhaps  traded  into  the  Fraser  region,  for  the  Thompson  are 
said  never  to  have  decorated  three  sides  of  a  basket  with  imbrica- 
tion to  the  exclusion  of  the  fourth.  On  the  first  imbricated  side, 
which  is  shown  in  a,  the  very  poor  adjustment  of  the  design  is  obvious 
and  in  distinct  contrast  to  h,  which  is  excellently  done  except  for  the 
slightly  wider  space  between  the  third  and  fourth  stripes.     This  gives 


Fig. 


'2. — Symmetrical  arrangement  on  side 
of  basket.    U.S.N.M.  216412 


•»  Compare  Plates  12,  b:  18,  o,-  23,  d;  24,  g:  26,  a,  d,  f:  33,  c:  34,  a,  c,  d;  35,  c,  e:  38,  c;  39,  a,  c;  40,  a;  51, 
I;  55,  e,  h:  56,  6;  57,  e;  77.    In  these  additional  patterns  will  be  found. 


BOAS] 


APPLICATION    OF   DESIGN   TO   FIELD 


285 


us  another  glimpse  at  personalities.  There  are  women  who  start 
well  and  finish  less  perfectly  and  there  are  those  who  having  spoiled 
one  side  are  not  deterred  from  improving  the  next.  The  fourth  side 
(fig.  73,  c)  is  uiteresting  because  of  the  omission  of  tlie  lowest  stitch 
on  the  right  side  of  the  third  stripe,  doubtless  because  the  whole  would 
then  appear  too  near  the  corner. 


Fig.  73. — Symmetrical  arrangement  on  sides  of  basket.    U.S.N.M.  217442 

One  of  the  most  perfect  examples  of  fine  technique  and  circiunfer- 
ence  spacing  is  to  be  seen  in  Figure  74,  a-d,  which  shows  better  than 
a  discussion  the  unusually  even  distribution  of  the  bands,  wlule  the 
regular  alternation  of  colors  is  most  pleasing.  The  blocks  them- 
selves are  beautiful  in  their  regularity  and  there  are  no  mistakes.     All 


j? 

'/y. 

'■'a 

'■''. 

i 

^ 

~ 

^■; 

i 

% 

1- 

? 

vA 

Y// 

V/ 

vA 

Fig.  74. — Basket  with  symmetrical  ornamentation.    U.S.N.M.  217459 

12  stripes  are  worked  as  shown  in  Figure  74,  e.  But  the  stripes  of 
the  sides  h,  c,  and  d  are  longer  than  those  of  a,  for  what  reason  can 
not  be  determined.  With  such  perfect  work  as  this,  it  is  evident  that 
tliis  pecidiarity  is  intentional. 

A  nice  example  of  almost  complete  symmetry  in  design  and  color 
may  be  seen  in  Figure  75.    The  character  of  the  vertical  pattern  has 


286 


COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


been  carefiiUy  worked  out  b}"-  Doctor  Haeberlin  in  Sketch  a.  His  notes 
refer  to  the  lowest  triangles  which  in  each  series  are  only  three 
instead  of  four  stitches  wide  across  the  top ;  all  the  others  in  the  series 
conform  to  the  latter  measurement.  The  rim  is  entirely  imbricated 
with  red  and  black  stitches,  the  colors  being  arranged  to  form  a 
contrast  with  the  scheme  of  the  vertical  design  immediately  below; 
that  is,  above  a  design  worked  in  red  and  white  the  rim  stitches  are 
black;  above  a  black  and  wliite  figure  the  stitches  are  red.  The 
alternation  of  the  two  rim  colors  lies  about  halfway  between  the 


:',Xi^.  1.  1,1.1- 


j£: 


? 


Fig.  75. — Basket  with  symmetrical  ornamentation.    A.M.N.H.  16-9543 

vertical  patterns.  At  the  rim  the  spaces  between  the  vertical  stripes 
are  divided  into  the  two  colors  in  the  following  manner: 

Space  1 3  black 3  red. 

Space  2 Bred 2  black. 

Space  3 2  black 3  red. 

Space  4 8  red 9  black,  corner. 

Spaces 4  black 5  red. 

Space  6 9  red 6  black,  corner. 

Space  7 3  black 4  red  (shown  in  sketch). 

Space  8 3  red 3  black  (shown  in  sketch). 

Space  9 6  black 6  red,  corner. 

!   Space  10 5  red 6  black. 


BOAS]  APPLICATION   OF  DESIGN  TO   FIELD  287 

Doctor  Haeberlin  says : 

At  the  last  corner  she  gets  into  difRculties,  for  this  is  the  place  where  the 
jump  occurs,  or  where  the  coil  begins  and  ends.  The  arrangement  there  is  as 
shown  in  sketch  b  of  Figure  75. 

The  symmetry  in  this  basket  is  excellent,  as  is  the  balancing  of 
color.  It  is  secured  first  by  the  very  careful  circumference  spacing 
of  tlie  vertical  designs  and  secondly  by  the  treatment  of  the  corners, 
where  more  space  is  allowed  between  the  designs  than  elsewhere. 

Small  Designs  on  Vertical  Stripes 

There  are  a  number  of  baskets  decorated  with  vertical  stripes 
and  similar  patterns  where  the  subdivision  into  small  designs  has 
involved  more  difficulties  and  consequent  errors  than  the  placing 
of  the  stripes  themselves  or  the  treatment  of  the  corners.  Indeed  it 
frequently  happens  that  the  basket  wall  is  exceedingly  well  subdi- 
vided, so  that  at  first  glance  the  entire  basket  presents  a  remarkably 
symmetrical  appearance,  but  upon  examination  the  subdivision  of 
the  stripes  or  similar  patterns  into  small  designs  reveals  a  multitude 
of  small  errors.  This  fact  seems  to  indicate  that  the  two  problems 
are  utterly  different,  allied  though  they  appear  to  be,  and  that  the 
case  of  basket  making  is  analogous  to  that  of  sculpture,  painting, 
music,  or  any  other  of  the  fine  arts.  There  are  those  artists  who  have 
broad  conceptions  and  splendid  ideas  which  they  can  sketch  in  a  big 
way  very  effectively,  but  when  it  comes  to  execution  the  work  had 
better  be  left  not  simply  to  artisans,  but  to  artists  who  finish  their 
work  with  the  utmost  nicety  and  attention  to  detail.  The  real 
artist  who  possesses  both  of  these  qualifications  to  a  marked  degree 
is  occasionally  found,  here  in  British  Columbia  as  elsewhere,  as  we 
have  seen  from  such  specimens  as  those  portrayed  in  Figures  57  and 
59  (pp.  270,  272)  where  every  point  is  perfect. 

We  have  already  discussed  some  baskets  which  displayed  small 
errors  (if  the  term  may  be  allowed  as  meaning  smaller  in  size),  as 
well  as  those  of  spacing  on  the  basket  itself.  The  baskets  about  to 
be  discussed  are  to  be  regarded  almost  exclusively  from  the  point  of 
view  of  the  little  errors  made  in  stitches  and  color,  because  these  are 
the  more  conspicuous  points  in  this  group.  Nevertheless  some  of  the 
old  mistakes  in  spacing  are  evident  and  will  be  noted  briefly. 

It  should  not  be  inferred  that  these  so-called  small  errors  are 
regarded  as  of  any  less  importance  artistically,  mechanically,  or 
psychologically  than  those  of  the  other  type.  They  are  controlled  in 
part  by  some  of  the  same  principles,  but  their  smaller  rhythms,  the 
necessity  for  closer  attention  to  the  detail  of  the  stitch,  the  very  fact 
that  smaller  spaces  are  involved  as  well  as  color  and  more  minute 
and  numerous  repetitions  of  an  idea,  give  the  situation  a  different 
aspect. 


288 


COILED    BASKETRY   IN   BRITISH    COLUMBIA 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


Figiire  76  depicts  a  basket  in  wliich  the  shortcomings  of  the  indi- 
vidual maker  are  as  clearly  disclosed  as  if  one  knew  her  personally. 
Beginning  with  the  bottom  coil  of  the  walls,  as  shown  in  a,  b,  and 
d,  it  is  evident  that  she  planned  to  border  her  vertical  stripes 
with  two  rows  of  stitches  instead  of  the  one  row  which  she  adopted 
at  the  next  round.  Evidently  she  was  influenced  in  her  decision  to 
make  the  change  by  the  fact  that  when  she  reached  the  end  of  the 
first  side  at  the  corner  she  discovered  that  by  poor  measuring  the  edge 
of  her  last  stripe  on  this  face  would  come  exactly  at  the  corner,  whereas 
the  first  stripe  was  begxm  2}4  centimeters  in  from  the  left  corner. 
Nevertheless,  on  the  succeeding  three  sides  she  continued  putting 
in  two  imbricated  stitches  where  the  edge  of  each  stripe  was  to  come, 
although  she  had  omitted  the  second  stitch  at  the  corner  just  dis- 

i.  ji  ,1 cussed.     In  addition   to    this 

lyr    :  :    A   ':        :  W  ^  mistake,  in  the  first  vertical 

stripe  she  had  placed  one  too 
many  stitches  so  that  the  bot- 
tom chevron  was  not  exactly 
centered,  necessitating  an  ex- 
tra stitch  on  either  side  where 
the  chevron  extends  to  the 
edge  at  some  distance  up  on 
the  stripe.  Then  in  the  cen- 
tral stripe  not  only  on  this  side, 
but  also  on  the  opposite  long 
face,  she  began  the  design  in 
the  stripe  with  two  stitches, 
which  in  the  following  round 
she  reduced  to  one  which  could 
not  be  (or  was  not)  centered 
above  the  two,  thus  giving  the  base  of  the  figure  its  unsymmetrical 
appearance.  In  the  second  row,  in  the  first  vertical  stripe  on 
the  side  marked  a,  the  edge  stitches  of  the  vertical  stripe  are 
placed  above  the  outside  stitches  of  the  two  used  in  the  first 
round;  in  the  central  stripe  one  side  is  continued  upward  from 
the  inner  stitch,  the  other  from  the  outer.  The  third  stripe  was 
necessarily  continued  from  the  inner  of  the  two  stitches  of  the 
first  coil  because  of  the  short  distance  between  the  second  and  third 
stripes,  which  perhaps  was  now  more  apparent  to  her.  On  the  end 
(b)  the  continuation  of  the  stripe  from  its  foimdation  of  two  (and 
three)  stitches  for  either  edge  is  symmetrical,  but  does  not  corre- 
spond to  what  occurred  on  the  first  face,  since  here  the  continuation 
proceeds  from  the  inner  of  the  two  stitches  on  each  edge.  On  the 
second  long  face  we  have  still  other  methods  of  procedure,  as  we  have 
again  on  the  second  end.  Doctor  Haeberlin's  notes  state  that  the 
stitches  on  the  entire  basket  are  unusually  irregular,  part  of  which 


fi 

4  d^ 

rn 

w 

\, 

m 
11  [ 

j 

\ 

,  / 

-Basket  showing  change  in  the  plan  of  deco- 
ration.    U.S.N.M.  216413 


B0A3J 


APPLICATION    OF    DESIGN   TO    FIELD 


289 


may  be  accounted  for  cjuite  readily  by  the  uneven  width  of  the  sewing 
sphnts,  as  may  be  noted  in  the  center  of  the  second  stripe  on  face  a, 
a  circumstance  which  here  makes  the  two  "arms"  of  the  crosspiece 
quite  asymmetrical.  On  the  whole,  one  can  quite  easily  perceive 
from  her  handiwork  the  careless  disposition  of  the  woman,  who  not 
only  prepared  her  sphnts  badly,  but  likewise  was  so  little  able  to  fix  her 
attention  on  the  work  in  hand,  or  was  so  lightly  blessed  with  a  love 
of  order,  that  she  could  not  in  two  consecutive  stripes  maintain  the 
same  general  procedure,  although  she  evidently  had  a  definite  scheme 
of  decoration  in  mind,  wliich  was  well  planned,  not  only  for  the  bas- 
ket, but  in  color,  where  the  imbrication  for  the  stripes  is  alternately 
red  and  black;  and  to  her  credit  be  it  said  that  she  did  not  need  a 
"filler."  The  indications  are  in  favor  of  a  mind  wliich  can  visualize 
and  plan  in  a  large  way,  but  which  can  not  execute  with  nicety. 

The  basket  shown  in  Plate  49,  6,  and  Figure  77  is  extremely  interest- 
ing from  the  standpoint  of  small  rhythms  and  mistakes.     On  the 


Fig.  77. — Basket  illustrating  lack  of  symmetry  in  detail 

whole  the  design  is  quite  well  conceived  and  executed  and  it  is  quite 
evident  what  the  maker's  intentions  were.  Doctor  Haeberlin  has  not 
given  any  photographs  of  the  long  sides,  but  there  is  enough  material 
for  study  on  the  ends  of  the  basket.  Beginning  with  side  a,  on  the 
left  end,  since  the  work  progressed  toward  the  right,  it  is  evident 
that  the  intention  was  to  ornament  each  block  with  two  diagonal 
lines,  and  judging  from  the  blocks  on  both  ends  the  predominating 
idea  was  to  have  those  on  the  lowest  tier  rim  up  toward  the  left.  But 
in  the  middle  block  this  direction  was  shifted  toward  the  right. 
Whether  tliis  was  the  original  intention  and  the  maker  changed  her 
mind,  or  a  mistake,  can  not  be  stated.  With  the  beginning  of  the 
second  tier  it  was  found  that  the  increase  in  size  of  the  face  owing  to 
the  slant  of  the  walls  would  permit  of  inserting  another  block  at  the 
left.  Probably  this  had  not  been  previously  considered.  This  is 
merely  assumed,  however,  due  to  the  change  in  ornamentation  from 
the  established  diagonal  to  an  utterly  incongruous  vertical  line  run- 
ning up  the  middle  of  the  block.     Such  is  usually  the  character  of 


290  COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  [ete.  ann.« 

the  filler.  It  is  true  that  the  filler  most  frequently  occupies  the  right 
side,  but  it  has  occasionally  been  seen  on  the  left.  It  would  be  inter- 
esting to  know  what  the  maker  had  to  say  on  the  subject,  for  only  she 
could  settle  the  question.  The  women  are  not  very  prone  to  intro- 
duce foreign  elements  except  in  the  filler,  and  this  is  the  considera- 
tion that  influences  our  assumption  in  this  case.  In  the  second 
tier  of  blocks  the  same  idea  of  diagonals  is  consistently  carried  out 
as  in  the  first,  namely,  they  lean  in  the  first  block  to  the  left,  in  the 
second  to  the  right,  and  in  the  third  to  the  left  again.  It  is  not 
entirely  fair  to  examine  one  side  of  a  basket  without  simultaneously 
presenting  the  other  three  sides,  since  the  structure  is  a  spiral  coil 
and  with  the  addition  of  each  new  coil  the  entire  cu'cuit  of  the  basket 
must  be  encompassed.  In  this  way  it  is  very  easy  for  the  artist  to 
carry  over  from  one  face  to  another  her  problems  and  thought  proc- 
esses almost  mechanically,  especially  when  there  is  so  much  to  attend 
to,  so  that  she  frequently  forgets  to  make  the  required  changes  neces- 
sary in  a  new  situation.  In  the  third  and  fourth  tiers  she  failed  to 
maintain  her  rhytluns  of  direction,  and  it  is  not  possible  to  say 
what  she  had  in  mind,  whether  the  left  blocks  show  mistakes  or  an 
attempted  change  in  scheme.  At  any  rate  the  diagonals  of  the 
center  blocks  (not  counting  the  fillers)  do  not  alternate  in  direction 
with  those  on  either  side,  although  the  right  blocks  in  each  tier  are 
alike  and  the  center  ones  are  the  same  for  the  lower  three  rows  of 
side  a.  It  is  interesting  to  notice  the  greater  length  of  the  top  row  of 
blocks,  due  to  using  one  coil  too  many,  and  that  the  artist  seemed  to 
think  it  necessary  to  continue  with  her  idea  and  start  another  diago- 
nal, which  spoils  the  effect  (see  pi.  49,  b).  It  would  have  been  better 
had  she  left  the  last  coil  plain. 

With  side  h  (fig.  77)  the  artist  evidently  had  bad  luck  continually. 
It  is  almost  impossible  to  reduce  the  diagonals  to  any  sort  of  scheme. 
In  the  second  and  fourth  tiers  she  made  bad  mistakes  which  would 
have  been  far  less  evident  had  she  not  changed  the  direction  of  the 
second  diagonal. 

The  woman  who  worked  on  the  basket  sketched  in  Figiire  78 
evidently  tried  many  experiments  to  overcome  her  difiiculties.  The 
worst  of  her  troubles  came  from  stripes  which  in  some  cases  were 
too  wide,  but  more  often  on  account  of  additional  stitches  which 
were  occasioned  by  narrower  sewing  splints  and  perhaps  tighter 
sewing.  These  Uttle  inaccuracies  are  very  unimportant  where  the 
sewing  is  plain  but  make  themselves  felt  at  once  as  soon  as  each 
stitch  is  imbricated,  since  definite  numbers  of  these  affect  the  stepped 
designs  so  often  used.  In  Figure  78  almost  every  stripe  reveals  a 
different  difficulty,  not  least  among  wliich  are  the  truncation  of  the 
triangles  where  the  stripes  are  too  narrow  or  too  broad  to  admit  of 
their  proper  completion. 


BO&S] 


APPLICATION   OF  DESIGN  TO   FIELD 


291 


^ 


i 

li? 

'■'/  ■■</  '/a'^H'^- 

i 

If 

;.;|^ 

/ 

F^ 

• 

iiii  _ 

/■ 

^„ 

1 

^ 

^ 

^i 

/ 

■V. 

m 

i 

^^ 

11 

•■X>  ■■ 

i"-  ;^' 

if 

^^,i 

A-^z. 

i?^ 

^ 

__ 

i 

;? 

^ 

- 

- 

— 

-- 

-•  '/■ 

y;. 

'/ 

?• 

^ 

y 

,' 

^ 

^ 

9. 

;?^ 

- 

; 

■:i  1 

4 

- 

- 

- 

^ 

'■'Z 

i 

■' 

- 

- 

_ 

- 

~ 

- 

p/ 

I 


''A 

i 

y 
^///, 

,j 

i 

1 

1 

1 

^ 

1 

i 

i 

i 

i 

i 

^ 

^ 

i 

/ 

V 

M 

ii 

^i 

i 

>/. 

i 

•/: 

f; 

^■■; 

- 

^': 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

-- 

- 

~ 

- 

" 

^ 
^ 

_ 

~ 

- 

~ 

Fig.  78. — Diagonal  design  Ulustrating  difficulties  encountered  in  the  arrangement  of 
diagonal  lines.     A.M.N.H.  16.1-473 


292 


COILED    BASKETRY   IN   BRITISH   COLUMBIA 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


Figure  79,  a,  gives  an  idea  of  the  stepped  diagonals  on  eight  vertical 
stripes  on  a  large  basket,  showing  only  the  lower  end  of  one.  The 
stripes  are  all  the  same  as  far  as  number  of  stitches  and  height  of  the 
lines  is  concerned,  but  the  details  of  the  lines  vary  and  the  succession 
of  colors  is  changed. 

"The  interesting  feature  of  these  ornaments,"  writes  Doctor 
Haeberlin,  "is  the  difficulty  into  which  the  woman  comes  by  starting 
the  stripes  with  12  stitches  at  the  base.  This  accounts  for  the  greater 
breadth  of  the  black  line  in  block  2  (fig.  79,  a).  She  might  have 
corrected  this  trouble  in  different  ways.  She  chose  to  use  one  less 
stitch  from  the  tenth  coil  up.     Two  other  possibilities  of  solution 


^ 

- 

- 

r^: 

'/' 

"■^ 

1 

„ 

- 

V' 

''A 

'// 

'^, 

Vf 

'/' 

V, 

'/, 

I 

i 

h 

1 

P 

1 

1 

//. 

/// 

/A 

' 

-~ 

s 

1 

1 

^ 

y<% 

::.<^, 

'//, 

y/. 

^ 

'/, 

V' 

U 

??- 

'^z. 

Jig.  79.— Diagonal  design  illustrating  difficulties  encountered  in  the  arrangement  of  diagonal  lines. 

A.M.N.n.  16-8835 

existed  which  are  shown  in  Figure  79,  6,  c."  In  a  the  twelve- 
colmnn  arrangement  requires  a  width  of  three  stitches  for  the  black 
diagonal,  while  in  the  upper  eleven-column  arrangement  all  the 
diagonals  are  two  stitches  wide.  In  h  the  central  white  diagonal 
is  broken,  while  in  c  the  diagonals  lack  the  dark  border. 

A  similar  problem  is  encountered  in  the  basket  sketched  in  Figures 
80  and  81.  Note  the  regular  circumference  spacing  of  the  stripes  in 
Figure  80.  In  Figure  80,  6,  the  detail  drawing  shows  the  impos- 
sibility of  exactly  centering  the  zigzag  owing  to  the  number  of  stitches 
which  make  up  the  width  of  the  stripe.  Figure  81  shows  the  device 
resorted  to,  in  order  to  avoid  an  interference  on  the  part  of  the 
angle  of  the  zigzag  with  the  edge. 


boas] 


APPLICATION   OF  DESIGN   TO  FIELD 


293 


If  care  is  not  taken  to  preserve  the  relative  heights  of  different 
figures  which  make  up  the  decoration  of  two  kinds  of  vertical  stripes 
on  the  same  basket  the  frequent  result  is  that  the  stripes  which  are 


'■  : 

;                       '/'         ;' 

-  ^              ':'' 

i; 

m 

^                '        '■/; 

;.      :: 

:i;     .,=ffl    i 

; 

'/,                                  ; 

\',            '■■', 

■''-,     '"- 

m 

■ 

L.         ,: 

i,.      ;:: 

;'' 

''A     ':m    I 

; 

...... J            ^^. 

w 

\             ■ : 

.    ...J             .., 

i          ; 

J            ..:ffl          1 

' 

'/'    -;       '■■:■■ 

....^j. 

/  '                   '  / 

m 

'''                  ; 

1                    ^ 

■,     '. 

T        "H]     1 

'I 

^ '               ■/' 

J               ■''■ 

'% 

m 

;   ■ 

^ 

'^ 

■,; 

:^      Jffl    1 

1           -'      ' 

'n       T 

H        ^i 

m 

'■/■              '', 

^          - 

..IT 

' 

;                             '  : 

:;            ;; 

'A           '■', 

'^         1 

m 

'                                 '  ', 

-{■'.        \ 

I              '\ 

1^      "iin    1 

' 

a''                    '''' 

.=        : 

■  ;■ 

^^      H, 

m 

; 

<                              1 

•    .l\           \ 

: 

■ 

:^        iffl    1 

. 

■'\ 

■-ir--ii           '"'■-. 

-  i                ;2- 

m 

\ 

^              -A 

y  ;;          ■■ 

/.■                   'V 

,■.' 

1^      -m  J 

Fig. 


-Design  illustrating  difficulties  encountered  in  the  arrangement  of  diagonal  lines. 
U.S.N.M.  217465 


ornamented  with  figures  a  little  shorter  or  taller  than  those  introduced 
in  the  majority  have  the  appearance  of  being  imfinished  at  the  rim, 
since  because  of  different  spacing  there  is  room  at  the 
last  for  only  incomplete  elements.  This  may  be  seen  in 
Figure  82. 

Mistakes  in  imbrication  made  in  the  pattern  itseK  are 
sometimes  responsible  for  a  complete  change  in  the  deco- 
rative scheme  and  it  is  quite  probable  that  in  this  way 
new  ideas  occasionally  present  themselves  to  the  artist. 
In  Figure  83  a  mistake  made  in  the  eighth  coil  led  to  the 
substitution  of  a  single  colmnn  of  long  rectangles  for  the 
divided  rectangles  of  the  lower  coils. 

The  error  made  in  the  first  stripe  in  Figiu-e  84  has  been 
rectified  by  the  artist  in  succeeding  stripes,  showing  that 
she  had  definite  ideas,  and  that  the  omission  of  certain 
stitches  in  the  fu-st  stripe  was  detected. 

There  are  two  kinds  of  vertical  stripes  on  the  long  sides 
of  the  basket  sketched  in  Figm"e  85.  That  lettered  b  de- 
termines the  height  of  the  basket.  The  shpped  diagonals 
of  a  are  adjusted  to  this.  The  basket  was  begun,  as  is 
usually  the  case,  at  one  corner.  The  stripe  shown  in 
Figure  85,  h,  was  the  first  one  started  and  is  at  one  end 
of  the  basket.  After  having  completed  her  first  diagonal  on  this 
end  (f ) ,  on  reaching  the  next  stripe  (a) ,  also  a  stripe  with  diagonal  fines, 
she  discovered  that  a  line  fom*  coils  in  height  was  too  high  for  the 


Fig.  81.— De- 
sign illustrat- 
ing difficul- 
ties encount- 
ered in  the  ar- 
rangement of 
diagonal  lines 


294 


COILED    BASKETRY    IN   BRITISH   COLUMBIA 


(eTH.  ANN.  41 


three-coil  triangles  of  the  next  stripe  (a)  and  so  began  her  second 
diagonal  Ime  three  coils  high  (c)  instead  of  making  it  four  coils  high  as 
she  did  on  stripe  a.     But  the  most  interesting  question  to  answer  is, 


Fig.  82.— Diagonal  design  illustrating  difHculties 
encountered  in  the  arrangement  of  diagonal  lines 


Fig.  83. — Change  of  pattern  of  deco- 
ration.   A.M.N.H.  16.1-547 


why,  havmg  made  tliis  adjustment  between  the  patterns  of  the  two 
stripes,  did  she  go  back  to  her  original  idea  for  the  remainder  of  the 


'  : 

'^ 

i: 

■m 

i 

p 

- 

- 

„ 

-^ 

- 

i 

- 

- 

iA 

4 

in 

i 

a 

1 

- 

- 

- 

" 

- 

- 

'/, 

i 

1^ 

~ 

'^ 

1 

1 

^ 

- 

■^ 

- 

/, 

f/^ 

'// 

'V. 

i 

. 

'/. 

; 

> 

V/ 

;; 

// 

'/<' 

■// 

i 

Fig.  St.— Errors  in  arrangements  of  diagonal  patterns.    A.M.N.H.  16.1-616 

basket  walls?  She  may  have  thought  three-coil  diagonal  lines  too 
short.  At  any  rate,  she  very  cleverly  came  out  even  at  the  top  with 
her  two  patterns  of  different  heights,  which  redounds  to  her  credit. 


boas] 


APPLICATION    OF   DESIGN   TO    FIELD 


295 


On  either  side  of  the  central  figure  of  another  basket  is  a  band  such 
as  is  sketched  in  Figure  86,  and  the  diagonal  lines  in  the  stripes  are 
synunetrically   arranged    as   regards   each   other.     Note    the   slight 


^              77- V?,'77.77,^ 

k' 

t^' 

t. 

1       ____ 

1       -^ 

w. 

^     Jj 

ir      • 

u 

w  ■ 

„ 

- 

- 

^ 

^ 

- 

- 

„ 

- 

-- 

^ 

1 


i 


J 


" 

/, 

- 

- 

i 

- 

- 

/ 

' 

~ 

- 

- 

- 

' 

- 

a  b 

Fig.  85. — Errors  in  arrangements  of  diagonal  patterns.    AJM.N.H, 


c 

16.1-524 


errors  in  Figure  86.     Being  of  exactly  the  same  height  as  the  central 

figure  and  decorated  \vith  lines  the  length  of  which  was  not  estimated 

according  to  the  proposed  height  of  the  basket,  the  stripes  have  an 

incomplete  appearance  because  the 

top  diagonals  Iiave  been  cut  short. 

The  bottom  diagonals  of  the  stripe 

are  four  instead  of  three  stitches 

wide.     No  doubt  they  were  found 

to  be  too  stubby,  since  a  diagonal 

line   is    clearly   what  was  wanted. 

The    rhomboid,  as    has    been   said 

before,  is  a  rare  design  element  in 

Thompson  art,  imless  we  choose  to 

call    the    attenuated    figiu-e    which 

more  resembles  a  diagonal  line  by 

tills  name. 

A  certain  rather  regular  relation 
exists  between  an  entirely  imbri- 
cated surface  and  a  higli  standard 
of  perfection  in  the  technical  exe- 
cution of  designs,  the  reason  for  which  is  not  far  to  seek.  It  lias  been 
stated  that  the  women  take  much  more  care  with  the  sewing  splints 
which  are  to  be  used  in  connection  with  imbrication  and  likewise 
with  the  sewing;  that  is,  the  placing  of  each  stitch.  They  realize 
53666°— 28 20 


Fig.  80. — Errors  in  arrangements  of  diagonal 
patterns 


296 


COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA 


lETH.  ANN.  41 


that  slight  variations  in  the  width  of  the  sphnt  show  up  very  quickly 
in  the  imbrication  which  overlies  it,  particularly  if  designs  are  to  be 
evolved  from  grouped  stitches  of  contrasting  colors.  Therefore,  on  an 
entirely  imbricated  basket,  both  for  background  and  designs,  the 
chances  are  always  for  better  work  all  aroiuid,  although  ill-matched 

designs  and  other  such  troubles 
are  often  present  on  account  of 
the  shape  of  the  basket  to  which 
an  unadaptable  design  may  be 
appUed. 

A  beautiful  example  of  an  en- 
tirely imbricated  storage  basket 
is  given  in  Figure  87  and  Plate 
15,  c.  Sketch  h  of  this  figure 
gives  a  detail  of  the  design. 
Doctor  Haeberlin  has  taken  the 
trouble  to  count  the  stitches  at 
all  points  on  the  basket  corre- 
sponding to  those  marked  A  and 
B  in  the  figure,  and  the  accom- 
panying table  shows  what  re- 
markable uniformity  has  been 
found  in  the  spacing.  Even  with 
such  accurate  work  there  is  an 
asymmetrical  grouping  of  the 
series  of  diamonds  on  a  short  end 
of  the  basket,  owing  to  original  poor  subdivision  of  the  circumference 

of  the  first  coU. 

Side  A 
Between  stripes  a  and  b 
A — 7.     Between  rows  1  and  2:  B — 15. 
A — 7  and  8.     Between  rows  2  and  3:   B — 17. 
A — 9.     Between  rows  3  and  4:  B — 16. 
A— 8. 


Fig.  87. 


-Basket  illustrating  uniformity  of  design. 
A.M.N.U.  16-8838 


Row  1: 
Row  2: 
Row  3: 
Row  4: 

Row  1: 
Row  2: 
Row  3: 
Row  4: 

Row  1: 
Row  2: 
Row  3: 
Row  4: 

Row  1: 
Row  2: 
Row  3: 
Row  4: 


A— 7. 

A— 7. 
A— 7. 
A— 7. 

A— 7. 
A— 7. 
A— 7. 
A— 7. 


Between  stripes  b  and  c 
Between  rows  1  and  2:  B — 15. 
Between  rows  2  and  3:  B — 15. 
Between  rows  3  and  4:  B — 15. 

Betiveen  stripes  c  and  d 
Between  rows  1  and  2:  B — 15. 
Between  rows  2  and  3:  B — 15. 
Between  rows  3  and  4:  B — 15. 

Between  stripes  d  and  e 
Between  rows  1  and  2:  B — 17. 
Between  rows  2  and  3:  B — 17. 
Between  rows  3  and  4:  B — 17. 


BOis)  APPLICATION    OF   DESIGN   TO    FIELD  297 

Side  B 

The  grouping  of  the  stripes  on  tlie  surface  of  this  side  is  asym- 
metrical, being  sliifted  over  too  far  to  the  left. 

Between  stripes  a  and  b 

Between  rows  1  and  2:  B — 14. 
Between  rows  2  and  3:  B — 14. 
Between  rows  3  and  4:  B — 14. 

Between  stripes  b  and  c 

Between  rows  1  and  2:  B — 16. 
Between  rows  2  and  3:  B — 16. 
Between  rows  3  and  4:  B — 16. 

Side  C 

Between  stripes  a  and  b 

Row  1:  A — 7.  Between  rows  1  and  2:  B — 15. 
Row  2:  A — 7.  Between  rows  2  and  3:  B — 15. 
Row  3:  A — 7.  Between  rows  3  and  4:  B — 15. 
Row  4:  A— 7. 

Between  stripes  b  and  c 

Row  1:  A — 7.  Between  rows  1  and  2:  B — 15. 

Row  2:  A — 7.  Between  rows  2  and  3:  B — 15. 

Row  3:  A — 7.  Between  rows  3  and  4:  B — 15. 
Row  4:  A— 7 


Row  1: 

A- 

-6. 

Row  2: 

A- 

-6. 

Row  3: 

A- 

-6. 

Row  4: 

A- 

-6. 

Row  1: 

A- 

-S. 

Row  2: 

A- 

-8. 

Row  3: 

A- 

-8. 

Row  4: 

A- 

-8. 

Between  stripes  c  and  d 

Row  1:  A — 7.  Between  rows  1  and  2:  B — 15. 
Row  2:  A — 7.  Between  rows  2  and  3:  B — 15. 
Row  3:  A — 7.  Between  rows  3  and  4:  B — 15. 
Row  4:  A— 7. 

Between  stripes  d  and  e 

Row  1:  A — 8.  Between  rows  1  and  2:  B — 16. 
Row  2:  A— 8.  Between  rows  2  and  3:  B — 16. 
Row  3:  A — 8.  Between  rows  3  and  4:  B — 16. 
Row  4:  A— 8. 

Side  D 

The  grouping  of  the  stripes  on  the  surface  of  this  side  is  much 
closer  to  symmetry  than  that  of  side  b. 

Between  stripes  a  and  b 

Row  1:  A — 7.  Between  rows  1  and  2:  B — 15. 
Row  2:  A — 7.  Between  rows  2  and  3:  B — 15. 
Row  3:  A — 7.     Between  rows  3  and  4:  B — 16. 


Row  4:  A- 


Between  stripes  b  and  c 


Row  1:  A — 7.  Between  rows  1  and  2:  B — 15. 

Row  2:  A — 7.  Between  rows  2  and  3:  B — 15. 

Row  3:  A — 7.  Between  rows  3  and  4:  B — 15. 
Row  4:  A— 7. 


298 


COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


Lid  Problems 

The  lid  problems,  especially  where  the  designs  are  carried  over 
from  the  walls  so  as  to  make  one  complete  whole,  present  some  even 
more  difficult  situations.  We  can  not  but  admire  the  artistic  sense  of 
a  people  who  treat  a  basket  as  a  whole,  from  the  standpoint  of  design 
and  wall  structure,  for  it  will  be  remembered  with  what  care  many  of 
the  modern  specimens  are  constructed  with  flanges  on  the  inside  of 
the  orifice  to  support  lids  whose  edges  turn  down  so  as  to  meet  exactly 
and  lie  in  one  plane  with  the  wall  coils.  Plate  48,  h,  c,  is  a  striking 
example  of  the  ingenuity  and  craftsmanship  as  well  as  of  artistic  taste 
sometimes  displayed.  Figure  88^'  is  given  here  to  show  the  meas- 
urements taken  by  Doctor  Hacberlin  which  exliibit  the  great  care 
exercised  by  the  maker  during  the  building  of  the  entire  structure. 
The  number  of  stitches  and  measurements  on  the  one  side  are  given 
in  Figure  88.  On  the  opposite  side  the  nimiber  of  stitches  from  left 
to  right  is  4  (1^  cm.),  16  (5  cm.),  14  (4  cm.),  16  {4^  cm.),  16  (4M 
cm.) ,  16  (4J^  cm.)  ,5(13^  cm.).     Nevertheless,  designs  such  as  vertical 


.'t't 


II,  it 

Fig.  88. 


Ilit  )44t 

-Measurements  of  basket. 


/»«t(«rlW  /44t 

U.S.N.M.  216420 


stripes,  which  are  an  excellent  means  of  decorating  baskets  with 
trapezoidal  faces,  are  not  at  all  amenable  to  successful  adjustment  on 
oval  lids.  This  is  very  evident  from  the  basket  seen  in  Plate  48,  &,  c. 
Viewed  from  the  side,  the  handling  of  the  design  is  admirable,  but, 
owing  to  really  very  slight  inaccuracies  in  circumference  subdivision 
and  the  leftward  lean  of  the  vertical  pattern,  a  difficulty  from  which 
the  finest  craftswoman  can  not  extricate  lierseK  without  a  total  change 
of  technique,  the  fid  is  anything  but  satisfactory.  We  wonder  that 
it  appears  as  well  as  it  does.  This  is  one  of  the  fids  that  is  either 
worked  from  the  circmnference  toward  the  center  or  else  coiled  left- 
handedly.  The  latter  is  not  probable,  since  the  alignment  of  the 
design  is  so  perfect  where  the  lid  edge  meets  the  basket. 

Plate  48,  a,  is  a  photograph  of  a  design  executed  with  astonishing 
accuracy  in  the  face  of  the  almost  overwhelming  obstacles  presented 
by  the  technique  and  with  the  type  of  ornamentation  chosen.  In 
Plate  35,  e,  we  find  a  much  happier  selection  of  design  and  the  product 
of  a  very  able  technician. 


"  The  three  vertical  bands  indicate  the  space  of  the  rectangular  patterns  on  the  long  sides  of  the  basket. 


BOA3J  APPLICATION    OF   DESIGN    TO    FIELD  299 

Several  women  discussed  in  detail  the  construction  of  a  lid  similar 
to  that  shown  on  Plate  11 ,  &.  They  agreed  that  in  the  first  place  the 
structure  of  the  lid  was  bad,  and  in  consequence  it  was  very  difficult 
to  apply  the  imbrication  correctly.  They  declared  that  a  lid  of  tliis 
shape  was  no  more  difficult  to  construct  than  any  other  and  the 
problems  it  presented  were  certainly  no  worse  than  those  encountered 
in  building  some  sharp-cornered  baskets.  They  considered  the 
design  rather  inappropriate  for  a  lid  of  this  shape,  as  it  would  also 
be  for  a  more  circular  flat  surface,  because  it  was  very  difficult  to 
adjust.  The  maker  was  criticized  as  not  having  spaced  her  design 
properly  in  the  beginning.  Her  imbrication  points  at  different 
angles  at  the  corners  (i.  e.,  not  at  an  equal  number  of  degrees  at  each 
corner),  because  the  coil  stitches  have  been  permitted  to  vary  in 
their  relative  positions.  They  did  not  believe  that  this  had  been 
caused  by  holding  the  lid  in  a 
different  position  from  that  usu- 
ally maintained  by  the  average 
worker.  They  criticized  that 
the  coils  had  been  stitched  to- 
gether in  the  same  way  as  when 
making  a  bottom;  and  that 
little  care  had  been  taken  to 
place  each  stitch  correctly  at 
the  corners,  as  must  be  done 
when  making  an  imbricated  lid. 
All  these  errors  resulted  in  an 
asymmetrical  design.  They  ex- 
plained that  in  turning  a  sharp 
corner  the  stitches  must  spread  ^'■°-  89--Decorated  lid 

at  the  outer  edge  of  the  coil  and  at  the  same  time  overlap  on  the 
imier  edge,  and  evidently  any  carelessness  in  placing  them  would 
affect  the  position  of  the  whole  design.  In  bottoms  which  are  not 
imbricated  slight  inaccuracies  are  not  of  such  unportance. 

Other  lids  are  given  in  Figm-e  89  and  Plates  11, 12, 14,  35,  36,  41, 42, 
45,  48,  49,  50,  and  51.  It  is  only  comparatively  recently  that  the 
women  have  undertaken  such  difficult  artistic  and  technical  problems 
as  those  shown  in  the  illustrations  just  discussed.  The  former  deco- 
rations were  largely  beading,  not  only  for  the  parallel-coiled  lids 
shown  here  but  for  the  watch-spring  and  elongated  cods  as  well. 
Lids  like  that  given  in  Plate  50,  c,  a  (  =  56,  a),  wliile  not  presenting 
any  comphcated  artistic  problem,  display  very  well  the  technical 
genius  of  the  builder,  who  by  means  of  carefully  graded  parallel  coils 
constructed  a  lid  which  in  appearance  is  exactly  like  the  hmnp  tops 
of  our  old-fashioned  trunks.  The  piece  of  imbricated  work  shown  in 
Plate  50,/,  is  not  a  lid  but  the  inside  bottom  of  a  tub-shaped  basket, 


300  COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  [ETH.Aira.41 

one  of  the  rare  examples  found.  It  is  unique  in  that  it  shows  imbri- 
cation on  parallel  coils.  Plate  51  gives  some  odd  new  shapes  and  two 
classic  Lillooet  forms,  beautifully  made,  from  wliich  a  Thompson 
form  was  evidently  taken  (pi.  51,  m). 

Lastly,  the  trays  in  Plates  52,  53,  and  54,  presenting  some  of  the 
problems  encountered  in  oval  elongated  coiled  hds,  disclose  the  fact 
that  a  few  women  are  not  able  to  space  properly  even  on  shapes 
the  whole  surface  of  which  may  be  seen  at  one  glance,  while  others 
produce  almost  perfect  specimens. 

The  examples  here  discussed  show  tliat  various  ways  of  meeting 
the  difficulties  encountered  in  the  adaptation  of  designs  have  been 
devised  and  that  different  degrees  of  aptitude  are  found  not  only 
among  different  women  but  often  combined  in  the  same  person. 
An  otherwise  extremely  accurate  technician  proves  at  fault  in  spacing 
her  designs  properly  around  the  circumference  of  the  coil  (pi.  15,  c; 
fig.  87).  A  woman  with  excellent  artistic  ideas  who  spaces  very  well 
indeed  is  often  confused  in  the  lesser  design  rhythms  into  which  she 
subdivides  her  larger  conceptions  (fig.  81).  Another  one  above  the 
average  in  all  these  respects  may  be  poor  at  regulating  the  size  of  her 
coils  and  aligning  them  with  each  other,  so  that  her  basket  structure 
is  bimipy  even  while  her  stitching  and  decoration  are  exceptional. 
Sometimes  we  find  that  those  who  have  committed  blunders  have 
cleverly  sought  to  cover  them  up  or  to  turn  them  to  their  advantage 
in  a  way  which  was  entirely  unpremeditated.  And  now  and  then  we 
find  that  satisfying  person,  the  all-around  genius,  whose  beautiful 
specimens  of  handiwork  are  perfect,  both  from  a  technical  and 
artistic  point  of  view.  The  most  striking  peculiarity  of  design  ar- 
rangement consists  in  the  lack  of  feehng  for  unity  of  motifs  exhibited 
in  the  use  of  incongruous  fillers. 

THE  SELECTION  OF  THE  DESIGN 

The  individual  woman  plays  no  small  part  in  the  estabhshment  of 
the  basketry  style  of  her  tribe,  especially  if  a  certain  degree  of  liberty 
is  allowed  her  to  follow  her  own  inclinations,  and  this  seems  to  be 
the  case  in  the  Thompson  region.  The  women  are  not  restricted 
in  their  selection  of  designs  but  make  any  number;  most  of  them  from 
time  to  time  undertake  patterns  with  which  they  have  pre\nously 
been  unacquainted;  others  invent  variations  of  old  elements  which 
they  have  used  before,  and  some  do  both.  During  a  woman's  life- 
time certain  designs  and  variations  may  perhaps  be  considered  to 
belong  to  her  in  a  sense  that  they  are  her  particular  inventions,  but 
knowledge  concerning  origins  is  soon  lost  by  the  majority,  especially 
after  the  designs  have  been  copied  or  changed  by  others.  Only  in 
the  minds  of  a  few  people  hke  old  Kalia,  who  once  hved  at  Spu^zum, 


BOAS]  SELECTION   OF  DESIGN  301 

but  has  been  dead  for  many  years,  are  such  Mstorical  details  cher- 
ished and  remembered.  She  was  a  famous  basket  and  blanket 
maker,  who  wrought  many  classic  designs.  The  only  variations  she 
ever  attempted  were  those  which  came  to  her  ui  dreams.  She  was  an 
authority  on  designs,  their  names,  and  history. 

A  new  design  or  variation  is  readily  copied,  if  easy  to  make, 
especially  if  it  is  attractive.  Probably  in  this  way  many  have  become 
the  common  property  of  everyone,  are  made  everywhere,  and  un- 
doubtedly are  now  quite  old.  With  these  are  generally  associated 
-the  greatest  number  of  variations  since  they  are  constantly  being 
changed  in  some  minor  detail,  but  not  enough  to  render  them  unrec- 
ognizable. This  dynamic  condition  has  probably  always  existed 
more  or  less.  Occasionally  it  happens  that  they  are  so  distorted  or 
blended  with  foreign  elements  that  their  names,  meanings,  and 
origins  have  become  uncertain,  or  are  totally  lost.  On  the  other 
hand,  some  patterns  are  rare,  having  fallen  almost  completely  into 
disuse  because  they  have  proved  unsuitable  or  unpopular,  whUe 
otbers  are  known  only  within  limited  areas.  The  young  people 
have  formed  quite  different  tastes  from  their  elders,  and  their  atti- 
tude has  had  not  a  little  bearing  on  the  character  of  designs  chosen. 
It  is  said  they  have  conceived  a  dislike  for  certain  forms  of  bead, 
dentalia,  and  tree  patterns,  which  in  consequence  are  rarely  selected 
for  decorative  purposes  at  the  present  day. 

There  are  a  few  designs  which  are  inherited,  but  not  as  property 
or  because  they  were  invented  by  ancestors.  They  are  taught  to 
the  daughters  by  the  mother  or  grandmother  and  thus  handed  down. 
In  some  cases  an  old  design  may  be  retained  in  one  family  without 
really  belonging  there,  having  been  forgotten  by  others  who  once 
employed  it,  or  having  been  brought  from  a  distance. 

Occasionally  a  young  woman  will  use  an  ancient  design  which 
has  been  taught  her,  but  which  her  friends  have  never  happened  to 
see.  Old  women,  however,  will  often  recognize  it  at  once  as  having 
been  popular  when  they  were  young.  There  are  probably  many 
cases  like  that  of  two  informants,  Nos.  33  and  34,^^  who  are  good 
neighbors  and  friends  and  who  copy  each  other's  designs  to  a  very 
considerable  extent.  They  often  agree  to  make  the  same  pattern 
on  baskets  on  which  they  happen  to  be  working  at  the  same  time. 
They  try  to  employ  only  the  most  striking  figures  because  these 
always  attract  more  attention  and  assist  in  a  ready  sale.  They  also 
work  together  in  trying  out  new  patterns  or  creating  novel  varia- 
tions of  old  ones,  but  usually  they  do  not  invent  anything  very 
original.     Such  an  achievement  is  indeed  rare.     These  two  women 

»"  See  p.  453. 


302  COILED    BASKETRY   IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  ieth.ann.41 

have  made  baskets  ever  since  their  girlhood,  a  few  each  year.  No. 
34  puts  letters  on  her  baskets,  which  she  has  learned  from  the  whites, 
such  as  the  initials  of  names,  and  to  these  she  sometimes  adds  the 
date  of  the  year  in  which  the  work  was  completed. 

Not  many  patterns  have  been  the  result  of  dreams,  but  those  which 
are  so  regarded  are  claimed  to  have  been  clearly  and  accurately  pre- 
sented in  the  dream.  It  is  thought  that  they  come  from  the  super- 
natural powers.  Usually  a  woman's  friends  do  not  copy  her  dream 
design,  even  if  she  gives  her  permission  to  do  so,  but  if  it  is  a  nice 
design,  sooner  or  later  some  one  sees  it  on  a  basket,  perhaps  a  stranger," 
and  copies  it,  and  after  that  it  is  soon  taken  up  generally.  The 
dreamer  makes  no  effort  to  prevent  her  ideas  being  copied,  but  some 
old  dream  designs  are  never  duplicated  because  of  their  peculiarity 
and  failiu-e  to  appeal  to  the  people.  Even  the  woman  who  receives 
a  vision  of  such  a  nature  usually  has  the  same  opinion  about  it  that 
her  neighbors  express,  and  seldom  reproduces  it.  Old  women  some- 
times teach  their  dream  designs  to  their  daughters  or  grandchildren, 
who  treat  them  as  they  would  any  other  old  design,  and  neighbors 
who  know  their  origin  and  have  hitherto  refrained  will  then  more 
readily  copy  them  after  the  granddaughter  or  daughter  has  had  the 
first  opportunity.  It  was  explained  that  this  was  because  between 
the  dreamer  and  her  basket  design  an  intimate  supernatural  relation 
existed  which  became  weaker  if  members  of  the  family  formed 
connecting  links.  This  was  because  the  power,  although  belonging 
to  the  dreamer  personally  a,nd  not  connected  with  her  relatives,  was 
not  as  liable  to  do  them  such  harm  as  might  be  brought  upon  an 
outsider. 

It  was  not  known  whether  or  not  her  husband's  or  male  relatives' 
dreams  were  ever  portrayed  by  a  woman  on  her  baskets,  but  it  was 
stated  that  they  were  often  painted  on  a  girl's  clothing  or  on  tipis. 
Guardian  spirits  are  all  personal  or  individual,  each  differing  from 
the  other  even  though  designated  by  the  same  name.  There  are  no 
special  guardians  who  are  considered  particularly  potent  where 
basketry  designs  are  concerned.  The  designs  themselves  are  all 
that  are  supposed  to  be  seen  in  a  dream  and  no  two  of  those  observed 
are  alike. 

No.  25  offered  a  bit  of  information  as  to  her  personal  experience 
in  regard  to  dreams  of  this  nature.  She  said  that  formerly  they  were 
very  common,  but  the  patterns  so  obtained  were  merely  variations 
in  form  or  arrangement  of  those  already  well  known.  She  said  that 
occasionally  she  had  had  very  vivid  impressions  of  designs  in  her 
dreams  and  that  in  every  case  she  saw  them  on  baskets  in  different 
stages  of  completion.  Never  but  once  were  they  associated  with 
anything  but  baskets,  and  some,  she  thought,  were  very  nice  to  look 
at;  they  either  resembled  those  already  known  to  her,  or  more  rarely 


BOASj 


SELECTION   OF   DESIGN  303 


were  quite  new.  In  all  cases  they  were  very  complicated,  or  difficult 
to  execute  (a  good  example  of  how  the  creative  instinct  was  hampered 
by  the  technique).  For  this  reason  she  never  made  any  of  them, 
although  in  some  instances  she  remembered  them  for  a  long  time. 
With  these  visions  there  was  never  any  description,  no  one  presented 
the  designs,  and  no  one  spoke.  Other  women,  however,  sometimes 
had  encounters  in  their  dreams.  No.  25  never  expei-ienced  this  but 
once,  when  she  saw  the  only  design  she  ever  dreamed  about,  which 
was  not  on  a  basket.  In  this  case  it  was  a  blanket  design  shown  her 
by  a  woman  slie  had  known  who  had  long  been  dead.  The  woman 
asked  her  if  she  could  make  it,  and  she  responded  that  she  might  try 
if  her  eyesight  were  better.  But  the  design  was  hard  and  she  never 
attempted  it,-  although  she  often  thought  she  would.  Her  eyes 
became  worse  and  she  had  to  abandon  the  plan. 

The  objects  seen  in  a  dream  are  pictured  more  or  less  realistically 
and  serve  to  commemorate  or  record  the  event.  If  the  dream  is  very 
striking  or  unusual  it  is  sometimes  represented  on  the  first  basket 
which  the  woman  makes  afterwards.  Such  pictures  are  used  only 
once.  Generally  they  are  not  easy  to  produce,  nor  are  they  capable 
of  being  so  adapted  to  the  space  offered  as  to  be  employed  for  design 
purposes,  even  were  their  significance  of  general  interest.  Wlien 
making  baskets  for  shamans  or  other  men,  designs  which  are  symbolic 
of  their  guardian  spirits  are  frequently  made  according  to  directions 
given  by  the  prospective  owners,  but  the  maker  may  be  left  free  to 
exercise  her  choice  of  arrangement  because  it  is  conceded  that  slie  is 
then  better  able  to  balance  the  figures  after  the  fashion  in  vogue  on 
ordinary  baskets.  If  the  exact  details  are  left  to  the  woman  she 
usually  produces  a  much  superior  piece  of  work. 

Each  woman  probably  makes  a  large  number  of  designs,^  and 
all  the  informants  expressed  opinions  regarding  their  combination 
with  one  another,  stating  that  some  can  be  united  more  artistically 
than  others.  They  are  by  no  means  agreed  on  this  point  in  every 
case,  although  generally  a  pleasing  combination  is  not  a  subject  of 
much  concern;  on  the  contrary,  patterns  are  often  put  together  with- 
out much  thought,  except  when  they  can  not  be  made  to  fit. 

A  number  of  women  agreed  that  triangles  or  half  arrowheads,  mean- 
ing right-angled  triangles,  combined  well  with  diamonds,  especially 
if  the  former  sm-rounded  the  latter  so  that  their  oblique  sides  were 
parallel  (fig.  90,  a),  and  that  the  equilateral  or  isosceles  triangle 
called  arrowhead  might  be  artistically  combined  with  two  con- 
verging lines  (fig.  90,  b).  Small  crosses  or  stars,  groups  of  short 
parallel  lines,  dots,  small  squares  (rectangles?),  triangles,  and  dia- 
monds were  considered  useful  for  combination  with  larger  figm-es 
when  forming  designs  where  it  seemed  advisable  to  create  centers 

83  See  appendix,  pp.  431  et  seq.,  for  lists  of  informants  and  the  designs  they  have  made. 


304  COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  Ieth.ann.41 

for  large  surfaces  or  fillers  for  undecorated  spaces.  Angles  or  chev- 
rons were  especially  attractive  to  them  as  outlines  for  parts  of 
diamonds  or  triangles  (fig.  90,  c)  and  the  T  figure  for  filling  in  the 
space  between  two  diamonds  (fig.  90,  d).  They  expressed  a  liking 
for  barred  effects  on  rectangles  and  scjuares  and  also  for  groups  of 
lines  arranged  at  right  angles  to  each  other  (fig.  90,  e).  Diagonal 
lines  as  borders  for  step  figures  or  horizontal  lines  inclosing  zigzags 
or  opposed  triangles,  and  combinations  of  zigzags  and  triangles 
they  considered  very  pleasing  (fig.  91).  Notches,  checks,  or  smaU 
crosses  as  a  means  of  subdividing  the  surfaces  of  large  figirres  were 
also  very  popular,  as  may  be  seen  from  a  survey  of  the  photographs. 


Fig.  90.— Combinations  of  designs 

The  women  also  possessed  quite  pronoimced  dislikes,  especially 
in  regard  to  color  combinations,  feeling  that  red  and  black  spaces 
should  be  separated  by  a  wliite  line  or  by  bare  background.  They 
disapproved  of  designs  having  a  crowded  appearance  as  well  as  of 
those  which  seemed  too  scattered  and  bare,  their  reasons  being  that 
in  the  fonner  case  the  figures  would  not  show  to  advantage,  wliile  in 
the  latter  the  basket  would  look,  as  they  expressed  it,  too  weak. 

Two  informants  argued  that  the  designs  pictured  in  Sketches  49, 
50,  54,  S4,  153,  154,  237,  348,  415,  419,  421,  512,  539-543,  582,  682, 
691,  740,  818,  821,  824,  834,  837,  838,  and  842  were  not  suitable 
for  baskets,   some   being   too   plain,   others  lacking  good   outlines. 


\^^\//xVV\ 


Fig.  91. — Combinations  of  designs 

Unfortunately  Mr.  Teit  did  not  specify  which  faults  belonged  to 
which  sketches  or  whether  their  lack  of  fitness  apphed  only  to  certain 
forms  of  baskets  or  to  all  of  them.  Any  designs  wliich  appeared  un- 
finished or  were  unsymmetrical  were  deemed  imdesirable  for  basketry 
ornamentation. 

GEOMETRIC  FORMS  AND  THEIR  INTERPRETATIONS 

To  return  to  purely  geometric  elements,  the  important  question 
presents  itself  as  to  how  these  may  be  interpreted.  Are  there  many 
very  divergent  ideas  centered  in  and  around  the  same  geometric 
forms  or  are  the  meanings  given  more  or  less  related?  What  are 
the  forms,  if  any,  wliich  are  given  only  one  interpretation '!  If  many 
are  associated  with  the  figui-e,  what  is  their  range  of  variability  and 


boas] 


GEOMETRIC    FORMS 


305 


how  is  it  influenced  by  the  position  of  the  figure,  its  arrangement 
in  series,  or  its  surface  treatment  ?  These  are  some  of  the  questions 
to  which  an  answer  will  be  attempted. 

The  liorizontal  line.^ — If  the  horizontal  line  is  not  continuous  but 
composed  of  small  dots,  it  is  known  as  beads  (sketches  1,  2,  and  3). 
If  single,  continuous  and  plain,  it  may  be  called  cloud  extended 
or  striped  snake  (sketches  4  and  5).  When  divided  into  very  short 
sections  by  alternating  colors  generally  forming  small  squares  it  is 
variously  termed  hair  ribbon,  spot  design,  string  of  beads,  necklace, 
snakeskin,  nose-rod,  fly,  flying  bird  or  insect,  simply  because  it 
calls  to  mind  any  of  these  objects  (sketches  6  and  7).  The  conno- 
tation "fly"  is  not  so  readily  apparent  until  it  is  understood  that  the 
Uta'mqt  name  any  combination  of  smaU  checks  or  squares  '"flies." 
If  the  line  is  cut  into  long  sections  of  alternating  colors,  it  is  called 


u/iii/i////m 

5 


DEEC 


W/A  W//X 


■2ZZZ2S1 


~P7 


10 


>vx/^ 


11 


'////ii/i/h 

12 


r  •-..•-•) 


'^ZZZZZZl 


13 


14 


w. 


^& 


15 


16 


cloud  extended,  embroidery  design — probably  because  such  lines 
were  produced  in  old  embroidery  work — necklace,  string  of  beads, 
nose-rod,  dentalium  shells,  flying  bird  or  insect,  hair  ribbon,  or 
dragon  fly  (sketches  8,  9,  10,  and  11).  Tliicker  lines  may  be  divided 
throughout  their  length  horizontaUy  (sketch  12),  and  are  then  known 
as  clouds,  dentalia  or  embroidery  designs.  If  in  addition  to  the  hori- 
zontal division  the  line  is  cut  vertically  at  intervals  resulting  in  two 
rows  of  blocks  of  alternating  colors  beside  the  meanings  given,  we 
have  rattlesnake,  necklace  and  string  of  beads  (sketches  13,  14,  and 
15).  The  long  blocks  seem  to  be  especially  connected  in  the  people's 
minds  with  dentalia  which  they  use  in  great  amounts  for  decorations 
of  all  kinds.  Smaller  blocks  obtained  by  the  same  manner  of  sub- 
division are  more  frequently  interpreted  as  snake,  bullsnake,  or 
rattlesnake,  or  they  may  represent  the  entirely  unassociated  hair 
ribbon  (sketch  16).  More  than  two  horizontal  "layers"  necessitat- 
ing a  quite  thick  and  sometimes  short  line  are  termed  hairy  cater- 

"  The  following  does  not  agree  in  all  details  with  the  explanations  to  Plates  78-94,  but  the  differences 
are  trifling.  Mr.  Teit  collected  the  sketches  at  one  time  and  wrote  the  explanations  at  another,  so  that 
neither  list  is  quite  complete.  I  have  not  made  them  uniform  because  the  differences  may  in  part  be 
Intentional. — F.  B. 


306 


COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COHJMBIA 


lETH.  ANN.  41 


pillar,  or  dentalia  (sketch  21).  Three  or  more  horizontal  lines  or 
layers  are  usually  considered  as  the  snake  design  (sketches  22,  23, 
and  24),  although  when  lacking  the  subdivision  into  blocks  they  are 
sometimes  called  scratch,  stripe  (25),  or  legging  (26),  especially  the 
latter  if  "beads"  accompany  them  such  as  are  represented  in  the 
sketch  by  the  small  checks.  As  soon  as  we  touch  upon  horizontal 
lines  which  are  combined  in  any  way  with  other  figures,  complica- 
tions arise  which  make  generahzing  an  extremely  difficult  matter. 
Horizontal  lines  with  rectangles  attached  here  and  there  (sketch  439) 
are,  however,  given  the  same  type  of  interpretation,  namely,  necklace 
and  snake,  while  those  which  are  not  strictly  horizontal  hues,  yet 
which  on  account  of  the  alternating  arrangement  of  figures  in  series 
resemble  them  (sketches  452  and  453),  are  again  foimd  to  be  clouds, 
notches,  caterpillar,  and  flpng  geese.  It  will  be  seen  that  the 
horizontal  line  is  named  after  only  a  smaU  niunber  of  objects  which 


439 


452 


453 


wzzzzzzzz 


7ZZZZZZZZZA 


22 


21 


26 


J*     ^ 


25 


y^/y//y//y//y/yy////y/ 


v//////y///////'//7Z 


27 


I         I 


28 


on  account  of  their  form  and  frec[uent  appearance  or  use  are  con- 
stantly kept  in  mind  and  therefore  readily  suggest  themselves.  The 
group  includes  among  natural  phenomena  low-lying,  long  clouds; 
among  artificial  objects,  hair  ribbons,  necklaces,  strings  of  beads, 
nose-rods,  embroidery  and  legging  designs,  scratches,  stripes;  and 
among  Jiving  objects,  insects,  birds,  and  reptiles  which  by  their 
shape  are  particularly  suggestive. 

Tlxe  diagonal  line. — Diagonal  lines  usually  appear  in  series.  The 
single  diagonal  is  very  rare,  because  only  one  would  give  a  very 
''bare"  appearance  to  the  basket  wall,  as  the  women  would  say. 
Dots  or  short  vertical  lines  arranged  in  all-over,  vertical,  or  diagonal 
order  are  known  as  rain  (sketches  27  and  28).  Plain  diagonal  lines 
are  known  as  rainbow,  stripe,  scratch,  leaning,  lines  extending  out 
if  they  are  of  any  length  (skctclies  29  and  32).  Very  rarely  tliey 
are  known    as  little  ladder   when  in    pairs.     This   is  a   name   given 


boas] 


GEOMETRIC    FORMS 


307 


becausG  of  the  resemblance  they  bear  to  small  ladders  constructed  of 
two  poles,  which  young  boys  use  in  climbing,  twining  then'  legs 
around  them  and  pulling  themselves  up  by  the  hands.  Occasionally 
they  are  called  striped  snake  (sketch  33).  Short  parallel  lines 
arranged  in  groups  are  called  rain  design  (sketch  35).  In  a  vertical 
colujan  or  in  converging  series  they  are  xanaxa'm,  an  unidentified 
edible  root  (sketches  36  and  37).  Wider  diagonal  lines  divided 
lengthwise  are  called  striped  snake  (sketch  38).  Vertical  stripes  are 
also  ornamented  with  the  diagonal  line  (sketches  39  to  42).  These 
are  interpreted  as  "twisted,"  or  dentalia,  and  sometimes  as  half 
arrowhead. 


For  the  diagonal  line  the  list  of  meanings  is  confined  to  a  few 
objects  also.  Among  the  natural  phenomena  suggested  are  the 
rainbow  and  rain,  among  artificial  objects  there  are  stripe,  scratch, 
leaning  lines  extending  out,  and  little  ladder,  while  of  living  objects 
the  snake  is  the  only  one  represented,  and  that  is  comparatively  rare. 

The  vertical  line. — The  vertical  line  in  dotted  formation  and  in 
parallel  series  is  called  rain,  spot  or  bead  (sketches  43  and  44).  The 
single  continuous  vertical  line  has  practically  the  same  interpreta- 
tions as  the  horizontal,  namely  woodworm,  snake,  caterpillar,  or  hair 
ribbon.  The  unnatural  position  of  any  of  these  objects  as  implied 
in  the  design  does  not  seem  to  have  occurred  to  the  people,  or  at 
any  rate  to  have  made  any  difference.  Series  of  verticals  cut  up 
into  sections  by  changes  in  color  are  also  known  as  rain,  but  again 
as  beads,  dentalia,  spots,  or  necklaces.  Sketch  46  illustrates  these. 
Short  double  vertical  lines  are  practically  always  interpreted  as  leg- 


308 


COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


ging  designs,  no  matter  how  they  are  arranged  (sketches  47  to  52). 
Rarely,  however,  when  capped  by  a  horizontal  line  they  are  said  to 
represent  the  small  frame  erected  by  adolescent  girls  on  which  to 
hang  the  miniature  baskets  and  similar  articles  that  they  have  made 
(sketch  50).  Short  triple  lines  are  called  false  legging  patterns 
(sketches  53  and  54) .  All-over  combinations  of  double  or  triple  ver- 
tical and  horizontal  lines  are  known  as  dentalia  and  embroidery. 
Long  treble  verticals  are  aptly  termed  stripe,  scratch,  or  lines  ex- 
tending out.  Wide  lines  divided  lengthwise  are  again  known  as 
snakes,  while  those  cut  up  crosswise  into  squares  are  snake,  worm, 
caterpillar,  hair  ribbon,  or  wliite  man's  ladder  (sketches  63  to  67). 
Checker  vertical  stripes,  aside  from  being  called  flies,  are  snakes, 
beads,  and  necklaces.  Those  cut  up  in  other  ways  are  also  given 
the  same  interpretation  or  are  more  rarely  called  rain  (sketches  68 
to  76).  Any  other  narrow  vertical  effect,  such  as  is  achieved  by  a 
vertical  row  of  small  triangles  or  diamonds  (sketches  297,  302,  pi.  84; 
524,  pi.  88),  seems  to  be  considered  in  the  same  class  as  the  vertical' 
line  and  is  given  a  similar  interpretation. 

M, 


II 


I  n 


48  49  50 


63  6-1 


51 


53 


62 


54 


It  will  be  seen  that  all  lines,  horizontal,  diagonal,  and  vertical,  are 
interpreted  as  certain  classes  of  objects  according  to  their  width, 
surface  treatment,  or  combination  with  other  Unas,  and  that  on  the 
whole  the  direction  of  the  lines  has  little  to  do  with  their  meaning, 
although  horizontal  lines  are  not  interpreted  as  rain.  Small  isolated 
single  lines  are  scratches;  grouped  lines  are  leggings  and  rain.  Single 
broad  hues  elaborately  subdivided  are  most  frequently  snakes, 
worms,  or  flies  (if  checker),  although  the  hair  ribbon,  ladder,  bead, 
and  other  mterpretations  are  given  nearly  as  often.  There  is  not  a 
single  interpretation  offered  that  is  not  suggested  by  the  resemblance 
of  the  Hues  to  objects  noted  all  the  time  by  the  people  in  their  every- 
day life.  The  variety  of  terms  given  merely  emphasizes  the  fact 
that  the  lines  are  after  all  not  pictures  or  reduced  realistic  art,  but 
only  suggest  objects  which  in  a  general  way  they  resemble. 


boas] 


GEOMETRIC    FORMS 


309 


The  zigzag. — As  has  previously  beon  intimated,  there  are  two  dis- 
tinct forms  of  zigzags,  that  composed  of  diagonal  lines,  arranged  in 
horizontal  or  vertical  series,  and  that  composed  of  horizontal  and 
vertical  lines  necessarily  arranged  diagonall}'.  Of  these  the  former 
are  by  far  the  most  numerous.  Horizontally  arranged,  especially 
when  combined  m  some  way  with  triangles,  a  single-line  zigzag 
is  most  frequently  called  a  necklace  (sketch  77,  pi.  79).  Double  or 
triple  lines  of  this  character  are  called  snake,  snake  track,  mountain 
tops,  zigzag,  caterpillar,  or  rarely  the  pack-strap  design,  since  some 
form  of  this  zigzag  was  usually  taken  for  the  decoration  of  the  pack- 
strap.  Sketches  79  and  80  show  these  figures.  When  double  zigzags 
are  arranged  so  that  the  inner  points  touch  and  the  space  between  the 
lines  is  a  series  of  diamonds  they  are  regarded  as  more  typical  pack- 


79 


81 


f^f^  ^M 


8& 


87 


88 


WW 


89 


strap  designs,  and  are  then  described  as  having  connected  points  or 
open  middles.  In  addition  to  the  usual  interpretations  of  snake 
track,  etc.,  such  lines,  particularly  if  there  are  many  of  them,  are 
interpreted  as  "rainbow  connected"  and  necklace  (sketches  81  and 
82) .  The  wide  zigzag  line  (sketches  83  and  84) ,  having  a  subdivided 
surface  is  usually  called  a  snake  design,  occasionally  necklace.  A 
number  of  variants  of  this  type  of  zigzag  (85  to  88),  in  which  some 
or  all  of  the  points  are  truncated,  are  given  the  following  names: 
zigzag  with  flat  points,  haK  circles  connected,  going  back  and  forth 
in  half  circles,  moimtain,  cloud,  rainbow,  deer-fence,  and  embroidery. 
Only  rarely  are  they  termed  snake  tracks  or  part  of  a  gravebox 
pattern.  The  exact  name  chosen  for  these  figures  on  any  particular 
occasion  depends  largely  on  the  natm-e  and  disposition  of  accompany- 


310 


COILED    BASKETRY   IN   BRITISH   COLUMBIA 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


ing  small  figures,  or  on  the  color  treatment  of  the  intervening  spaces. 
The  combination  of  truncated  with  nontruncated  zigzags  usually 
receives  the  name  mountains  (sketches  89  and  90).  The  step  fig- 
ures in  squares  seen  in  sketches  91  and  92  cause  this  pattern  to 
be  likened  to  a  rainbow  and  clouds,  clouds  over  moimtains,  a  neck- 
lace and  pendants,  or  to  embroidery.  The  forms  shown  in  sketches 
93  and  94  are  Nicola  patterns,  called  clouds.  The  simple  element, 
the  trapezoid  in  various  arrangements,  is  also  designated  in  the  same 


93 


o  o  o  o 


96 


A 


//A\  /A\\ 


-^     ^  100 

99 


101 


.^^^\       '-'      /^\  / 


105  106 


way  (sketches  577  and  578,  pi.  89) .  Sketch  95,  called  ' '  deer  fence  with 
snares,  "and  sketch  96,  designated  as  an  Indian  fortress,  maybe  placed 
with  tliese  zigzags  or  may  belong  to  the  class  of  highly  conventional- 
ized realistic  designs.  With  designs  of  this  character,  the  composititm 
as  well  as  interpretation  of  which  is  more  or  less  complicated,  it  is 
difficult  to  make  a  distinction.  Sketches  99  to  101  are  parts  of  these 
zigzag  designs  and  are  interpreted  like  other  zigzags.  Sketches  102 
and  103  are  often  called  arrow  point  designs  because  of  the  presence 
of  the  triangles. 


BOAS] 


GEOMETRIC    FORMS 


311 


As  in  the  case  of  straight  hnes,  the  zigzags  composed  of  short 
diagonals  are  given  on  tlie  whole  the  same  interpretations  without 
regard  to  their  vertical  or  horizontal  position.  A  number  of  new 
names  make  their  appearance  with  the  vertical  zigzag,  however,  which 
are  not  applied  to  horizontal  forms.  The  terms  for  horizontal  ar- 
rangements, but  used  also  for  those  in  vertical  position,  are  snake 
and  snake  track,  caterpillar — especially  where  broad  single  diagonal 
lines  with  subdivided  surfaces  are  used — as  well  as  trail,  pack  strap, 
and  contracted  middle.  New  terms  for  vertical  arrangements  are 
ascending  zigzag  (sketch   104),   blanket,  parfl^che,  wave,    lightning. 


122 


123 


124 


125 


127 


and  grasshopper  or  grasshopper  leg,  depending  on  the  character  of  the 
lines.  Sketch  105,  giving  the  simplest  form,  is  known  by  the  last  two 
names.  The  wave  patterns  classified  by  the  Indians  according  to 
the  number  of  angles  in  the  line  as  of  one,  two,  or  three  turns,  etc., 
may  be  seen  in  sketches  106  to  110.  The  blanket  pattern  (sketch 
111),  is  always  of  several  lines  in  close  formation.  The  lightning 
is  an  irregular  zigzag  (sketches  112,  113),  which  is  also  known  as 
grasshopper,  or  as  woodworm  borings.  Sketches  114  to  121  are 
given  terms  similar  to  those  applied  to  horizontal  arrangements.  All 
less  exact  forms  of  the  vortical  zigzag  which  it  may  be  contended 
are  attempts  at  realistic  representation,  such  as  122  to  125,  are  called 
striped  snake.  Sketches  126  and  127  of  zigzags  composed  of  diagonal 
53666°— 28 21 


312 


COILED    BASKETRY   IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA 


|ETH.  ANN.  41 


and  horizontal  sections  are  very  rare.  No  interpretation  has  been 
found  for  them. 

In  spite  of  their  different  derivation,  zigzags  composed  of  vertical 
and  horizontal  sections,  whether  narrow  or  broad,  are  invariably 
given  the  common  interpretations  of  snake  track,  wonn,  grasshopper, 
or  occasionally  lightning  (sketches  128  to  131).  No  name  could  be 
found  for  a  zigzag  of  three  lines  in  close  formation,  such  as  is  shown 
in  sketch  132.  The  pyramid  zigzag  (sketches  133,  134)  is  more  often 
considered  as  a  mountain  or  necklace  pattern,  but  it  may  be  called 
simply  zigzag.     Rarely  it  is  thought  to  be  a  caterpillar. 

The  chevron. — The  chevron,  point  down,  is  called  aiTowpoint, 
angle,  or  butterfly  wing  (sketches  135  to  137).     The  last  figiu-e  is 


I3T 


136        138       139 


140 


146 


-144 


148 


149 


160 


sometimes  termed  necklace  or  broken  middle.  In  vertical  arrange- 
ment inclosed  by  parallel  luies,  whether  turning  up  or  down,  whether 
broad  or  narrow,  plain  or  accompanied  by  an  enlargement  at  the 
apex  into  a  "knob"  figure,  the  mterpretation  given  is  arrowpoint 
or  arrowhead.  Sketches  138  to  143  illustrate  these  designs.  Chev- 
rons connected  by  a  vertical  Ime  passing  through  their  points  when 
turned  upward  are  naturally  known  as  trees  or  branches  (sketches 
144,  145).  Lying  sidewise  they  become  wave  or  simply  angle,  or 
part  of  the  zigzag;  in  series  they  are  waves  of  one  turn,  bent  leg, 
broken  back,  grasshopper,  or  ribs,  and  as  such  may  be  facing  all  one 
way  or  in  two  series,  away  from  each  other  (sketches  146  to  148). 
Facing  each  other  (sketch  149)  they  have  been  mterpreted  as  angles 
or   arrowpoints.     Connected   by   horizontal   lines   passing   through 


boas] 


GEOMETRIC    FORMS 


313 


their  points  they  form  the  fish-backbone  pattern  as  it  is  sometimes 
made  around  Spuzzum.  This  is  a  fairly  common  design  in  general 
art  but  appears  very  rarely  on  baskets  (sketch  150).  Chevrons,  in 
concentric  formation  (shown  in  sketch  151),  tm'ned  sidewise  or  up- 
ward, are  called  butterflies  or  butterfly  wings.  There  is  a  peculiar 
arrangement  of  chevrons  that  may  be  described  as  "slipped  past" 
(sketch  152).  This  is  given  a  great  variety  of  names,  such  as  broken 
back,  bent  leg,  fishhook,  hook,  hooked  end,  cross,  head,  and  root- 
digger.  The  last  three  are  undoubtedly  bestowed  because  of  the 
recognition  of  the  T  form,  which  is  treated  under  the  section  imme- 
diately following  dealing  with  the  right  angle  with  one  long  side. 
The  derivation  of  this  figure  is  doubtful.  It  is  an  excellent  represen- 
tation of  the  braided  rim  as  it  appears  on  some  baskets  and  it  is  very 
odd  that  it  docs  not  seem  to  have  been  so  considered.     Possibly  this 


n  J  J  jijjjT 
r  J 


155 


159 


jjjj    ni' 
m    [[ 

f     jf 


160 


161 


nnnnn 
iiiinu 

im 


154 


loll 


158 


162 


O 


164 


163 


165 


167 


.f? 


169 


rr^. 


<     II 


166 


168 


has  been  due  to  the  fact  that  braided  rims  are  not  common  except 
among  the  Kfickitat,  and  to  the  circumstance  that  the  women  who 
were  familiar  with  such  rims  may  not  have  been  consulted  as  to  the 
meaning  of  the  pattern.  Broad  chevrons  divided  lengthwise  are 
usually  called  bent  back,  leg,  or  middle,  although  the  names  rainbow 
haii  or  striped  snake  are  sometimes  applied  (sketches  153,  154). 

The  right  am/le  with  one  long  side. — The  right  angle,  and  occasion- 
aUy  the  obtuse  angle,  with  one  long  side,  is  almost  universally  known 
as  the  leg  or  foot  design,  although  in  serial  or  all-over  arrangement 
it  sometimes  becomes  bent  back,  caterpillar,  grasshopper,  or  hook. 
Very  little  distinction  seems  to  be  made  between  the  simple  right 
angle  and  the  Z  figure,  except  that  the  former  is  more  often  termed 
foot,  and  the  latter  bent  knee  or  leg  (sketches  155  to  163).  The 
result  of  the  junction  of  the  two  Z  figures  gives  the  beginnmg  of  the 
meander  as  seen  in  sketches  167  and  168,  although  for  these  no 
interpretation  has  been  noted.    Standing  upright  they  are  probably 


314 


COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


regarded  as  two  legs.  The  key  design  in  sketch  166  is  very  interest- 
ing (cf.  sketches  197  and  198,  p.  316).  The  foot  elements,  facing  in 
opposite  directions,  as  in  sketch  169,  are  called  hooks,  feet,  or  grass- 
hoppers, and  from  this  arrangement  may  be  traced  very  clearly  the 
relation  to  sketch  170,  whicli  is  also  a  typical  Khckitat  and  California 
pattern.  Sketches  171  and  172  to  175  give  different  arrangements. 
The  last  is  especially  interesting  because  it  is  the  well-lcnown  swastika. 
Its  explanation  here  as  caterpillars  crossed  is  instructive  as  illus- 
trating the  often  hmnble  interpretation  of  lugUy  artistic  motifs  for 
which  a  deep  symbohc  significance  is  claimed.  In  sketch  176  the 
central  shaft  is  thickened.  The  name  caterpillar  stiU  remains. 
Sketches  177  to  179  show  the  broadening  of  the  whole  figure  which 
retains  the  old  interpretations,  but  in  179  the  whole  has  become  so 
broad  that  it  is  sometimes  known  as  a  duck.  There  may  be  other 
derivations  of  this  figure,  as  indeed  there  probably  are  for  a  great 


niunber  which   have  only  been   discussed   from   one   point  of  view 
(sketches  471  and  501,  pi.  87). 

For  want  of  a  better  classification  the  T  figm-e  shown  in  sketch 
180  may  be  considered  as  belonging  to  the  group  of  right  angles  with 
one  long  side.  Formally,  it  is  either  a  doubling  of  this  figure  or  an 
entirely  different  motif.  It  is  certainly  given  somewhat  different 
interpretations.  Root  digger  and  cross  are  the  two  most  usual,  since 
it  closely  resembles  both  of  these  objects.  It  is  called  head  very 
frequently  because  it  is  used  so  often  to  represent  the  heads  of  men 
and  birds,  being  one  of  the  nearest  approaches  to  realism  in  repre- 
senting this  part  of  the  body  that  is  possible  in  coarse  basketry 
tecluiique.  It  is  also  rarely  called  fislihook,  but  there  is  some  doubt 
about  the  propriety  of  so  designating  it.  Sketch  181  shows  its  use 
in  ornamenting  a  vertical  stripe.  The  elaborate  and  highly  artistic 
design  shown  m  sketch  182  is  known  as  the  leg  or  foot  pattern, 


BOASi 


GEOMETRIC    FORMS  315 


probably  merely  because  of  the  hooked  ends  of  the  lines.  In  sketch 
183  there  are  "leaning  foot"  elements  which  are  given  the  same 
interpretation  as  those  placed  m  an  erect  position,  but  with  the  added 
qualificatory  term  "leaning."  Sketch  184,  although  the  angles  of  the 
elements  are  obtuse,  is  still  called  by  the  terms  bent  and  broken 
back,  leg,  or  grasshopper,  but  the  name  "hook"  is  not  applied,  being 
reserved  for  figures  like  sketch  185,  where  the  angle  is  acute.  These 
two  figures  do  not  properly  belong  to  this  group  on  accoimt  of  their 
different  angles,  but  since  they  so  closely  resemble  the  right-angled 
figures  and  receive  practically  the  same  names,  and  since  they  are 
not  very  common,  they  have  been  treated  here  for  convenience  sake. 
Sketch  186  gives  an  odd  trident  form  called  fish  spear  or  bird's  foot. 
There  is  no  doubt  that,  from  the  character  of  interpretations  given 
the  chevron  and  the  right  angle  with  one  long  side,  such  as  grass- 
hopper, broken  back,  or  bent  middle,  the  people  sense  a  vague  re- 
semblance between  the  two.  Nevertheless  they  are  more  often 
distinguished  by  their  names  than  confused,  especially  since  with  the 
latter  the  one  side  of  the  angle  is  so  much  shorter  than  the  other. 
As  with  all  other  groups,  the  variety  of  names  have  this  in  common, 
that  they  refer  to  long,  narrow,  bent  objects  or  those  whicli  are 
distinguished  by  such  featm-es.  The  wave  is  no  exception,  because 
its  thin  broken  crest  is  one  of  its  conspicuous  features. 

The  mealier. — The  meander  or  simple  key  figure  is  generally  called 
mouth  or  notch;  no  distinction  is  made  for  its  horizontal  or  vortical 
arrangement  (sketches  187,  188).  It  is  also  termed  snake  or  snake 
track.  Even  in  a  more  elaborate  form,  as  shown  in  sketches  189  and 
190,  or  doubled,  as  in  191,  it  is  always  the  mouth  pattern  to  those 
who  know  design  names  well.  When  the  inner  square  figure  is  en- 
tirely closed,  as  in  sketch  192,  some  people  call  the  resulting  pat- 
tern a  variation  of  the  grave  box.  A  good  aU-over  arrangement  is 
shown  in  sketch  193.  Sketches  194  to  196  (p.  316),  showing  the 
meander  with  a  facing  along  one  edge,  which  consists  of  a  straight 
line,  are  aptly  given  the  additional  interpretation  caterpillar,  and 
more  closely  resemble  the  creattires  than  do  most  of  the  other  figiu-es 
so  named.  Sketches  197  and  198  (p.  316)  may  be  considered  as 
belonging  either  with  this  group  or  with  the  right-angle  group  so 
often  called  leg  or  root  digger  (sketches  172,  180,  and  181).  They 
are  named  caterpillar,  snaU,  and  head  patterns.  Sketch  197  is  some- 
times specially  termed  duck's  head. 

Properly  speaking,  sketches  199  and  200  (p.  316)  show  meanders  of 
larger  conception,  which  are  also  related  to  step  and  ladder  as  well  as 
to  checker  figures  and  to  the  zigzag  composed  of  vertical  and  horizon- 
tal sections.  They  are  designated  as  zigzags  or  steps,  and  are  also 
given  the  fanciful  appellations  of  moimtains,  clouds,  necklaces,  and 
stepped  half  circles  on  account  of  then-  shape.     Probably  because  of 


316 


COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


their  derivation  tliey  are  also  called  embroidery  designs.  Sketches 
201  to  205  are  elaborations  of  this  form.  Sketch  206  shows  the  motif 
used  as  a  closed  unit.  This  figure  is  called  star,  frequently  with  the 
added  descriptive  phrases  "notched,"  "stepped,"  or  "gnawed  all 
aroimd."  Elaborations  of  this  occur  in  sketches  207  and  208.  Two 
figures  wMch  do  not  properly  belong  to  any  of  these  groups,  nor  to 
ladder  and  step  designs,  and  wliich  are  placed  here  as  a  matter  of 
convenience,  are  shown  in  sketches  209  and  210.  They  are  usually 
called  cloud  designs,  on  account  of  their  general  shape;  sometimes 
also  mountain.  Sketch  209  has  been  named  necklace,  and  all  are 
considered  as  embroidery  patterns. 


rHJu 


Cbosses 

Crossed  lines  may  be  purely  geometric  or  they  may  have  a  realistic 
significance,  if,  as  is  sometimes  the  case,  they  are  copies  of  the  Chris- 
tian cross.  They  are  then  quite  frankly  named  Christian  cross; 
therefore,  although  constructed  on  the  same  principle  as  geometric 
crosses,  they  have  been  placed  with  the  realistic  designs. 

The  purely  geometric  crosses  have  very  few  interpretations.  They 
are  always  known  as  stars  when  simple  in  construction  and  small, 
and  the  arms  are  usually  of  equal  length.  The  two  plain  little 
crosses  shown  in  sketches  211  and  212  are  also  given  the  name  of 
"flying  bird"  or  "insect,"  and  rarely  they  are  called  "flies."  That 
shown  in  sketch  214  is  given  a  secondary  interpretation  of  "fish-line 
reel,"  since  it  resembles  the  object  fauly  closely.  The  elaborated 
forms  of  sketches  215  to  217  are  more  often  particularly  designated 


boas] 


GEOMETRIC   FORMS 


317 


as  ''big"  or  "morning"  stars.  It  seems  as  if  the  outlined  form 
(sketch  218)  has  been  derived  from  217.  Thus  simply  presented  it 
is  known  as  "star,"  but  the  elaborated  figure  shown  in  sketch  219 
is  called  "leaf"  in  the  neighborhood  of  Spuzzum.  Sketches  220  and 
221  are  forms  of  crosses,  but  the  pronounced  center  at  the  intersec- 
tion of  the  lines  and  the  radiating  effect  produced  by  the  supple- 
mentary treatment  are  responsible  for  their  interpretation  as  repre- 
sentations of  the  sun.  They  are  quite  unusual  and  are  not  seen 
except  on  cu'cular  lids,  but  they  are  often  painted  on  pieces  of  skin. 

Triangles 

AU  triangular  forms,  regardless  of  the  type,  are  known  over  the 
entire  region  as  arrowheads.  They  may  be  plain  or  subdivided  into 
colored  sections,  and  occur  singly  or  in  combination  with  other 
figures.  Although  this  is  the  general  name  in  the  application  of  which 
one  could  hardly  err  much,  others  are  often  bestowed  on  designs  in 
which  the  triangles  are  subdivided  in  a  peculiar  fashion  or  where 


their  combination  is  sufTiciently  striking  to  suggest  a  different  con- 
notation. The  fact  that  the  triangle  is  called  arrowhead  over 
practically  the  whole  extent  of  North  America  may  be  due  to  the 
circumstance  that  in  the  world  of  natural  or  artificial  objects  as  they 
appear  to  the  Indian  triangular  forms  are  comparatively  rare.  The 
arrowhead  is  an  implement  of  almost  world-wide  distribution.  Its 
age  and  its  important  position  in  the  material  culture  of  the  people 
would  be  sufficient  to  connect  it  with  the  geometric  figure  which 
offers  such  a  striking  resemblance  to  it  and  to  account  for  the  adoption 
by  the  Thompson  of  its  name. 

Among  the  most  common  secondary  names  referring  to  natural  or 
artificial  objects,  insects,  plants,  etc.,  are  "wing"  (either  that  of  a 
bird  or  that  of  an  insect,  especially  the  butterfly  wing),  mountains, 
clouds,  leaves,  teeth,  snares,  and  beads.  A  name  which  owes  its 
existence  solely  to  the  vertical,  diagonal,  or  more  rare  horizontal 
arrangement  of  triangles,  or  to  the  diagonal  alignment  of  squares 
by  which  figures  with  stepped  or  serrated  outlines  may  be  secured,  is 
ladder.  In  this  case  the  element  is  of  no  importance  except  as  it 
lends  the  stepped  outline  to  the  whole  design.     There  are  a  few 


318  COILED    BASKETRY   IN   BRITISH    COLUMBIA  [eth.ann.41 

arrangements  which  are  called  parfleclie  patterns.  Trees,  shrubs, 
and  mushrooms  are  also  considered  as  prototypes  for  a  few  designs, 
and  so  realistic  are  these,  even  while  purely  geometric,  that  it  is 
difficiilt  to  decide  whether  they  should  not  be  considered  as  repre- 
sentative forms.     They  are  shown  in  sketches  234,  235,  and  236. 

It  does  not  seem  necessary  to  discuss  in  detail  the  various  numbered 
sketches  of  designs  in  which  the  triangle  is  the  conspicuous  element 
and  to  treat  in  the  same  fashion  all  the  patterns  in  which  other 
simple  geometric  forms  occur. 

Triangles  which  are  given  the  name  arrowhead  are  generally 
plain  or  surrounded  by  a  broad  outline.  Further  subdivision  does 
occur,  however,  and  in  these  cases  there  is  no  general  rule  governing 
the  identities  of  arrowheads  and  butterflies,  for  instance,  except  that 
the  latter  are  usually  more  elaborately  treated  or  the  subdivision  is 
along  the  lines  of  a  chevron.  Sketches  222  to  225  (pi.  83) ,  249  and  250 
are  good  examples  of  the  simple  arrowhead.  The  term  as  applied  to 
those  arranged  in  vertical  series  pointing  up  or  down  or  m  horizontal 
succession  is  usually  qualified  by  proper  descriptive  phrases  such  as 

A     I     A    ^>>,     ±±_ 

228  jl       23'iT^  J^      /^     ^  ,3^ 

A    g    k    4^  ^  ^       A' 

229  U  3  233  Mm. 
230  i 

235 

"arrowheads  touching  bases"  or  "arrowheads  entering  each  other." 
(See  p.  400.) 

As  a  wing  the  figure  is  usually  more  elaborately  treated  (see 
sketches  239,  261,  271,  272),  although  m  such  patterns  as  237  the 
term  butterfly  seems  to  depend  upon  the  arrangement  of  the  ele- 
ments, or  what  is  stUl  more  likely,  upon  the  whim  of  the  interpreter. 
In  sketch  237  the  stem  and  crosspiece  of  what  appears  to  be  an 
inverted  tree  represents  the  head  and  eyes  of  the  butterfly.  Triangles 
in  horizontal  series  or  occurring  in  connection  with  horizontal  zigzags 
are  usually  mountain  tops,  while  in  all-over  arrangement,  as  in 
sketch  244,  they  are  occasionally  called  clouds.  A  more  frequent 
interpretation  is  "arrowheads  joined  all  over."  Large  triangular 
masses  of  design  made  up  of  small  elements  are  apt  to  be  interpreted 
as  clouds.  Triangles  called  leaves  or  teeth  are  usually  distributed 
along  both  sides  of  horizontal  lines.  Sketches  262-267  are  examples 
of  patterns  which  are  likely  to  receive  either  of  these  meanings.  Ele- 
ments representing  snares  do  not  differ  much  from  those  interpreted 
as  moimtains,  except  that  the  apices  of  the  triangles  are  usually 
turned  down.     Triangles  which  are  appended  to  the  points  of  zigzags, 


BOAS) 


GEOMETRIC    FORMS 


319 


or  angles  of  these  zigzags  which  are  filled  in  in  color  so  that  they 
appear  to  be  triangles,  are  always  termed  beads  in  connection  with 
the  zigzag  wliich  is  interpreted  as  the  necldace. 

The  ladder  designs  as  evolved  from  combinations  of  triangles  are 
of  two  general  types.  The  one  type  is  composed  of  single  or  double 
vertical  or  horizontal  series  of  right-angled  triangles  (see  sketches 
278-280;  287-296,  p.  320);  the  other  is  the  result  of  building  right- 
angled  triangles  along  an  oblique  hne  so  that  the  hypothenuse  of  each 


274 

TATA 
ATAT 

275 


282 


283 


figure  is  one  with  the  line  (see  sketch  316,  pi.  84).  The  former  type  of 
ladder  was  probably  so  called  from  its  resemblance  to  the  notched 
logs  used  for  this  purpose.  No  distinction  is  made  if  the  whole 
design  lies  in  a  horizontal  direction  or  is  inverted.  The  right-angled 
triangle,  whether  single  or  in  series,  is  also  practically  always  called 
half-arrowhead.  As  a  simple  element  it  does  not  appear  to  be 
recognized  as  a  triangle  in  itself,  but  always  as  half  of  a  fuller  figure, 
such  as  an  isosceles  or  obtuse  angled  triangle.     The  single  right- 


320 


COILED    BASKETRY   IN   BRITISH    COLUMBIA 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


angled  triangle  occurs  rather  infrequently.  Sketch  305  (pi.  84)  is  one 
of  a  few  examples.  Here,  on  account  of  the  treatment  of  the  surface, 
the  figure  is  known  as  a  butterfly  wing.  The  usual  arrangement  is 
that  of  a  vertical  series  in  which  all  the  triangles  are  facing  in  one 
direction  with  the  longer  cathetus  forming  a  straight  line.  From 
these  circumstances  it  seems  probable  that  the  derivation  of  the 
half-arrowhead  may  have  originated  in  either  of  two  ways,  or  that 
both  may  have  been  in  part  responsible.  One  was  the  splitting  of 
the  vertical  series  of  fuH  arrowheads  lengthwise,  as  may  be  seen  in 
sketch  278  (p.  319),  the  other  the  automatic  production  of  half- 
arrowhead  series  as  reverse  patterns  for  series  of  full  triangles  on  a 
vertical  strip,  as  may  be  noted  in  sketch  257  (p.  319). 

There  is  even  a  third  possibility  which  is  illustrated  in  sketch  303. 
Here  the  same  variety  of  arrowheads  is  produced  as  the  reverse 
pattern  for  the  series  of  rhomboids  in  a  vertical  stripe.     The  series 


289        U'''  i 


r 


290  291  292 


298        294  296 


297        298 


299 


300 


J  324 


301         802 


303 


IK 


325 


on  either  side  of  the  stripe  point  in  opposite  directions,  however. 
This  does  not  happen  in  reverses  of  triangles.  Although  rhomboids 
on  the  whole  are  rather  imconmion,  it  is  advisable  to  consider  them 
as  the  main  design  here  since  they  occupy  the  center  of  the  strip. 
That  half-arrowhead  series  are  not  necessarily  used  in  pairs  may  be 
seen  in  the  sketches  287-293.  The  relation  of  293  to  292  shows  how 
the  presence  of  vertical  outlines  at  once  produces  a  reverse.  Sketches 
294-297  give  some  rarer  forms  which  are  interpreted  as  tree  ladders, 
with  notches  or  short  limbs  all  arovmd  the  log.  Such  a  ladder  was 
used  for  scaling  cliffs  and  was  probably  placed  upright.  There  are 
a  number  of  odd  arrangements  such  as  are  shown  in  sketches  298-302. 
ParflSche  patterns  are  shown  in  sketches  322-325.  It  is  not  improb- 
able that  the  whole  idea  of  placing  triangles  on  top  of  each  other  in 
this  manner  was  taken  over  by  the  Thompson  from  Plains  art, 
although  they  seem  to  have  preferred  using  triangles  which  are  all  of 


BOAS] 


GEOMETRIC    FORMS  321 


one  size.  Such  designs  as  sketch  259  (p.  319)  and  such  obtuse 
triangles  as  those  in  sketch  260  (p.  319)  are  unusual  in  Salish  art. 
Some  undoubted  parfleche  derivations  are  numbers  270  (p.  319)  and 
323-325;  and  326,  327  on  Plate  84.  One  characteristic  Plains  feature 
is  the  junction  of  the  apices  of  two  opposed  triangles  imtil  the  figure 
has  become  a  full  or  half  hourglass. 

In  summing  up  the  position  of  the  triangle  in  Salish  art  it  may  be 
said  that  it  is  perhaps  the  most  common  figure,  if  we  except  the  check, 
which  can  hardly  be  called  a  square.  It  differs  from  the  other  geo- 
metric figures  so  far  discussed  in  possessing  one  general  name,  to- 
gether with  comparatively  few  secondary  terms  which,  while  quite 
unrelated  in  regard  to  one  another  as  representing  a  variety  of  objects, 
are  fairly  definitely  controlled  by  one  of  three  conditions — serial 
position,  surface  treatment,  or  supplementary  combinations;  and 
are  apparently  a  Uttle  less  open  to  whimsical  interpretation  than 
lines  and  angles.  Considering  its  comparatively  rare  appearance  as 
an  isolated  complete  element,  this  fact  is  very  striking. 

In  regard  to  the  general  term  arrowhead,  it  can  not  be  argued  that 
the  figure  is  always  considered  as  a  representation  of  the  object 
for  which  it  is  named.  Rather  the  contrary,  for  the  people  them- 
selves say  it  is  merely  a  general  designation.  The  presence  of 
secondary  names  associated  so  clearly  with  quite  definite  treatment 
of  the  element  confirms  this  statement.  Other  connotations  than 
those  given  above  sometimes  occur,  especially  in  connection  with 
triangles  in  vertical  stripes.  These  are  hair  ribbon,  snake,  cater- 
pillar, etc.,  and  seem  to  refer  entirely  to  the  broad  bands  elaborately 
subdivided  rather  than  to  the  conspicuous  element  which  decorates 
them.  There  are  a  number  of  triangles  with  more  or  less  supple- 
mentary treatment.  It  is  difficult  to  decide  whether  they  should  be 
assigned  to  geometric  or  realistic  art.  Such  are  sketches  322  and 
338-341  (pi.  85).  Certainly  their  likeness  to  the  objects  for  which 
they  are  named  is  very  striking,  yet  on  accoimt  of  the  lack  of  inter- 
mediary series  sho^vuig  the  process  of  conventionalization  they  have 
been  perforce  included  with  the  purely  geometric  forms. 

The  Square  and  Rectangle 

If  the  check  were  properly  included  among  the  squares  and  rec- 
tangles as  a  design  element  it  might  be  said  that  it  is  the  most  com- 
mon one  of  the  simple  geometric  figures,  for  designs  in  checker  are 
exceedingly  numerous.  It  is,  however,  simply  one  stitch  as  a  rule  and 
its  square  form  is  merely  incidental.  To  just  what  extent  the  people 
recognize  its  shape  as  being  the  same  as  that  of  larger  squares  is  not 
known.  There  are  some  instances  of  square  checks  composed  of  two 
stitches,  either  of  which  alone  is  a  rectangle,  indicating  at  least  that 
the  women  are  accustomed  to  square  checks,  and  try  to  keep  them 
uniform  in  shape;  but  occasionally  oblong  checks  are  used  through- 


322 


COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


out,  instead  of  squares.  There  are  also  small  squares  composed  of 
four  checks,  two  on  one  coil  and  two  on  another,  but  these  are  not 
numerous. 

The  checks  are  always  interpreted  in  the  aggregate  by  the  Uta'mqt 
as  clusters  of  flies,  by  the  Nicola  as  clusters  of  stars,  and  by  most  of 
the  other  bands  as  the  Indian  rice  root  if  the  checks  form  a  large 
diamond  or  triangle,  and  sometimes  in  the  latter  case  as  a  cloud. 
They  frequently  receive  similar  interpretations  when  arranged  in 
droppers  or  bands,  although  the  most  usual  are  the  popular  ones 
already  given  for  designs  of  this  general  shape  which  are  cut  up  into 
small  figures. 

No  general  name  was  given  by  Mr.  Teit  for  the  square  or 
rectangle,  as  in  the  case  of  triangles.  In  fact,  for  many  squares  as 
they  appear  on  the  newer  baskets  no  names  are  given  at  all.  Yet  it 
seems  impossible  that  the  figure  is  not  recognized  by  the  people 
sufficiently  for  them  to  possess  a  term  for  it.     Perhaps  the  most  fre- 


a  n  1.1  ir 

354 


1. 


373 


369 


II.,. n   ifl 


368 


B\<ycyaA^ 


^trr^ 


359 


37,0 

372 


416  418 

1 

419 


417 


—(I .—. 

I ^1 ^1 1 


rmm 


504 

Lisos 

t^t  ion  "-■ 

quent  interpretation  of  squares  and  rectangles,  especially  if  they  are 
cut  up  into  layers,  is  bead.  This  name  is  applied  with  equal  free- 
dom both  to  large  and  small  figures.  There  seems  to  be  some  other 
underlying  idea  such  as  necklace  or  headband,  beaded  edge,  or 
string  of  beads,  for  the  arrangement  of  these  elements  in  series,  in 
rows  on  horizontal  stripes,  or  joined  by  a  single  line  thi'ough  the 
middle  (see  sketches  354,  358,  359),  is  never  entu-ely  overlooked. 
Arrangements  of  this  type  are  very  frequent.  Three  squares  or  rec- 
tangles (sketches  369-371)  arranged  pyramid  fashion  are  sometimes 
called  a  notch  or  a  cloud.  Aligned  to  form  a  V,  as  in  sketch  372,  they 
obtain  the  additional  names  of  "butterfly"  or  "flying  bird."  If  the 
V  points  sidewise,  as  in  sketches  373  and  374,  the  new  term  caterpillar 
appears.  In  diagonal  series  if  the  corners  of  the  figures  touch  each 
other,  the  design  is  generally  called  ' '  step  "  or  "  ladder, ' '  although ' '  big 
bead"  and  "caterpillar"  are  terms  that  also  cling.  Forming  a  cross, 
which  usually  requires  five  figures,  the  design  is  very  commonly  called 
"star,"   although  such  interpretations   as  "buttercup"  and  "owl's 


BOAS]  GEOMETRIC    FORMS  323 

face"  are  given  by  individual  bands,  tlie  Nicola  using  the  former,  the 
Lytton  the  latter.  The  large  elaborately  subdivided  squares  (see 
sketches  417  and  418)  are  recent  introductions  and  have  been  called 
"stars."  That  shown  in  sketch  416,  however,  is  given  an  entirely 
different  set  of  meanings,  the  most  significant  of  wliich  is  "parfleche." 
The  others  are  "contracted  middle,"  "arrowhead,"  and  "cloud." 
Many  designs  composed  of  checks  or  squares  are  also  called  em- 
broidery patterns,  in  addition  to  the  other  interpretations  offered, 
indicating  that  they  may  have  had  their  origin  in  quill  embroidery. 

Single  rectangular  figures  are  slightly  more  common  than  squares 
and  so,  also,  are  their  interpretations  as  stars  (see  sketch  424), 
beads  (sketches  423,  424,  and  514,  p.  325),  or  moss  cakes  (sketch 
420,  pi.  85).  Rectangles  subdivided  into  stripes  crosswise  are  often 
called  caterpillars  and  dentalia.  The  various  combinations  of  rec- 
tangles follow  rather  closely  those  of  squares,  and  the  interpretations 
given  in  most  cases  are  practically  the  same. 

Intersecting  lines  forming  squares  in  an  all-over  pattern  are  some- 
times called  net  design,  as  in  sketch  362,  where  small  diamonds  have 
been  introduced  at  the  intersections  to  represent  knots.  When 
rectangles  are  the  result  of  such  crossed  lines  (sketches  435,  436), 
the  design  is  frequently  called  "patch."  Notched  rectangles  such  as 
those  pictured  in  sketches  505-507  do  not  properly  belong  to  the 
group  but  are  placed  here  because  they  do  not  fit  in  elsewhere  unless 
it  is  with  the  right  angles  with  one  long  side,  from  which  it  is  quite 
possible  that  they  were  derived.  Sketches  505  and  506  are  called 
"hand  pointing"  and  "head  design"  or  "duck's  head,"  respectively. 
The  latter  name  particularly  recalls  the  right  angle.  The  notch  in 
sketch  507  is  ignored  in  the  interpretations  given,  which  seem  to 
depend  solely  on  the  arrangement  of  the  element.  It  is  called 
necklace,  design  on  dress,  flying  bird,  or  beads. 

On  the  whole,  it  is  quite  apparent  that  the  square  and  rectangle 
play  subordinate  parts  whenever  they  occur  in  basketry  designs, 
unless  they  are  checks.  In  the  minds  of  the  artists,  if  anything  can 
be  inferred  from  the  character  of  the  names  or  interpretations  ap- 
plied to  these  figures,  the  surface  treatment  or  the  arrangement 
controls  the  characterization.  "VVTiile  the  square  and  rectangle 
are  recognized  separately  as  beads,  dentalia,  stars,  etc.,  according' 
to  their  subdivision,  their  combination  into  different  groups,  fonn- 
ing  bands  or  "necklaces"  or  "clusters,"  is  the  important  factor 
when  several  are  concerned.  It  does  not  seem  that  any  clear 
distinction  is  drawn  between  the  square  and  rectangle  as  elements, 
either  in  the  names  employed  or  in  the  treatment  of  the  figures  in 
designs.  For  nearly  every  design  constructed  with  squares  there  is  a 
coiTesponding  one  composed  of  rectangles,  interpreted  in  prac- 
tically the  same  way. 


324  COILED    BASKETRY   IN   BRITISH    COLUMBIA  [eth.  ann.41 

The  Dlamond 

Judging  from  the  types  of  interpretations  given  to  diamonds  which 
are  the  result  of  entwined  or  opposed  zigzags,  or  intersecting  diagonal 
lines  and  those  given  to  the  separate  figures,  it  seems  that  more 
range  of  fancy  is  allowed  in  the  former  case  than  in  the  latter,  but 
that  as  usual  the  general  design  or  the  arrangement  of  the  elements 
composing  it  is  largely  responsible  for  the  choice  of  name  which  has 
been  made. 

Large  detached  diamonds  are  interpreted  according  to  their  siu"- 
face  treatment,  or  their  alignment  with  one  another,  but  in  either  case 
there  are  several  possibilities  in  the  way  of  names,  the  selection  of 
which  must  depend  more  or  less  upon  the  whim  of  the  basket  maker. 
Outlined  or  plain  solid  figures  receive  such  names  as  spearhead,  lake, 
leaf,  snare,  and  mesh.  Of  these  the  first  two  are  seldom  noted  when 
the  figure  occurs  in  combination  with  other  geometric  elements  and 
it  seems,  therefore,  that  they  may  be  considered  more  properly  as 
general  terms.  Another  cjuite  rare  interpretation  is  wasp's  nest 
(sketch  509).  The  diamonds  thus  named  are  perhaps  broader  than 
usual.  If  the  diamond  is  composed  of  checks  the  general  name  is 
Indian  rice  root.  The  Uta'mqt,  however,  apply  their  favorite  name 
for  checkerwork,  "clusters  of  flies,"  and  the  Nicola  "clusters  of  stars" 
(sketches  510  and  399-402). 

For  the  frequent  diamonds  with  double  outline,  or  surface  sub- 
divided into  a  number  of  diamonds  one  within  the  other,  the  most 
frequent  terms  are  "  eye "  or  "star,"  although  "  snare "  and  "mesh"  are 
also  given  (sketches  511,  512).  Sketches  513-515  show  very  common 
forms  called  "star."  It  seems  that  any  cross,  square,  or  diamond- 
shaped  figure,  if  small  enough  and  about  equal  in  both  diameters, 
is  known  as  a  "star,"  especially  if  the  surface  treatment  is  at  all 
elaborate.  Although  single  diamonds  are  called  leaves  or  meshes, 
the  former  name  is  more  properly  applied,  perhaps,  to  a  series  which 
are  arranged  along  a  horizontal  line,  as  in  sketches  516  and  517, 
while  a  mesh  figure  is  properly  part  of  a  net  design  such  as  is  shown 
either  in  518  or  519  and  520.  The  diamond  called  "snare"  seems 
rightfully  to  be  a  part  of  a  more  complicated  pattern  in  which  the 
zigzag  occurs,  either  actually  or  as  an  idea  carried  out  in  the  ar- 
rangement of  the  diamonds   (sketches  521,   559,  566;  567,  p.  326). 

There  are  a  great  number  of  patterns  composed  of  these  elements 
arranged  in  a  vertical  series,  connected  at  the  upper  and  lower 
points,  and  a  variety  of  interpretations  accompany  them  which  do 
not  appear  to  conform  to  any  general  rule.  The  old  familiar  names, 
caterpillar,  woodworm,  and  snake,  are  encountered,  wliich  do  much 
to  strengthen  the  suspicion  that  these  are  applied  purely  on  account 
of  the  arrangements  which  remind  the  people  of  these  creatures  and 
have  little  or  notliing  to  do  with  the  elements  themselves.     On  the 


boas] 


GEOMETRIC    FORMS 


325 


other  hand  there  is  a  new  set  of  names  introduced  which  owe  their 
apphcation  entirely  to  the  nature  of  the  element.  These  are  "eye 
contracting,"  "big  head,"  "arrowhead,"  and  "snake."  A  study  of 
sketches  522  to  535,  together  with  their  accompanying  interpreta- 
tions, will  make  this  point  clear.  In  the  series  536-538  the  first  and 
thii'd  are  called  bear's  foot,  although  tliis  is  only  one  of  three  names 
for  sketch  536.  Sketch  537,  however,  has  four  names,  necklace,  em- 
broidery, snake,  and  net,  but  necklace  is  the  only  term  it  shares  with 
sketch  536.  It  is  instructive  to  compare  these  with  sketches  631 
and  632,  whose  names  are  "bear's  foot"  and  "comb."     Evidently 


*  #^  A  A  ♦  ^  f  MM 

'^  tT        TT^  \7  V  513  514  515  516 

399  401  ^W^  y  sio 


\%^^y  ^  621  ^ 


fk 

0i 

>s 

ny 

>»' 

v^ 

ff' 

y 

531 

jk\ 

532 

^ 


the  triangles  and  the  checks  along  the  horizontal  line  are  the  deter- 
mining factor  here  in  the  assignment  of  meanings,  but  even  so,  there 
is  no  general  rule;  rather,  vague  resemblances  often  influence  the  in- 
terpreter to  reach  conclusions  which  others  would  regard  as  unsatis- 
factory. Distorted  or  truncated  concentric  diamonds  such  as  those 
pictured  in  sketches  540  to  546  (p.  326)  are  flowers  or  stars.  To 
trimcated  forms  in  general  are  ascribed  a  great  variety  of  meanings, 
chief  among  which  are  arrowhead  and  leaf.  The  crosshatching  in 
sketch  549  (pi.  89)  is  responsible  for  this  figure  being  known  as  a 
beaver's  tail. 


326 


COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH   COLUMBIA 


[eTH.  ANN.  41 


The  Rhomboid 

As  a  separate  figure,  the  rhomboid  is  not  especially  common. 
Sketches  568  and  569  show  its  ordinary  arrangement,  and  its  surface 
treatment  which  causes  it  to  be  called  a  "big  bead,"  "dentalium," 
"hau-y  caterpillar,"  or  even  a  "spot."  Sketches  303  (p.  320),  570, 
and  571  are  most  commonly  called  "arrowhead"  and  "dentalia. " 
Evidently  the  name  arrowhead  refers  to  the  half  arrowheads  along 
the  edge,  and  dentalia  to  the  rhomboids.  Other  names  such  as 
"necklace"  and  "embroidery"  refer  to  the  pattern  as  a  whole.  The 
name  "xanaxa'in"  is  applied  to  both.  Occasionally  the  rhomboid 
is  called  a  "spearhead,"  probably  because  of  its  acute  angles. 


547, 


The  Trapezoid 

Trapezoidal  figures,  not  necessarily  to  be  regarded  as  truncated 
triangles  or  imperfect  scjuares,  are  very  rare  and  have  been  designated 
chiefly  as  representations  of  the  moss  cake  {tsEiieka),  and  teeth  or 
butterfly  wings.  Their  assignment  either  to  realistic  or  geometric 
art  seems  quite  arbitrary,  in  spite  of  their  likeness  to  the  objects 
whose  names  they  bear,  inasmuch  as  they  are  lacking  in  the  usual 
embellishments  which  distinguish  realistic  work,  and  are  likewise 
perfectly  geometric  in  their  composition.     (Sketches  572-575.) 

The  derivation  of  the  designs  seen  in  sketches  577  and  578,  in- 
terpreted as  "clouds,"  is  known  to  have  developed  from  those 
given  in  sketches  93  and  94  (p.  310). 


BOAsl  GEOMETRIC    FORMS  327 

The  trapezoids  in  Sketch  580  may  have  arisen  from  a  mistake  in 
the  creation  of  the  lowest  one,  or  from  a  miscalculation  in  the  draw- 
ing of  a  pattern  of  triangles,  the  oblique  lines  not  slanting  sharply- 
enough  for  the  width  of  the  stripe.  Such  speculation  is  only  per- 
missible when  the  rare  occurrence  of  the  figure  is  considered  together 
with  its  appearance  in  such  an  unusual  position.  The  design  is 
called  "bead,"  "beaded  edge,"  or  "caterpillar,"  the  first  two  on 
account  of  the  elements  involved,  the  third  because  of  the  general 
arrangement.  The  trapezoids  in  Sketch  576  are  unusual.  On  account 
of  their  subdivision  into  layers,  they  are  named  "dentalia, "  but  the 
whole  pattern  is  a  ladder  because  of  the  diagonal  alignment  of  the 
elements  and  the  stepped  edge.  Design  581  is  known  as  one  of 
several  varieties  of  snake.  Its  roughly  trapezoidal  form  is  un- 
doubtedly the  result  of  radiating  lines,  therefore  it  is  probably  not 
intended  to  be  a  real  trapezoid.  Its  assignment  to  this  group  is 
merely  for  convenience. 

The  Hexagon  and  Octagon 

The  hexagon  and  the  octagon  are  comparatively  rare  figures. ^^ 
Hexagons  are  occasionally  noted  as  the  second  or  thh'd  outlines  of 
diamonds  forming  meshes  of  net  patterns  and  may  even  be  seen 
surrounding  single  figures  (see  Sketches  541  and  542).  There  is 
little  doubt  that  they  are  related  to  truncated  diamonds.  It  is 
quite  probable  that  their  historic  development  in  this  region  came 
from  this  direction,  for  solid  hexagons  or  those  indicated  by  a  single 
outline  are  never  seen,  at  least  on  basketry,  although  their  delinea- 
tion is  as  feasible  as  that  of  the  other  figures  habitually  used.  The 
hexagons  appearing  in  series  doubly  outlined  and  connected  are 
sho-WTi  in  Sketches  582  and  583.  They  are  commonly  known  as 
grave-box  patterns,  although  a  number  of  informants  have  stated 
that  the  octagon  is  the  real  gi-ave-box  design  {htJcaist)  and  that 
hexagons  and  squares  employed  for  this  purpose  are  merely  varia- 
tions or  "false  designs."  To  the  figure  shown  in  Sketch  582  is  attrib- 
uted several  other  interpretations,  such  as  snare  and  circle;  oddly 
enough,  it  is  also  described  as  being  half  of  design  584. 

The  octagonal  forms  584  to  587  are  all  called  grave-box  patterns, 
but  owing  to  the  connection  of  the  figures  in  586,  not  by  actual 
contact  of  the  sides,  but  by  the  double  line  serving  as  a  string,  it  is 
sometimes  called  "big  bead"  or  "necklace,"  while  the  central  dots 
in  the  figures  shown  in  587  may  account  for  the  name  "eye"  which 
is  sometimes  heard.  The  large  single  octagons  shown  in  588  and 
589  are  interpreted  primarily  as  the  full  moon,  but  it  can  easity  be 
seen  why  such  terms  as  "circle,"  "snare,"  and  "part  of  grave  box" 
are  given  to  the  former,  although  just  how  such  a  description  as 
"liaK  horizontal  of  a  zigzag  or  meander"  came  to  be  associated  with 
it  is  not  clear. 

"  Sketches  582-589,  pi.  89. 

53666°— 28 22 


328  COILED    BASKETRY   IN    BRITISH   COLUMBIA  [eth.ann.41 

Remarks  on  Interpretations  of  Geometric  Designs 

Before  leaving  the  subject  of  design  interpretations  it  may  be  well 
to  summarize  briefly  the  results  obtained  from  the  study  and  to 
compare  these  with  the  data  which  have  been  obtained  from  the 
people  themselves  on  this  point. 

It  has  been  found  that  there  are  no  geometric  figures  which  possess 
only  one  interpretation,  although  most  of  them  are  more  generally 
known  by  one  rather  widely  used  name  wliich  seems  to  have  been 
given  partly  because  of  the  general  shape  of  the  element,  partly  because 
of  some  rather  common  form  of  subdivision,  or  exclusively  for  one  or 
the  other  of  these  reasons.  Combinations  of  figures,  including  small 
designs,  vertical  stripes,  and  horizontal  bands,  are  also  variously 
designated,  even  when  identical  in  composition.  Their  names  depend 
upon  their  general  form,  surface  pattern,  or  arrangement  as  parts  of 
larger  groups. 

The  most  interesting  geometric  figure  is  the  triangle,  with  its  com- 
mon name  arrowhead.  A  frequent  interpretation  for  the  square  or 
rectangle  is  big  bead,  if  the  figure  is  large,  or  fly  if  it  is  small  and 
considered  in  the  aggregate.  The  rectangle  is  also  very  commonly 
called  a  dentalium.  The  hexagon  and  the  octagon  are  known  as 
the  grave  box,  while  the  cross  with  arms  and  stem  of  equal  length 
is  usually  interpreted  as  a  star.  Lines  are  given  many  interpreta- 
tions which  apparently  cover  many  divergent  ideas.  Nevertheless 
all  are  connected  with  long,  slender  objects,  the  choice  of  name  in 
the  case  of  wide  bands  being  controlled  less  by  the  general  shape  of 
the  band  as  a  whole  than  by  the  particular  character  of  tlie  subsidiary 
treatment  of  the  surface.  And  in  a  general  way  this  is  true  of  all  the 
figures. 

As  an  example  we  find  associated  with  lines  such  apparently  diverse 
objects  as  snakes,  hair  ribbons,  rain,  necklaces,  and  beads;  a  little 
reflection,  however,  enlightens  us  and  we  see  that  the  first  fom-  objects 
present  in  common  tlie  striking  feature  of  exaggerated  length  com- 
pared to  width,  while  in  the  last  instance  the  subdivision  into  blocks 
suggests  the  form  of  beads  used  in  necklaces  or  embroidery.  So  the 
qualified  names  rattlesnake  and  garter  snake  are  prompted  by  certain 
brilliantly  contrasted  and  clearly  defined  subdivisions  of  the  band, 
which  suggest  the  markings  of  these  two  snakes.  Tlius  the  association 
of  designs  with  different  objects  and  the  expression  of  the  association 
by  bestowing  on  them  the  name  of  the  object  which  each  is  thought  to 
resemble  goes  back  to  two  causes,  the  suggestion  of  resemblance  due  to 
general  shape  and  that  due  to  the  elements  in  composition.  Either 
of  these  may  at  times  be  entirely  overlooked  in  favor  of  the  other, 
depending  upon  which  makes  its  appeal  most  strongly  to  the  individual 
rendering  the  decision,  or  both  may  be  taken  into  consideration. 


BOAS]  GEOMETRIC   FORMS  329 

If  a  woman's  attention  is  called  to  the  fact  that  several  interpreta- 
tions have  been  given  to  a  design  by  others,  and  she  is  well  informed 
on  basketry  in  general,  she  frequently  answers  that  the  other  names  are 
also  applicable,  but  that  she  knows  the  design  chiefly  by  the  name 
she  has  given  it.  According  to  Mr.  Teit,  there  are  a  number  of 
families  among  the  upper  Thompson  who  know  only  a  few  designs 
by  name.  When  discussing  others,  they  describe  them  in  common 
geometrical  terms. 

Of  the  two  conditions,  general  shape,  or  surface  treatment,  the 
former  is  more  frequently  the  determining  factor  in  the  perception  of 
resemblances.  It  accounts  for  the  general  character  of  associations, 
and  hence  for  the  majority  of  names  chosen.  The  surface  treatment 
is  more  largely  responsible  for  determining  the  names  of  particular 
surface  patterns,  regardless  of  the  form  of  the  design. 

The  Thompson  possess  a  general  term  for  basketry  designs: 
.ntcotcitdisttEn,  "thing  worked  on  the  surface."  {.n,  on;  ten  thing. 
In  compounds  the  suffix  variously  written  -dist,  -dst  or  -est  sukface 
is  employed  in  the  sense  of  "pattern."  Tcotcu'  or  tcetcu'  means 
"worked,"  "variegated,"  and  "ornamented,"  and  is  applied  to  em- 
broidery or  any  similar  decoration  on  almost  any  object,  especially  if 
it  is  wrought  in  colors.) 

Nicola  informants  say  that  they  have  two  sorts  of  names  for  de- 
signs, the  one  applying  to  designs  as  a  whole  and  the  other  to  the 
parts  which  compose  them.  In  addition  a  third  term  is  applied  to 
indicate  the  arrangement  of  the  design  on  the  basket.  All  of  these 
may  be  used  and  indeed  it  is  sometimes  necessary  for  the  sake  of 
clearness  that  the  three  be  given  together.  For  example,  a  pattern 
may  be  called  a  star,  because  of  its  four-sided  symmetrical  form,  but 
it  may  also  be  called  spot,  bead,  or  arrowhead  because  of  the  little  fig- 
ures composing  it.  If  several  "  stars  "  appear  on  the  basket,  the  quali- 
fying phrase  "connected  up  and  down"  may  be  required  to  indicate 
the  method  of  arrangement. 

There  are  very  many  of  these  descriptive  phrases.  For  instance, 
Sketch  402  is  called  "Indian  rice  (mula)  design  three  around;" 
Sketches  399  and  400  are  "Indian  rice  design  two  around,"  referring 
to  the  nimiber  of  rows  around  the  central  check.  If  the  checks  are 
larger  or  smaller  than  the  average  they  are  called  big  or  little,  while 
if  they  are  not  true  squares  they  are  described  as  "wide,"  "narrow," 
"high,"  etc.  The  list  of  Indian  terms  for  design  arrangements  with 
the  equivalent  English  expressions  will  serve  to  indicate  how  definite 
the  people  are  in  then'  characterizations.      (See  p.  400.) 

The  cjuestion  has  been  asked,  "How  definite  an  impression  can 
one  woman  give  to  another  of  the  exact  pattern  she  intends  to  place 
upon  her  basket  by  means  of  the  terminology  at  her  command?" 
In  answer  to  tliis  it  may  be  said  that  in  the  first  place  there  are  cer- 


330  COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


tain  names  for  designs  of  general  character  which  are  at  least  for  any 
given  region  well  understood  by  all  the  people,  probably  men  in- 
cluded. Everyone  knows  what  a  snake,  mouth,  hammer,  or  any  other 
such  pattern  is,  if  the  individual  be  at  all  informed  about  the  art  of 
basketry.  As  has  been  explained  before,  the  general  term  may  be 
modified  by  any  number  of  descriptive  phrases  and  terms,  by 
means  of  which  a  perfectly  definite  impression  may  be  gained. 
There  are  probably  some  designs  the  mere  names  of  which  settle  the 
character  of  the  arrangement  at  once,  but  these  are  probably  not 
numerous.  So  many  variations  have  been  introduced  from  time  to 
time  that  now  such  old,  well-knowTi  names  as  snake,  necklace,  bead, 
dentalia,  fly,  etc.,  suggest  many  possibilities  in  the  way  of  minor 
diff'erences  which  must  be  specified  by  the  addition  of  descriptive 
terms,  and  these  the  people  are  perfectly  M'ell  able  to  supply  in 
almost  infinite  quantity  and  shades  of  meaning;  in  fact,  so  many 
are  they  that  no  attempt  has  been  made  to  collect  all  of  them. 

DESIGNS   WHICH  ARE  EITHER  GEOMETRIC  OR 
REALISTIC 

In  glancing  over  the  sketches  of  figures  which  have  been  classified 
as  strongly  conventionalized  and  probably  originally  rcahstic, 
621  to  784  (pi.  90-93),  the  reader  will  note  several  which  are  practi- 
cally duplicated  in  the  table  of  geometric  patterns.  In  these  cases 
the  derivation  is  extremely  doubtful  and  it  seemed  best  to  represent 
the  same  forms  in  both  classes.  It  can  not  safely  be  contended  that 
because  in  each  case  the  pattern  bears  a  name  identical  with  a  term 
for  a  realistic  figure  which  these  designs  closely  resemble,  the  more 
conventionalized  forms  are  necessarily  modified  realistic  representa- 
tions. The  resemblance  between  a  purely  geometric  pattern  and  the 
accurate  picture  of  an  object  may  at  times  be  sufficiently  noticeable 
to  evoke  the  same  response  from  every  individual  to  whom  it  may  be 
shown,  and  thus  account  for  a  general  term  being  prevalent  over  the 
entire  region  where  such  an  object  is  known. 

The  same  conditions  control  the  application  of  names  to  conven- 
tionalized patterns  as  with  the  geometric  figures.  Probably  general 
shape  is  here  more  important,  since,  if  it  were  ignored,  even  a  similar 
smiace  appearance  would  in  most  instances  be  insufficient  to  suggest 
the  objects. 

A  study  of. the  sketches  will  make  more  intelligible  the  difference  in 
character  between  the  two  sets. 

REALISTIC  DESIGNS 

The  realistic  designs  speak  for  themselves.  They  are  rarely  given 
more  than  one  interpretation  and  when  this  occurs  the  second  term  is 
usually  merely  an  elaboration  of  the  first,  perhaps  making  the  expla- 
nation   a    little   clearer.     They  are  nothing  more  than  pictures. 


boas] 


LYTTON  DESIGNS  331 


Wliile  the  outline  is  here  all  important  it  does  not  mean  that  the 
figures  are  necessarily  executed  merely  in  outline.  It  may  seem  that 
some  of  the  sketches  belong  more  properly  with  the  strongly  con- 
ventionalized group,  or  at  least  that  there  are  as  good  arguments  for 
this  classification  as  for  the  one  which  has  been  made.  It  must  be 
admitted  that  this  is  true,  but  at  the  same  time  it  must  be  remembered 
that  even  realistic  patterns  are  necessarily  stiff  and  angular  in  bas- 
ketry work,  a  fact  which  detracts  from  their  realistic  character. 
These  sketches,  785  to  859,  are  as  near  realistic  representations  as 
are  to  be  found  in  all  the  designs.  Not  aU  that  are  made  are  shown 
in  this  group;  a  number  of  others  appear  to  good  advantage  in  the 
photographs.  Others  may  occur,  for  realistic  designs  are  never 
standardized  and  probal)ly  seldom  exactly  duplicated;  therefore  they 
are  not  often  generally  known  to  the  basket  makers  as  a  whole. 

OBJECTS   REPRESENTED   BY    DIFFERENT   FIGURES 

Having  discussed  the  geometric  figure  and  its  interpretation  as  a 
representation  of  various  objects  it  is  highly  interesting  and  instruc- 
tive to  look  at  the  matter  from  the  opposite  point  of  view,  namely,  to 
study  the  representation  of  the  object  by  means  of  different  geometric 
forms.  This  frequently  occiu-s  where  objects  bearing  the  same  name 
may  be  of  quite  different  shapes,  such  as  beads,  clouds,  designs  for 
dresses,  or  embroidery  patterns,  flowers,  houses,  leaves,  necklaces, 
and  parfleche  patterns  which  have  been  copied  in  basketry.  But 
there  are  also  other  objects  which  in  their  general  outline  do  not  vary 
among  individuals  of  the  class,  but  wliich  are  nevertheless  repre- 
sented by  means  of  entirely  different  geometric  forms.  The  alpha- 
betical hst  on  pages  463  to  472  contains  a  large  number  of  design 
names  with  reference  to  the  illustrations  on  Plates  78  to  94  and  to 
the  photographic  reproductions  of  baskets.  A  comparison  of  the 
representations  proves  the  lack  of  a  fixed  relation  between  design 
name  and  form.  Such  a  comparison  strengthens  the  conclusions 
already  drawn,  that  in  addition  to  mere  shape  the  important  con- 
sideration of  sm-face  treatment  frequently  becomes  the  determining 
factor  in  giving  the  design  its  name.  Objects  represented  by  only  a 
few  similar  forms  are  not  included  in  this  series. 

LYTTON  DESIGNS 

It  has  been  intimated  several  times  in  the  course  of  this  book  that 
the  people  who  live  around  Lytton  are  particularly  ingenious  and 
gifted  basket  makers.  They  have  originated  a  number  of  unusual 
shapes  and  seem  to  have  evolved  a  few  designs  which  are  peculiar  to 
themselves,  although  some  of  them  certainly  give  evidence  of  foreign 
influence. 


332 


COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


Figure  92  gives  a  few  which  may  have  been  taken  from  Plains 
art  but  which  have  been  used  for  many  years  at  Lytton.  Regarding 
the  "hourglass"  figure  in  a,  which  was  seen  on  a  Lytton  basket,  the 
maker,  who  was  about  76  years  of  age,  said  it  was  a  tsEne'ka  design. 
She  said  her  mother  had  always  given  it  this  name  and  that  the  pat- 
tern was  very  old.  Figure  92,  6,  is  a  variation  of  a  and  most  of  the 
people  call  it  an  arrowhead  design,  but  really  it  is  a  tsEne'ka  according 
to  the  same  authority,  who  sometimes  uses  it  on  her  baskets.  She 
stated  that  the  points  which  break  the  inner  triangles  were  frequently 


MM, 


Fig.  92. — Basket  designs  from  Lytton 

made  longer  and  sometimes  pointed;  c  is  still  another  variation  of 
the  same  pattern,  and  it  is  said  that  there  are  others,  but  these  have 
not  been  obtained. 

The  Thompson  "leg  leaning"  design  (fig.  92,  d)  was  also  made 
by  this  old  woman,  who  did  not  know  its  name,  although  she  was 
aware  that  it  was  very  old.  The  name  she  had  given  it  was  "  leaning 
hook,"  but  she  thought  it  might  be  part  of  a  necklace  pattern,  since 


a 


Fig.  93.— Basket  designs  from  Lytton 


she  had  heard  some  Thompson  women  give  this  name  to  similar 
patterns. 

Another  Lytton  basket  was  decorated  spirally  in  all-over  fashion 
with  the  design  shown  in  Figure  93,  a.  The  maker  was  an  elderly 
woman  who  did  not  know  the  name  of  the  design,  although  she  had 
used  it  several  times  on  baskets,  changing  the  colors  as  she  liked. 
She  thought  some  people  called  the  pattern  a  variation  of  the  bead 
design.  Her  mother  and  grandmother  had  used  it  and  the  grand- 
mother had  said  it  was  a  very  common  old  pattern.     It  was  not, 


BOAS] 


LYTTON   DESIGNS 


333 


therefore,  confined  to  the  family  but  was  made  by  a  number  of  old 
women,  all  of  whom  agreed  with  the  informant  that  it  was  common 
and  old  and  frequently  associated  with  bead  designs.  The  same  in- 
formant stated  that  the  fish-backbone  pattern  (see  Sketch  150,  pi.  81) 
was  used  long  ago  on  basketry  but  had  gone  out  of  fashion. 


aZXZS-DC-i 


^ 


^ 


^ 


^yM'Mi'/Mm 

mn'/m-yy/i'/:- 

1 

/ 

yAy//////v-'//, 

T 

— i 

Wy/M'/W/V 

1 

1 

^',  ■? 

,,,,,..   ... 

.,...,„,., 

I 

1 

1 

B 

|a        \ 

-r  "■;:■.  ;<a 

.....     v^^ 

,.,,...  p 

l.v^v/.v) 

b 

y 

'y-yyyy/, 

r— I 

1 

'//////// 

vyyy^-'. 

vyy/'A 

L_J^ 

yyyyvyy. 

'' 

^/w/ 

L 

__ 

yy/.yyy/ 

1 

yy/AW//. 

■ 

'■'/v////. 

m/Mvy/zm 

1  v^my^^m 

■ 

V.W/,- 

i/y^/i". 

1 

iwyy///. 

FiG._94. — Basket  designs  from  Lytton 

The  patterns  &,  c,  d,  also  in  Figure  93,  were  old  Lytton  designs,  but 
d  is  not  used  nowadays. 

Another  old  woman  gave  the  necklace  patterns  shown  in  Figure 
94.  Now  they  are  sometimes  called  "  chain-and-notch "  designs. 
They  were  employed  not  only  in  basketry  but  also  for  embroidery 
in  beads  or  quills,  and  the  choice  of  colors  was  not  confined  to  any 
definite  order. 


Fig.  95.— Basket  designs  from  Lytton 

Of  the  designs  given  in  Figure  95,  a-e,  a  and  c  were  on  a  "nut- 
shaped"  basket  the  maker  of  which  said  they  were  called  stars 
when  large  and  flies  when  small.  Some  women  omit  the  large  figure 
at  the  top. 

Those  remaming,  which  are  variations  of  the  leg  design,  were  very 
old  embroidery  patterns,  the  meaning  of  which  is  unknown  to  the 
present  generation  at  least.  The  variations  given  here  were  seen  on 
Lytton  baskets  and  were  joined  in  large  connected  patterns  or, 
broken  into  fragments,  were  scattered  over  the  surface  (fig  95,  f-lc). 


334 


COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  [eth.ann.*! 


Some  interesting  varieties  of  the  flying-bird  design  are  shown  in 
Figure  96,  a,  b,  c.  These  were  used  on  baskets  in  vertical  rows. 
Another  basket  about  30  years  old  was  profusely  decorated  with 
nine  different  designs  in  vertical  rows.  These  included  b  and  c  and 
the  remaimng  seven  patterns  seen  in  Figure  96. 

In  Figure  97  are  a  number  of  patterns,  some  of  which  are  used  else- 
where than  at  Lytton,  but  in  some  cases  the  interpretations  given 


/ 

Fig,  96. — Basket  designs  from  Lytton 

to  them  by  the  Lytton  woman  were  different  from  those  offered 
by  informants  from  other  localities.  They  are  not  the  only  designs 
which  she  made.  They  are  given  here  because  her  interpretations 
seem  confined  to  Lytton. 

A  bit  of  information  about  former  styles  in  the  application  of 
designs  to  burden  baskets  in  tliis  region  was  obtained  from  this 


TsenB'ka        Graveyard 
with  cross 


Butterfly  Bushes 

Fig.  97. — Basket  designs  from  Lytton 


woman.  About  half  a  century  ago,  aroimd  1870,  when  she  was  a 
young  woman,  there  was  a  fasliion  still  in  vogue  of  not  imbricating 
the  lower  portion  of  the  basket  walls,  but  a  space  about  the  width 
of  the  hand  was  left  bare  above  the  beaded  line  which  defines  the 
limits  of  the  bottom.  This  type  of  arrangement  had  been  much 
more  popular  at  an  earher  date.      (See  pp.  230  et  seq.) 

The  earth-lodge  designs  in  Figm-e  98  are  also  from  Lytton. 


boas] 


COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA 


335 


BASIvETRY   OF   THE   TRIBES   NEIGHBORS   OF   THE 

THOMPSON 

In  order  to  obtain  a  clear  idea  of  the  setting  of  Thompson  imbricated 
coiled  basketry  in  that  of  the  whole  group  who  manufactured  this 
ware,  as  well  as  to  know  more  definitely  of  what  the  group  consists, 
it  is  necessary  to  glance  at  the  work  of  the  other  tribes.  First  it  is 
essential  to  take  up  a  little  more  specifically  the  work  of  the  Lillooet 
(Salishan)  and  Chilcotin  (Athapascan),  whose  burden  baskets,  aside 
from  being  their  most  common  shapes,  approach  more  nearly  the 
Thompson  forms  than  do  the  typical  baskets  of  the  other  tribes. 

It  will  be  remembered  that  frecjuent  reference  has  been  made  to 
the  technique  and  designs  of  both  of  these  peoples,  but  for  the  sake 


A\//\// 


-Basket  designs  from  Lytton 


of  clearness  a  biief  recapitidation  of  their  outstanding  peculiarities 
will  be  given. 

Lillooet  Basketry 

The  Lillooet  burden  basket  is  more  nearly  square  than  that  of  the 
Thompson  and  probably  its  angularity  was  established  at  a  much 
earlier  date  than  that  of  the  Thompson  burden  basket,  if  indeed  it 
was  not  invented  there.  The  comers  are  quite  sharp,  the  waUs  per- 
fectly straight  and  usually  much  more  flaring  tlian  those  of  the 
Thompson  basket,  while  tlie  comparatively  smaller  bases  give  the 
effect  of  much  less  stability.  In  many  cases  the  coil  structure  aver- 
ages about  the  same  as  the  Thompson;  both  tribes  are  .excellent 
builders,  whose  work  could  not  be  improved  upon.  In  a  number  of 
forms  of  baskets  and  sometimes  in  the  burden  types,  however,  the 
Lillooet  use  a  broader,  flatter  coil  which  is  sewed  with  coarser  withes, 
a  feature  which  the  Thompson  have  not  adopted.  (PL  55,  b,  d.) 
They  also  are  accustomed  to  make  a  considerable  amount  of  slat  work, 
especially  in  baby  carriers.  While  many  of  their  baskets,  particularly 
the  long  narrow  tnmk  and  storage  baskets,  of  which  they  manufacture 


336 


COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


a  great  number  and  which  the  Thompson  may  have  learned  to  make 
from  them,  are  adorned  with  designs  apphcd  to  the  walls  in  vertical 
stripes,  the  ordinary  method  of  application,  especially  on  burden 
baskets,  is  in  horizontal  zones,  generally  two.  The  upper  of  these  is 
entirely  imbricated  both  for  background  and  designs,  while  the  lower 
contains  only  short  vertical  stripes  which  extend  part  way  into  it  from 
the  upper  field.  Occasionally  the  imbricated  field  is  replaced  by  one 
decorated  solely  with  beading,  which,  however,  does  not  necessarily 
encircle  the  four  walls  of  the  basket,  for  the  Lillooet  are  not  much 
disturbed  by  lack  of  symmetry.  (Pis.  55,  a,  c,  $r;  57,  f ,  17.)  They  some- 
times adorn  three  sides  and  leave  the  fourth  bare,  or  place  upon  it 
totally  unrelated  figures.  Or  they  may  treat  opposite  faces  similarly 
but  choose  for  the  pau-s  designs  whicli  have  no  artistic  relationship. 
Wliile  they  recognize  the 
value  of  the  filler  and 
make  use  of  it  to  some  ex- 
tent, they  are  evidently  not 
as  impressed  with  its  desir- 
abihty  as  the  Thompson. 
Plate  55,  li,  shows  the 
introduction  of  two  fillers, 
one  of  which  comes  ex- 
actly on  the  corner,  the 
other  on  the  face.  It  is 
possible  that  these  are 
parts  of  the  design  proper. 
Plate  56,  h,  shows  a  very  unusual  Lillooet  specimen  with  fillers  in 
both  upper  corners.  The  peculiar  feature  of  this  basket  is  the 
bifurcated  stitch  which  is  carrried  throughout  as  a  means  of 
decoration.  The  Lillooet  rarely  treat  their  stitches  in  this  way, 
a  device  characteristic  of  Cliilcotin  and  Shuswap  basketry.  Al- 
though the  bifurcation  is  so  carefully  done,  it  has  not  resulted 
in  more  vertical  designs,  as  is  the  case  frequently  with  the  Chilcotin, 
because  the  individual  stitches  show  a  pronounced  leftward 
lean.  Other  specimens  with  fillers  are  shown  m  Figure  99  and 
Plates  55,  e,  and  57,  e.  It  is  worthy  of  note  that  Lillooet  fillers  are 
practically  always  in  keeping  with  some  part  of  the  main  design, 
while  the  Thompson  sometimes  use  totally  unrelated  elements. 
Another  evidence  of  a  more  refined  artistic  sense  is  to  be  found  in 
the  more  graceful  forms.  The  Lillooet  burden  basket,  although 
more  angular  in  many  cases,  with  its  tapering  form  and  extremely 
narrow  base,  is  greatly  admired  by  the  Thompson  women,  who  strive 
to  imitate  it.  Some  of  the  other  forms  shown  in  Figure  100  and 
Plates  56,  a,  and  57,  /j  are  also  very  good.  The  Lillooet  do  not  have 
as  much  trouble  with  the  corners  as  do  the  Thompson,  because  they 


Fig.  99.— Lillooet  basket 


boas] 


BASKETRY    OF   NEIGHBORS    OF   THE    THOMPSON 


337 


are  less  apt  to  turn  them  prematurely.  On  most  specimens  there 
is  only  a  slight  leftward  twist  of  the  walls,  wliich  is  hardly  noticeable. 
That  some  Lillooet  women  have  as  much  trouble  as  their  Thompson 
neighbors  in  seeming  proper  cu'cumference  spacing  is  evident  in 
Plates  55,  a,  and  56,  d,  in  the  droppers  in  the  lower  fields. 

On  the  whole  the  designs  are  remarkably  well  arranged,  so  tliat 
one  feels  that  perhaps  the  division  of  the  decorative  field  is  a  little 
more  perfect  than  among  the  Thompson.  No  doubt  the  unproved 
manipidation  of  the  coils  when  turning  the  corners  is  an  influential 
factor  as  well  as  tlie  large,  rectangxilar  patterns  wliich  are  so  typically 
Lillooet.  Here  the  women  have  secured  an  excellent  type  of  decora- 
tion for  the  form  of  basket  used.  These  designs  practically  fill  the 
field  and  are  very  satisfying  in  their  symmetry  and  form.  They  are 
probably  also  much  easier  to  place  than  a  nmnber  of  vertical  stripes 
or  small  figm'es,  since  they  require  merely  a  single  division  of  the 

^^^^k^  field  into  two  equal 

utJk  :ri.i  %  iP   »i  ■ 


I]  .Tfrtntr  . 


V^ 


>L 


llrrainal' 


f^:^' 


Fig.  100— Lillooet  basket 


parts.  Miscalcula- 
tion in  circumfer- 
ence spacing  is 
cliiefly  evident  in 
vertical  stripes  or 
in  the  "droppers" 
which  occupy  the 
lower  field;  and 
when  they  do  not 
come  in  approxi- 
mately the  right 
places  in  relation  to  the  large  rectangular  designs  the  effect  is  even 
more  noticeable  than  the  incongruity  of  Thompson  fillers.  Plates 
31,  /■  and  57,  b,  d,  h,  show  the  almost  perfect  adjustment  of  the  large 
figures  to  the  upper  field,  and  also  the  miscalculations  in  placing 
the  droppers.  Doctor  Haeberlin  has  made  sketches  of  one  of  these 
baskets  in  wliich  the  upper  field  is  merely  beadwork  on  three  of  the 
faces,  while  on  the  fourth  the  "droppers"  run  to  the  rim  of  the  basket. 
(See  fig.  101  and  note  how  the  woman  has  begun  her  beading  in  the 
upper  corner  of  the  first  side  as  pictured  in  sketch  c,  in  order  to  fill 
the  gap  left  by  crowding  the  droppers  too  far  to  one  side.) 

It  wUl  be  seen  that  the  Lillooet  women  have  not  succeeded  even 
as  well  as  most  of  the  Thompson  in  solving  the  difficulty  of  the 
leftward  leaning  vertical.  They  are  more  successful  in  horizontal 
diagonals  and  flying  bird  designs  or  in  meanders.  (Pis.  55,  /;  56,  c; 
and  57,  c.) 

An  interesting  example  of  a  Lillooet  woman 's  struggles  with  the 
placing  of  vertical  stripes  is  shown  in  Plate  43,  c,  d.  As  was  the  case 
in  one  or  two  Thompson  specimens,  some  of  the  stripes  were  widened 
to  fill  the  gap  occasioned  by  wrong  spacing. 


338 


COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH   COLUMBIA  1eth.ann.41 


H\iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiniiiiiimiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiimTTTmi^ 


CC        nof  imtncafei 


llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll/lll/fjmTTMi 


Fig.  101— LUlooet  basket.     U.S.N.M.  219881 


BOAS]  BASKETRY    OF   NEIGHBORS    OF   THE    THOMPSON  339 

Figure  102  shows  an  interesting  struggle  with  the  corner  in  placing 
a  zigzag  design. 

No  doubt  many  smaller  mistakes  such  as  are  made  by  the  Thomp- 
son in  filling  vertical  stripes  with  smaller  designs  occur  in  Lillooet 
work. 

Plates  56,  e;  57,  /;  and  5S,  J,  show  typical  Lillooet  forms,  storage 
baskets  with  lids,  and  another  type  of  household  hamper.  The 
storage  baskets  are  constructed  of  flat,  broad  coils  and  are  especially 
noteworthy  for  their  perfect  rectangular  forms  and  beautiful  orna- 
mentation. On  the  first  of  these  the  maker  saw  that  her  two  outer 
vertical  stripes  would  be  too  wide  on  the  end  photographed  here,  and 
rather  than  spoil  the  whole  efl'ect  chose  what  was  to  her  the  lesser  of 
two  e\nls  and  abruptlj'  reduced  their  width.  If  the  choice  had  been 
left  to  us,  it  is  safe  to  state  that  in  all  probability  we  should  have 
carried  the  stripes  to  the  top  with  their  original  width. 

Views  of  two  baby  carriers  are  given  in  Plates  42,  i,  and  43,  a,  h. 

A  number  of  sketches  of  designs  and  their  interpretations  are  given 
in  Figures  103  to  105,  the  first  two  of  wliich  were  taken  from  Mr. 
Teit's  book  on  the  Lillooet  Indians,^*  the  last  composed  of  sketches 
wliich  he  has  since  made.  ^__^_^__^_^_^ 
The  striking  feature  of  these  Ti\^n\^n\^'T\W 
designs  is  the  number  of 
large  rectangular  patterns 
and  the  numerous  variations 
of  fly  designs.  That  the  Lil- 
looet   share    some    designs  Fia- 102.-LUlooet  basket.    Peabody  Museum  57202 

with  the  Thompson  is  to  be  expected.  Mr.  Teit  says  that  probably 
some  other  designs  exist  than  those  given  here  but  that  they  must  be 
rare,  such  as  dream  designs,  realistic  figures,  or  personal  marks.  A 
dream  design  is  given  on  Plate  37,  f,"  which  may  be  compared  with 
Sketches  692,  Plate  91,  and  771,  Plate  93,  of  tliis  volume.  Its  inter- 
pretation is  unknown.  It  is  said  to  have  been  used  only  by  the 
woman  who  dreamed  it. 

Realistic  figures  are  seldom  used  by  the  Lillooet,  and  when  they 
do  appear  they  are  small  and  are  enclosed  by  some  such  geometric 
design  as  Figure  103,  s.  The  eagle,  man,  dog,  deer,  horse,  and  bow 
and  arrow  are  the  only  objects  wliich  have  been  noted  in  representa- 
tions of  this  character.  Personal  marks  are  rare.  Generally  they 
are  the  initials  of  names  or  copies  of  horse  brands  and  therefore 
modern.  It  is  doubtful  whether  some  other  kinds  of  marks  were 
used  before  these  were  adopted.  The  only  ones  seen  by  Mr.  Teit 
are  the  letters  N  and  L,  but  the  Thompson  use  a  number  of  initials. 

M  J.  A.  Teit,  The  Lillooet  Indians,  Jesup  North  Pacific  Expedition,  vol.  2,  p.  207.  The  specimens  from 
which  these  designs  were  taken  are  enumerated  in  the  place  referred  to. 

"  The  same  basket  is  shown  in  Livingston  Farrand,  Basketry  Designs  of  the  Salish  Indians,  Jesup  North 
Pacific  Expedition,  Vol.  I,  Part  IV,  pi.  23,  flg.  11. 


340 


COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  [eth.  ann.41 


I 


bed 


V 


i_r 


s\. 


— ■ — . 

■ 


ElEJ 


EJH 


M 


Fig.  103.— Lillooet  designs,    a.  Fly;  b-d,  arrowhead;  e,  stripe;  /,  lightning;  g-h,  circle;  i,  ladder;  ;,  deer 
hoof;  h-71,  entrails;  o,  p,  tooth;  g,  head;  r.  net;  s.  arrow;  /,  u,  modern  patterns,  copied  from  fabrics 


a  i 


INK 


iiii 


J       XJ 


s 


Fig.  101.— LiUooet  designs.    Fly  patterns 


boas] 


BASKETRY   OF    NEIGHBORS   OF   THE    THOMPSON 


341 


A  brief  discussion  of  the  typical  arrangements  of  these  few  Lillooet 
patterns  may  not  be  out  of  place  here,  especially  when  comparing 
them  with  the  Thompson. 

1.  There  is  a  very  small  check  known  as  the  spot  or  fly  pattern 
which  is  executed  in  beading  or  in  small  imbrications  on  the  margins 
of  baskets  in  several  ways  similar  to  the  designs  seen  in  the  Thompson 
Sketches  1,  2,  3,  6,  and  7.^*  That  like  3  occurs  in  vertical  as  well  as 
in  horizontal  rows.  The  LUlooet  Sketches  3  and  4,  Figure  105, 
may  be  compared  with  the  Thompson  469,  470,  and  699. 

2.  The  fly  designs  are  extremely  common,  especially  in  vertical 
stripes  and  droppers.     A  number  of  common  variations  are  given 


g  p^ 


ss  ^ 


//  34  ▼    26       ▼ 


A    A     A    A 


a  _-_-_-_-_- 


m 


Fig.  105. — Lillooet  designs 

Figure  104.  Other  varieties  seen  since  the  publication  of  the 
volume  on  the  LiUooet  are  comparable  to  the  following  Thompson 
sketches:  393  but  small  and  in  disconnected  arrangement;  393  con- 
nected in  vertical  rows,  with  an  arrangement  similar  to  that  shown 
in  d,  Figure  104;  347,  425,  and  212(?),  only  considerably  smaller. 
In  addition  to  these  there  are  other  variations  of  the  figures  given 
here.  Sketch  8,  Figm-e  105,  is  seen  also  in  coimected  vertical  series. 
Sketches  5,  6,  and  7  of  the  same  figme  are  also  used  as  detached 
elements.  Arrow  designs  which  are  executed  in  checker  are  some- 
times called  fly  designs  on  account  of  their  surface  treatment  which 
is  considered  more  important  than  the  general  outline  of  the  pat- 
tern. Again  the  term  used  is  equivalent  to  fly  designs  in  arrow- 
head arrangement. 


"  The  Thompson  sketches  refer  to  Plates  78-94. 


342  COILED    BASKETRY   IN   BRITISH   COLUMBIA  Ieth.ann.41 

3.  Butterfly  and  flying  bird  designs  are  not  clearly  distinguished,  at 
the  present  time  at  least,  for  in  many  only  the  idea  of  motion  or  pose 
has  been  perpetuated  in  the  design.  Sketches  9-15  and  37,  Figure 
105,  are  types  of  these.  No.  13  occurs  in  single  figures  or  in  connected 
single,  double,  or  triple  horizontal  lines.  If  in  triple  formation  its 
butterfly  significance  is  lost  to  the  minds  of  some  individuals  who 
then  give  it  such  names  as  half  circle  or  zigzag  (cf.  87,  Thompson 
sketches).  No.  14  usually  occurs  singly.  No.  15,  in  much  smaller 
size,  is  always  arranged  in  vertical  series  and  is  otherwise  known 
as  the  goose  design.  (Cf.  Thompson  Sketches  86,  99,  714,  715,  and 
fig.  103,  Jc.  Also  cf.  Nos.  10,  11,  12,  fig.  105,  with  Thompson  690 
and  No.  12  especially  with  Thompson  169,  170,  and  182.) 

4.  The  circle  design,  Sketch  16,  Figure  105,  always  horizontal,  may 
be  compared  with  Thompson  Sketches  582-584  and  587. 

5.  Another  circle  design  also  designated  as  half  circle  has  many 
variations,  some  of  which  are  shown  in  sketches  f/  and  h,  Figure  103, 
and  17,  Figure  105.  These  are  nearly  always  in  vertical  arrange- 
ment, although  they  do  occur  singly  (cf.  Thompson  Sketches  187-192 
and  360).  No.  18,  Figure  105,  frequently  is  given  this  name,  es- 
pecially when  the  two  halves  are  widely  separated  or  occur  in  detached 
figures,  but  when  close  together  they  are  generally  called  mouth  or 
head  patterns. 

6.  Apart  from  the  last  design  just  discussed  under  5,  which  is  called 
"mouth"  or  "head"  pattern,  there  are  two  mouth  designs  (o  and  p) 
in  Figure  103.  If  small  points  occur  around  the  margin  the  name 
"tooth"  is  frequently  substituted.  (See  also  38,  fig.  105.)  This  design 
should  be  compared  with  the  Thompson  mouth  design,  Plate  50,  d. 

7.  A  typical  "head"  design  is  that  of  q,  Figure  103.  Although 
it  is  said  that  there  are  variations  of  this,  none  have  been  noted,  nor 
is  it  clear  whether  the  head  is  that  of  an  animal  or  a  human  being. 

8.  Figure  103,  I  and  n,  are  variations  of  the  "entrail"  design, 
but  not  I"  and  ?n,^'  for  I'  is  a  "connected  zigzag,"  while  m  is  a  "circle" 
pattern;  I,  however,  sometimes  is  called  a  "mouth"  or  "half  circle" 
design. 

9.  There  is  a  difference  of  opinion  about  the  ram's  horn  design 
(19,  fig.  105),  since  it  also  is  known  as  the  "mouth"  or  "half  circle." 
It  occurs  in  detached  figures  (cf.  Thompson  167,  168).  The  reason 
for  its  various  names  is  that  almost  any  figure  characterized  bysc^uare 
or  rectangular  indentations  may  be  called  a  ' '  half  circle  "  or  "  mouth  " 
pattern  (see  36,  fig.  105,  the  interpretation  of  which  is  not  given). 

10.  No.  20,  Figure  105,  is  called  a  white  man's  design  by  many 
because  they  claim  that  it  has  been  copied  from  border  designs  on 
textile  fabrics  secured  from  the  white  men.  Others  declare  that  it 
is  an  old  pattern  and  simply  a  variatiofi  of  the  head  and  mouth 
designs,  which  names  they  give  to  it.  The  arrangement  is  practically 
always  vertical.     As  seen  in  No.  20  it  is  said  to  be  the  full  figure. 

"  This  is  in  contradiction  to  other  information  given  also  by  Mr.  Teit. 


BOAS]  BASKETRY   OF   NEIGHBORS    OF   THE    THOMPSON  343 

No.  21  is  a  half  form  fcf.  '/,  fig.   103,  and  Thompson  Sketches  197 
and  198). 

11.  There  is  another  design  (slvetch  ^  fig.  103)  which  is  also  called 
a  white  man's  design  and  is  always  large.  Other  people  declare 
that  it  is  an  old  Indian  pattern  and  merely  a  double  arrangement 
of  the  ram's  horn  design  or  a  variation  of  the  white  man's  design 
(No.  10,  fig.  10.5).  Occasionally  it  is  seen  without  the  central  rec- 
tangle.    (Cf.  Thompson  Sketches  182  and  63.5-640.) 

12.  The  Thompson  net  designs  518-520  are  similar  to  one  used  by 
theLillooet  (r,  fig.  103). 

13.  The  zigzag  sometimes  appears  in  detached  figures  as  in  sketches 
22,  23,  24,  Figure  105,  which  are  like  those  seen  in  Thompson  Sketches 
506  and  096-699.  Sketch  24,  Figure  105,  also  resembles  the  Thomp- 
son 126. 

14.  Connected  or  crossing,  in  single,  double,  or  triple  formation 
as  in  Ic,  Figure  103,  we  have  a  zigzag  which  compares  with  the  Thomp- 
son 86  and  87.  Some  are  sharp  pointed  throughout  like  the  Thomp- 
son 79  and  80.  The  Lillooet  also  have  it  in  the  form  of  the  Thompson 
132,  and  some  lean  to  the  right,  others  to  the  left.  A  vertical  ar- 
rangement which  occasionally  receives  the  name  snake  track  is  like 
the  Thompson  Sketch  111. 

15.  The  "stepped  zigzag,"  "necklace,"  or  "flying  bird"  design  is 
more  rarely  named  lightning  (fig.  103,  /,  and  the  Thompson  Sketch 
134).  A  second  form  is  the  Thompson  497  and  a  third  is  given  in 
Sketch  25,  Figure  105.  Also  compare  the  Lillooet  form  26,  Figure 
105,  with  the  Thompson  78,  and  the  Lillooet  27  with  the  Thompson 
329  and  330.  All  of  the  Lillooet  patterns  except  26  are  considered 
to  be  merely  variations  of  the  butterfly  or  flying  bird  patterns. 

16.  The  "notch"  or  "deer  hoof"  design  is  represented  by  the 
Lillooet  (sketch  /,  fig.  103),  and  the  Thompson  673. 

17.  Two  varieties  of  "ladder"  figures  exist,  the  first,  Figure  103, 
i,  and  the  second  which  is  identical  with  the  Thompson  281.  Here 
it  is  known  as  a  double  ladder. 

18.  There  are  a  number  of  varieties  of  the  "arrowhead"  pattern 
which  are  found  among  both  tribes.     They  are — 

Lillooet  Thompson 
Fig.  103,  c 246 

Fig.  10.5,  No.  28 252 

Fig.  103,  d  (or  filled  in  with  checks) 522,  527 

Fig.  105,  No.  29 135,  136,  139,  140,261,272,274,275 

Sketch  29,  Figure  105,  Lillooet,  occurs  in  small  detached  figures. 
In  spite  of  its  apparent  dissimilarity  the  design  .?,  Figure  103,  is 
named  an  arrowhead  design. 

19.  The  most  common  form  of  the  "half  arrowhead"  design 
among  the  Lillooet  is  that  shown  in  h,  Figure  103,  for  a  comparison 

53666°— 28 23 


344 


COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA 


lETH.  ANN.  41 


of  which  with  the  Thompson  see  Sketch  303.  Another  variety  is 
tlie  same  as  the  Thompson  286,  only  it  is  occasionally  filled  in  with 
checks,  and  is  found  in  scattered  or  detached  arrangement.  There 
is  also  a  connected  form,  30,  Figm-e  105,  which  is  comparable  to 
the  Thompson  294,  295. 

20.  One  variety  of  "stripe,"  Figure  103,  e,  is  found  in  groups  of 
twos  and  threes,  sometimes  connected  with  a  horizontal  central  bar. 
Another  variety  is  shown  in  No.  31,  Figure  105,  or  may  even  be 
further  reduced  to  only  one  horizontal  layer.  Compare  these  with 
the  Thompson  47-53.  A  diagonal  arrangement  has  no  lines  appear- 
ing at  right  angles  to  the  "stripes."  It  is  like  the  Thompson  34, 
but  longer.     This  variety  is  occasionally  called  lightning. 

21.  For  examples  of  tooth  designs,  see  No.  33,  Figure  105,  and 
compare  them  with  the  Thompson  26.5-267  and  353.  These  patterns 
arc  always  small  and  arranged  horizontally. 

22.  The  fish  bone  pattern  is  given  in  34,  35,  Figure  105,  as  well  as 
t,  Figure  103(?),  which  is  sometimes  called  "double." 

23.  The  chain  or  rope  design  is  generally  a  simple  horizontal 
band  which  is  occasionally  repeated  so  frequently  over  the  surface 
of  the  basket  as  to  almost  completely  cover  it.  Sketches  39  and  40, 
Figure  105,  are  varieties  of  this  pattern,  which  bear  a  close  resem- 
blance to  some  of  the  fly  figures  and  likewise  to  the  Thompson 
Sketch  462. 

The  following  table  will  give  some  idea  of  the  comparative  popu- 
larity of  these  patterns  as  they  have  been  noted  by  Mr.  Teit  between 
1895  and  1910. 


No.  of  design.  Fig.  105 

Number 
.nf  times 

No.  of  design,  Fig.  105 

Number 
of  times 

.,                 fin  dots                _    -  _   _ 

24 
3 

12 

13 

14 

15 

1 

1 jother  arrangements.  _ 

2 

5 

7 

3                       

10 

1 
7 
5 
1 
2 
1 
2 
1 

7 

4 

16                                 --   .     -     - 

1 

5 

17  .- ..       ....... 

2 

6     .   

18 

7 

7 

19 . 

20 ..     .. 

8 

8     _-   ...     . 

6 

9                   -       - 

21 

22 

3 

10 

3 

11 

23         -.   . 

3 

Chilcotin  Basketry 

The  typical  Chilcotin  burden  basket  is  somewhat  smaller  than 
that  of  the  Thompson  and  a  little  longer  in  proportion  to  its  width, 
which  gives  it  a  deeper  appearance  than  either  Thompson  or  Lillooet 
types.     The  rim  is  usually  much  higher  at  the  ends  of  the  basket 


BOASl  BASKETRY    OF   NEIGHBORS    OF   THE    THOMPSON  345 

than  on  the  long  sides,  where  it  dips  gradually  toward  the  center 
and  imparts  to  the  upper  section  of  the  structure  the  outlines  of  a 
boat.  The  corners  are  quite  rounded.  On  the  outside  some  dis- 
tance below  the  rim  is  a  thick  rod  which  encircles  the  basket  and 
is  fastened  to  it  by  means  of  thongs.  This  rod  serves  at  once  as 
a  handle  to  which  to  tie  the  carrying  straps  and  by  which  to  lift 
the  basket  when  loaded,  as  well  as  a  general  support.  There  is  not 
as  much  flare  to  the  walls  as  is  seen  on  the  usual  Thompson  speci- 
men, a  fact  which  renders  the  tying  of  the  tump  line  around  the 
basket  impracticable.  The  graceful  curve  in  the  walls  occurs  in 
the  lower  haK  of  the  structure,  whereas  the  Thompson  curve  is  seen 
in  the  upper  half.  There  is  apparently  almost  no  trace  of  pre- 
maturely turned  corners,  so  that  the  shapes  are  as  symmetrical  as 
those  of  the  Lillooet. 

The  Chilcotin  coil,  as  has  been  indicated  before,  is  smaller  than 
that  of  the  Lillooet  or  Thompson  and  much  less  even.  The  walls 
lack  the  smoothness  which  characterizes  the  work  of  the  other 
two  tribes,  while  the  bifurcation  of  the  stitches  on  the  outside  is 
accomplished  with  such  beautiful  regularity  as  to  form  a  decorative 
feature  which  is  almost  never  attempted  by  either  the  Thompson 
or  the  Lillooet,  but  which  was  often  used  by  the  Shuswap  to  the 
east.  A  slight  difference  exists  in  the  technique  of  sewing,  since  the 
sewing  splint  Ues  over  the  face  of  the  coil  a  little  more  vertically, 
thus  enabling  the  artist  to  approach  true  vertical  lines  somewhat 
more  successfully.  The  presence  of  a  number  of  examples  in  which 
the  lean  is  fairly  noticeable,  however,  shows  that  this  improvement 
is  not  universal  in  the  tribe.  The  bottoms  are  constructed  in  the 
same  ways  that  the  Thompson  use.      (Pis.  7,  h;  8,  a;  58,  c-h;  59-62.) 

Other  striking  differences  between  Chilcotin  work  and  that  of 
the  tribes  to  the  south  and  east  are  also  very  apparent.  Almost 
without  exception  the  arrangement  of  the  designs  is  in  four  horizontal 
zones  or  fields,  three  of  which  are  about  equal  in  width  and  are 
located  below  the  rod,  while  the  fourth  is  much  narrower  and  com- 
prises the  space  between  the  rod  and  the  rim.  Mr.  Teit  says  in  a 
note  that  in  late  years  he  has  seen  only  five  specimens  which  differed 
in  this  respect.  All  were  entirely  imbricated,  although  the  usual 
custom  is  to  leave  the  middle  of  the  three  fields  below  the  rim  bare 
except  for  the  designs  wliich  cross  it  at  intervals  and  connect  the 
fields  lying  on  either  side  of  it.  Of  the  five  exceptions  four  had  two 
design  fields,  the  narrow  one  above  the  rod  and  a  second  comprising 
the  remainder  of  the  basket  walls.  The  fifth  lacked  the  rod  and  had 
only  one  field.  Some  other  variations  appear  along  this  line,  how- 
ever, especially  as  shown  in  Plates  58,  e,  g;  59,  c,  h;  60,  e. 

The  great  majority  of  burden  baskets  are  ornamented  with  designs 
well  adapted  to  the  shape  of  the  basket,  both  from  an  artistic  stand- 


346  COILED    BASKETRY   IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  (eth.  ann.41 

point  and  from  the  point  of  view  of  the  minimum  number  of  difficul- 
ties involved  in  their  execution.  The  typical  styles  are  the  horizontal 
band  of  continuous  designs,  many  of  which  are  zigzags  or  meanders, 
and  the  slightly  separated  smaller  elements  which  are  sometimes  seen 
in  aU-over  arrangement.  These  types  are  illustrated  in  Plates  58-62. 
A  great  many  designs  are  executed  only  in  outline,  with  here  and 
there  triangles  or  scpares  worked  in  solid  black  by  way  of  contrast. 
The  background  is  always  Ught. 

In  contrast  to  these  there  are  a  few  decorated  with  vertical  series 
of  figures,  which  at  once  seem  to  give  rise  to  the  same  difficulties 
experienced  by  the  other  tribes  using  them.  Plate  59,  d,  is  a  very 
interesting  specimen.  The  leftward  lean  of  the  stripes  is  much  more 
pronounced  than  usual,  although  the  basket  has  been  very  carefully 
made.  Not  only  was  the  circumference  spacing  unsatisfactory  but 
other  difficulties  have  arisen  which  were  practically  unavoidable. 
Owing  to  the  rapid  increase  in  the  waU  circumference  in  the  region 
of  the  bottom,  it  was  almost  impossible  to  adjust  the  triangles,  so 
that  near  either  corner  a  confused  arrangement  results  which  obvi- 
ously was  not  intended.  The  central  field  presents  difficulties  due 
almost  wholly  to  miscalculation  on  the  part  of  the  maker  who  made 
the  compromise  solution  seen  at  the  left  edge.  The  break  in  the 
stripe  on  the  right,  however,  is  due  to  the  fact  that  a  constantly  in- 
creasing coil  circumference  requires  more  stitches  to  sew  it  with  each 
succeeding  round.  It  is  quite  evident  that  in  this  instance  the  con- 
stantly increasing  number  of  stitches  and  the  fact  that  each  was 
imbricated  made  it  necessary  to  follow  exactly  the  straight  rows  which 
were  then  more  emphasized.  At  this  particular  place  on  the  basket 
where  it  was  expedient  to  place  the  triple  stripe,  one  or  the  other  of 
the  lines  necessarily  fell  where  it  could  not  be  carried  out  by  consecu- 
tive stitches,  hence  the  break  which  is  the  more  apparent  because  each 
imbricated  background  stitch  is  set  off  from  its  neighbor  by  its  un- 
compromising square  form.  The  maker  had  much  better  luck  with 
her  two  top  zones,  for  the  triangles  and  zigzags  are  almost  perfectly 
spaced  even  at  the  break  which  is  visible  in  the  upper  left  corner. 
Plate  59,  A,  shows  another  attempt  at  vertical  decoration  which  was 
unsuccessful  from  the  point  of  view  of  circumference  spacing. 

Plate  59,  6,  is  a  rare  specimen  and  presumably  modern.  Its  square 
corners  and  solidly  worked  designs  are  foreign  to  the  earlier  Chilcotin 
style.  The  circumference  spacing  of  the  elements  is  imusually  excel- 
lent, although  a  slight  discrepancy  occurs  in  the  central  of  the  three 
zones  below  the  rod.  The  imbrication  of  the  background  of  this  zone, 
while  not  conforming  to  the  old  Chilcotin  style,  is  not  unusual  at  the 
present  time. 

The  filler,  on  account  of  the  prevailing  styles  of  decoration,  is  ex- 
tremely rare;  in  fact  not  a  specimen  studied  can  boast  of  one.     The 


BOAS]  BASKETRY    OF    NEIGHBORS    OF   THE    THOMPSON  347 

treatment  of  corners  is  accomplished  entirely  by  the  processes  of 
augmentation  and  diminution  of  elements  or  background  as  the 
case  may  be.  Frequently,  however,  the  designs  come  out  with 
amazing  accuracy  at  the  break,  without  very  noticeable  variations 
in  the  size  of  the  figures  encii-cling  the  basket.  Plate  58,  c,  is  a 
striking  exception ;  the  tops  of  the  meanders  differ  considerably  from 
one  another,  that  at  the  extreme  right  on  the  long  side  and  the 
central  section  of  the  one  on  the  corner  being  elongated  out  of  all 
proportion  to  the  other  parts.  The  treatment  of  the  crossing  diag- 
onals in  the  lower  field  is  evidence  of  the  maker's  struggle  against  the 
leftward  lean  of  her  stitches  and  consequently  the  flattened  left- 
ward running  diagonals.  Other  baskets  illustrating  tliis  method  of 
treating  corners  are  shown  in  Plates  58,  e,  g;  59,  e,f;  and  60,  c.  Often 
the  Cliilcotin  secure  a  remarkably  good  correspondence  between  the 
designs  of  the  lower  and  upper  of  the  thi'ee  fiekls  below  the  rod  in  the 
matter  of  alignment.  This  is  due  to  the  fact  that  they  bifurcate 
their  stitches  as  far  as  is  possible,  producing  perfectly  straight  rows 
between  which,  when  necessary,  other  straight  rows  are  incorporated, 
just  as  additional  warps  are  introduced  in  twined  basketry.  By 
means  of  these  straight  lines  they  are  enabled  to  follow  up  the  edges 
of  the  designs  in  the  lower  field  and  to  adjust  proportionately  those 
of  the  upper  zone.  The  alignment  depends  somewhat  on  the  char- 
acter of  the  design  as  well  as  upon  the  watchfulness  of  the  artist. 
Continuous  designs  can  not  be  adjusted  in  this  manner,  nor  figures 
between  wliich  it  is  absolutely  necessary  to  maintain  a  fixed  distance. 
The  checker  design  in  Plate  58,  /,  is  of  this  character,  as  are  all 
horizontal  zigzags  or  meanders.  In  Plate  60,  c,  the  maker  secm-ed 
her  alignment  at  the  cost  of  the  increased  size  in  figures  at  the 
corners,  as  well  as  greater  distance  betv/een  them,  but  to  our  eyes 
the  result  is  unusually  satisfactory.  A  remarkable  specimen  from 
the  pomt  of  view  of  alignment,  which  otherwise  appears  very  crude, 
is  shown  in  Plate  58,  It.  So  perfect  is  this  that  practically  the  same 
distances  are  maintained  throughout  between  the  figures  which  are 
the  same  for  the  three  fields — all  this  basket  has.  The  break  at  the 
extreme  left  is  especially  noteworthy. 

Another  particularly  fine  specimen  is  that  given  in  Plate  62,  c. 
The  alignment  of  the  meanders  is  almost  perfect;  their  leftward  lean, 
which  seems  especially  pronounced  in  the  right  half  of  the  basket,  is 
in  part  accomated  for  by  the  incurve  of  the  walls. 

In  a  number  of  cases  the  utterly  different  decorations  given  to 
the  upper  and  lower  of  the  three  fields  minimize  the  number  of 
difficulties  usually  encoimtered,  since  no  attempt  is  made  to  correlate 
the  elements  of  the  two  zones.  (PI.  60,  h.)  Here  the  corners  are 
almost  entirely  disregarded,  or  at  least  the  maker  has  not  succeeded 
in  even  approaching  symmetry,  but  it  is  interesting  to  notice  how  she 


348 


COILED    BASKETRY   IN   BRITISH   COLUMBIA 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


adjusted  the  two  central  zigzags  of  the  third  zone  to  admit  of  placing 
the  flattened  one  where  it  belonged. 

The  corner  of  the  basket  (pi.  60,  e)  tells  the  tale  of  the  struggle 
the  maker  experienced  in  attempting  to  align  her  zigzags.  If  the 
reader  wQl  examine  the  plates  carefully  a  number  of  what  have  been 
called  smaller  errore  in  stitching  and  imbricating  may  also  be  located. 
These  do  not  require  special  comment,  particularly  since  so  much  has 
already  been  said  along  this  line. 

The  remaining  plates  (pis.  60,  a;  &l,g,j;  62,  h)  present  some  realistic 
decorations  of  more  recent  origin,  showng  that  among  the  Chilcotin, 
as  among  the  Thompson,  a  new  departure  in  basketry  ornamentation 


"."    ^^E  w  W 


AAAA 
AA  AA 


vVM-v^^m 


-OOi^^Til-  la 


?       ««    ^ 


HH'<I        I  M  28  4.^ 


Fig.  106.— Chilcotin  designs 

is  in  progi'ess.  Among  the  Chilcotin  representative  work  is  not  badly 
done  and  approaches  the  realistic  to  a  greater  extent  than  that  of  the 
Thompson. 

Considering  the  intercourse  that  aU  of  these  tribes  have  had 
with  one  another,  directly  or  indirectly,  it  is  to  be  expected  that 
similarities  in  the  matter  of  designs  should  frequently  be  encountered. 
But  the  Chilcotin  are  more  indi-vidual  in  this  respect  than  their 
neighbors,  as  Figures  106  and  107  and  the  plates  show.  The  major- 
ity of  patterns  are  noticeably  rectangular,  a  feature  which  is  more 
common  among  the  Lillooet  than  among  the  Thompson,  but  in  nei- 
ther of  these  localities  is  the  trait  so  marked  as  it  is  here. 

Sketches  Nos.  1-6,  Figure  106,  are  variations  of  t,  Figure  107, 
although  it  is  doubtfiil  if  they  would  aU  be  given  the  same  inter- 
pretations, namely,  ribs  of  mammals.     They  are  arranged  either 


boas] 


BASKETRY   OF   NEIGHBORS   OF   THE   THOMPSON 


349 


as  short  lines  at  equal  distances  depending  from  the  rim  or  in  groups, 
particularly  in  twos.  They  are  separated  into  two  fields,  an  upper 
and  lower,  or  all  over  one  large  field  or  in  long  lines  in  groups  of 
three  extending  the  full  length  of  a  single  field.  Pattern  No.  7, 
Figure  106,  represents  the  large  checks  used  in  all-over  fashion  to 


AA 


-<X>^ 


X_l 


S    3     S      S       '' 


^y~j 


f 


j^ 


n 


Fig.  107. — Chilcotin  designs 

cover  one  field.  The  triangular  design  elements,  S,  are  variations 
of  those  given  in  Figure  107,  g,  which  are  known  as  "arrowheads." 
They  occur  mostly  in  opposed  rows  to  fill  a  horizontal  zone,  but  9 
and  g"  are  of  course  vertical  series.  The  designs  10  are  probably 
meant  to  represent  a  beaver,  stream,  and  trap.  No  interpretations 
have  been  secured  for  9  and  18.     Nos.  28,  29,  and  30  are  known  as 


350 


COILED    BASKETRY   IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA 


lETH.  ANN.  41 


"beavers' tails. "  Compare  11,  Figure  106,  with  p,  Figure  107.  The 
latter  is  called  mountains  or  snakes.  Both  usually  occur  at  equi- 
distant points  all  around  the  circuinference.  Sketch  12,  Figure  106, 
or  d,  Figure  107,  are  often  seen  in  pairs.  The  last  of  these  is  called 
fish  ribs.  Sketch  13,  Figure  106,  is  undoubtedly  related  to  sketch 
c.  Figure  107,  as  we  have  noted  elsewhere.  Both  are  called  net 
designs. 

The  designs  14  and  15,  Figure  106,  seem  to  be  related  to  16  of 
the  same  figure,  as  far  as  structure  goes,  and  also  to  w,  Figure  107, 
but  the  interpretations  are  different.  Sketch  14,  Figure  106,  is 
known  as  flies,  while  for  15  no  name  has  been  secured.  There  is  a 
suggestion  that  16  is  a  tree  design,  as  are  w  and  cc  in  Figure  107; 
w,  however,  is  also  known  as  the  backbone  of  a  fish. 

Sketches  17,  Figure  106,  and  e,  Figure  107,  are  "ribs"  and  are 
used  in  horizontal  bands. 

Not  more  than  one  row  of  such  figures  as  18',  18",  Figure  106,  occur 
in  a  field.  These  may  be  related  to  such  patterns  as  15,  or  </,  Figure 
107.  The  latter  sketch  is  the  curious  figure  which  so  frequently 
appears  on  Tlingit  basketry  in  many  different  colors. 

The  trapezoidal  figure,  sketch  19,  Figure  106,  is  known  among 
the  Chilcotin  as  a  bear's  foot  pattern. 

Nothing  is  given  about  the  arrangements  of  20  and  23,  Figure 
106.  The  little  design  22  is  used  in  a  narrow  horizontal  band  at  the 
top.  (See  pi.  58,  e.)  Sketches  24  and  25  show  patterns  which  occur 
near  the  rims.  The  latter  is  thought  to  be  part  of  a  net  design. 
The  points  on  the  hourglass  figures,  Sketch  26,  vary,  but  the  average 
is  about  five. 

The  following  table  refers  the  reader  to  similar  figures  among  the 
Thompson  and  Lillooet,  where  these  exist. 


Chilcotin 


Thompson 


Lillooet 


a  a',  Fig.  107. 
6,1  Fig.  107... 


c,2  Fig.  107;  13,  Fig. 

106. 

d,  Fig.  107 

c,  Fig.  107;  25,  Fig. 

106. 

}?  Fig.  107 

ff,'   Fig.    107;   8,   9, 

Fig.  106. 

h.  Fig.  107 

i,  Fig.  107 


79-82,  86,  87 

522,  523,  527,  528,  536,  537, 

557,    563,   567. 
518-520 


112, 116-118- 
84,  135 


144,  145,  150 

225,  244,  245,  254,  271. 


16,  68,  581. _. 
356,  440,  451. 


k,  Fig.  103. 
d,  Fig.  103. 

T,  Fig.  103. 


29,  Fig.  105. 

35,  Fig.  105. 
28,  Fig.  105. 

a,  Fig.  103  and  Fig.  104. 
a.  Fig.  103  and  Fig.  104. 


'  The  diamond  is  a  very  common  element  here,  as  it  is  with  the  Thompson,  but  the  arrangements  are  a 
little  different. 
3  The  flattened  diamond  also  occurs  in  all  three  tribes. 
3  The  Thompson  have  inlaid  designs  on  pipes  exactly  like  /and  /'. 
*  All  the  variations  are  found  among  the  Thompson  and  most  of  them  among  the  Lillooet. 


boas) 


BASKETRY    OF   NEIGHBORS    OF   THE    THOMPSON 


351 


Chilcotin 


Thompson 


Lillooet 


j,  Fig.  107. 


k,  Fig.  107 

m  and  n,  Fig.  107  _ 
0  and  p,  Fig.  107; 

11,  and  12,5  Fig. 

106. 

q,  Fig.  107 

7-,  Fig.  107 

s,  Fig.  107 

t,  Fig.   107;  5,  Fig. 

106. 

u,  Fig.  107 

V,  Fig.  107 

w,  Fig.  107 

X,  Fig.  107 

y,  Fig.  107;    4,  Fig. 

106. 

z,  Fig.  107 

aa,  Fig.  107 

cc,  Fig.  107 

1,  Fig.  106 

2,  Fig.  106 

3,  Fig.  106 

6,  Fig.  106 

7,  Fig.  106 

8,  Fig.  106 


9,  Fig. 

13,  Fig, 

14,  Fig, 

15,  Fig, 

16,  Fig 

17,  Fig 

18,  Fig, 

19,  Fig 

20,  21, 

22,  Fig 

23,  Fig 

25,  Fig 

26,  Fig 

27,  Fig 

28,  29 
30,  Fig, 


106 

.  106 

.  106 

.  106 

,  106 

.  106 

.  106 

.  106 

Fig.  106_ 

.  106 

.  106 

.  106 

.  106 

.  106 

Fig.  106  _ 
.  106 


Only  as  checlcs  in  patterns, 
not  as  simple  element. 

156,  169-171,  173,  174 

506,  696-698 

111,  12S-130,  132,  501 


167,  168,  187-191. 

192,  360 

583,  584 

51,  60 


4,  22,  23- 

74 

683-685-. 

186 

53 


362. 
435  _ 


47,  48_ 

52 

52 


4   22 

382,  ica^mWWmiWll 

Very  common  (see  Thomp- 
son triangles). 

245,257 

520 

398 

191,  192 

482 

146,  147 

188-190 

23,631 

683-685 

231-236 

670 

135 

320,  322 

373,  374 ■ 

522,  523 

518 


Only  as  checks  in  patterns, 
not  as  simple  element. 

22,  23,  24,  Fig.  105. 
See    Lillooet   zigzag   designs 
all  sorts. 

g  and  I,  Fig.  103,  19,  Fig.  105. 
q,  Fig.  103. 
16,  Fig.  105. 
Stripe  designs. 


Fly  designs.  Fig.  104. 
m,  Fig.  103;   2,  Fig.  105. 


35,  Fig.  105. 

31,  Fig.  105. 
31,  Fig.  105. 

s,  Fig.  104. 
Very  common. 


m,  Fig.  103;    2,  Fig.  105. 
h,  Fig.  103;  17,  18,  Fig.  105. 


See  zigzags. 
? 


<  Common  with  both  Lillooet  and  Thompson. 

Shuswap  Basketry 

It  is  unfortunate  that  so  little  information  can  now  be  obtained 
from  the  Shuswap  concerning  the  imbricated  basketry  which  they 
are  known  to  have  manufactured  formerly.  Without  any  detailed 
knowledge  of  their  ancient  designs  it  is  impossible  to  determine  what 
were  all  of  the  influences  plajdng  upon  the  Chilcotin,  just  how  much 
they  owed  to  the  Thompson  and  Lillooet,  and  whence  their  square 
designs  came. 

Informants  state  that  Shuswap  burden  baskets  varied  in  size  but 
were  all  similar  in  shape;  a  few  were  like  the  modern  Chilcotin  and 
all  had  rounded  corners.     Some  were  a  little  longer  and  narrower 


352  COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  [eth.  ann.  41 

than  others  and  there  was  some  latitude  in  the  degree  of  wall  flare, 
but  on  the  whole  their  contours  were  alike.  There  were  also  circular 
baskets  like  the  Thompson  kettles  which  were  used  for  cooking, 
round  baskets  and  bowls,  as  well  as  nut  shapes  of  various  sizes  which 
when  small  were  used  to  hold  trinkets  or  tools,  or  if  large,  for  storage 
purposes.  The  informants  were  doubtful  about  the  existence  of 
coiled  cups  and  trays,  but  said  these  were  certainly  made  of  birch 
bark.  They  were  not  sure  whether  any  of  the  trunk-shaped  {.stlulc) 
baskets  were  manufactured  in  their  tribe. 

Other  informants  said  that  flat  coils  were  not  used,  but  that  the 
round  coils  were  constructed  like  the  Thompson  of  splints  of  cedar  or 
spruce  root.  The  bottoms  were  of  the  watch-spring  and  elongated 
types.  The  people  are  doubtful  if  the  other  varieties  were  made. 
The  rims  were  plain  and  often  made  of  thicker  coil  than  the  basket 
walls,  in  order  to  increase  their  durability.  It  is  thought  that  fancy 
baskets  were  not  made,  but  that  the  Shuswap  in  some  parts  of  the 
country  produced  small  round  workbaskets  like  the  Thompson  nut 
shapes. 

For  imbrication  they  behave  the  same  kind  of  grass  was  employed 
that  was  used  by  the  Thompson  and  Chilcotin.  It  was  generally 
left  in  its  natiu-al  white  color,  but  sometimes  was  dyed  red  and 
yellow.  The  bark  used  for  imbricating  they  say  was  like  that 
used  by  the  other  tribes.  As  for  quills  being  employed  for  em- 
broidery on  baskets,  they  were  very  uncertain,  but  remembered  that 
they  were  sewed  on  the  rims  of  some  birch  bark  specimens.  Beading 
and  imbrication  were  both  common  and  the  amount  of  decoration 
ranged  from  surfaces  entirely  covered  to  those  which  were  totally 
bare,  relying  for  their  attractiveness  on  the  bifurcated  stitches.'"  It 
is  claimed  that  some  bifurcating  was  executed  in  bands  which  en- 
hanced the  decorative  effect,  but  on  this  point  again  the  people  are 
very  uncertain. 

Relation  of  Imbricated  Basketry  to  Other  Forms 

We  shall  now  turn  to  a  consideration  of  the  relation  between  the 
imbricated  basketry  of  the  Thompson,  Lillooet,  and  other  north- 
western tribes  and  compare  the  art  with  that  of  the  Californian 
basket-making  tribes  and  that  of  the  Tlingit  of  Alaska.  We  shall 
also  note  what  may  have  been  the  influence  of  the  Plains,  where, 
although  baskets  are  not  made,  a  colorful  and  striking  art  prevails, 
which  finds  expression  in  exquisite  beadwork  and  the  gaily  painted 
leather  parfleches.  It  must  have  made  a  profound  impression 
wherever  it  was  encoimtered. 

60  See  James  A.  Teit.  The  Shuswap,  Publications  of  the  Jesup  North  Pacific  Expedition,  Vol.  II.  fig.  217. 


boasl  basketry  of  neighbors  of  the  thompson  353 

Yakima  and  Klickitat  Basketry 

The  following  account  of  Yakima  and  Klickitat  basketry  is  by 
Mr.  Teit,  who  completed  his  study  during  the  summer  of  1909. 

He  says :  "I  visited  the  people  on  Yakima  Reservation  last  summer 
to  obtain  interpretations  of  their  basketry  designs,  particidarly  those 
represented  in  the  basketry  collection  of  the  American  Museum.  I 
did  not  make  minute  inquirj^  on  any  other  subject.  As  I  was  provided 
by  the  Museum  with  very  good  photographs  of  aU  specimens  of 
baskets  and  bags,  identification  and  interpretation  of  the  designs 
was  effected  without  much  difficulty  by  showing  the  photographs  to 
various  women  who  were  considered  to  be  authorities  on  the  subject. 
From  these  women  and  others  I  also  gained  in  the  time  available  as 
much  infoi'mation  as  possible  regarding  the  material  used  and  data 
of  value  relating  to  basketry  and  other  industries.  I  was  successful 
in  obtaining  interpretations  of  nearly  aU  the  designs  occurring  on 
the  Museum  baskets.  In  this  I  was  aided  by  Peter  McGuff,^'  who 
was  with  Doctor  Sapir  as  interpreter.  He  speaks  both  the  Wishram 
and  Yakima  languages.  I  obtained  the  following  information  mostly 
from  the  Klickitat,  who  are  the  principal  basket  makers  on  the 
reservation." 

Bark  haskets. — According  to  the  Klickitat  no  birch-bark  baskets 
were  made  by  them,  and  very  few,  if  any,  by  the  Yakima,  Wishram, 
and  other  tribes  near  by.  However,  cedar-bark  baskets  were  manu- 
factured by  both  the  Klickitat  and  Yakima,  and  were  much  used  by 
them  for  gathering  blueberries  on  the  mountains.  Most  of  them 
were  of  kettle  shape.  They  were  of  various  sizes,  and  roughly  made 
out  of  a  single  piece  of  bark.  They  were  generally  designed  for 
temporary  use,  and  were  seldom  kept  around  the  home.  They 
had  no  ornamentation  of  any  kind,  and  were  generally  stitched  to- 
gether with  spht  root.     I  did  not  see  any  specimens. 

Woven  baskets. — Several  kinds  of  woven  baskets  were  made  by 
the  Klickitat.  One  variety  was  plaited  (in  some  cases  they  appear 
to  have  been  twilled)  and  had  a  braided  rim.  The  material  con- 
sisted of  narrow  strips  of  maple  bark  from  the  part  lying  next  to 
the  sapwood.  In  some,  different  shades  of  bark  were  so  arranged  as 
to  produce  a  decorative  scheme,  but  the  majority  were  ornamented 
with  elk  grass  in  three  colors,  with  designs  of  similar  character  to 
those  on  other  basketry.  Elk  grass,  in  its  natural  color,  gave  white; 
dyed  with  wolf  moss  or  root  of  Oregon  grape,  a  pale  yellow;  and 
stained  by  smoking,  a  dull  black.  These  baskets  were  flexible, 
had  a  somewhat  rounded  bottom,  were  all  of  one  shape,  and  did  not 
vary  much  in  size.  At  the  present  day  very  few  of  them  are  made, 
owing,  it  is  said,  to  the  difficulty  of  procuring  the  materials  near 

61  Peter  McGuff,  a  man  of  remarkable  intelligence,  died  in  1928. 


354  COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  Ieth.  ann.41 

at  hand.  Many  women  declare  that  even  in  former  times  when  the 
range  of  the  tribe  was  much  greater  many  lOickitat  famihes  did  not 
make  them,  and  some  think  their  manufacture  has  been  learned  from 
tribes  west  of  the  Cascades.  They  were  not  produced  by  any  of 
the  Yakima  or  eastern  tribes,  but  were  woven  by  the  Cowlitz  and 
other  western  groups.  These  baskets  are  called  waxxo'mExom,  and 
Plate  63,  a  and  c,  appear  to  be  examples  of  them. 

A  second  kind  of  basket  is  called  wa'pas  (J).^^  It  appears  to  be  of 
exactly  the  same  type  as  the  flexible  baskets  of  the  Nez  Perce  de- 
scribed by  Spinden  ^'  in  his  account  of  the  Nez  Perce.  They  were 
woven  of  Indian  hemp  twine,  or  of  willow  bark,  both  warp  and  woof, 
although  occasionally  the  warp  was  of  the  one  material  and  the  woof 
of  the  other.  The  majority  were  of  willow  bark  tlu'oughout.  Orna- 
mentation in  false  embroidery  was  effected  with  willow  bark  dyed 
black  (generally  by  burying  in  black  earth  or  mud) ,  and  with  tule  in 
natural  greenish  and  whitish  colors,  or  with  elk  grass.  The  Klickitat 
made  a  great  many  of  these  and  still  make  them,  but  the  Yakima 
now  have  discontinued  the  art  almost  altogether.  Large  numbers 
were  and  are  still  made  by  the  Wasco,  Wishram,  and  Cowlitz.  Speci- 
mens of  these  may  be  seen  in  Plate  66,  except  i,  j,  o-r. 

Woven  hags. — These  are  called  wawExpa'  (J)  and  are  the  same  as 
the  flat  wallets  made  by  the  Nez  Perce  and  some  Salish  tribes,  wliich 
have  been  described  by  Spinden  *'  and  others.  They  were  woven  of 
Indian  hemp  string,  and  ornamented  with  tule  in  its  natural  green, 
yellow,  and  white  colors.  Willow  bark  in  brovra  and  black  was  also 
sometimes  resorted  to  long  ago.  In  later  days  corn  leaf  and  colored 
yarn  were  substituted  for  the  tule  and  are  now  the  only  materials  em- 
ployed for  designs.  The  bags  were  all  of  the  same  shape  but  varied 
considerably  in  size.  Very  few  were  made  by  the  Klickitat.  It  is 
said  that  the  art  of  weaving  them  was  probably  learned  from  the 
Yakima,  with  whom,  together  with  other  eastern  tribes,  this  work 
is  supposed  to  have  been  indigenous.  None  were  manufactured  by 
tribes  living  west  of  the  Cascades.  Formerly  the  Yakima  developed 
quite  an  industry,  but  it  has  now  dwindled  to  practically  nothing, 
while  the  Klickitat  apparently  have  ceasedmaking  them  (pis.  63,  h,  d-h; 
64,65). 

Woven  caps. — Fez-shaped  caps  of  the  Nez  Perc^  type  (such  as  de- 
scribed by  Spinden)  were  made  by  the  Klickitat  and  according  to 
them  were  worn  by  the  women  of  all  the  surrounding  tribes,  includ- 
ing the  Cowlitz,  Wishram,  Wasco,  Tenaino,  Umatilla,  Wallawalla, 
Nez  Perce,  Yakima,  Wenatchi,  and  Spokane,  and  also  the  Klamath 
and  several  southern  tribes.  They  were  woven  of  Indian  hemp 
twine,   ornamented  with  elk  grass,   white  or  dyed  yellow,    or  with 

•>  We  are  obliged  to  Mr.  Melville  Jacobs  tor  a  revision  of  the  Klickitat  terms  marked  with  a  follow- 
ing (J). 
•=  H.  J.  Spinden,  The  Nez  PercS  Indians,  Mem.  Amer.  Anthr.  Assc,  vol.  2,  pt.  3;  pi.  4,  <v  flgs.  4,  a,  11. 


BOAS]  BASKETRY   OF   NEIGHBORS   OF   THE   THOMPSON  355 

natiu'al  or  black  willow  bark.     Occasionally  elk  grass  was  dyed  red 
with  a  decoction  of  alder  bark.     (See  pi.  66,  o-r.) 

\Y(yoen  hlanl-efs. — Many  old  Klickitat  people  remember  the  weaving 
of  goat-hair  blankets.  The  thread  was  spun  on  spindles  resembling 
those  of  the  coast  Indians.  Dog's  hair  was  never  used,  but  strips  of 
the  skin  of  rabbits,  deer,  fawn,  or  beavers  made  excellent  blankets. 
The  manufacture  of  these  was  discontinued  at  a  much  earlier  date 
than  that  of  goat-hair  blankets.  Square  looms  were  used  in  the  weav- 
ing of  all  kinds  of  blankets  and  their  products  were  formerly  sold  in 
considerable  numbers  to  the  Yakima,  Wallawalla,  and  other  eastern 
tribes.  The  Cowlitz  and  some  of  the  Snakes  living  near  the  Nez 
Perc6  are  also  reported  to  have  made  woven  blankets  of  various  kinds. 

Mats. — I  did  not  try  to  gain  much  information  about  matting. 
The  sewed  tule  mat  was  very  largely  used  by  the  Klickitat  and 
Yakima  for  covering  lodges,  and  probably  other  kinds  of  mats  were 
manufactured. 

Shin  wallets. — Various  kinds  of  buckskin  wallets,  bags,  and  pouches 
were  made.  Ornamentation  on  these  was  formerly  in  quill  em- 
broidery, but  beads  have  been  so  long  in  use  that  quillwork  is  now 
almost  forgotten.  Beaded  pouches  are  still  sometimes  made,  and 
silk  embroidery  is  used  to  a  slight  extent. 

Coiled  baskets. — The  ordinary  coiled  type  of  basket  was  used  exten- 
sively, the  coil  consisting  of  the  pliable  roots  of  the  cedar  split  into 
very  fine  strips  and  bunched  together.  The  sewing  was  of  the  same 
material,  but  selected  for  length  and  regularity  of  width.  The  long 
traihng  roots  of  the  cedar  were  sought,  those  near  the  trunk  being  too 
brittle.  Sapwood  was  never  used  for  the  coil.  At  the  present  time 
the  roots  are  gathered  in  the  Cascade  Mountains  when  the  Indians  go 
to  pick  huckleberries,  as  no  cedar  is  found  on  the  reservation.  Roots 
of  spruce  and  other  trees  are  considered  inferior  for  basket  making 
and  were  never  used  by  these  tribes.  So  far  as  the  materials  and 
manner  of  manufacture  are  concerned,  there  appears  to  be  little  differ- 
ence between  the  Klickitat  and  the  Thompson  Indians.  The  Khckitat 
and  Cowhtz,  however,  seem  to  finish  the  rim  coil  invariably  with  a 
false  braid,  while  among  the  Thompson  people  this  is  practically 
never  done.  The  ornamentation  for  this  type  was  imbrication  in 
wliite,  brown,  black,  and  yellow.  The  materials  were  elk  gi-ass  and 
willow  bark.  The  former  was  gathered  in  the  mountains  to  the  west, 
where  it  grows  about  two  feet  tall,  and  was  used  in  its  natural  white 
color,  or  dyed  yellow  with  woK  moss  and  the  roots  of  the  Oregon 
grape.  Willow  bark  was  left  its  natural  brown  color  or  dyed  black 
by  burying  in  dark  mud.  It  seems  that  cherry  bark,  tule,  or  corn 
leaves  were  never  used.  Coiled  baskets  are  named  according  to  their 
shape  and  size.  I  failed  to  obtain  a  general  name  fur  the  technique, 
although  one  probably  exists. 


356  COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  [eth.  ann.  41 

By  far  the  most  common  shape  is  hke  an  inverted  truncated  cone. 
The  bottom  is  about  half  the  diameter  of  the  mouth  and  the  height 
is  greater  than  the  width.  When  of  large  size  it  is  called  .ctlcap; 
when  medium  inlcsei;  and  when  small  size,  tuhseihiksei.  It  was  used 
for  all  kinds  of  purposes,  such  as  carrying  loads,  packing  on  horses, 
and  root  gathering.  Such  shapes  had  no  foot,  and  none  were  made 
with  square  mouths  (as  in  those  of  the  Lillooet,  for  instance).  No 
rods  were  used  on  the  bottom  (like  some  Shuswap  examples),  nor 
around  the  rim  (as  among  the  Chilcotin).  A  wider  mouthed  variety, 
shallower  in  proportion  to  its  width,  was  formerly  made  and  used  as 
kettles.  In  some  of  these  the  bottom  was  as  wide  as  the  mouth. 
These  varieties  are  now  rarely  seen.  (Pis.  67-69.  PI.  68,  i,  is  a 
slightly  different  shape  formerly  common,  and  Plate  68,  d,  is  one  of 
the  kettle  type.) 

Another  form  very  similar  to  the  nut-shaped  baskets  of  the 
Thompson  is  called  IfM'I  (J),  in  which  the  aperture  was  just  large 
enough  to  admit  the  hand.  They  were  of  various  sizes,  the  larger 
serving  as  water  jars  in  the  house.  Plate  68,  d,  h,  are  specimens  of 
these.  A  second  variety  with  a  neck  called  by  the  same  name  was 
used  for  caiTying  water  (pi.  68,  a,  b).  An  oblong  form  called  .Jce'pa'i 
resembled  the  .stluk  or  trunk  baskets  of  the  Lower  Thompson.  It 
was  called  EzXE'pi'n  by  the  Wishram  who  formerly  bought  it  in  large 
quantities  from  the  Khckitat.  It  was  used  particularly  when  travel- 
ing with  horses,  for  carrying  feathers  and  other  things  which  might 
become  crushed  or  broken.  The  larger  sizes  were  generally  used  in 
the  house,  and  in  them  were  stored  the  best  clothes  and  other  valu- 
ables. The  small  ones  which  sometimes  were  made  with  Uds  often 
served  as  work  baskets.  Plate  67,  Ic,  o,  are  specimens  of  these;  also 
possibly  Plate  71,  d.  Cu-cular  forms  are  not  known  as  .Ice'pa'i  bas- 
kets.    iMa'i  (J)  and  .Ice'pa'i  are  seldom  made  nowadays. 

The  Indians  say  that  there  has  been  no  change  in  their  method 
of  making  coiled  basketry  from  the  earliest  times,  nor  in  the  character 
of  the  materials  used.  All  the  shapes  formerly  used  are  still  made, 
although  the  output  in  some  cases  may  now  be  greater  or  less.  Prac- 
tically no  new  shapes  have  come  into  vogue.  Some  people  neverthe- 
less think  the  common  xtEka'p  basket  has  been  somewhat  altered 
in  shape  within  the  last  30  or  40  years,  and  is  now  generally  made  wnth 
rather  less  width  in  proportion  to  height.  The  Klickitat  flunk  that 
some  of  the  Shoshoni  and  Nez  Perce  formerly  made  some  coiled  ware, 
but  it  was  not  imoricated.  The  Klickitat  still  make  great  munbers 
of  baskets.  Formerly  certain  families  confined  themselves  mostly 
to  weaving  flexible  pieces  (wa'pas  [J]).  All  the  shapes  of  baskets 
known  to  the  Klickitat  were  also  made  by  the  Cowlitz  and  neighbor- 
ing tribes  west  of  the  mountains,  and  as  far  as  the  informants  are 


BOAS]  BASKETRY    OF    NEIGHBORS    OF   THE    THOMPSON  357 

aware  these  were  the  only  common  shapes  in  use.  The  Cowlitz 
made  fewer  of  the  oblong  baskets  {.M'pa'i)  than  the  tribes  imme- 
diately north  of  them  and  toward  the  sound.  Probably  not  all  the 
tribes  west  of  the  Cascades  made  coiled  basketry. 

Parjieches. — Parfleches  were  of  the  same  shape  as  those  obtained 
from  other  interior  tribes  and  came  into  vogue  after  the  introduction 
of  the  horse.  Tribes  to  the  north  and  east  were  using  them  long 
before  the  Klickitat.  Later  the  Klickitat  procured  many  from  the 
Yakima  and  a  few  from  the  Wallawalla,  but  seldom  manufactured  their 
own  and  when  they  did  they  left  them  unpainted.  The  Yakima  were 
merely  traders,  however,  acquiring  their  stock  from  the  tribes 
east  of  the  Columbia,  although  occasionally  they  made  and  painted  a 
few.  Buffalo  and  horse  hide,  and  in  later  days  cowhide,  were  the 
materials  used  by  all  the  tribes. 

Basketry  designs. — The  designs  on  soft  and  hard  baskets  were  of  the 
same  character,  some  having  numerous  variations.  The  pattern 
generally  covered  the  whole  field,  arranged  in  horizontal,  diagonal, 
or  perpendicular  bands.  Zigzags  were  common.  A  few  coiled 
baskets  were  unimbricated,  others  were  ornamented  only  with 
beading,  and  the  appearance  of  more  than  one  pattern  on  the  same 
basket  was  rare.  The  designs  used  by  the  Klickitat  and  Yakima 
were  almost  entu-ely  geometrical  and  the  names  given  them  were  the 
same.  Cowlitz  designs  were  practically  identical  with  those  em- 
ployed by  the  Klickitat,  but  those  used  by  the  Wishram  and  Wasco 
were  of  quite  a  different  character,  consisting  of  quite  realistic  animal 
figm-es  with  names  such  as  "people,"  "man,"  "woman,"  "deer," 
"buck  deer,"  "dog,"  "horse,"  "salmon,"  "butterfly,"  "head,"  and 
"face  (human)."  Among  the  few  geometric  designs  made  by  the 
Wishram  and  Wasco  were  the  Klickitat  "arrowhead"  and  "eye"  and 
simple  lines  generally  horizontal  but  occasionally  perpendicular. 
The  Tenaino  employed  realistic,  animal,  and  geometric  designs  in 
about  equal  proportion.  The  Indians  say  that  there  has  been  little 
or  no  change  in  Klickitat  basketry  designs  since  the  earliest  times, 
that  very  few  patterns  have  been  introduced,  and  that  white  men's 
designs  are  not  copied,  excepting  in  cases  where  whites  may  give  a 
special  order  for  a  basket  to  be  made  with  a  certain  design,  such  as 
the  American  eagle.  These  never  become  tribal  designs  and  are 
seldom  reproduced.  Most  of  the  common  Klickitat  designs  and 
variations  are  represented  in  the  collection  of  the  American  Museum 
of  Natm-al  History. 


358  COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA 

Design  Names 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


Klickitat  name 


Meaning  in 
English 


Plate  numbeis 


1.  O'xwl't.. 

2.  Ppa'u  (J)_ 

3.  Wuxa'  (J) 

4.  Tca'wEna. 


Net 

Bullsnake.. 
Leg  or  foot_ 
Gill 


5.  KEshwi'kwEza. 


Zigzag - 


6.  TEteni'kan. 


Spiral- 


7.  Tso'umtsoum 

8.  Wati'ke  (J) 


9.  A-sa'  (J). 


Also     called 
a'tcac.  (J) 
10.  Waxtl'c 


11.  Cwa't'ac  (J).-. 

12.  PEtxtt'nox 

13.  Ptzplz 

14.  EtE't   (J) 


Contracted  '_ 
Footprint 

Finger-nail  . . 
Eve 


Arrowhead - 
Cloud. 


Splice?2__. 
Bar  or  line  ■ 
Tooth 


1  Contracted  so  as  to  be  smaller  in  the  middle  or  at  some  other  part. 

2  Likened  to  the  splicing  of  a  rope,  or  a  kink  or  tangled  knot  in  a  long  rope. 
5  Any  horizontal  mark  of  some  length. 


63,  a,  c;  65,  a,  c. 

63,  /,  h;  64,  c;  66,  6;  67,  d;  68,  e,  f,  j;  74,  j,  n. 

63,  d,  e;  66,  n;  67,  k;  74,  g,  m,  are  said  to 
be  variations  arising  from  the  combina- 
tion of  "leg"  and  "gill"  elements. 
Those  on  74,  g,  were  called  "gill "  by  one 
woman  and  "leg"  or  "foot"  byanother, 
while  a  third  said  that  they  were  des- 
ignated by  both  terms.  67,  k,  is  said  to 
be  a  variation  of  the  "gill."  It  appears 
that  some  variations  of  the  "leg"  and 
"gill"  designs  have  become  merged  so 
it  is  often  difficult  to  decide  which  name 
to  applj'. 

68,  k;  70,  o,  are  examples;  65,  a,  is  given 
the  same  interpretation;  74,  i,  is  a  vari- 
ation; 74,/,  is  called  "zigzag  connecting 
Jip  and  down";  67,  k,  is  said  to  be  the 
"leg"  design  combined  with  the  "zig- 
zag." The  element  of  this  i)attern  is 
the  simple  zigzag.  Other  designs  such 
as  "step,"  "leg,"  and  "gill,"  form  zig- 
zags, but  these  are  called  "zigzag  step" 
design,  and  are  not  considered  as  the 
real  "zigzag." 

70,  w;  one  woman  called  63,  b,  "spiral." 
The  others  distinguished  it  as  "spiral 
zigzag  short  turn"  ("short  turn"  ap- 
pears to  be  applied  where  one  line  in  the 
zigzag  is  shorter  than  the  other).  The 
design  element  is  evidently  a  simple  line 
running  spirally  around  the  basket. 

Zigzags  which  nearly  meet  are  sometimes 
called  by  this  name. 

This  is  shown  in  66,  p,  g,  v;  74,  6,  I.  Of 
these  the  first  is  considered  to  be  the 
"true  step"  design,  but  66,  k,  is  a  com- 
bination of  "foot"  or  "gill"  with  the 
"step." 

67,  m,  n;  No.  6,  the  upper  design  on  67,  h^ 
and  the  fiUer  on  67,  g. 

On  the  last  one  the  eve  is  combined  with 
"leg." 

67,  j,  I,  p;  74,  c,  and  the  lower  design  on 
67,  o. 


67,  i;  68,  i.     This  name  is  also  often  ap- 
plied to  common  beading. 


boas] 


BASKETRY  OF  NEIGHBORS  OF  THE  THOMPSON 


359 


Klickitat  name 

Meaning  in 
English 

Plate  numbers 

15.  Tin  (J; 

16.  Wa'laqwalaq(J). 

17.  Wa'iwai  (J) 

18.  Tu'ktltuk 

19.  Pweikiki 

20-   -     

People 

Butterflv 

False  (foot)... 

Imprint        of 
stroke.* 

Scratch 

67,  h;  74,  d,  e,  k. 

66,  a. 

A  variety  of  the  "foot"  or  "false  foot" 
may  be  seen  on  the  upper  figure,  PI.  91, 
Mason.*  The  other  design  on  the  same 
basket  is  "finger-nail"  or  "eye." 

There  is  no  photograph  of  this.  The  de- 
sign is  said  also  to  have  occurred  on 
coiled  basketry. 

I  did  not  see  any  baskets  with  this  de- 
sign. One  woman  called  the  design  on 
68,  g,  "zigzag  scratch." 

I  heard  of  another  design  called  "feath- 
ers," "narrow  feathers,"  but  did  not  see 
any  examples.  It  was  used  on  both 
baskets  and  bags. 

'  Mason's  design  shows  the  "foot,"  while  in  the  "false  foot"  on  Mr.  Sargent's  basket  the  "foot"  is 
lacking, 
s  Same  as  marks  left  on  a  soft  substance  after  having  been  struck  by  a  stick. 

Women  and  girls  made  all  the  woven  baskets  and  bags,  but  hide 
bags  were  sometimes  made  hy  men.  It  seems  the  simplest  form  of 
the  design  element  is  called  a  "true"  design.  In  some  cases  the  most 
common  but  not  necessarily  the  simplest  or  original  "false"  design, 
seems  to  be  that  variation  of  the  pattern  wliich  is  most  curtailed  or 
conventionalized.  It  is  thus  generally  furthest  removed  from  the 
"true"  design,  but  at  the  same  time  becomes  a  recognized  standard 
pattern.  Designs  regarded  as  a  whole,  apart  from  the  element,  are 
designated  by  compoujid  descriptive  terms;  for  example,  the  ele- 
ment may  be  called  "zigzag,"  but  the  name  of  the  design  itself  may 
be  "spiral  zigzag  short  turn,"  or  "zigzag  connecting  up  and  down." 
There  are  many  such  terms  quahfied  as  "true,"  "false,"  "not  true," 
"short  turn,"  "double,"  "large,"  "small,"  "connecting,"  "con- 
necting up  and  down,"  or  "above  and  below,"  "perpendicular," 
"zigzag,"  "diagonal,"  "sharp  point,"  "close  together,"  "detached." 
I  did  not  try  to  list  these,  but  merely  noted  some  of  those  I  heard. 

Designs  on  wallets. — The  Klickitat  admit  that  they  know  very 
little  regarding  designs  on  bags  and  that  the  interpretations  of 
the  designs  by  the  people  who  made  them  may  be  in  some  cases  differ- 
ent from  theirs.  Those  on  the  small  bags  formerly  made  by  them 
were  copied  from  the  Yakima  who  they  think  probably  made  the 
bags  shown  in  Plates  64  and  65,  although  it  is  possible  that  they  are 
of  Nez  Perce  or  Umatilla  manufacture.  As  pattern  names  were 
mentioned  "spiral"  and  "arrowhead."  I  could  obtain  no  explana- 
tion of  any  of  those  given  in  Farrand's  book.  Bag  designs  made  at 
the  present  day  are  the  same  in  character  as  those  produced  many 
53666°— 28 24 


360  COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  [eth.ann.41 

years  ago.  On  the  whole  the  figures  used  on  bags  differed  from  those 
apphed  to  basketry,  but  occasionally  identical  patterns  of  the  same 
name  occurred  on  both.  Usually  both  sides  of  the  bag  were  alike, 
at  least  long  ago  among  the  Yakima,  but  a  few  specimens  bore  a 
different  design  on  each  side,  and  others  were  ornamented  on  one 
face.  There  were  also  plain  bags  of  the  same  material  and  weave. 
I  did  not  meet  any  Yakima  who  could  furnish  more  information  on 
bas  designs  than  I  obtained  from  the  Klickitat. 

Designs  on  caps. — Designs  on  caps  among  the  Ivlickitat  and  nearest 
tribes  were  usually  composed  of  zigzags  of  various  descriptions, 
one  design  to  a  cap,  but  occasionally  a  very  small  secondary  pattern 
appeared  in  the  band  around  the  margin,  usually  an  "arrowhead.' 
Examples  are  Plate  66,  o-r.  A  plain  zigzag  was  common  (pi.  66,  o) 
while  "zigzag  gill"  and  "zigzag  leg"  were  frequently  seen,"  as  well 
as  "contracted"  and  "arrowhead"  arranged  in  zigzags. 

Designs  on  hlankets. — The  goat-hair  blankets  formerly  woven  by 
the  KJickitat  are  said  to  have  been  decorated,  but  I  could  learn  very 
little  regarding  them.  They  say  many  of  the  designs  were  similar  to 
those  used  on  basketry,  evidently  entirely  geometric.  Spirals  and 
zigzags  were  common.  However,  I  did  not  make  extended  inquiry 
into  the  subject. 

Designs  on  jnatting. — I  did  not  inquire  much  about  this  question, 
but  was  told  by  one  woman  that  no  ornamentation  was  applied 
to  mats. 

Designs  on  sliin  bags. — Although  seeking  little  information  on  this 
subject,  I  learned  that  designs  were  abundant  in  quiUwork  and 
beadwork.  Little  is  now  remembered  about  quiUwork,  the  designs 
of  which  are  said  to  have  been  entirely  geometric.  Solid  beadwork 
covering  one  or  both  sides  of  a  bag  was  not  uncommon,  blue  and 
white  in  about  equal  proportion  being  used  as  background.  Most 
of  the  designs  were  floral,  some  copies  of  flowers  growing  in  the 
mountains,  othera  geometric,  representing  many  elements,  including 
the  "contracted"  design  and  the  "arrowhead."  Realistic  figures, 
representing  people  and  animals,  occurred  on  a  very  few  bags. 

Designs  on  parjleches. — The  Klickitat  seem  to  know  nothing  of  the 
meaning  of  these.  The  designs  as  formerly  painted  by  them  and 
the  Yakima  were  all  copies  of  those  used  by  the  tribes  of  the  interior 
to  the  north  and  east. 

SUMMARY   AND    CONCLUSION « 

Throughout  the  area  occupied  by  the  Salish  tribes  and  in  the 
country  of  the  Chilcotin  and  Klickitat  it  has  been  seen  that  cedar  is 
the  preferred  material  for  coiled  baskets,  for  which  spruce  is  substi- 
tuted only  when  cedar  is  not  obtainable.     There  are  a   few   local 

"  See  Spinden,  op.  cit.,  flg.  15,  pi.  6,  for  these  varieties  of  the  "gill"  and  "leg"  patterns. 
«  By  Helen  H.  Roberts. 


boas] 


SUMMARY   AND   CONCLUSION  361 


differences  in  the  grasses  and  barks  chosen  for  imbricating,  but 
on  the  whole  Phragmites  'phragmiies  and  cherry  bark  are  in  most 
general  use. 

Coiling  is  the  prevailing  teclmique  of  the  entire  region.  The 
larger  baskets  are  all  coiled,  and  on  account  of  their  number  and 
constant  requisition  in  the  household  are  very  conspicuous.  There 
are,  however,  other  kinds  of  technique  employed.  The  Thompson, 
and  doubtless  most  of  the  other  tribes,  plait  mats  of  rushes  and  twine 
caps  and  bags  from  spruce  root.  The  direction  of  coihng  for  all 
tribes  is  anticlockwise,  except  in  the  case  of  left-handed  workers, 
who  have  produced  a  number  of  specimens  now  in  museum  collec- 
tions. In  essentials  the  technique  of  coiling  is  the  same  with  all 
the  tribes.  There  are  local  and  even  individual  variations  in  the 
types  of  bottoms  manufactured  and  in  the  size  of  coil  used.  There 
are  also  slight  differences  in  stitching,  for  some  tribes  employ  furca- 
tion to  a  considerable  extent  while  with  others  it  is  only  a  matter  of 
accident  and  scarcely  noticeable  except  on  the  wrong  side  of  the 
work.  The  teclmique  of  beading  and  that  of  imbrication  are  iden- 
tical everywhere.  From  available  data  it  appears  that  the  great 
center  of  the  coiled  basketry  industry  lay  formerly  and  stDlis  located 
in  the  Cascade  region  of  British  Columbia,  where  it  seems  also  that 
imbrication  had  its  beginning,  whence  it  spread  in  all  directions. 

At  some  early  time  round  baskets  not  unlike  the  present  forms 
produced  by  the  Klickitat  were  the  prevailing  types  over  the  whole 
area  and  were  used  for  transporting  burdens  on  the  backs  of  men  or 
horses  as  well  as  for  kettles  and  tubs.  In  the  course  of  time,  how- 
ever, a  change  occurred.  Wliether  the  idea  came  from  the  coast  where 
square  wooden  boxes  were  made  or  was  evolved  in  the  immediate 
region  as  a  result  of  remedying  what  proved  to  be  a  faulty  form  when 
used  for  transportation  on  horseback,  is  not  clear.  But  at  least  in 
the  Thompson  and  Lillooet  localities  the  baskets  gradually  became 
more  oval,  finally  leading  to  the  present-day  types,  the  Thompson 
still  oval  with  corners  clearly  discernible  in  the  upper  portion  of  the 
structure,  the  Lillooet  decidedly  rectangular  from  base  to  rim.  The 
ChUcotin  have  long  produced  an  oval  form  which  is  narrow  in  pro- 
portion to  its  length.  A  number  of  their  new  specimens  are  quite 
angular.  The  Shuswap  also  adopted  an  elongated  type.  The  Klicki- 
tat, .however,  have  never  modified  their  old  round  shapes,  and  in 
many  other  particulars  show  that  they  have  been  subject  quite  as 
much  to  influences  from  other  directions  as  from  the  Salish  area. 
Considering  their  location  and  history,  this  may  well  have  been 
expected.  Although  they  practice  imbrication,  it  is  true,  their  work 
is  coarser  than  that  of  the  other  tribes.  They  are  masters  in  mak- 
ing twined  bags,  a  technique  which  is  imdoubtedly  older  with  them 
than  imbrication.    They  finish  their  basket  rims  with  the  same  braid 


362  COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH   COLUMBIA  [eth.  ann.41 

stitch  SO  common  among  the  Ute  and  other  Shoshoni,  who  were  their 
neighbors,  and  make  frequent  use  of  the  looped  coil,  which  has  only 
comparatively  recently  been  adopted  by  the  Thompson  for  finishing 
the  rims  of  fancy  baskets  not  intended  for  hard  use. 

The  burden  baskets  of  the  Thompson  and  Lillooet,  while  differing 
from  each  other  quite  noticeably  in  shape,  and  among  themselves 
in  size, show  a  remarkable  conformity  to  local  standards  of  proportion. 
While  the  people  are  not  able  to  formulate  their  ideas  on  proper  pro- 
portions with  entire  unanimity  of  opinion,  an  objective  study  shows 
that  there  is  a  set  of  fairly  constant  proportions  followed  among  the 
Thompson  and  another  among  the  Lillooet. 

Thompson  burden  baskets  are  about  three-fourths  as  wide  as 
they  are  long,  while  the  height  is  about  equal  to  the  width  of  the 
mouth,  or  a  little  less.  The  area  of  the  bottom  is  about  one-fourth 
that  of  the  mouth,  although  more  variation  exists  here  than  in  any 
other  part  of  the  structure. 

Lillooet  baskets  are  more  nearly  square  at  the  mouth,  the  width  be- 
ing a  little  more  than  three-fourths  of  the  length.  The  height,  too,  is 
usually  less  than  the  width  of  the  mouth  by  at  least  10  per  cent.  The 
bottoms  are  of  two  kinds,  of  which  one  is  wider  than  the  other,  and 
the  whole  shape  is  decidedly  rectangular,  with  a  very  small  base  and 
flaring  mouth,  accentuated  by  straight  rather  than  by  incurving 
walls  which  the  Thompson  employ. 

The  baskets  are  ornamented  solely  by  means  of  beading  or  imbri- 
cation. So  many  and  varied  are  the  styles  of  decoration,  so  unmis- 
takably are  they  alhcd  with  types  of  art  which  appear  conspicuously 
in  all  the  surrounding  regions  through  the  medium  of  entirely  different 
forms  of  weaving  or  even  outside  of  the  textile  industry,  so  unique 
and  peculiar  is  imbrication  and  so  singular  has  the  history  of  its  devel- 
opment evidently  been,  that  the  student  is  irresistibly  led  to  endeavor 
to  reconstruct  if  possible  from  the  scattered  threads  discernible  here 
and  there  the  rich  fabric  of  its  story  and  the  art  which  through  its 
means  has  for  many  years  flourished  almost  like  a  desert  bloom  in 
the  far-away  valleys  of  the  northern  Cascade  Range. 

We  have  seen  that  the  earliest  birch-bark  baskets  of  the  Shuswap  ** 
were  ornamented  on  the  rim  by  strips  of  beading.  These  ran  over 
and  under  the  stitches  of  varying  lengths  which  bound  the  bark  to 
the  rod  of  the  rim  and  formed  simple  yet  effective  patterns.  •  The 
birch-bark  baskets  of  other  regions  were  decorated  in  a  similar  fashion, 
as  early  collections  show.  Along  the  Skeena  River,  where  imbrica- 
tion was  not  used,  in  addition  to  the  bark  teclmique  the  people  plaited 
baskets  of  narrow  strips  of  cedar  bark  and  also  made  twined  bags.*' 
In  order  to  create  designs  in  the  latter  two  weaves  they  used  overlay 

M  J.  A.  Teit,  The  Shuswap,  op.  cit.,  pp.  202  et  seq. 

*^This  according  to  Teit.    I  have  seen  no  specimens  of  this  kind. — F.  B. 


boas] 


SUMMARY   AND    CONCLUSION 


363 


strips  of  bark  which  had  been  dyed  black  in  a  manner  probably 
similar  to  the  dyeing  processes  known  over  all  the  region.  In  the 
plaited  work,  wherever  designs  were  desired,  the  'tliin  strip  of  black 
was  laid  over  the  strands,  which  were  woven,  and  was  carried  along 
with  the  warp  or  woof.  The  end  of  the  overlay  was  caught  be- 
neath a  crossing  clement  and  thus  was  both  hidden  and  secured.  In 
such  work,  although  checker  patterns  or  such  designs  as  might  be 
created  in  beading  are  usually  the  artistic  limits,  it  is  also  possible  to 
obtain  solid  color  effects  because  the  plaiting  elements  and  conse- 
quently the  overlay  run  in  two  directions.  The  same  overlay  process 
is  pursued  in  the  twined  work.     The  fine  black  strip  is  placed  on  top 


Fig.  108.— Quill  work,  Alaska.    A.M.N.H. 

of  the  element  to  be  twined  and  is  carried  along  with  it.  If  only  one 
of  the  twining  elements  is  so  covered  the  resulting  design  will  show 
only  every  other  stitch  black,  but  if  both  are  covered  continuous 
lines  of  color  are  achieved  and  quite  elaborate  designs  may  be  worked 
out.  Perhaps  it  is  superfluous  to  remark  that  no  trace  of  the  designs 
may  be  seen  on  the  wrong  side  of  the  work.  On  the  twined  specimens 
the  finished  appearance  resembles  the  Tlingit  false  embroidery.  But 
there  is  an  important  teclmical  difference,  since  in  false  embroidery 
the  bark  is  whipped  around  the  twining  element  only  when  it  appears 
on  the  outside  of  the  fabric;  that  is,  in  front  of  the  warps.  In  the 
overlay  work  the  bark  follows  the  twining  element  throughout  its 
passage.  The  individual  stitch  in  false  embroidery  has  a  more  verti- 
cal trend  than  that  in  overlay.  The  false  embroidery  stitch  is  akin 
to  that  used  in  coil  sewing,  since  it  wraps  around  the  element,  whUe 
the  overlay  stitch  is  a  straight  running  process  exactly  like  beading. 


364 


COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


It  was  through  wide  acquaintance  with  and  interest  in  all  forms 
of  art  practiced  by  these  northern  tribes  and  particularly  in  the 
ornamental  designs  wrought  on  skin  clothing  by  means  of  the  ancient 
porcupine-quill  embroidery  that  Dr.  Franz  Boas  first  noted  points  of 
similarity  between  these  and  some  of  the  patterns  applied  to  basketry. 
He  at  once  sensed  the  connection,  but  it  was  not  until  recently  that 
a  number  of  very  old  skin  garments  from  the  Northwest  were  again 
imearthed  at  the  American  Museum  of  Natural  History  for  purposes 
of  comparison.  Although  the  quillwork  was  falling  to  pieces  and  in 
places  entirely  gone,  so  that  accurate  reproductions  of  the  designs 
were  in  many  cases  rendered  hopeless, 'it  was  possible  to  see  that  a 
great  number  of  so-called  "fly"  patterns  had  been  employed  which 
were  practically  the  same  as  those  used  on  basketry.  Since  most  of 
the  quUlwork  is  in  horizontal  bands  on  these  garments,  the  patterns 
so  arranged  on  the  baskets  are  most  nearly  like  them.  The  few  that 
were  capable  of  reproduction  are  given  in  Figure  108.     Some  others 


W, 


I 


'[     i 


■ 


1 


— ~^^Z— u — 


/ 


V? 

A 

V^ 

c  e 

Fig.  109. — Quillwork  and  basket  embroidery  from  Tlingit,  Alaska.    Field  Museum 

from  the  Field  Museum  may  be  seen  in  Figure  109.  Designs  of 
Figure  108  and  6,  c,  of  109  are  especially  common  on  baskets.  It 
will  be  remembered  that  many  old  basket  patterns  of  the  Thompson 
given  in  the  list  of  sketches  were  interpreted  as  embroidery  designs. 
Thinking  that  these  might  offer  a  clue,  they  were  for  convenience 
collected  by  the  writer  in  Figures  110  and  111.  The  results  were 
very  interesting,  for  the  checker  and  fly  patterns  predominate  and 
in  general  character  are  quite  similar  to  the  old  quillwork  patterns. 

The  question  of  technique,  however,  is  more  interesting  and  en- 
lightening than  the  designs  themselves.  The  Koryak  of  Siberia  cut 
slits  in  the  edges  of  their  fur  or  skin  robes  and  decorate  them  as 
described  by  Jochelson,**  who  says:  "A  series  of  narrow  slits  are 
made  in  the  black  skin  wliich  is  to  be  decorated  (fig.  112).  A  strip 
of  white  dogskin  of  the  same  width  as  the  slits  is  laid  imder  the  line 
of  the  slits  and  a  small  loop  of  this  skin  is  pushed  from  underneath 


S8  Jochelson,  The  Koryak,  Jesup  North  Pacific  Expedition,  vol.  6,  pt.  2,  p.  679. 


boas] 


SUMMARY   AND    CONCLUSION 


365 


up  through  the  sUts,  where  it  is  caught  by  a  sinew  thread  which 
lies  on  the  surface  of  the  skin  and  is  passed  through  the  loops 
wliich  are  then  drawn  tight." 

Wliilo  it  is  not  meant  to  convey  the  idea  here  that  the  Indians  of 
the  coast  of  Alaska  learned  to  do  porcupine-quill  work  or  beading 
from  the  Koryak,  certainly  it  is  very  interesting  that  a  technique 
which  is  fundamentally  so  similar  to  one  type  of  quillwork  about  to 
be  described  should  exist  in  a  not  distant  region  and  that,  so  far  as 
is  known,  it  is  not  employed  elsewhere  in  the  world. 


^L^r^ 


7zm      vmk      t/m    .  mm       mm     %„„„r''""^,...l^ 


Fig.  110. — Embroidery  designs  from  Thompson  baskets 

A  number  of  types  of  porcupine-quill  technique  are  in  use,  all  of 
which  have  been  fully  described  by  William  C.  Orchard.*'  That 
which  is  most  like  the  skin  work  of  the  Koryak  is  strangely  enough 
the  finest  and  most  delicate  of  them  all.  It  has  been  made  from 
Alaska  to  the  Great  Lakes,  and  even  among  the  Iroquois.  It  is 
woven  on  a  loom.     The  technique  is  described  as  foUows: 

The  process  of  weaving  consists  first  of  making  the  warp  strands  of  either  sinew 
or  vegetal  fiber,  which  are  stretched  side  by  side  their  entire  length  on  a  bow, 
much  as  a  bowstring  would  be  strung.  To  keep  the  warp  strands  spread  apart 
the  desired  width  two  pieces  of  thick,  leather}'  Ijirch  bark  are  perforated  with  a 
straight  row  of  small  holes  corresponding  in  number  with  the  number  of  strands 
to  be  used  and  the  distance  between  the  perforations  corresponding  with  the 
width  of  a  flattened  porcupine  quill.     A  piece  of  bark  so  prepared  is  placed  at 


8"  William  C.  Ort'hard,  The  Technique  of  Porcupine-Quill  Decoration  among  the  North  American  In- 
dians, Museum  of  the  American  Indian,  Ileye  Foundation,  New  York.  vol.  4,  No.  1. 


366 


COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


each  extremity  of  the  warp  elements  with  a  strand  running  through  each  perfora- 
tion; ...  a  strand  which  may  be  included  among  the  weft  elements  is 
attached  to  the  outside  warp  strand  and  then  made  to  pass  alternately  over  and 
under  the  warp  to  the  opposite  side,  where  it  turns  and  crosses  over  again,  passing 
under  those  strands  which  it  crossed  over  during  the  previous  movement. 

The  piece  examined  by  Doctor  Boas  and  the  WTiter  differed  from 
this  in  that  there  was  no  interweaving  of  warp  and  weft.  The  weft 
simply  lay  on  top  of  the  warps  all  the  way  across,  then  turned  and 
lay  under  them,  then  above,  etc.  The  particular  bit  of  embroidery 
examined  was  made  by  the  Tlingit  Indians  of  the  Alaskan  coast. 
With  this  exception,  Mr.  Orchard's  description  fits  the  case  exactly. 
He  goes  on  to  say: 

This  operation  is  repeated  to  completion.  Meanwhile,  porcupine  quills  have 
been  woven  in  between  the  warp  strands  over  and  under  the  crossing  elements. 
As  the  work  proceeds  the  quills  are  crowded  together,  so  much  so  that  the  crossing 
strands  are  hidden  between  the  corrugations;  in  fact,  the  only  strands  showing 


Fig.  111.— Embroidery  designs  from  Thompson  baskets 

in  a  finished  piece  of  work  are  the  two  on  the  outer  edges  and  the  loops  of  the 
crossing  strands  which  together  form  a  selvage  edge.  As  the  length  of  a  quill 
becomes  exhausted  the  end  is  allowed  to  protrude  at  the  back  of  the  work;  another 
quill  is  inserted  with  its  end  in  the  same  position,  then  the  crossing  cord  is  driven 
tight  against  the  two  ends  and  the  weaving  is  continued.  The  quills  are  used  in  a 
moistened,  pliable  condition;  when  they  become  dry  they  are  stiff  and  hard  and 
do  not  break  away  from  such  a  fastening.  After  the  work  is  finished  the  pro- 
truding ends  are  cut  off  close  to  the  weave. 

Figure  113  has  been  taken  from  Mr.  Orchard's  book.  It  does  not 
fit  his  description  of  the  relative  positions  of  warp  and  weft,  but 
the  one  the  writer  has  just  given.  The  Tlingit  specimen,  when 
folded,  reveals  along  the  fold  the  intersections  of  the  wrapping  weft 
with  the  warp  between  the  strips  of  cjuill,  although  the  work  is 
very  close.  An  examination  of  successive  intersections  along  one 
line  of  weft  proves  that  the  weft  and  warps  do  not  interweave. 
Although  the  figure  shows  only  two  strips  of  quill,  there  are  usually 
about  20  on  a  strip  which  is  only  a  little  more  than  an  inch  wide. 


boas] 


SUMMARY   AND    CONCLUSION 


367 


Fig.  112.— Slit  embroidery,  Koryak,  Siberia 


A  moment's  consideration  will  make  it  clear  that  with  the  non- 
interweaving  of  the  weft  with  the  warp  strands,  as  in  the  Tlingit 
specimen,  the  work  is  fundamentally  the  same  as  the  Koryak  skin 
work  but  achieved  in  a  slightly  different  manner.  The  warp  when  it 
lies  on  top  of  the  quills  takes  the  place  of  the  skin  between  the  slits, 
while  the  weft  which  runs  iinder  the  quills,  and  consequently  under 
the  warp,  acts  in  the  same  capacit}^  as  the  thread  which  runs  beneath 
the  loops  of  white  dogskin.  The  skin  work  woidd  be  more  nearly 
like  the  quillwork  if  the 
thread  really  did  lie  on  the 
surface  and  the  dogskin  were 
passed  up  over  it  and  down 
on  the  other  side  than  if 
the  thread  were  threaded 
through  the  loop.  The  quill- 
work is  even  more  like  the  beading  on  basketry.  In  fact  the  tech- 
nique is  identical.  Substituting  the  coil  for  the  warp  strands,  the 
sewing  splint  for  the  encircling  weft,  and  the  bark  ribbon  for  the 
quill,  we  have  exactly  the  same  idea. 

The  only  point  of  difference  lies  in  the  fact  that  the  qiiillwork  may 
be  shoved  up  close,  because  the  weft  is  not  fixed.  In  basketry  work 
the  weft  becomes  stationary  as  soon  as  it  sews  the  coil.  It  seems  to 
the  writer  that  it  was  because  of  a  realization  of  this  difficulty  that 
the  basket  weaver  developed  inabrication.     Undoubtedlj^  the  object 

of  imbrication  is  to  cover 
all  the  coil  stitches  rather 
than  only  alternate 
stitches,  which  is  all  that 
beading  can  accomplish. 
It  being  impossible  to 
shove  the  work  together 
as  in  quiU  embroidery  so 
as  to  conceal  the  weft 
element  lying  on  top  of  the  ribbon,  other  means  had  to  be  devised. 
It  would  be  most  unsatisfactory  to  allow  loops  of  the  bark  ribbon  to 
fold  back  over  the  exposed  stitches  as  the  quills  fold  over  the  weft, 
for  it  would  be  extremely  difficidt  to  make  the  folds  lie  flat,  and 
also,  if  they  did  not  lie  flat,  they  would  soon  wear  off.  It  seems 
very  plausible  that  in  trying  to  conceal  the  exposed  stitch  by  folding 
the  ribbon  back  upon  it,  since  they  could  not  shove  their  work  close 
enough  to  liide  it  the  women  may  have  hit  upon  the  expedient  of 
catching  the  fold  beneath  a  second  stitch  to  hold  it  flat  in  place. 
They  may  have  discovered  at  the  same  time  that  the  bark  ribbon 
would  then  as  a  consequence  conceal  the  stitch  just  made  and  that 
the  continued  process  would  leave  none  of  them  exposed.      This, 


Fig.  113. — Porcupine  quill  embroidery,  .\Iaska 


368  COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  [eth.ann.41 

however,  is  only  a  theory  on  the  part  of  the  writer.  Other  ex- 
planations for  the  origin  of  the  technique  might  be  found  which  would 
be  as  acceptable. 

There  is  another  kind  of  porcupine-quill  work  described  by  Mr. 
Orchard  which  is  identical  with  coil  sewing  in  all  its  essential  features. 
That  is  the  spot-stitch  work  desciibed  by  him  on  pages  11  and  15. 
Here  the  thread  acts  in  place  of  the  foundation,  the  quill  as  the  serving 
splint. 

At  times  a  strip  of  rawhide  or  other  padding  is  placed  on  top  of 
the  skin  which  is  being  embroidered  and  runs  along  between  the 
two  threads.  The  quill  winds  about  this  strip  along  with  the  threads 
during  the  process  of  sewing  the  padding  to  the  skin,  and  in  all 
essentials  the  actual  method  is  very  like  binding  the  coU. 

Another  observation  which  strengthens  our  suspicion  that  there 

has  been  some  historical  connection  between  the  ornamentation  of 

clothing  in  these  instances    and    imbricated  basketry  was  recently 

made  by  Mr.  Teit,™  who  says : 

I  notice  two  or  three  points  whicli  may  have  some  connection  with  the  question 
of  droppers.  First,  lines  dropping  from  other  lines  or  from  other  designs  at 
regular  intervals  are  found  in  emljroidery  and  painting  on  the  bodies  and  skirts  of 
women's  dresses.  Secondly,  in  fringes  of  garments,  particularly  along  the  bottoms 
of  women's  dresses,  there  are  often  uncut  pieces  of  fringing  at  intervals.  These 
pieces  are  often  painted  with  dots  and  designs  or  ornamented  with  punctures 
and  pinkings.  The  Indians  say  that  these  pieces  were  sometimes  embroidered  with 
quills  or  beads.  I  notice  the  Tahltan  and  Kaska  also  have  fringing  of  this  kind 
on  both  bags  and  clothes.  The  Tlingit,  Taku,  etc.,  of  the  interior  had  the  same, 
but  the  uncut  pieces  were  usually  unornamented.  Thirdly,  there  are  long  or  short 
flaps  of  embroidered  skin,  or,  in  their  place,  embroidered  bands  or  stripes  which 
extend  from  the  shoulders  of  men's  shirts  and  coats.  There  are  generally  two  in 
front  and  two  behind,  and  they  often  connect  with  an  embroidered  or  ornamented 
area  on  the  shoulders. 

The  sketches  of  such  fringing  sent  in  by  Mr.  Teit  are  given  in 
Figure  114.  A  few  of  them,  for  instance,  Nos.  1,  4,  6,  10,  12,  13,  14, 
15, 16,  and  17,  bear  in  the  decorated  uncut  part  of  the  fringe  a  marked 
resemblance  in  design  to  the  vertical  stripes  and  droppers  which  are 
frecjuently  used  on  Lillooet  baskets.  Knowing  that  old  bu'ch-bark 
baskets  were  formerly  covered  with  skin  which  was  bound  around 
the  rim,  and  that  to  the  present  day  the  Apache  of  our  Southwest 
ornament  their  burden  baskets  mth  fringe  of  rawhide  around  the  rim 
and  the  circimaference  of  the  bottom,-  a  theory  might  be  advanced 
that  the  skin  on  the  old  birchbark  baskets  was  also  fringed  and  that 
natirrally  the  form  of  decoration  woidd  be  taken  over  from  skin  gar- 
ments treated  in  a  similar  manner.  Wliile  this  may  have  been  so,  it 
is  cjuite  possible,  as  in  the  case  of  the  development  of  imbrication, 
that  other  explanations  might  be  offered  which  would  be  ecjuaUy 
plausible.     At  least  with  the  present  scant  amount  of  real  knowledge 


"**  Correspondence. 


boas) 


SUMMARY    AND    CONCLUSION 


369 


of  the  subject  we  are  not  justified  in  formulating  a  dogmatic  state- 
ment. Certainly  a  "dropper"  form  of  decoration  is  sufficiently 
unusual  and  independent  of  the  necessities  of  construction  of  the 
design  as  well  as  striking  to  the  eye  to  account  for  its  direct  trans- 
ference to  basketry  designs  without  the  medium  of  skin  fringes  as 
applied  to  baskets. 

A  still  more  plausible  explanation  was  offered  by  one  of  the  inform- 
ants who  had  received  thorough  instruction  from  her  mother  and 


/^/^//////////M 


iiiii 


■'■■■''» 


•    • 
iUU 

• 

1^                 ^ 
7. 

m 

5. 

ri 

¥  V  V 

9. 

m^ 

4afe«i*sa    1^ 

Vff- 

i 

10. 

i 

ll/i^,JJUI//lf>/l/)JI  f/l 


15. 


^-■^ 


iniMiMiiiiiiiiiii'iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii 
0 


iiiiiii 


if^"^^^ 


11. 


r!^M^J^. 


pill 


12. 


"^^-'  '"'  ^   T-/^" 


iiiiiiiiiii    r™nff 


13. 

Fig.  114.— Fringes 


20. 


grandmother.  She  took  an  intelligent  interest  in  the  art  for  its  own 
sake,  engendered,  no  doubt,  by  the  common  interest  of  a  family  of 
craf  tswomen.  All  this  lends  to  her  opinions  more  than  usual  weight. 
She  always  called  the  droppers  on  Lillooet  baskets  tsEne'ka  (or  hair- 
flap  ornament),  and  explained  her  use  of  this  term  as  follows:  She 
had  heard  that  the  droppers  were  representations  of  the  embroidered 
flaps  of  skin  which  were  fastened  to  the  braids  of  hair  on  either  side 
of  the  head  on  a  level  with  or  just  below  the  ears.  These  flaps  were 
often  provided  with  pendants. 


370  COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  [eth.ann.41 

The  strength  of  her  argument  hes  in  the  fact  that  so  many  Lillooet 
patterns  are  "head"  or  ''mouth"  designs,  and  that  it  is  with  these 
particular  devices  that  the  "ch-oppers"  are  most  frequently  used.  If 
she  is  correct  the  droppers  occupy  nearly  the  proper  position  that 
tsEne'ka  designs  would  in  relation  to  the  head. 

The  idea  of  droppers  having  once  been  adopted  in  some  fashion 
or  other,  designs  from  other  objects  of  similar  form,  similarly  em- 
broidered, would  rapidly  be  seized  upon  from  which  to  borrow  new 
conceptions  for  basketry  decoration. 

In  all  these  cases  the  remarks  are  more  applicable  to  the  Lillooet  than 
to  the  Thompson.  The  Lillooet  are  quite  as  fond  of  "fly"  patterns 
as  the  Thompson.  Lillooet  and  Tlingit  basketry  designs  have  many 
points  in  common,  especially  the  "droppers,"  which  the  Thompson 
do  not  use  at  all.  But  whether  the  Lillooet  or  some  other  tribe 
originated  imbrication  and  transferred  to  their  baskets  numerous 
designs  from  clothing,  and  particularly  from  quillwork,  is  not  so  im- 
portant as  the  apparent  fact  that  it  was  done  somewhere  in  this 
region,  and  that  whoever  first  effected  the  transfer,  the  Thompson 
have  given  the  art  its  liighest  development.  In  regard  to  the  assump- 
tion that  the  transfer  of  technique  and  art  was  from  quillwork  and 
clothing  to  basketry  rather  than  vice  versa,  it  may  be  remarked  that 
quillwork  is  known  to  be  very  ancient,  and  that  these  particular 
types  of  teclinique  which  have  just  been  discussed  are  found  from 
the  Atlantic  to  the  Pacific.  On  the  other  hand  the  imbrication  of 
basketry  is  confined  to  a  very  small  area,  comparatively  speaking. 
We  know  that  the  embroidery  of  clothing  is  more  ancient  than  that 
of  baskets,  that  beadwork  superseded  quillwork,  that  many  Indian 
patterns  are  avowed  representations  of  beads,  and  many  others  are 
frankly  named  old  embroidery  designs. 

While  absolute  dependence  may  not  be  placed  on  the  assertions  of 
the  people  themselves  in  regard  to  old-time  customs,  since  memory, 
which  is  all  that  can  be  relied  upon,  fails  sometimes  even  under  the 
best  conditions,  it  is  interesting  to  compare  the  quillwork  patterns 
with  those  employed  on  basketry  which  are  called  bead  or  embroidery 
designs.  It  is  also  instructive  to  study  those  which  are  thought  to 
be  ancient  and  which  now  are  practically  obsolete,  or  at  least  not  in 
common  use.  It  must  be  remembered  that  even  work  considered  old 
by  people  with  only  tradition  to  rely  upon  may  not  be  so  very  ancient. 

It  wiU  be  noted  that  many  of  these  old  patterns  (fig.  115)  are  pic- 
tures and  are  mostly  executed  in  single  outlines.  Practically  all  of 
the  obsolete  ones  are  of  this  character.  This  does  not  mean  to  imply 
that  these  were  the  only  ancient  patterns  used.  Many  others  are  still 
as  popular  as  ever,  in  fact  form  the  majority  of  designs  still  employed, 
and  are  purely  geometric.  The  people  say  that  the  standard  designs 
of  the  tribe  are  all  old  and  include  such  patterns  as  "arrowhead," 


BOAS] 


SUMMARY    AND    CONCLUSION 


371 


"arrowpoint,"  "haK  arrowhead,"  "bead,"  "butterfly,"  "coil"  (hori- 
zontal encircling  line),  "dentalia,"  "embroidery,"  "fly,"  "grave- 
box,"  "ladder,"  "leg,"  "mouth,"  "Indian  rice,"  "necklace,"  "net," 
"snake,"  "spot,"  "standing-points,"  "star,"  "step,"  and  "zigzags." 
But  those  now  classed  as  obsolete  and  rare  indicate  the  modern 
trend  of  popular  taste,  which  according  to  European  standards  is 
very  gratifying.     Among  the  rare  old  designs  (fig.  116)  may  be  noted 


1 

: 

591 

^<e<«< 


■■■,,'.•■•>,"•'  628  629 


150 


764 


763 


^^  ^        \[/7e2  V         nI/  761    \ 

J^\/^^    ikA    631 

\/    760  \| 


J  L  785J-L  n. 


817 


8461^    \J  847" 

Fig.  115. — Obsolete  basket  designs,  Thompson 

three  which  resemble  a  part  of  an  old  quill  pattern  (cf .  Nos.  683-685 , 
fig.  116,  and  e,  fig.  lOS).  Plate  81,  Sketch  116,  is  also  interesting  as 
undoubtedly  copied  from  the  braided  rim  of  a  basket.  By  no  means 
all  of  the  designs,  however,  were  taken  from  porcupine-quiU  embroid- 
ery, as  we  shall  see. 

It  has  been  indicated  that  each  tribe  manufacturing  imbricated 
baskets  possesses  a  more  or  less  typical  style  of  ornamentation, 
although  with  the  exception  of  the  Klickitat,   the  burden  baskets 


372 


COILED    BASKETRY   IN   BRITISH   COLUMBIA 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


of  all  are  somewhat  similar  in  shape.  Yet  the  Salish  among  them- 
selves have  several  different  types  of  decoration,  most  of  which  are 
used  to  some  extent  by  the  Thompson,  particularly  aU-over  distri- 
butions of  small  designs  and  the  vertical  stripe  with  small  figures. 
These  are  accompanied  by  unimbricatcd  backgrounds.  The  third 
popular  arrangement  is  of  large  designs  on  a  single  field,  ■w'ith  or 
without  imbricated  backgrounds.  In  fact,  the  Thompson  use  the 
single  field  very  commonly. 

The  Lillooet  are  distinguished  chiefly  by  two  field  arrangements 
and  large  rectilinear  designs,  as  well  as  by  numerous  "droppers." 


Ill  mJ^ 

857 


^^^^  f  p  w 


zs: 


Fig.  116.— Ancient  basket  designs,  Thompson 


The  Chilcotin,  on  the  other  hand,  use  three  fields,  the  upper  and 
lower  of  which  are  alike,  the  center  being  unimbricatcd.  Above  the 
rod  which  encircles  the  basket  near  the  rim  is  a  fourth  narrow  field. 

The  Klickitat  are  inclined  to  single-field  decoration,  and  the 
designs  are  distributed  along  horizontal  zigzags  which  extend  from 
base  to  rim.  The  zigzags  al-e  as  compressed  as  it  is  possible  to 
make  them,  an  effect  which  increases  the  apparent  height  of  the 
basket. 

The  Thompson  are  accustomed  to  the  use  of  practically  all  the 
simple  geometric  elements  and  many  complicated  ones.  The  Lillooet 
confine  themselves  chiefly  to  rectiUnear  designs  and  triangles.     Both 


BOAS]  SUMMARY    AND    CONCLUSION  373 

are  particularly  fond  of  fly  or  checker  patterns.  Neither  employs 
the  square  to  any  great  extent  outside  of  these  designs.  On  the 
other  hand,  Chilcotin  art  is  conspicuous  for  the  squares  and  tri- 
angles M'hich  compose  the  simple  but  effective  patterns.  Klickitat 
work  is  the  most  florid  and  rich  of  any.  The  horizontal  zigzag  with 
its  variety  of  depending  smaller  designs  is  particularly  well  adapted 
to  the  round  shape  of  the  basket.  The  art  style  is  here  more  uniform 
than  -with  the  other  tribes  and  probably  on  that  account  far  less 
interesting,  but  at  least  one  does  not  encounter  such  glaring  defects 
as  on  the  elongated  shapes  from  the  other  regions,  which  are  due, 
not  so  much  to  carelessness  on  the  part  of  the  artist  as  to  the  great 
number  of  problems  and  difficulties  which  arise  to  confront  her  on 
account  of  the  irreconcilable  features  of  technique,  shape,  and  style 
of  designs. 

Before  discussing  the  other  sources  from  which  the  Thompson  may 
have  obtained  ideas  for  their  highly  diversified  decorations,  it  seems 
expedient  to  consider  the  relationships  in  art  and  technique  which 
exist  between  the  tribes  which  surround  them  and  their  more  distant 
neighbors. 

The  various  centers  where  imbrication  and  decorative  art  through 
its  means  have  attained  a  high  degree  of  development,  although 
similar  culturally,  are  represented  by  three  linguistic  families,  and 
historically  different  settings.  The  Thompson  and  Lillooet  are 
Salishan;  the  Klickitat,  Shahaptian;  and  the  Chilcotin,  Athapascan. 

The  Lillooet,  living  west  of  the  Thompson,  are  a  little  nearer  the 
sea.  They  have  been  in  contact  more  or  less  with  the  coast  Sahsh 
and  probably  from  them  copied  in  basketry  the  rectangular  boxes 
.which  the  coast  tribes  made  of  wood.  In  the  matters  of  the  general 
shape  of  the  baskets,  the  two-field  division  of  the  wall,  the  droppers, 
and  the  lavish  use  of  beading,  as  well  as  the  peculiar  trait  of  orna- 
menting three  sides  and  leaving  a  fourth  bare,  the  Lillooet  differ  from 
the  Thompson  and  in  some  respects  show  affiliation  with  the  coast 
tribes.  Their  large  rectangular  designs,  however,  are  no  longer  unique 
with  them,  since  the  Thompson  have  taken  them  over  to  a  consider- 
able extent.  Those  composed  of  two  complementary  sections  divided 
by  a  narrow  vertical  stripe  resemble  nothing  so  much  as  painted  de- 
signs of  the  western  plains.  The  droppers  used  in  the  decoration  of 
Tlingit  baskets,"  while  not  duplicated  exactly  by  the  Lillooet  on  their 
burden  shapes,  are  sufficiently  like  them  to  be  worthy  of  note, 
especially  since  only  these  two  tribes  have  apparently  adopted  the 
idea.  One  design  which  the  Lillooet  share  with  the  Tlingit  is  that 
given  in  Figure  105,  Sketch  18.  (Cf.  Thompson  design  in  Fig.  115, 
Sketch  165.) 

'>  G.  T.  Emmons.    Basketry  of  the  Tlingit.    Memoirs  Am.  Mus.  Nat.  Hist.,  Vol.  HI,  pt.  2,  New  York, 
1903. 


374 


COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


The  mouth  and  head  devices  and  various  forms  of  meanders  or 
notches  are  very  common  with  many  of  the  tribes  of  the  interior  of 
British  Columbia  and  of  tlie  coast.  The  meander  seems  in  its  double 
vertical  arrangement  to  be  allied  to  the  old  porcupine-cjuill  work 
pattern.  Figure  117  is  a  design  taken  from  a  coast  Salish  basket  in 
twined  weave,  which  was  worked  in  overlay  as  was  described  on 
page  362  for  Skeena  River  baskets.  It  is  interesting  to  compare  this 
with  Figure  108,  e;  Figure  116,  Sketch  6S5;  and  Figure  105,  Sketch  17, 
as  well  as  with  the  Chilcotin  designs  in  Figure  106,  Sketch  15,  and 
Figure  107,  Sketch  r,  where  the  pattern  is  horizontal. 

The  Chilcotin  have  a  number  of  designs  which  are  related  to  those 
of  the  Tlingit  who  live  northwest  of  them  across  the  mountains,  par- 
ticularly those  given  in  Figure  106,  Sketches  31,  32,  and  Figure  107, 
Sketches  l-c[.  On  the  other  hand,  they  possess  many  which  resemble 
those  so  popular  among  the   Thompson  and  Lillooet.     These  are 

sketches  8,  22,  26,  Figure  106,  and  g, 
Figure  107,  which  may  be  compared  with 
the  analogous  sketches  in  the  Thompson 
table.  Such  designs  are  found  with  com- 
parative frequency  on  California  basketry 
and  in  the  ' '  droppers ' '  of  the  Tlingit.  But 
they  evidently  date  back  farther  than  bas- 
ketry, for  they  appear  on  the  painted  or 
porcupine  quill  embroidered  fringes  of 
skin  garments  (fig.  114)  and  in  great  num- 
bers and  infinite  variety  on  the  painted 
parfleches  and  beadwork  of  the  Plains. 
A  comparison  of  the  designs  just  men- 
tioned with  those  given  by  Doctor  Wissler 
in  "The  Decorative  Art  of  the  Sioux  Indians"  '^  and  by  Doctor 
Ki'oeber  in  his  paper  on  the  Arapaho  "^  will  reveal  striking  simi- 
larities. When  it  is  remembered  how  the  Plains  tribes  traveled, 
often  far  to  the  west,  especially  after  adopting  the  horse  as  a 
means  of  conveyance,  and  that  the  pai-fleches  which  always  accom- 
panied these  nomads  as  trunks,  fastened  to  the  saddle,  were 
brightly  painted  in  bold  designs  and  the  garments  similarly  em- 
broidered with  multicolored  beads,  it  would  be  indeed  surprising 
if  the  western  peoples  were  not  attracted  by  these  gay  bits  of  color 
and  failed  to  be  impressed  with  designs  which  stood  out  so  sharply  on 
contrasting  backgrounds.  Thus  it  seems  that  the  basket  weavers  of 
the  west  owe  many  of  the  patterns  composed  of  series  and  various 
arrangements  of  triangles  to  their  Plains  brethren  to  the  east. 


Fig,  117 


-Designs  from  coast  Salish 
basiiets 


"  Clark  Wissler.    The  Decorative  Art  of  the  Sioux  Indians.    Bull.  Am.  Mus.  Nat.  Hist.,  Vol.  XVni, 
pp.  231-277. 
'5  A.  L.  Kroeber.    The  Arapaho.    Bull.  Am.  Mus.  Nat.  Hist.,  Vol.  XVIII,  pp.  36-150. 


BOAS]  SUMMARY   AND   CONCLUSION  375 

The  Klickitat  have  preserved  a  remarkable  conservatism  in  their 
art.  Originally,  they  probably  did  not  lie  in  the  path  of  these  cur- 
rents and  countercurrents  of  travel,  since  they  dwelt  far  to  the  south. 
They  were  not  always  occupied  with  coil  work  or  imbrication,  but 
learned  the  latter  technique  undoubtedly  after  their  migration  north- 
ward. Formerly  they  were  in  contact  with  Californian  tribes,  or  at 
least  with  their  products,  as  shown  by  the  designs  which,  except  on 
some  of  their  twined  bags,  are  almost  entirely  diagonal  and  in  char- 
acter closely  akin  to  Californian  types  of  decoration.  Coast  influence 
is  felt  in  a  still  diS'erent  type  of  bag,  namely,  that  plaited  of  strips 
of  cedar  bark. 

A  comparison  of  the  Klickitat  twined  work  with  that  of  California, 
and  of  Klickitat  imbrication  with  that  of  the  Salish  tribes,  proves 
beyond  a  doubt  their  former  connections,  even  were  these  supposi- 
tions unsubstantiated  by  tradition.  Klickitat  twining  is  on  a  par 
with  that  of  Californian  and  coast  origin,  but  Klickitat  imbrication 
is  noticeably  coarser  and  more  uneven  than  that  produced  by  the 
majority  of  Salishan  tribes,  while  a  comparison  of  the  two  types  of 
technique  as  produced  by  the  KJickitat  alone  shows  plainly  that  im- 
brication is  with  them  the  newer.  As  in  technique,  so  in  decorative 
art,  the  Klickitat  have  di-awn  from  three  sources,  but  the  conditions 
under  which  the  different  styles  appear  are  very  peculiar.  The  Cali- 
fornia designs  and  arrangements  predominate  on  both  imbricated 
baskets  and  twined  bags,  but  the  latter  show  a  queer  mixture  of 
Californian  and  Plains  influence.  Considering  the  former  location 
of  the  tribe,  this  is  not  altogether  unexpected  and  at  the  same  time 
extremely  interesting  because  of  the  way  in  wliich  it  manifests  itself. 
For  the  sake  of  clearness  the  bags  will  be  discussed  first  separately. 

Some  of  these  are  illustrated  in  Plates  63-65.  In  the  matter  of 
design  arrangement,  horizontal  bands  suggest  California  styles  while 
a  vertical  distribution,  as  in  Plates  64,  li,  and  65,  /,  are  rather  a  north- 
ern feature.  Plains  design  elements,  however,  in  addition  to  their 
ordinary  vertical  ahgmnent,  are  placed  in  horizontal  zones  on  some 
bags,  after  the  California  method.  (PI.  65,  h.)  On  the  other  hand, 
California  elements  and  consecjuently  patterns  retain  their  individu- 
ality chiefly  because  element  and  pattern  seem  to  belong  together  in 
particular  groupings,  especially  along  diagonal  lines  or  in  horizontal 
zones,  and  do  not  lend  themselves  reacUly  to  vertical  treatment, 
although  theoretically  it  would  be  possible  to  break  some  of  them  up 
and  rearrange  them  in  vertical  order.  In  spite  of  their  widespread 
adoption  of  Plains  designs,  and  their  rearrangement  of  these  according 
to  their  own  styles  of  distribution,  the  Klickitat  seem  never  to  have 
attempted  to  combine  them  on  the  same  bag  vnih.  their  own  designs. 
On  the  contrary  the  two  styles  are  quite  distinct.  The  plaited  bags 
are  an  almost  negligible  quantity  and  thek  designs  are  neither  essen- 
53666°— 28 25 


376  COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA 


lETIl.  ANN.  41 


tially  Klickitat  or  Californian,  nor  yet  of  the  Plains,  but  seem  to 
have  been  carried  along  with  the  technique,  as  they  resemble  the 
patterns  on  coast  bags  of  similar  weave.  There  are  three  shapes  of 
Klickitat  bags,  those  square  and  flat  (pis.  64,  a,  b,  e,f,  g,  h;  65,  a-d), 
those  with  rounding  creased  bottoms  (pis.  63,  b,  d-h;  64,  d,  e;  65,  e,f; 
66,  c,  d),  and  round  bags  with  flat  round  bottoms,  which  approach 
a  basket  form.     (PI.  66,  I,  m,  n.) 

On  their  imbricated  specimens  the  Klickitat  have  adhered  almost 
entirely  to  Californian  diagonal  effects  and  designs  with  more  artistic 
good  sense  than  many  other  tribes  of  weavers  manifest.  The  pre- 
dominating design  of  the  Klickitat  is  that  called  "leg"  or  "foot" 
among  the  Thom]>son.  In  California  it  is  sometimes  known  as  the 
"quail  plume,"  or  often,  when  ranged  along  the  diagonal  sides  of 
a  zigzag  or  triangle,  the  whole  pattern  may  be  called  "pine  cone." 
Tliis  the  Klickitat  have  developed  with  every  conceivable  variation 
as  well  as  another  pattern  which  consists  of  a  zigzag  band,  one  edge 
of  which  is  straight,  the  other  serrated.  Thus  it  is  that  Klickitat 
art  possesses  a  homogeneity  almost  unsurpassed  by  the  other  basket- 
making  tribes.  Even  though  two  stj^les  of  art  come  together  in 
their  twined  bags,  they  are  never  combined  on  the  same  piece  of 
work  after  the  fashion  of  the  Thompson.  Like  many  other  tribes, 
the  Klickitat  are  introducing  realistic  figures  into  their  more  modern 
specimens  in  a  way  wliich  is  quite  their  own.  A  very  interesting 
study  could  be  made  of  the  realistic  basketry  designs  of  the  different 
tribes,  for  each  has  its  characteristic  ideas  on  these  points.  Plates 
63-75  give  some  other  Klickitat  baskets  and  also  work  of  the  Salishan 
Skokomish  and  Chimakuan  Quileute  which  offer  a  good  opportunity 
for  comparing  the  twined  and  imbricated  specimens,  decorated  with 
similar  designs. 

Having  thus  attempted  to  outline  roughly  the  relations  which  the 
tribes  surrounding  the  Thompson  had  with  each  other  in  regard  to 
their  art  development,  it  is  now  perhaps  a  httle  less  difficult  to  dis- 
cuss the  Thompson  themselves.  We  have  seen  that  in  order  to  gain 
a  proper  perspective  of  their  work  and  to  obtain  an  idea,  however 
vague,  of  the  history  of  its  decoration,  it  is  not  sufficient  to  compare 
the  Thompson  technique  and  designs  with  those  of  other  tribes  who 
also  imbricate,  but  it  is  necessary  rather  to  go  much  farther  and  to 
compare  them  with  the  decorative  art  of  peoples  far  afield,  who  have 
woven  baskets  in  entirely  different  types  of  technique  or  who  possibly 
did  not  manufacture  baskets  at  all,  but  painted  or  burned  their  designs 
on  leather,  or  embroidered  them  by  means  of  quills  or  beads  on  skin 
garments. 

In  a  comparison  of  this  sort  the  student  is  struck  by  the  great 
wealth  of  the  Thompson  art,  not  only  in  regard  to  methods  of  ar- 
rangement, but  also  as  to  various  fonns  of  elements,  together  with 


BOAS] 


SUMMARY   AND   CONCLUSION  377 


their  varied  surface  treatment  by  means  of  alternations  in  color. 
Considering  the  great  variety  of  patterns  produced  by  the  Thomp- 
son, it  is  a  surjirising  fact  that  so  few  relationships  between  then-  art 
and  the  typical  work  of  the  other  centers  where  imbrication  is  de- 
veloped are  evident.  We  have  seen  that  the  Klickitat,  who  possess 
typical  Californian  designs,  execute  tliem  most  conspicuously  in  the 
Salish  technique,  but  the  Salish  have  not  adopted  any  of  the  Ivlickitat 
styles,  although  their  twined  bags  resemble  those  of  the  Klickitat 
which  are  ornamented  with  Plains  designs.  We  have  seen  that  the 
LiUooet,  who  with  the  Thompson  may  be  considered  as  the  chief 
exponents  of  imbrication,  have  many  ideas  of  decoration  in  common 
with  the  Tlingit.  They  execute  false  embroidery  patterns  in  mibri- 
cation,  and  they  have  even  to  a  very  hmited  extent  attempted  to 
make  false  embroidery  themselves.  Again,  Skeena  Kiver  ( ?)  designs 
in  overlay  are  found  elsewhere  in  several  other  types  of  technique. 

The  Thompson  and  LiUooet  possess  many  patterns  in  common. 
Some  of  these  are  presumably  of  LiUooet  origin,  but  they  are  not  the 
same  as  those  common  to  the  LiUooet  and  Tlingit.  The  ChUcotin 
and  TUngit  also  use  patterns  which  are  more  or  less  alike,  although, 
as  in  the  case  of  the  LUlooet  and  Tlingit,  executed  m  different 
styles  of  technique. 

While  the  C'hUcotin  and  Thompson  employ  some  similar  decorative 
devices  the  Thompson  use  practically  no  designs  which  the  Chilcotin 
seem  to  have  in  common  with  the  typical  Tlingit  patterns,  nor  yet 
those  styles  which  the  Chilcotin  have  developed  and  which  are 
characteristic  of  them. 

The  lesser  Salishan  tribes  making  imbricated  baskets,  of  whom  it 
will  be  rememberetl  there  are  a  great  number,  probably  have  many 
designs  in  common  with  the  Thompson  which  were  no  doubt  devel- 
oped in  the  region  and  many  purely  local  features  are  common  to  the 
LUlooet  and  Thompson.  Outside  of  this,  in  most  respects,  the 
Thompson  seem  to  have  occupied  the  place  of  the  eddy  in  the  whirl- 
pool of  travel  and  intercourse,  and  to  have  erected  their  art  on  the 
foundation  of  old  Plains  designs.  Now  and  then  a  stray  pattern 
from  some  region  on  the  outside  has  come  in,  such  as  the  "leg" 
design,  which  while  very  popular  in  both  Salish  and  California 
regions  has  received  entirely  different  treatment  at  the  hands  of  the 
two  sets  of  artists. 

Among  themselves  the  Thompson  have  developed  their  art  to  an 
astonishing  degree.  AU  the  styles  of  arrangement  which  prevail 
elsewhere  are  found  here  also,  but  it  would  seem  that  this  fact  must 
be  ascribed  to  the  ingenuity  and  inventiveness  of  the  people  them- 
selves rather  than  to  borrowed  ideas,  since  the  design  elements  wliich 
would  naturally  accompany  a  typical  arrangement  from  another 
tribe  would  scarcely  faU  to  appear  at  least  occasionally  if  borrowhig 


378  COILED    BASKETRY   IN   BRITISH   COLUMBIA  [eth.ann.W 

had  occurred.  It  will  be  remembered  that  the  women  of  the  Uta'mqt 
and  Lyttou  bands  are  particularly  fine  craftswomen  and  unusually 
clever  inventors,  among  whom  there  exists  a  constant  endeavor  to 
effect  new  combinations.  To  them  probably  is  due  the  endless 
variety  of  patterns  which  prevail  at  the  present  time,  mostly  based 
on  the  old  strata  of  designs.  In  addition,  many  new  and  utterly 
different  ideas  are  continually  being  carried  out.  Of  late  years  new 
realistic  designs,  elaborately  wrought  and  striking  in  their  realism, 
are  occasionally  seen.  Notable  among  them  are  the  beautiful  but- 
terfly patterns.  Articles  of  wliite  manufacture,  such  as  oilcloth, 
borders  of  printed  handkerchiefs,  calico,  etc.,  are  eagerly  seized  as 
affording  new  conceptions  for  patterns.  The  weavers  have  even 
gone  so  far  as  to  adopt  the  outlines  of  the  white  man's  window  and 
door.  But  all  the  while  there  seems  to  be  still  an  infiltration  of 
patterns  from  the  Plains.  Figures  118  and  119  are  collections  from 
the  sketches  of  designs  which  have  been  described  as  new  by  the 
informants.  Among  them  will  be  noted  many  which  show  Plains 
affiliation,  such  as  416-419,  599-603,  others  which  are  of  native 
origin,  such  as  690,  and  some  taken  from  oilcloth  or  other  articles 
introduced  by  the  white  man.  It  will  be  noted  that  some  of  these 
designs  also  figured  among  those  elsewhere  declared  to  be  old,  so  that 
differences  of  opinion  and  uncertainty  of  knowledge  undoubtedly 
exist  to  a  considerable  degree  among  the  people  themselves.  But 
on  the  whole  the  divisions  into  old  and  new  are  probably  correct, 
even  though  they  include  by  no  mearts  all  of  the  designs  which  could 
be  so  classified. 

The  richness  of  Thompson  imagination  and  inventive  genius  is 
manifested  also  in  the  variety  and  character  of  the  interpretations 
applied  to  the  designs,  often,  indeed,  to  the  same  figure,  and  m  the 
ways  in  which  the  same  form  may  be  treated  with  color  or  surface 
subdivision.  The  technical  exactness  and  powers  of  observation 
possessed  by  the  people  are  made  evident  by  the  almost  unlimited 
number  of  descriptive  terms  applied  to  variations  of  designs,  minute 
differences  in  structure  and  surface  treatment. 

It  is  rather  interesting  to  compare  the  character  of  Thompson 
interpretations  with  those  noted  by  Barrett  and  Kroeber  as  in  use  in 
California  m  order  to  see  if  among  the  Thompson  a  prevailing  tend- 
ency exists  toward  representing  particular  objects  or  classes  of  objects 
and  whether  it  corresponds  to  those  tendencies  found  elsewhere. 

According  to  this  point  of  view,  the  Thompson  designs  fall  into 
six  groups.  These  are:  I,  Natural  phenomena;  II,  Natural  objects; 
III,  Artificial  objects;  IV,  Plants;  V,  Animals,  birds,  and  their 
parts;  VI,  Geometric  or  descriptive.  Disregarding  the  descriptive 
names  applied  to  designs,  such  as  "scattered,"  "leaning,"  "en- 
circling," etc.,  which  are  almost  legion  and  are  applied  rather  on 
account  of  the  position  or  arrangement  of  the  design  than  because  of 


boas] 


SUMMARY   AND    CONCLUSION 


379 


what  it  is  considered  to  represent,  the  animal  and  bird  patterns  are 
by  far  the  most  numerous.  The  majority  of  these  are  geometric  in 
form  or  highly  conventionalized.  It  is  interesting  that  most  of  the  hfe 
forms  which  occur,  such  as  birds  and  butterflies,  are  depicted  both 
in  realistic   and  in  purely  geometric  or  conventionalized  patterns. 


136   175  /"   /  /  /  /  / 


690 


701  700      ^   792 

Fig.  118. — New  basket  designs,  Thompsoa 


793  844 


The  different  birds  represented  are  quite  clearly  distinguishable, 
either  in  realistic  or  conventional  art,  by  some  peculiarity  such  as 
long  wings  (flying  goose),  exaggerated  tail  (swallow),  short  tliick 
body  (crow),  or  spread  wings  and  tail  (eagle).  The  varieties  of 
snakes  are  less  clearly  differentiated,  except  the  bull  snake  and  striped 


380 


COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH   COLUMBIA 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


snake.  The  former  is  always  characterized  by  broad  black  and  white 
bands  or  checks  encircling  the  body,  the  latter  by  lengthwise  stripes. 
The  rattlesnake  is  elaborately  marked  but  the  difference  between  it 
and  the  bull  snake  is  not  always  evident. 

There  are  two  varieties  of  caterpillars  noted,  the  ordinary  type  and 
a  hairy  species,  but  no  constant  difference  in  the  method  of  repre- 
sentation is  observable. 

The  facts  that  many  animals  which  are  portrayed  by  reahstic 
sketches  are  also  represented  by  conventional  and  even  purely 
geometric  forms,  that  a  number  of  others  appear  in  both  realistic 
and  conventional  settings,  while  a  still  larger  number  of  animals, 
and  particularly  their  parts,  are  associated  only  with  geometric 
figures,  do  not  necessarily  prove  that  the  tendency  of  representative 
art  is  to  change  from  the  realistic  toward  the  geometric.  On  the 
contrary,  the  numerous  unrelated  interpretations  given  to  geometric 


Fig.  119.— New  basket  designs,  Thompson 

figures,  together  with  the  fact  that  realistic  art  is  the  highest  and 
therefore  necessarily  latest  development  in  basketry  decoration  be- 
cause it  is  the  most  difficult,  would  argue  for  the  other  direction  in 
development.  It  does  not  seem  safe,  however,  to  assume  either 
tendency  as  general.  Geometric  forms  are  suggestive,  and  once  a 
resemblance  becomes  apparent,  are  often,  no  doubt,  elaborated  into 
more  realistic  representations,  as  fancy  dictates;  on  the  other  hand, 
realistic  art,  used  for  purposes  of  decoration,  does  tend  to  become 
conventional  and  even  geometric. 

The  animal  forms  commonly  appearing  in  Thompson  art  are 
those  with  wliich  the  people  are  most  familiar,  the  beaver,  otter,  deer, 
dog,  horse,  panther,  fish,  lizard,  snake,  and  human  beings.  The  bird 
forms  are  eagle,  swallow,  goose,  grouse,  owl,  duck  and  crow;  the 
insects — butterflies,  flies,  dragonfly,  beetle,  grasshopper,  spider, 
caterpillar,  and  woodworm.  The  people  are  fond  of  depicting  only 
parts  of  some  creatures.  For  instance,  the  bear  is  never  portrayed 
as  an  entire  figure  but  is  indicated  merely  by  the  foot  or  teeth.     The 


boas)  summary   and    CONCLUSION  381 

beaver  and  otter  arc  usually  represented  only  by  their  stretched 
pelts,  the  panther  by  its  head,  the  mountain  sheep  by  its  horns,  the 
fish  by  its  backbone,  the  grouse  by  its  tracks,  the  deer  not  only  as 
an  entire  figui-e,  sometimes  caught  in  a  net,  but  also  by  its  hoof, 
track,  ears,  head  or  horns.  Birds,  butterflies,  and  other  insects  are 
represented  frequently  only  by  the  wings,  but  on  account  of  the 
surface  treatment  of  the  triangular  figures  wliich  usually  serve  in  tliis 
connection,  it  is  generally  possible  to  recognize  them.  The  grass- 
hopper is  more  often  indicated  by  its  leg  or  elbow  than  as  an  entire 
form.  A  number  of  parts  of  animals  and  human  beings  appear 
which  apparently  have  no  connection  with  any  particular  object, 
such  as  simply  head,  eye,  tooth,  mouth,  heart,  hand,  finger,  hand 
pointing,  leg,  foot,  bent  leg,  bent  back,  broken  back,  rib,  etc.  There 
is  a  strong  tendency  to  create  diminutive  designs  of  animals  which  are 
called  "little  dog,"  "little  deer,"  "little  beaver,"  etc.  These  are 
simply  tlEe'ka  designs  wMch  have  become  standardized  and  arranged 
so  that  they  are  classed  as  real  designs. 

Artificial  objects  are  second  in  popularity  and  variety  as  sugges- 
tions for  designs.  The  majority  are  purely  geometric,  whatever  may 
be  the  actual  shape  of  the  object.  In  a  few  cases  the  general  out- 
lines resemble  certain  objects,  such  as  the  triangle  the  arrowhead, 
the  scjuare  or  rectangle  the  bead,  the  series  of  triangles  notched 
ladder  poles.  In  some  cases  it  is  difficult  to  decide  whether  the 
design  is  a  realistic  sketch  of  a  geometrically  formed  object,  such 
as  the  root  digger  T,  fishhook,  Figure  122  (1),  hammer,  Figure  122  (2), 
or  an  instance  of  reading  in  a  meaning  which  has  been  generally 
selected  because  of  marked  resemblance  to  a  given  object.  In  most 
cases  the  hkeness  is  purely  superficial  and  rather  obscure,  and  the 
number  of  interpretations  of  utterly  unrelated  character  often  appUed 
to  the  same  designs  strengthen  the  impression  that  the  figures  them- 
selves never  have  been  more  realistic  than  at  present. 

The  list  of  these  artificial  objects  shows  a  rather  peculiar  selection, 
but  on  the  whole  comprises  thos^  which  enter  most  vitally  into  the 
life  of  the  people. 

The  plants  occupy  the  third  place  in  nxmiber  of  kinds  represented, 
as  well,  perhaps,  as  in  frequency  of  occiu-rence,  and  comprise  trees 
and  shrubs  (not  differentiated),  leaves,  several  varieties  of  edible 
roots,  an  edible  cactus,  berries,  and  five  varieties  of  flowers.  The 
pine  cone  also  figures  as  a  very  old  design.  Practically  all  of  the 
patterns  are  geometric  or  purely  conventional  and  many  of  them 
have  only  one  interpretation.  The  maple  leaf  and  edible  cactus, 
however,  appear  as  almost  realistic  delineations.  The  newer  baskets 
are  occasionally  decorated  with  very  beautifully  executed  floral 
designs.     (PI.  40,  c,  e.) 


382  COILED   BASKETRY    IN   BRITISH   COLUMBIA  [ETn.ANN.41 

Geometric  design  names,  if  we  except  the  descriptive  terms, 
are  few  in  number  but  of  rather  frequent  occurrence.  Such  terms 
as  circle,  half  circle,  coil,  spiral,  points,  notch,  stripe,  scratch,  zigzag, 
and  cross  are  all  that  appear.  Modified  by  descriptive  terms,  these 
design  names  become  the  most  numerous  of  any.  The  list  of  modifying 
terms  and  their  Salish  equivalents  as  given  in  the  appendix  will  illus- 
trate how  exactly  these  patterns  may  be  described  (see  p.  400  et  scrj.). 

Very  few  natural  objects  and  natural  phenomena  appear  as  designs 
and  they  are  aU  purely  geometric  figures.  The  cloud  and  star  pat- 
terns and  their  numerous  variations  are  very  popular.  Sun,  moon, 
hail,  snow,  lightning,  and  rainbow  are  rather  rare.  Mountains, 
lakes,  waves,  and  trails  are  the  only  natural  objects  which  figure 
as  designs  on  baskets,  but  they  are  much  used.  Probably  mountain 
patterns  are  as  well  liked  and  as  frequently  employed  as  any  in  the 
entire  category. 

In  addition  to  these  six  classes  of  designs  there  are  a  number  of 
general  patterns  composed  of  combinations  of  elements  or  small 
designs.  The  names  applied  in  such  cases  are  practically  identical 
with  the  geometric  descriptive  terms.  Usually  they  are  given  to 
any  combinations  which  they  fitly  describe,  but  some  individuals 
have  a  tendency  to  restrict  their  use  to  particular  arrangements  with 
which  they  are  most  familiar. 

It  has  already  been  stated  that  disregarding  the  descriptive  names 
for  designs,  animal  patterns  are  the  most  numerous  of  any,  while 
plants  are  comparatively  rare.  This  seems  to  be  the  c£ise  in  the 
art  of  the  majority  of  very  primitive  tribes  as  well  as  of  many  which 
have  progressed  to  much  higher  levels  of  cidture.  It  can  not  be  said 
that  the  reason  for  this  as  intimated  by  Grosse'*  is  always  that 
primitive  man  is  first  of  all  a  hunter  and  food  gatherer,  and  therefore 
interested  primarily  in  animal  life,  or  that  it  is  not  until  people  adopt 
agriculture  that  their  attention  is  awakened  to  the  importance  of 
plant  life,  wliich  then  begins  to  influence  their  thoughts  and  there- 
fore their  art.  Nevertheless,  it  is  a  very  suggestive  idea  which  might 
be  substantiated  by  moi'e  detailed  investigation. 

A  glance  at  the  lists  of  design  names  employed  by  the  Thompson 
and  by  the  California  tribes  reveals  one  peculiar  parallel.  This 
is  the  use  of  the  term  "grasshopper  elbow,"  but  the  designs 
used  are  not  the  same,  except  that  they  present  sharp  angles. 
There  are  a  few  other  terms  conunon  to  both  regions,  but  they 
are  used  over  practically  the  same  region  where  the  common 
strata  of  designs  occurs.  One,  "bear  foot,"  however,  is  represented 
by  different  designs  in  the  two  areas.  Each  tribe  reflects  in  its  art 
sometliing  of  its  envirormient.  This  is  but  natural.  Thus  the 
Cahfornia  people  represent  turtles,  starfish,  crabs,  and  ants,  as  well 

"  Ernst  Grosse,  The  Beginnings  of  Art,  Appleton  &  Co.,  New  York,  1914,  p.  118. 


BOA^I  SUMMARY    AND    CONCLUSION'  383 

as  acorns,  while  the  Thompson  depict  the  beaver,  snowshoe,  animal 
traps,  dentalia,  moss  cake,  etc.  The  Thompson  represent  a  far 
greater  variety  of  artificial  and  natural  objects  than  do  any  of  the 
Californian  tribes. 

That  there  is  no  well-defined  symbolism  among  the  Thompson  must 
have  been  apparent  in  what  has  already  been  said.  A  few  geometric 
patterns,  like  the  arrowhead,  generally  receive  the  same  interpreta- 
tion by  all  the  people.  Aside  from  trhese,  practically  all  geometric 
figures  represent  a  variety  of  objects,  while  these  in  turn  are  often  de- 
picted by  more  than  one  geometric  form,  but  it  all  depends  on  some 
similarity  between  object  and  design  which  is  recognized  at  the  time 
by  the  pereon  interpreting.  There  is  no  color  symbolism  except 
in  the  case  of  rain  or  snow  and  even  reaUsm  in  color  is  often  entirely 
disregarded. 


I  ^^  add  a  few  general  considerations  to  the  simimary  and  conclu- 
sions written  by  Miss  Roberts. 

The  area  in  which  imbricated  basketry  is  made  will  be  seen  on  the 
accompanjdng  map.  It  stretches  along  the  eastern  side  of  the 
Cascade  Range,  beginning  with  the  Chilcotin  and  following  south 
through  the  territory  of  the  Thompson  as  far  as  Wenatchi  and 
Cowlitz. 

The  map  shows  that  important  changes  of  location  have  occurred 
in  the  whole  area  since  the  year  1800  or  a  little  before  that  time. 
The  KUckitat,  who  at  present  participate  in  the  making  of  imbricated 
basketry,  lived  at  that  time  south  of  the  Columbia  River.  Mr. 
Teit  obtained  his  information  repeatedly  from  the  tribes  on  the 
middle  Columbia  River,  particularly  from  the  Columbia,  a  subdivision 
of  the  Salish.  It  is  remarkable  that  according  to  Melville  Jacobs 
the  Taitnapam,  who  live  on  the  upper  region  of  the  Cowlitz  River 
west  of  the  Cascades  and  who  are  part  of  the  Yaldma  (that  is,  Klicki- 
tat), claim  that  they  have  always  held  the  region  which  they  inhabit 
at  the  present  time.  The  claims  of  the  interior  SaUsh  in  regard  to 
the  migrations  of  the  Yakima  and  Klickitat  are  borne  out  by  lin- 
guistic evidence.  The  Cowlitz  and  the  upper  ChehaUs,  who  are 
neighbors,  speak  practically  the  same  dialect.  The  vocabulary  and 
grammatical  structure  are  very  much  ahke.  The  only  fundamental 
difference  between  the  two  dialects  is  that  where  the  Cowlitz  use  a 
Ic  the  Upper  Chehalis  use  tc.  In  tliis  respect  the  latter  agree  with  all 
the  other  coast  dialects  as  far  north  as  Comox.  All  the  dialects  of  the 
interior  as  far  east  as  Spokane  and  Kalispel  use  the  Tc  forms,  wliile 
farther  to  the  east  the  tc  forms  are  found.  On  the  map  the  area 
in  which  the  Tc  forms  are  used  is  indicated  by  a  stipple  band.  The 
use  of  the  Ic  forms  by  the  CowUtz  can  be  understood  only  on  the 
basis  of  an  intimate  relation  between  them  and  their  eastern  neigh- 

"  By  Franz  Boas. 


384  COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  [eth.  ann.  41 

bors.  I  believe  that  the  reason  why  the  Taitnapam  claim  to  be 
indigenous  must  be  looked  for  in  the  gradual  settlement  of  this 
part  of  the  country  by  the  Yakima.  According  to  the  description 
given  to  Mr.  Teit,  it  seems  very  likely  that  the  Yakima  language, 
to  which  the  Taitnapam  belongs,  gradually  gained  the  ascendency 
over  the  Sahsh  dialect,  so  that  in  all  probability  the  tribe,  who  hve 
at  the  present  time  west  of  the  Cascades,  are  the  original  Sahsh 
tribe  who  have  gradually  given  up  their  language  and  speak  a  Ya- 
kima dialect  now.  This  would  account  for  the  absence  of  any 
knowledge  of  migrations. 

Whatever  kind  of  basketry  these  tribes  may  have  made  in  earlier 
times  must  have  been  strongly  under  the  influence  of  the  adjoining 
southern  Oregonian  and  Californian  tribes,  and  tliis  may  account  for 
the  common  occurrence  of  the  Californian  motifs  on  their  baskets. 

Miss  Roberts  has  called  attention  to  the  possible  relation  of 
imbricated  basketry  motifs  to  those  of  the  Plains.  In  regard  to  this 
problem  it  seems  important  to  remember  that  in  the  eighteenth 
century  the  Salish  tribes,  the  Shoshoni  and  Kutenai,  extended  east 
of  the  mountains  into  the  Plains  and  that  their  contacts  with  the 
eastern  tribes  were  very  weak.  On  the  other  hand  it  seems  that 
Plains  motifs  passed  at  an  early  period  over  the  mountains  into  the 
southern  parts  of  the  plateaus  which  are  inhabited  by  the  Shoshoni 
and  their  relatives,  and  it  may  well  be  that  the  Plains  motifs  found 
their  way  into  British  Columbia  by  this  route.  The  occurrence  of 
quadrilateral  designs  divided  by  a  central  band,  which  are  highly 
characteristic  of  Plains  Indians  art  and  which  occur  frequently  in 
the  art  of  the  western  plateaus,  is  presumably  an  indication  of  this 
type  of  cultural  relation.  This  motif  is  found  in  decorative  forms 
consisting  of  a  series  of  connected  diamonds  divided  in  two  by  a 
central  stripe;  and  in  the  rectangular  designs,  found  particularly  on 
Lillooet  basketry,  di\'ided  in  the  center  by  an  undecorated  stripe 
and  generally  interpreted  as  "  head  design  "  (see  pis.  19,  a;  20,  o;  29,  c). 

The  technical  relation  between  beading  and  imbrication  can  hardly 
be  doubted.  The  method  of  overla3dng  the  coil  with  decorative 
material  is  the  same  in  both  cases.  The  stimulus  that  may  have  led 
to  imbrication  is  the  desire  to  obtain  continuous  surfaces  of  the  same 
color.  This  may  be  done  in  beading  by  overlaying  a  number  of 
stitches  with  the  ornamental  material,  as  is  done  in  weaving.  On 
account  of  the  weakness  of  the  ornamental  grass  or  bark,  work  deco- 
rated in  this  way  will  quickly  deteriorate  because  the  long  strips  of 
overlaid  material  would  tear  easily.  By  catching  the  overlay  in 
each  stitch  of  coiling  this  difficulty  is  obviated  because  the  overlay 
is  thus  held  firmly  to  the  surface  of  the  basket. 

Beading  occurs  commonly  on  the  coiled  rims  of  birch-bark  baskets 
both  in  America  and  Asia.     It  leads  to  a  modest  development  of 


BOAS]  SUMMARY    AND    CONCLUSION  385 

patterns  analogous  to  forms  developed  in  weaving.  In  birch-bark 
basketry  it  is  strictly  confined  to  the  rim;  in  coiled  basketry  it  is 
easily  transferred  to  the  body  of  the  walls  and  results  largely  in  hori- 
zontal bands  of  single  stitches  or  of  starhke  figures.  Simple  zigzags 
and  other  forms  consisting  of  single  lines  may  also  occur.  It  may 
well  be  that  the  frequent  occurrence  of  the  imbricated  star  (see 
Sketches  399-401,  pi.  86)  is  an  immediate  transfer  from  beading  to 
imbrication.    It  is  more  easily  achieved  in  beading  than  in  imbrication. 

The  question  arises  how  the  desire  for  continuous  surface  decora- 
tion may  have  arisen. 

Both  the  Tlingit  twined  baskets  and  the  LUlooet  imbricated  work 
have  the  lower  part  of  the  basket  bare.  The  decoration  is  essentially 
confined  to  the  upper  portion  of  the  walls,  although  it  covers  a  large 
part  of  the  basket.  It  is  quite  conceivable  that  we  may  have  here 
an  encroachment  of  a  rim  design  upon  the  body  of  the  basket,  anal- 
ogous to  similar  encroachments  that  have  occurred  in  other  areas.'* 
Mr.  Teit  and  Miss  Roberts  have  already  pointed  out  that  the  custom 
of  covering  the  upper  part  of  birch-bark  baskets  with  decorated  skin 
may  have  helped  in  the  development  of  this  tendency. 

Birch-bark  baskets  as  well  as  woven  baskets  require  special  treat- 
ment of  the  rim  which  protects  it  and  holds  it  together.  The  stitches 
which  hold  the  strengthening  withe  to  the  rim  must  be  of  different 
lengths  in  order  to  avoid  the  tearing  of  the  bark.  The  regular 
arrangement  of  these  stitches  produces  an  ornamental  effect.  The 
extension  of  this  technical  ornamentation  may  have  led  to  the 
encroachment  of  the  decoration  over  the  upper  part  of  the  basket. 

The  fundamental  development  of  the  ornamentation  must  be 
considered  in  connection  with  the  form  of  the  basket.  We  have 
pointed  out  repeatedly  that  coiling  and  angular  forms  are  incongruous. 
Simple  coiling  results  in  circular  or  oval  forms.  The  production  of 
angular  forms  seems  to  require  a  foreign  stimulus.  We  must  remem- 
ber that  the  fishing  tribes  of  the  northwest  coast  and  of  the  plateaus 
are  much  more  stable  in  their  habits  than  the  hunting  tribes  of  the 
plains  or  those  in  the  more  southern  plateaus,  the  Shoshoni  and 
their  relatives.  Hence  receptacles  for  storage  are  much  more  im- 
portant among  them  than  among  other  tribes.  Clothing,  dried  fish, 
berry  cakes,  and  only  to  a  limited  extent  seeds  are  stored.  Long 
objects  are  best  stored  in  rectangular  receptacles  like  the  trimk 
baskets  of  the  Lillooet  and  Thompson,  the  boxes  of  the  coast  Indians, 
and  the  parfleches  of  the  Plains  Indians.  The  difference  in  the  kind 
of  material  to  be  stored  may  account  for  the  prevalence  of  round 
forms  in  northern  California.  It  seems  to  me  lilvcly  that  the  stimulus 
for  the  production  of  angular  forms  may  have  been  given  by  the  need 

'fl  See  F.  Adarpa  van  ScheI^ema,  "Die  altnordische  Kunst,"  pp.  63  et  seq. 


386  COILED    BASKETRY   IN   BRITISH   COLUMBIA  [eth.  ann.  41 

for  rectangular  trunks,  combined  with  the  linowledge  of  these  forms 
produced  in  hide  by  both  the  Plains  and  Plateau  Indians  and  by  the 
wooden  and  baric  boxes  of  the  coast  Indians. 

This  argument,  however,  does  not  account  for  the  angular  forms 
of  the  burden  baskets.  Mr.  Teit  and  Miss  Roberts  have  pointed 
out  that  they  do  not  roll  so  easily  when  carried  on  pack  horses  but 
this  argument  does  not  appeal  to  me  strongly,  because  high  cylin- 
drical baskets  would  be  much  more  serviceable  for  this  purpose. 
Stiff,  conical  baskets  do  not  lend  themselves  to  horseback  transpor- 
tation; soft  bags  would  be  much  more  serviceable.  Furthermore, 
the  burden  baskets  are  generally  provided  with  packstraps  and  are 
intended  for  transportation  on  the  back  of  man.  For  this  piu-pose 
one  flat  side  rests  on  the  back  of  the  carrier,  which  is  a  decided  ad- 
vantage. The  coast  Indians  attain  this  end  by  building  the  twined 
baskets  between  four  rather  stout  comer  withes  which  determine 
the  general  form.''^ 

The  conclusion  that  the  angular  forms  have  not  been  developed 
without  a  foreign  stimulus  is  strengthened  by  the  type  of  decoration 
applied  to  the  round  coiled  baskets  which  are  most  readily  decorated 
with  horizontal  or  diagonal  patterns.  Diagonal  patterns,  on  the 
other  hand,  do  not  fit  baskets  with  angular  cross  section.  If,  never- 
theless, we  find  that  some  of  the  angular  baskets  are  decorated  in 
this  manner,  we  may  assume  that  the  motif  has  been  transferred 
from  a  basket  without  corners  to  one  with  corners. 

The  difficulties  involved  in  producing  vertical  lines  have  been  fully 
set  forth  in  our  discussion  and  have  been  worked  out  in  detail  by 
Doctor  Haeberlin.  Judging  from  the  similarity  between  the  vertical 
bands  and  porcupine  quill  work,  and  also  with  the  patterns  found  on 
woven  packstraps  and  belts,  it  seems  plausible  that  the  knowledge 
of  these  two  types  of  technique  and  their  transfer  to  baskets  may 
have  resulted  m  the  present  forms. 

Their  application  to  the  flaring  basket  of  angular  cross  section  has 
led  to  serious  difficulties.  On  account  of  the  tendency  of  lines 
intended  to  be  vertical  to  lean  to  the  left,  a  large  bare  field  originates 
in  the  right-hand  upper  corner  which  distorts  the  balance  of  the 
decoration.  The  basket  maker  endeavors  to  overcome  this  difficulty 
by  applying  "fillers."  The  variety  of  these  and  the  lack  of  a  uniform 
system  of  treatment  show  that  no  definite  pattern  for  the  handling 
of  the  situation  has  developed. 

The  detailed  information  on  the  scope  of  forms  made  by  a  number 
of  basket  weavers  shows  that  the  range  of  individual  invention  is 
strictly  limited  by  the  traditional  style.  This  is  true  both  of  the 
forms  of  the  baskets  and  of  their  decorations.     Observation  of  the 

"  See  Jesup  Expedition,  Vol.  V,  fig.  79,  p.  385. 


BOAS]  SUMMARY   AND    CONCLUSION  387 

baskets  leaves  us  with  the  impression  that  certain  standard  forms 
are  attempted  that  might  have  been  formulated  in  definite  numerical 
relations.  The  tabulations  given  on  pages  416  et  seq.  and  sum- 
marized by  Miss  Roberts  on  pages  212-223  show  that  this  is  true  in  a 
very  general  way  only.  We  might  say  that  the  form  is  felt,  rather 
than  obtained  by  deliberate  measurements.  It  is  interesting  to  note 
that  other  attempts  to  deterniine  characteristic  forms  metrically  have 
led  to  the  same  results.  I  have  measured  a  large  number  of  wooden 
boxes  of  the  north  Pacific  coast  which  gave  a  definite  impression  of 
imiformity  of  proportions.  I  have  not  been  able  to  find  any  pro- 
portion that  coidd  be  designated  as  the  standard.  Dr.  Ruth  Bunzel 
has  found  the  same  in  the  pottery  of  the  Zuiii  Indians  and  Dr.  Gladys 
A.  Reichard  has  made  the  same  observation  in  regard  to  the  dishes  of 
the  Admiralty  Islands. 

Designs  which  are  claimed  by  the  makers  as  their  own  inventions 
are  generally  slight  modifications  of  current  forms.  This  is  even  true 
of  the  so-called  "dream  designs."  I  presume  when  the  Indians  use 
the  term  "dream  design,"  which  is  found  not  only  on  the  western 
plateaus  but  also  among  the  Indians  of  the  Plains,  they  mean  that 
the  design  appears  to  them  as  an  original  invention.  Whether  it 
actually  appeared  in  a  dream  or  whether  it  is  a  visual  image  is  not 
certain.  It  is  certainlj^  striking  that  none  of  the  designs  of  the 
Thompson  Indians  resemble  those  of  the  Klickitat  and  that  none  of 
the  new  inventions  follow  Klickitat  lines.  The  power  of  invention 
of  the  artist  is  obviously  under  the  control  of  tradition. 

In  the  long  seiies  of  design  names  collected  by  Mr.  Teit  and 
brought  together  in  Plates  78-94,  we  may  recognize  that  a  large 
number  are  merely  descriptions,  while  others  may  be  considered  as 
loose  designations  of  forms.  The  great  variety  of  names  applied  to 
the  same  form  indicate  clearly  that  we  are  not  dealing  with  designs 
which  could  in  any  way  be  interpreted  as  conventionalized  repre- 
sentations, but  that  we  are  merely  dealing  with  descriptions  based 
on  a  comparison  between  the  geometric  form  and  some  object. 
This,  of  course,  applies  only  to  the  true  geometrical  designs,  not  to 
the  ob^^ous  representations  of  animals  and  of  plants. 

The  general  tendency  of  the  natives  is  well  illustrated  by  the 
design  on  a  soft  bag  represented  by  Farrand,'*  which  was  pur- 
chased by  a  Thompson  woman  from  one  of  the  southeastern  tribes. 
The  series  of  connected  diamonds  appealed  to  her,  according  to  the 
interpretative  tendencies  of  the  Thompson  people,  as  a  series  of 
lakes.  In  order  to  bring  out  the  idea  more  clearly  she  added  small 
embroideries  representing  birds  flying  toward  the  lakes. 

The  general  tendency  of  the  Thompson  is  similar  to  that  found 
among  the  California  Indians.  They  have  a  large  number  of  design 
names  without,  however,  attaching  to  a  definite  form  a  single  term. 

's  Livingston  Farrand,  Basketry  Designs  of  the  Salish  Indians,  Jesup  Expedition,  Vol.  I,  pi.  23,  flg.  1. 


'     388  COILED    BASKETRY   IN   BRITISH    COLUMBIA  [ETn.ANN.41 

The  nomenclature  is  at  the  present  time  still  highly  variable.  There 
is  no  indication  whatever  that  the  terminology  corresponds  to  any 
kind  of  symbolic  meaning. 

In  this  respect  the  contrast  between  basket  designs  and  rock 
painting,  as  described  by  Mr.  Teit,  is  quite  striking.^'  The  making  of 
the  design  is  connected  with  certain  ceremonials  and  they  must  be 
interpreted  as  crude  pictographic  representations.  The  forms  which 
they  attain  may  be  influenced  to  a  certain  extent  by  decorative  forms 
employed  in  basketry,  painting,  or  carving;  but  their  existence  does 
not  prove  that  the  decorative  elements  applied  in  basketry  are  de- 
rived from  symbolic  prototypes. 

78The  rock  paintings  have  a  symbolic  signilicance  and  the  design  is  understood  by  the  people. 


APPENDIX 

The  following  list  of  terms  relates  to  basket  making  in  all  its  differ- 
ent aspects.  The  terms  are  given  in  Mr.  Teit's  orthography,  which 
is  not  quite  accurate.     All  the  terms  belong  to  the  Thompson  dialect. 

Indian  Terms  for  Prepared  Materials 

kome?w6'p Roots  of  cedar  (common  name  for  roots  of  a 

tree) . 
.slil'kEntEn Cortex  of  cedar  roots  (often  used  for  tying 

bundles  of  splints). 
kwosi'Ek Splints  of  outside  parts  of  cedar  roots  next 

the  cortex  (often  used  for  sewing  bottoms 

of  baskets), 
.sxil'tsa Outside  part  of  sheath  removed  from  grass 

stems  when  preparing  them. 
pekla'n,  pakla'n,  tu'Ex Bark  of  the  bird   cherry   (these  are    special 

terms  for  the  bark  of  this  particular  tree), 
kwo.li'n Birch  bark  (sometimes  used  in  coiled  bas- 
ketry), 
.tlkai.tx,     full-grown;     .nkoEtei.tx  Bulrush  (sometimes  used  in  coiled  basketry). 

kout,  young. 
tlEne'. It,  fuU-grown;tsE]u't,  young.   Tule  (sometimes  used  in  coiled  basketry). 

slo'ats  (inside  bark  of  cedar) "i  These  are  special  cedar  terms.    The  Thomp- 

sikwa'm  (outside  bark  of  cedar) J      son  did  not  use  these  parts  in  basketry. 

.ntua'iuk  (cambium  layer) 1  These  terms  are  common  for  parts  of  any 

kai.i'tsa  (sapwood) [     tree.     Used  in  basketry  by  the  Thomp- 

.nkEmeltsi  (heart) J      son. 

Indian  Terms  for  Processes  op  Preparation 

kEthwo'pEm To  cut  or  collect  grass  for  stems;  to  cut  or 

collect  roots. 

kethwo'pEp The  gathering  or  cutting  of  grass;  grass  to 

be  cut. 

.skEthwop Grass    already   cut  (from  ski'tx,  to  cut  off; 

skEtu'x",  cut  oft"  short). 

sBka'usEm To   split   grass   stems    (with   point   of   awl) 

before  imbricating  (from  cekuEm,  to  split). 

kia'nnsEm To  press  or  smooth  grass  stems  before  imbri- 
cating. 

co'xEx To  split  or  work  up  roots  into  fine  splints. 

tcuwanl'sEm To   even   the  edges  of  splints  with   awl  or 

knife  by  splitting  off.     Term  also  applied 
to  grass  and  bark  when  treated  thus. 

kwanEni'sEm,    from    kwanEm,   to  To  soak  grass,  bark,  splints,  etc. 
soak. 

389 


390  COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  1eth.ann.41 

Indian  Tebms  for  Prepared  Materials 

nho'itlEXEii Grass     (any    kind)     prepared     for     basket 

making. 

komea'ux,  kumia'ux Prepared  roots. 

•sxii'tsa Outside  part  or  sheath  removed  from  grass 

stems  when  preparing  them. 

.npi.a'uskEn  tEk  tu'Ex One  bundle  or  package  of  cherry  bark. 

.nsi.a'uskEn  tEk  komia'uix Two    bundles   of   splints    (especially   sewing 

splints),  enough  for  ordinary  sized  burden 
basket. 

.sza'nEin,  viz,  coil  instead  of  splints.  Coil  splints. 

.nylpami'n,  from  .syl'p,   seized  or  The  sewing  splint, 
bound  tightly. 

.nkatla'uskEn  tEk  .nlioitlEXEn Three  bundles  of  grass  stems. 

pekla'n,  pakla'n,  tuEX Bark  of  the  bird  cherry   (used  for  imbrica- 
tion). 

kwo.li'n Birch  bark. 

Technical  Descriptive  Terms 


English 

Salish 

Remarks 

Coiled  basketry 

.sku'x 

Flat  coiled  or  slat  basketry 

.sxEne'lEmox 

Meaning  square,  angular, 

.sxEnxEue'lEmEx 

with  corners 

.SXEUEXe'lEinEX 

Hole  made  bv  the  awl,   (also 

.nhapti'n 

From     .ship      or      .shap, 

stitch) 

.nhapti'n 
.nhapEti'n 

pierced 

Stitching  or  sewing 

.nyipi'kEntEn 

From     .syl'p,     seized     or 
bound  tightly 

Ordinary  sewing  or  furcation 

.nax.pI'kEn 
.naxpekEkEnEniEnt- 
wa'ux" 

Furcated  sewing  or  bifurca- 

.nhapIkEn 

From  .sha'p,  pierced 

tion 

.nhapekEkEniEnt- 

To  furcate  or  pierce  each 

wa'ux" 

other 

Irregularly  furcated  stitches 

.nsi'utcEU 

From  .ssi'u,  out  of  line 

.nsIutcEnEmtwa'vix 

The  reflexive  term 

A  furcation!?) 

nhapi'kEntEn? 

Interlocking  stitches  passing 

.ntetoxtei'n 

From    toxto'xt,    straight, 

between    two   others,    not 

te'tox,  to  direct 

furcating 

.ntetoxtcInEmtwa'ux 

The  reflexive  term 

Medial  sewing 

.s.nlux.p 

From  .siu'x,  threaded,  in- 
troduced 

Close  stitching 

.stoka'ist 

From  .sto'k,  .stu'k,  closed 

Loose,  open  stitching 

.sye'xiyexest 

From  .sye'x,  having  open 

Rigid  basketry 

kwEtskwEtsa'ist 

spaceb 
From  kwltskwl'tst,  rigid, 
stiff 

Flexible  basketry 

lEpalepa'ist 

Flexible,  pliable 

Thin  basketry 

.ntBxaxi'xest 

Diminutive     of     tExi'xat, 

thin 
Fine  narrow  hand 

Fine  work  (narrow  thin  coils 

tExi'.xat  tEk  kei'ix 

and  stitches) 

Thick  basketry 

.nzu'iEst,  .nzu'.ist 

From  zii'it,  thick 

Coarse  work,  thick  coils  and 

zu'it  tEk  kei'ix 

Thick  coarse  hand 

stitches 

boas] 


APPENDIX 

Technical  Descriptive  Terms — Continued 


391 


English 

Salish 

Remarks 

Basketry      with      an      even 

.stcuwesei'.st 

From   .stcuwe's,  even,  all 

smooth  surface 

equal  in  size 
This  term  is  also  used  to 
describe  baskets  without 
corners 

Bumpy,  uneven  basliet  walls 

.sqaipa'us 

Literally  drawn  in,  tight- 
ened; from  .sqai.pa'us, 
wearing  a  belt;  qai.pa'- 
ustEn,  belt 

f.snettla'us 

Terms  for  drawn  in,  nar- 

l.stsux^a'us 

rowed 

[.s.ntsux.paus 

Bagliet  oreoils  made  of  spHnts 

.npipakEn 

The  coils  are  rather  wide 

from  outside  of  cedar  roots 

Flat  coils 

.neyuta'ist 

From  e'yut,  used  by 
Lower  Lillooet  for  sur- 
face; also  applied  to 
basket  made  of  such 
coils 

Bottom  commenced  with  a 

f.nra.tca'p 
l.nha.tcap 

From     .sra'tc,     fastened, 

knot 

tied;   in   reference  to  a 

knot 

Bottom      commenced      with 

.nwEtlkai.a'p 

From  WEtlka'iin,  to  pry 

twining  or  wrapping  of  the 

kind  called  .swEtlkaii 

Bottom     commenced     with 

.nyilka'p 

From  .syl'ik,  wrapped 

simple  wrapping 

.nyilkap.p 

Basket   with   bottom   begun 

.s. nyilka'p 

with  simple  wrapjiing 

Bottom  of  a  continuous  spiral 

.npi.e'p 

From  pi,  one 

Bottom  commenced   with  a 

.npEnausa'p 

From  pEna'us,  folded  back 

folded  or  doubled  end 

Bottom  of  coil  folded  back 

.npan.a'p 

From  .spa'n,  folded;  pa'nt, 

and  forth 

return  or  turn  back 

Slat  bottom 

.nhai.tca'p 

From  .sxa'i.ts,  wood 

Slat  bottom  where  slats  are 

.nku.xwa'p 

From    .sku'x,    coiled    bas- 

joined by  sewing 

ketry  and  sewing 

Slat  bottom  where  slats  are 

.nkstza'p 

From  .skt'ts,  .skitz,  woven 

woven  together 

or  twined 

Bottom     of     heavy     sjilints 

.s.npipa.kEna'p 

taken  from  the  outside  of 

cedar  roots 

Loopwork  or  openwork  bas- 

.s.nhahEtLi'kEn 

From      .shahltl,      pinked, 

ket  walls 

gnawed,  serrated 

Plain  rim 

kumkumtcl'n 

From  k  „  u  '  m  k  „  u  m  t , 
smooth,  bare 

Braided  rim 

f  .stlEmaxtci'n 
l.stlEtlEmExtci'n 

From  .stiema'x,  braided 

Ring-coil  rim 

pazantwauxtci'n 

From  paza'nEm,  to  meet 

Slat  rim 

.sxai.tstcl'n 

From  sxai.ts,  wood,  stick 

Loopwork  rim 

.shahatltcl'n 

From  .shahfti,  pinked, 
gnawed 

Thick  rim 

zui'tcEn 

From  zu'it,  thick 

f.shahEtltcI'n  tEk 

From        .shahltl,        .shitl, 

Openwork   rim  of  two  coils 

.stluptcEn 

pinked,     gnawed,     and 

twining  around  each  other 

.shahEtltcI'n  tEk 
.s.nlhwa'us? 

.stlup,  twisted 

Openwork  rim  with  basketry 

.shahEtltc!' n     tEk 

From  .s.nlu'?",  threaded 

coil    or    bark    ribbon    run 

.s.nhi.xtcl'n 

through  the  loops 

Openwork    rim    of   a    single 

.shahEtltci'n    tEk 

loop  coil 

.npia'iuk 

392 


COILED    BASKETRY   IN    BRITISH   COLUMBIA 
Technical  Descriptive  Terms — Continued 


(ETH.  ANN.  41 


English 

Salish 

Remarks 

Openwork  rim  of   two   loop 

.shahEtltcI'n    tEk 

coils 

.nsia'iuk 

Openwork  rim  of  coils,'  the 

.shahEtltcI'n     tEk 

From    kite,   to   reach,   re- 

loops of  which  meet  each 

.n)kitca'usEmEnt- 

flexive 

other  at  the  bends 

wa'ux" 

Lid    in    one   piece    with   the 

.nmemEtsqal'n 

From     memats,     in     one 

side  of  the  basket 

piece,  or  a  whole 

Loopwork  lid 

f.s.nhahfitll'kEn 
l.shahEtlqai'.n 

From      .shahltl,      pinked, 
gnawed 

Slat  lid 

.sxai.tsqa'in 

Tools 


Awl 


.soo'eI 
hap.mi'n 


Common  term  for  any 
kind  of  awl 

literally  "piercing  instru- 
ment," term  sometimes 
used 


Processes 


To  wrap  the  end  of  a 

splint 

yii'  kEm 

Common   word   for  wrap- 

(as in  a  bottom) 

ping  around  and  around 
.syii'k,     wrapped    around 
and  around 

To  make  coils  of  the  outside 

.npipa'EkEHEma 

parts  of  cedar  roots 

To  make  a  hole  with  the  awl. 

hapt'm,  hspl'm 

to  make  a  stitch 

To  tap  the  stitch  home  with 

sEka'istEm 

To  .strike  surface 

the  awl 

To  furcate  in   the  ordinary 

axpt'kEiiEma 

manner 

To  bifurcate 

hapI'kEHEma 

Related  to  haplm  (see 
p.  390) 

To  coil 

za'nEm 

To  go  around  in  a  circle 

To  complete  a  coil 

za'nEm  tla'k  zEl.paist 

Go  around-continue-circle 

The    process    of   twining    or 

.swEtlkai'i 

wrapping,  binding  the  coils 

together    as    when 

com- 

mencing  a  bottom 

To  do  wrapping 

WEtlkai'.Em 

Literally  to  ijry 

A  round  of  coil 

zEl.pa'ist 

One  round  of  coil 

pai'aszEl.pa'ists 

Ring  coil 

.spazantwa'ux" 

Literally  meet  each  other 

.sklst  tEk  .szanEm 

Literally  faint  or  con- 
cealed, invisible  (junc- 
tion of  coil  ends) 

kEsI'p  tEk  .szanEm 

Faint  or  invisible  coil 

kEste's  .sza'nEms 

She  makes  ring  coil;  liter- 
ally she  conceals  it,  her 
coil 

To  make  a  bottom 

.ntciiwa'pEm 

tcQ'um  to  make,  .stcu'u, 
made 

1  There  are  also  other  names  for  this  form. 


boas] 


APPENDIX 

Processes — Continued 


393 


English 

Salish 

Remarks 

To  make  the  coil  circular  on 

.nkaieqa'pEp 

a  bottom  or  lid  which  has 

been   started   as   an   elon- 

gated watch-spring 

To  commence  the  sides 

ie'pEp 

Literally  to  raise  up,  to 
make  upright,  as  a  wall 
or  stick 

Terms  applied  when  sides  are 

begun: 

set  up 

.tska'k 

set  down 

.stci'k 

sticking  up 

.stslk 

Very   straight   walled,   little 

flare 
Completely  around  the  sides, 

na'xom  tEk  .stci'k 

Really  or  truly 

zEl.pi'kEn 

as  applied  to  coils  and  de- 

signs 

Encircled  all  over,  as  applied 

zEl.pane 

to  coils  and  designs 

To  make  beading 

leEpi'kEnEma 

To  imbricate 

pEnpa'nEm 

Probably  from  pa'nEm,  to 
fold;  see  also  pEntm  and 
pEnaxi'n,  to  make  moc- 
casins 

To  make  designs 

tcEtcua'istEm 

.stcEtcu',   ornamentation 

An  article  in  the  process  of 

kaxii'x 

making  (coiled  work) 

It    is    being    made     (coiled 

axkaxu'x 

work) 

To  make  coiled  ware 

kuxo'm 

She  makes  coiled  ware 

kuxte's 

To  finish  a  basket  (complete 

tcu'ktca 

From  tcii.k,  finished 

coils) 

I  have  finished  it  (the  bas- 

ftcu'ktca.na 
(tcu'ktcEn.na 

ket) 

To  make  a  rim 

tcu„a'nnsEm 

Literally  to  make  edge, 
from  .stcu'u,  made 

To  prepare  a  basket  or  load 

tseEhe'kEUEma 

for  packing 

Measurement  Terms 


To  measure 

To  measure  with  the  hand 

To  measure  with  a  splint 

Measured 

Measurement  by  length  of 
digits  of  the  middle  finger 
of  the  right  hand 

Measurement  of  the  full 
length  of  the  middle  finger 
of  the  right  hand  laid  with 
its  back  to  the  object 

Measurement  of  the  width 
of  one  finger 


tcuwe'sEm 
tcuwesa'kstEm 
tcuwesa'nnsEm 
.stcuwe's 
.sza'x,  .szt'x 
.sze'x,  (.sxa'x) 

.sza'  XEkst 


piakst 

sia'kst     (two    finger 

breadth) 
musakst  (four  finger 

breadth) 


General  term 


sei.a'  tEk  Esza'x,  two  joints 
their  lengths 


394 


COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA 
Measurement  Terms — Continued 


[ETH.  ANN.41 


English 

Salish 

Kemarks 

One  span,  thumb  to  second 

.shWopEkst 

finger 

.stle'xEkst,  .fle'x.kst 
sei'.a  tsk  .sza'xEkst 

Meaning  two  spans 

One   finger   length   and   two 

.sza'  xEkst  el  sia'  kst 

finger  breadths,  i.  e.,  full 

length  of  the  back  of  the 

middle  finger  of  the  right 

hand  joint  bv  joint  from 

tip   to   knuckle,    with   the 

additional  breadth  of  the 

first  two  fingers  of  the  left 

hand 

Parts  of  Baskets 


Coil 

zl'l.pa 

.zil.pas 

Its  coil 

.sza'nEm. 

From  za'nEm 

.sza'nEms 

To  move  in  a  circle 

Bottom,  i.  e.,  bottom  of  an 

.nkama'p 

object 

.nkEma'p 

Beginning  of  coil 

.ntcIniEiha'p 

From  tcI'mEl  begiiniing 

End  of  coil 

tcu'ktcatEn,       tcuk- 

From    tcuk    finished,    fin- 

tCEIltEU 

ished-rim-thing 

Foot  (  =  saucery 

.ntsEka'ptsn 

Literally  "what  bottom  is 
set  up  in" 

Side  of  burden  basket  resting 

.stlEkema'pkEn 

Term  given  by  informant 

on  the  back  of  the  bearer 

No.  5 

Side  of  a  basket,  i.  e.,  side  of 

.nkEmElne'ut, 

an  object 

kEmElEne'ut 

Side  of  burden  basket  next 

kwEltama'pkEn 

From     kwe.'lt     to     carry, 

to  the  bearer 

term  given  by  informant 
No.  35. 

Long  side  of  burden  basket 

lalal'kEn 

From    lala'.t    close,    next, 

next  to  the  bearer 

term  given  by  inform- 
ant No,  8 

Side  of  burden  basket  away 

.s.ai.tskaapkEn 

From    ai'.tska    outside, 

from  the  bearer 

term  given  by  inform- 
ants Nos.  5  and  35 

Long  side  of  burden  basket 

aitskal'kEn 

From   ai'.tska   outside, 

away  from  the  bearer 

term  given  by  inform- 
ant No.  8 

Short  side  of  burden  basket, 

.nkEmkEma'ks 

i.  e.,  side  of  an  object 

Short  ends  of  burden  basket 

.nkEma'ks 
.nkEmkEma'ksts 

Its  ends 

Short  side  of  burden  basket 

.sihai'.st 

Literally   "good  surface," 

to  right  hand  of  the  bearer 

"right-hand  surface," 
from  y'a  good  (I  in  com- 
pounds; siha'kst  right 
hand) 

Short  side  of  burden  basket 

.stsuk.ai'.st 

From     .stsuk.(a'kst)     left 

to  left  hand  of  the  bearer 

(hand) 

Rim  of  a  basket,  i.  e.,  rim  of 

.skEmtci'n 

an  object 

Its  rim 

.skBmtcI'ns 

Rim  or  edge  of  a  basket 

.skEma'nns 

Term  applied  to  a  sharp 
edge,  not  much  used  in 
connection  with  baskets 

APPENDIX 
Parts  of  Baskets — Continued 


395 


English 

Salish 

Remarks 

Its  edges 

.skEmkEma'nnsts 

Mouth  of  a  basket 

.splu'.tcEn 

Common  word  for  mouth 

Lid,  i.  e.,  lid  of  any  object 

.npu'ikatEn, 
.npil'ikEntEn 

Flange  on  a  basket 

hItlEmi'n,  hstlaml'n 

Flange  on  tlie  lid 

.sliEtlqai'ntEn 

Lid  without  flange  (i.  e.,  sim- 

.slokqai'.n 

From  .slok  riding 

ply  resting  on  the  rim  of 

the  basket) 

Lid  fastened  to  a  basket  by 

.saqie'Ek 

From  .sa'q  tied 

strings  passing  through  it 

on  which  the  lid  slides  up 

and  down 

Tie-strings  of  a  lid 

ratcami'n 

From  sra'tc  fastened    , 

Hinges  on  a  basket  holding 

a'q.tcatEn 

the  lid 

a'qatcEntEn 

Partitions  inside  the  basket 

.snxai.a'us. 

The  second  is  a  diminu- 

.s.nxexaiaus 

tive  term 

Handle  of  the  basket 

.nk„o'kEmmEn 

From  .skvvo'kEm  to  hold 

Handle  of  the  lid 

.nkwona'mmEn, 

From  kwEnam  to  seize 

.nkwona'nitBU, 

The  last  is  said  to  be  the 

.nkwee'kEntEn 

proper  term 

Handle  of  skin  passing  across 

.nkoo'stEU 

See  .nkoo'sEm.    According 

the  top  of  the  basket 

to  some,  these  are  the 
loops  to  which  this  han- 
dle is  attached.  Per- 
haps it  includes  both. 
The  term  is  also  used 
for  a  kettle  handle 

Loops  on  the  side  of  the  bur- 

.nzElpu'stEn 

From   zEli'p  circle.      This 

den  basket,  through  wh.ich 

term  refers  to  the  two 

the  tump  line  or  pack-strap 

loops      on      the      side 

passes 

next  to  the  bearer 

Loop     through     which     the 

.nzEl.pi'kEntEH 

This    term    refers    to    the 

pack-strap  passes 

single  loop  on  the  outer 
side  away  from  the 
bearer,  through  which 
the  strap  passes  to  pre- 
vent its  slipping  up. 

Basket  with  attached  tump 

.s.nzEl.pu's 

Jnie 
Tie-strings  on  the  basket  for 

kj.au'.k.tEn, 

fastening  the   load   across 

qj.e'u.katEn, 

the  top 

qE.a'ukatEn 

Branches  of  fir  or  willow,  or 

ze'tzkatEn 

large     leaves     which     are 

used  to  keep  the  load  in 

place  and  shade  it 

Kinds  of  Baskets 


Ordinary  large  burden  basket 
Burden     basket    slightly 

smaller  than  the  average; 

used   by  some  people  for 

slightly     lowered     walled 

forms 


tsi.a';  tsi.^E;  tsea' 

tsi.ei'i 


Diminutive  of  tsi.a';  used 
in  a  familiar  or  endear- 
ing sense 


396 


COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA 
Kinds  of  Baskets — Continued 


IETH.  ANN.  41 


English 


Rather  small  burden  basket, 
averaging  about  10  inches 
in  height 

Small  burden  basket 

The  ordinary  smallest-sized 
burden  basket 

The  very  smallest  size  used 
by  little  girls  and  occasion- 
ally by  older  people  but 
not  for  carrying  burdens 

Loaded  burden  basket 

Large  oblong  storage  basket 

Small  oblong  storage  basket 

Large  circular  basket,  kettle 
or  water  container 

Small  kettle  basket  or  large 
bowl 

Small  bowl 


Bath  tub  basket 


Washtub 

Basket  used  for  cooking  ber- 
ries before  making  berry 
cake 

Basket  in  which  to  beat  up 
soapberry  froth,  a  favorite 
delicacy 

Mortar  basket  to  mash  ber- 


Washbasin 

Basin     (common     term     for 

hand  basin) 
Basin    in    which    splints   are 

soaked 


Kettle  or  boiler 


Water  basket,  used  in  sweat- 
house 


Shaman's  hand  bowl 


Salisb 


tse.he'tza,  tsihe'tsa 


spa'ngk 
spa'  pEnEk 

spanEko'  ktsa 


tseehe'kEn 
.stlu'k 
.stlu'.l.k 
.nko'EtEn 

.nko'koEtEn 

.nkoko'koEtEn 


.ncS'.xamEn,    .nshe' 
XEmmEn 


'.nkwoi'  tsamEn 
,.nqwoi'  tsEmmEn 

.ntl.lka'ltsatED 
.n.tlki'ltzatEn 

.nxozEmmEn 
.nxozamEn 

.ntsr.qa'patED 


^ntsaumEn 
^.ntsausEmEn 

.ntsaustEn 

kwanEnistEn 


f.nqau: 
(..nka'v 


.nqauxamEn, 
'uxEmmEn 


.nli'mEn 


.nkai'EkstEn 


Remarks 


Meaning  false  tsi.a' 


Diminiitive  form  of  spa'- 

nek 
Diminutive,  meaning  false 

spa'nek 


Diminutive  of  .stluk 
Meaning  thing  for  water 

Diminutive  of  .nko'EtEn 

Diminutive  of  .nko'EtEn. 

There  is  some  confusion 

of  the  two  terms  as  used 

by  the  people 
Meaning  thing  for  bathing 

in;    from     c.e'.xEm,    to 

bathe  the  body 

{Literally,  thing  for  wash- 
ing in;  from  qwoitsEn, 
to  wash  something 

IFrom   tlktltEtza,    to   cook 
/     berries 

{Literally,  thing  to  make 
xozEm  in;  from  .sxo'- 
zEm,  soapberry 
Literally,  thing  for  mash- 
ing berries  in;  from 
tsaqa'pa,  to  mash  ber- 
ries for  eating  fresh; 
tsaqa'patEn,  a  common 
name  for  the  pestle 
used,  which  was  gen- 
erally of  wood 
I  Literally,  thing  for  wash- 
ing in,  from  tsa'usEm, 
to  wash  (as  the  face) ; 
and  tsa'uEm,  to  wash 
Meaning  to  wash;  tsaustEn, 

soap 
Literally,  thing  in   which 
to  soak  splints  or  edges; 
from   kwa'uEn,   soaked, 
and  kwanEnlsEm,  to 
soak  splints 
Literally,    thing    for   boil- 
ing in;   from   qa'uxEm, 
to  boil  food  (old  style?), 
and     .nqa'ux,    a    thick 
root  soup 
Literally,  thing  for  making 
steam  with;  from  llEm, 
to  make  steam  or  to  put 
water  on  hot  stones 


boas] 


APPENDIX 

Kinds  op  Baskets — Continued 


397 


English 

Salish 

Remarks 

Literally,      "dip     thing;" 

f.nzautEn, 

from  za'umEn,  to  dip 

Dipper  or  cup 

j.nza'umEn, 

Literally,    thing   to   drink 

l.no'katEn 

with;     from     6'qa,     to 

drink 

Triangular  pourer 

.nkwEJami'n 

Literally,  instrument  for 
pouring;  from  kwEli'm, 
to  pour 

f.stlaxe'mEn 

Common  term  for  spoon 

Spoon  or  ladle 

1  .stlaxI'mEn 
1  .sku'x    tEk    stlaxe'- 
mEN  ' 

Basketry  spoon 

Rattle 

.nki'koxElatEn 

Common  term  for  rattle 

.sku'x  tEk  .nki'koxE- 

Basketry rattle 

latEn 

f.nii'i.kstEn 
j.na'EkstEn 

Literally,  thing  for  work- 

Workbasket of  any  shape 

ing  with;  from  a'lEkst, 
to  work 

Winter  lodge  or  underground 

siistEkEne'lEmox 

From    sii'stEkEn,    kekule 

house  shape 

house 

Nest  shape 

zumane'lEmox 

From  zu'man,  bird's  nest 

Any  round  basket 

.skomoxe'lEmox 

From  skomox,  round 
From     qapu'x,     hazelnut; 

Small  round  basket 

f.skapuxe'lEmox 
\.skapuxElEqa'in 

-qa'in  is  a  term  some- 
times used  for  round  or 
head-shape  articles 

Smallest  round  basket 

.skapuxElaqe'qEn 

PVom  -qe'qEn,  diminutive 
of  -qa'in 

nwa'u.ltEn 

From  cwa'utl,  small  fish, 

Shape  similar  to  white  man's 
angler's  basket 

<  na'qwEntEn 
na'qwatEn 

trout 
From  a'kwEn,  bait;  liter- 
ally, thing  to  put  bait  in 

ekeza'mtEn 

Term  used  for  any  object 
which  held  tobacco,  also 
called  skQx  tEk  axa'na, 
from  axa'na,  term  for 
rawhide  saddlebags  used 
by  women 

Basketry  baby  carrier 

.sku'x  tEk  kwot  li'.tEn 

Wearing  and  Mending 


Worn-down  basket  with 

broken  rim 
Basket  with  mended  bottom 


f.sxoixoi.tcl'n 
[.s.nxoixoitcl'n 
.s.nta'ux.p 


From  la'uxEm,  to  patch 


Propobtions  and  Shapes 


Basket  with  a  large  bottom 
Basket  with  a  narrow  bottom 
Basket  with  a  small  bottom 


.ntl.q'ap  ISeems  to  mean  wide  bot- 

.ntl.i.qap  /      torn. 

.nteExI'x.p  A  diminutive  form. 

.s.ntsuxwa'p  From  .stsij'x  pointed 

..s.ntsuxhwa'p  Meaning  drawn  in  at  one 

end,  because  the  basket 
approaches  a  point  at 
the  base,  used  for  unusu- 
ally small  bottoms. 

'  .skux  is  often  added  to  phrases  or  words  to  indicate  that  coiled  basketry  is  meant,  as  .skuxtEk 
ekeza'mtEm;  literally,  tobacco  receptacle  of  coiled  basketry. 


398 


COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA 
Proportions  and  Shapes — Continued 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


English 


Salish 


Kemarks 


Basket  with  a  circular  bottom 


Basket  with  a  long  bottom 

Very     perfect     watch-spring 
bottom 

Elongated  watch-spring  bot- 
tom 

Angular   basket   with   sharp 

corners 
Basket  with  angular  mouth 

or  sharp  corners 

Rounded  basket 

Basket  with  rim  lower  along 

the  sides  than  at  the  ends 

Basket  of  usual  proportions 

except  half  height 
Square-mouthed  basket 
Large-mouthed  basket 
Small-mouthed  basket 


Basket   with   widely   flaring 

mouth 
Basket  with  little  flare 
Narrow  mouth 

Wide  mouth 

Long  mouth 


.nkai.qa'p 
.skai.qa'p 
.nkaieqap 
.nzaxha'p 
.nza'x.p 
.nza'xEp 
nkaikaieq.poe 

.nkaie'q.p  tEk  .nzaxEp 

.nkaieq.p  tEkts  .nza'- 
ZEX  .p 

.skokwoani 

.nk„auani 

.skaukautci'n 

.sk„auk„autcm 
fzezi'l 
[zezEl 
f.slas.tcl'n 
l.slosstci'n 

.shi  ka'us 

.sxEUEx  tcl'n 

.n.axazumtci'n 

.nk„umatcI'tcEn 


'.s.nleEqtci'n 
..s.nle.qtci'n 

.smtstcin 

.nteE.xtci'tcEn 

.nleqEttcI'n, 

tci'n 
.nza'xtcEn 


laqEt- 


From  kaie'k,  round  or  cir- 
cular in  outline 

From  za'xt,  long 

From  kaie'k,  round 

The  second  term  is  used 
particularly  if  the  bot- 
tom is  nearly  round 

From  .skwou,  .skwau,  bent 
or  leaning  over 

From  .szl'l,  in  a  circle 
From  .sle'.s,  sagging,  low 


Meaning  half  full 


From  azii'm,  axazQ'm,  big 
From    kwome'ma,    small; 

-tcit-En  is  the  diminutive 

of  -tcin 
From     le'qEt,      wide;      or 

.stik,  squatty  (?) 


From     texi'xat, 
thin  sidewise 
From  le'qEt,  wide 


narrow, 


PRINCIPAL  PREFIXES  AND  SUFFIXES  OCCURRING  IN  BASKETRY 

TERMS 

Prefixes 

.S-,  when  prefixed  to  a  verb,  transforms  it  to  a  noun. 

S-,  seems  often  to  imply  a  finished  or  completed  condition. 

.n-,  inessive. 

Reduplication  is  a  sign  of  the  frequentative  or  of  repetition  of  some  kind;  also  it 
is  a  sign  of  the  plural  or  distributive.  Certain  kinds  of  reduplication  are  used  as 
diminutives. 

Suffixes 

-tcIn,  -tcEn,  mouth,  edge,  rim,  shore. 

-tcintEii,  thing  at  mouth. 

-a'ni,  ear,  corner,  angle  or  prominence  between. 

-ap,  -ep,  Ep,  -.p,  bottom,  foundation. 

-x'wop,  foundation,  root,  spread  out,  far-reaching. 

-I'kEn,  back,  ridge. 

-aist,  -est,  -ist,  -Est,  surface,  skin. 

-ei'.st,  stone. 

-a'kst,  -i'kst,  -Ekst,  -kst,  hand,  arm,  finger. 


boas] 


APPENDIX 


399 


-a'tza,  -he'tza,  false,  imitation,  not  real,  substitute, 
-ten,  -tin,  -tin,  -tEn,  thing,  object,  place, 
-min,  -niEn,  thing,  tool,  instrument. 
-qain,  -qBn,  head,  top,  round  thing  like  a  head, 
-a'us,  -e'us,  middle;  trail,  way,  space  between;  together,  mutual, 
-twa'ux,  -Entwa'ux,  each  other,  one  another. 
-Enis,  edge,  sharp  edge, 
-a'nns,  -a'n.s,  edge,  border,  tooth. 
-Em,  verbal  ending. 
-Ema,  verbal  ending, 
-e'ltsi,  body,  inside  of  body. 

-a'uskEn,  top  or  middle  of  head,  rounded  thing,  bundles  of  certain  kinds, 
-i'tsa,  skin,  covering, 
-elp,  -elp,  -Blp,  plant,  tree,  bush, 
-ei'.tx,  -ai'.tx,  leaf,  paper,  flat  thin  thing, 
-a'iuk,  -eEk,  a'iek,  -I'Ek,  tree,  stick,  long  and  small  thing, 
-o'e,  real,  proper,  common. 
-I'kEntEn,  thing  on  the  back,  ridge. 
-aks,  nose,  point,  end. 
-e'kEn,  -a'ken,  load,  bagful,  bale. 
-Enl'stEn,  thing  at  edge. 
-e'kst(t)En,  thing  for  the  hand. 
-e'lEmox,  vessel  or  utensil,  sack. 
-a'ptEn,  thing  at  bottom, 
-a'ne,  all  over. 
-s,  possessive, 
-tim,  hollow,  inside  space, 
-us,  face,  eye,  frontal  surface. 
-ii'stEn,  -o'.stEn,  thing  at  face. 
-.Elne'ut,  side  of  body. 

-a'pqEn,  bottom  of  head,  back  of  head  or  neck, 
-.ytn,  -xEn,  leg,  foot,  shoe. 
-i'Et,  -ei'.t,  child,  offspring  or  young, 
-h-,  -W-,  used  for  euphony  in  certain  combinations. 

-t-,  when  the  possessive  s  has  to  be  added  to  a  word  ending  with  s,  t  is  put  be- 
tween the  two  s's. 
-t-,  it. 

Ornamentation 


EngMsh 


Plain  basket  devoid  of  designs 

Worked,  ornamented 
Ornamented,     bearing    pat- 
terns 


Ornamentation 


Ornamented  bottom 
Having  designs  on  the  inside 
Ornamented  sides 
Ornamented  all  over 


Salish 


(kwl'kwum 

[kwlkwom 
.stcu'u 

f.stcEtcu'u 

l.stcEtcu 
.ntcEtcua'istEn 

tcua'LstEn 
.ntcua'istEn 
.s.ntcuaistEn 
.stcui'kst     tEn 

tcuI'kstEn 
.stcEtcuwa'p 
.s.ntcEteiltim 
.stcEtcuwi'kEn 
.stcEtcuwa'ne 


tau- 


tCE- 


Remarks 


f  Possibly      derived      from 
\     kwu'mkwumt,  smooth. 


400 


COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH   COLUMBIA 
Beading 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


English 

Salish 

Remarks 

Beading 

leEpi'kEntED 

leape'pekEn  (?)  a  diminu- 
tive (?)  used  commonly 
for  over  and  under  one 
or  two. 

Beaded  bottom 

.sleEpa'p 

Basket  or  object  with  beaded 

bottom 

.s.nleEpa'p 

Beaded   line   marking   theo- 

leEpa'ptEn, leapa'p- 

retical  or  actual  limits  of 

tEn 

the  bottom 

fThe  terms  seem  related  to 

Beading   on   the   walls   of   a 
basket,  or  beading  in  gen- 
eral 

fleapI'kEn 
1  .sleEpI'kEn 
[.sle.pI'kEn 

the  word  for  ribbon,  or 
to    .slepx,    dotted    with 
[     holes  here  and  there. 

Beading  at  the  rim 

leEptcI'n 

Beaded  line  around  the  rim 

leEptci'ntEn 

Beaded  lid 

.slcEpqa'in 

Beaded  design 

/.sleEpa'ist 
\.sle.pei'.st 

Imbrication 


Imbricated 

.spa'n 

From     spa'n,     folded;     or 

pa'nEin,  to  fold. 
(Folded  middle;  folded  dou- 

Imbrication 

f.spEnpa'n 
l.spana'us 

ble. 
Sometimes  applied  to  im- 
brication. 

Imbricated  bottom  or  imbri- 

.npBnpana'p 

cation  on  the  bottom 

Basket   with   an   imbricated 

.spEnpana'p, 

s.npEn- 

bottom 

pana'p 

Basket  covered  with  imbri- 

/.stlii'k    tlo' 

zu 

!P 

From  zulip  complete  circle. 

cation  all  around 

\.stlu'k  tlo  ZEl 

.pa' 

ne 

Encircled  all  over. 

Basket  surface  imbricated  all 

.stlu'k 

From  .stuk  closed. 

over,    designs    and    back- 

ground 

Filling     (small     designs    for 

.nhaktci'n 

Related  to  -tci'n,  rim   (?) 

bare  spaces) 

because  such  designs  are 
placed  near  the  top  (?). 

Terms  Descriptive  of  Designs  or  Their  Arrangements 


Bare  between  designs kwikwwmii'us,    from    kwu'mkwumt,    smooth, 

slick. 
Close  formation  (but  not  touch-fkikatEniEntwa'ux,  from  ki'.kat,  close,  near. 
Ing).  lla'EmEutwa'ux,  from  .sla'a,  lata'.t,  close,  near. 

.nkitcha'uas,   kltcha'uas,   from  ki'tc,  to  arrive 

at;  -ha'us,  way,  path,  progression. 
ratcBniEntwa'us,  from  .Sta'tc,  tied,  fastened. 
.slEli'k  tEk  ESratCrii'tc. 
..SratCratcEmEntwa'u.x. 

Connected  by  middles ratca'usEmEntwa'ux. 

Corners  touching  each  other .skEnkEna'ksBmEntwa'ux,  from  .skl'n,  touch- 
ing. 


Connected     (running    into    each, 
other) . 


boas:  appendix  401 

Having     corners     or     shoulders  .kEnkEna'xEnEmEntwa'ux,  from  kinl'n,  to  hit 
^touching  each  other.  against  something. 

Diagonal  zigzag .skakazEtla'ks,  from   .skazl'tl,  tumbling  over, 

or  leaning  to  one  side. 
Diagonally  arranged,  or  oblique-   .sta'l. 

f.stlkausa'iuk,  from   .stlka'.us,  together;   -aiuk, 
Double  lines -j      tree,  stem,  log,  pole,  line,  long  thing. 

l.stlqausei'uk. 

{.stcEtcue'ltsi,  from  stcEtcu'u,  ornamented,  em- 
broidered. 
.stcEtcii. 

Ends  connected kItcE.\a'ks. 

Ends   apparently   entering  each  ulxuha'ksEmEntwa'u.x,    from    ulx^,    to    enter; 

other.  -a'ks,  ends. 

Ends  of  one  apparently  entering  ul.Xuha'ksausEmEntwa'ux,  from  ulx^,  to  enter, 
the  middles  of  others.  -a'ks  end,  -aus,  middle. 

Ends  pointing  downward kutea  ha'ks,  from  kutca,  to  go  down. 

Ends  pointing  upward hatlEma'ks,  hEthatlEma'ks,  from  ha'tlEm,  to 

ascend. 

Ends  separated kaka"wa'ks,  from  kaka'ii,  far,  distant. 

Ends  touching  each  other .skEnkEna'ksEniEntwa'ux,  from  .ski'n,  touch- 
ing. 
.s.nHiupstwa'ux,     from    uix,    to    enter;     -tips, 

back,  base, 
tuxlux.patwa'u.x,     from     .slux,     entered     into 
something;  -ap,  bottom. 


Entering  bottoms  of  each  othef- 


Entwined.     See  Twisted. 

Far  apart  from  each  other fkakauEmEntwa'ux. 

IkEkEkauEmEntwa'ux. 
Figure    with    angles,    especially  stlEntla'ni,  from  .stla'ni,  with  ear;  tla'ni,  ear. 
triangles. 

Grouped,  scattered .slell'k,  from  .sli'k,  something  in  a  mass  or  in 

a  spot. 
Hanging,  dropping  (from  a  large  f.sto'x,  from  stox,  hanging,  suspended, 
pattern).  l.stoxto'x. 

Heaped  up .shapha'p,  from  .sha'p,  heaped. 

Horizontal .skEtsa'us,     .skEtski'ts,     from    .skEtz,    .skt'ts, 

across,  crosswise. 

In  ones,  here  and  there npe'apai'a,  from  pa'i.a  one. 

In  twos,  here  and  there .nseasei'.a,  from  se'i.a  two. 

{.nkitcha'uas. 
tcoqatwa'ux,  from  .stco'q,  joined;  tcoqEm,  to 
join,  unite. 

Oblong za'x.tsa,  from  za'xt,  long. 

One.     See  In  ones,   here  and 

there. 
One  catching  into  or  pressing  on  sk.ipstwa'ux,  from  sk.i'.p,  pinched,  squeezed, 

the  other  (apparently) .  caught  between  something. 

One  resting  within  the  other  (ap-  .slukstwa'ux,  from  lu'kEm,  to  embrace. 

parently) . 
Opposite.     See  Two  opposed 
points;  Pointing  opposite  ways. 

Pointed .skEm.Etla'ks,  from  .skEmE'tl,  diminishing  to 

a  vanishing  point. 


Sharp  points. 


Separate peastcu't 

Single peastcu'tst,  diminutive 


402  COILED    BASKETRY    IN   BRITISH   COLUMBIA  [eth.ann.41 

Pointing  opposite  wa.ys mEnausa'kstEm,   from    .nniEna'us,    .nmEna'u- 

sa'kst,  on  botli  sides,  on  both  hands. 
Projecting.      See   With    project- 
ing points. 
Rows,  or  one  following  the  other_   .skei.stwa'ux,  from  kei'Em,  to  pursue,  follow. 

xozxoza'ks,"  from  .sxozxo'z,  sharp. 
.stsEmtsBma'ksl  f.stsEma'ks,  sharp 

[from<     pointed,  or  from 
.stsE.tsBma'ks   J  [     .stsa'm,  bone. 

peastcu't,  alone; 

Hromj  P'*'^  °°'''  ^"^ 
-tcut,  self  (re- 
flexive). 

„  ,  j.npiii'ist,  .npipia'ist,  from  .npa'ia,  in  one  piece. 

y  [.s.nwElwEla'us,  from  .sweI,  swll,  clear  space. 

I'.skekEnt'tz,  from  .skanl'tz,  in  progressive  cir- 

Spiral ]      cles  or  spirals. 

l.skekani'tz. 

Touching  each  other kEUEmEntwa'u?. 

_,  ,  J.skEtu'x        If        fskEtu'?,  cut  off  short. 

[skEtkEttu'xJ  I  .skit,  cut,  cropped. 

Twisted If    ^ff  T'^^^l,      J-from  .stlu'p,  twisted. 

[tluptlu  patwa  uxj 

Two  opposed  points mEnausa'ks,  from  mEna'us,  both  sides. 

Upright,  standing  up  from j-stsel'p,  something  upright  or  set  up. 

[stse.pa'ks,  something  upright,  -a'ks,  end,  point. 

Vertical j.stseEp,  from  stsei'p,  upright. 

[.shatha'tlEm,  from  ha'tlEm,  to  ascend. 
With  projecting  end .stlklma'ks,  from  .stl.ki'm,  projecting. 

istlEkEm3,'ks 
-n    Kroio  -stl.kim,  projecting. 

„,.^,     ,               ,              .    ,  f.skEma'ks,  end,  promontory,  projection. 

With  sharp  ends  or  pomts <    ,        ,        _,, 

[.skEmkEma  ks 

Names  for  Geometric  Figures' 


■  .[-straight  line. 


1.  .sti'l,  .s'tl'.l,  anything  spread  out  lengthwise  so  as  to  be  long  and  narrow. 

2.  .sti'l  tEk  toxto'xtl 

3.  toxto'xt  tEk  .sti' 

4.  .stE'xo's '  (or  .stoxo's)  tEk  .sti'l,  line  going  straight. 

5.  .sta'.l,  a  diminutive  form  of  .stitl,  straight. 

6.  .stllti'l,  a  frequentative  or  plural  form. 

7.  .stllta'.l,  a  frequentative  or  plural  form. 


8.  .stsE.xl'p,  .stsEhl'p, 

9.  .stoxo's  tEk  .stsEhl'p 
10.  .stsExi'p  tEk  texo's 


Any  vertical  line  or  erect,  perpendicular  long  and  nar- 
row thing  going  straight  up  (tsEhl'p  not  applied  to 
people  or  animals). 

11.  .stse.pa'ks,^  standing  on  end,  upright,  point  up. 

12.  hatlEmqai'.n,'  head  or  end  up,  ascending. 

13.  .sqE.z  .sqa'rz '      u'a    .sihe'ltsi  *     These    terms  do  not  mean  bent  or 
Straight  thing    not  vertical    to  the     right  side.  crooked  objects  but  leaning  ones 

that  are  straight. 

<*  Applied  to  angles  and  zigzags  with  sharp  ends. 
*■  Also  applied  to  a  design  with  corners. 

'  For  notes  see  pp.  410-4U. 


boas] 


APPENDIX 


403 


1-^ 


3-12 


13-15 


16-ie 

V 

19 


20 


\y 


21-22 
/ 


n 

30-32 

r 

33 

36 


89 


45 


46-4& 


66 


-fc 


90 


67 
68 


91 


'i9-So 


37-38 


-5-|-5a 


(o) 

69-71 

0 


_n_rLi 

115 
92-94-  '"' 


117 


52 


39 


^4 


■ 
73 

74-75 


76-78 


95-97 


L 

98 


'^°  S5-56 


57 


99- 102 


119-I20 


o 

121-124 


I25-I2fo 


2^-24 


( 


5a- 59 


79-ai     /^^y\Ay\ 

\03-  lof 

AAAA      <I> 

105-106  127-129 


4a 


60-6I 


2y-26 

27-29  , 


\    X 


62-63 


82-85 


36-87 


\iA-b5 


A 


107-iort 


109 


88         iio-ni 


I37-I3a 


130-135 

0 

136 

Z7 


Fig.  120.— Names  for  geometric  figures 


404  COILED    BASKETRY   IN   BRITISH   COLUMBIA  Ieth.ann.41 

14.  .skwaii'u"  sqa'rz  u'a  .sihe'ltsi,  leaning  to  the  right  side. 

15.  .szi'lilvEni'  sqa'rz  u'a  .sihe'ltsi,  head  fallen  over  to  the  right  side,  leaning  over 
as  if  half  fallen. 

16.  ..szi'kkEn        ..sqa'rz        u'a    .stsukahe'ltsi 
neiid  fallen  over    not  vertical    to  the  left  side. 

17.  ..sqE'.z  .sqa'rz       u'a    .stsukahe'ltsi 
Straight  thing     not  vertical    to  the  left  side. 

18.  .skwau'u  u'a  .stsukahe'ltsi,  leaning  to  the  left  side. 

19.  .stse.pa'ka,*  vertical  line  with  a  branch,  especially  if  this  is  directed  upward. 

20.  .stla'ku.ka,'  a  spikelike  object  with  a  protruding  stub,  especially  if  this  be  at 

right  angles  or  if  the  stub  seems  to  enter  the  object  like  a  nail. 

21.  .nxoxsqai'.n,  forked  head. 

22.  .nxoxstci'n,'"  forked,  or  forked  mouth  or  opening. 

2.3.  tlEzota'ks,  end  indirect  or  askew.     IghoH  line  inclined  upward  from  upper 

24.  .skauwa'ksl"  tsk  ta.ta'.ks   iiau'x"s  ^^  ^f  ^         vertical  line. 

Broken  end  not  very  much.)  ^ 

25.  .skol.tsa'ks,'^  crooked  or  zigzag  end. I  Short  line  at  right  angle  at  upper  end  of 

26.  .skauwa'ks,  broken  end.  J     long  vertical  line. 

27.  .ske.waha'ks,'^  hook,  or  hooked  end. 


Short    line    inclined    downward    from 
upper  end  of  long  vertical  line. 


28.  .skaiu'wa,  hook,  gaff. 

29.  .stse'i'p     tEk        skau.pa'ks 
standing  up  broken  through  end. 

30.  .skeiu'wa  tEk  toxtox  t,  straight  hook. 

Hook  straight 

31.  .skeiuwao'e,"  real  hook.  Vertical  line  with  crook  at  upper  end. 

Hook    real. 

32.  .stsel'p     tEk      .smu'tsksn 
standing  up  bent  head  (or  curved). 

33.  .skEtsa'p,"  crossed,  meaning  something  across  the  bottom.     Short  base  line 

under  vertical  line. 

34.  .skEtskai'.n,  crossed,  or  across  head.] 

35.  na'xom  tek  skEtsqai'.n  T-shaped  top. 

Truly  crossed  head.  J 

36.  .skEtskai'.n  tEk  .stlEkEma'ks,'"  short  cross  line  near  top. 

Crossed  head  projecting  end. 

37.  .skEtskEtsa'ks  tEk  mEna'us,"  across  ends  both  ways.l^pQgg  jjj^g  g^^^  ^.^p  g^^^j 

38.  mEna'us     a     kEtsa'kstEn  '*  (     bottom 
Both  ways     the     crossed-end  thine.                                                       J 

39.  siii'Ek  "    tEk  .stse.(h)a'ks  tBkkl'katEmEntwa'ux"^™  i.  e.,  two  vertical  lines 

Two  (lines,  etc.)         standing  on  end  close  to       each  other 

close  together. 

40.  sia'Ek  tsk  .stse(h)a'ks  tEk  kaka'uEmEntwa'ux"',^' two  vertical  lines  far  apart. 

41.  sisia'Ek22       tEk  .stlkausa'Bk  23      tEk         .stse.(h)a'ks      tEk  tcu'u  « 
Two  lines  (or  in  twos)               together  lines                           standing  on  ends  rather 

kaka'uEniEntwa'ux"      i.  e.,  vertical  lines  together  in  twos  rather  far  apart. 
far  from      "  each  other. 

42.  musa'Ek^s  tEk      .stse.(h)a'ks  tEk  kike'katEmEntwa'ux" ''" 
Four  lines  standing    on    ends       close  to  each    other. 

43.  .stutuwa'p,  spreading  toward  the  bottom.     Cf.  tatuEna'ist,  a  design  of  lines 

alternately  converging  and  separating. 

44.  .stutuwa'p  tEk  .skEtsqai'.n,  spreading  toward  the  bottom,  with  something 

placed  across  the  top. 

45.  sia'Ek  tEk  .stsE.hl'p  tsk  wT'st  tEk  .skEtsqai'.n,  i.  e.,  two  long  vertical  lines 

Two  lines      standing  erect  high  cross  head 

with   something  across  the  top. 

46.  xEnExa'ks,"  square  or  blunt  point. 

47.  sia'Ek  tEk  .stsE.hi'p  tEk  .slo's  tEk  .skEtsqai'.n,  i.   e.,  two   low  vertical  lines 
Two  lines      standing  erect  low  cross  head 

with  something  across  the  top. 
For  notes  see  pp.  410-411. 


boas] 


APPENDIX  405 


47a.   .sia'Ek  tEk  .stsB.hi'p  tEk  .nlaui'mEx  -'  tEk  .skEtsqa'i.n,  i.  e.,  two  vertical  lines 
Two  lines        standing  erect         near  the  ground  cross  head 

near  to  the  ground  with  something  across  the  top. 

48.  .s.ntla'kiuiniEx-' tEk  tcu'u  kaka'uEniEntwa'ux"  tEk    za'xt  a  kEtsqai'ntEns. 

Stakes  in  the  groiind  rather        far  from  each  other  long  the  their  thing  across  head. 

49.  si.a'Ek    tEk     .stsE.l'p  tEk  .s.nhatca'us^" 
.  t.  Two  lines  standing  fastened  middle. 

50.  siii'Ek    tEk     .stsE.I'p  tEk  .sa'kaus  '' 

Two  lines  standing  fastened  together  or  fastened  middles. 

51.  sia'Ek  tEk  .stsE.i'p  tsk     .sJl'kans  tEk      .skEtsaus 
Two  lines  standing  fastened  together     middles  crosswise. 

52.  Etlke'kat  tEk  .stse.ha'ks  tsk  .skEtkEtsii'ks  (or  mEna'us  a  kEtsa'kstBns). 

Short  standing  on  end  crossed  ends       both  sides  the  its  things  across  ends. 

53.  .smu'ts  tEk  .nxosta'p'-  tEk  wl'st  (or  .ntlipt),  i.  e.,  in  a  half  circle  as  pliable 

Bent         descending  bottom  high  deep. 

willows  are  bent. 

54.  .smu'ts         tEk  .nhatlEma'p  tEk  .ntli'pt,  in  a  half  circle  or  curved. 
Bent  (in  a  half  going  up  bottom  deep. 

circle  or  curved) 

55.  .s.ntle'tloxa   tEk    .smu'ts   tEk    .s.nxosta'p 

Shallow  curved  (thing)  bottom  down. 

56.  .skEthwa'us  tEk  .skaie'q  tEk      hatlErnqai'.n 

Ualf  circle  ascending  head  (top  up). 

57.  .s.ntle'tloxa    tEk     .smu'ts    tEk     .s. nhatlEma'p 

Shallow  curved  (thing)  bottom  up. 

58.  .s.ntle'tloxa    tEk    .smu'ts    tsk    .skEtsa'us 

Shallow  curved  thing  crosswise. 

59.  .skEthwa'us  tEk  .skaie'q  tEk  .skEtsa'us 

Half  circle  crosswise. 

60.  .skEtsa'usEmEntwa'ux",  the  common  name  for  an  ordinary  cross. 
Crossing  middles  of  each  other. 

61.  .shatlEmqai'.n  tEk     .sketsil'usEmEntwa'ux'',     cross  head  up. 

Ascending  head  across  middles  (crosswise)  each  other. 

62.  kEtsa'usEniEntwa'ux"  tEk  .skE'rZ,     cross  leaning  to  the  side. 

Crosswise  each  other  not  vertical. 

63.  skErZqai'.n  tEk  kEtsa'usEmEntwa'ux",  cross  with  head  to  the  side. 
Not  vertical  head  crosswise  each  other. 

64.  .s.nkEtsa'us,  across  on  the  middle. 

65.  .skEtsa'usEmEntwa'ux"   zij'it  .nhatlEmqai'ntEns  ^'  texi'xat  a  kEtsa'ustEns. 

Crosswise  each  other  thick        its  ascending  head  object     then      the  crosswise  thing, 

66.  .skaie'q  pio'sps  .nxox(s)tcrntEns 

Circle       eight         its    forks. 

67.  .skaie'q    tEk    .stlEktlaq"    tEk    mu's 

Circle  things  sticking  in  four. 

68.  .skaie'q      tlo  "      .swi'l  tlo.zElt'p 

Circle    completely  fringed     completely  around  (revolution) . 

69.  .s.nulx"  ^5  hwa'us  tEk  .skaie'q,  circles  within  one  another. 

70.  .skaieqa'usqEn,  circle  crown. 

71.  .s.nhatqe'qEn  '^  tEk  .skaie'q,  circle  with  hole  in  the  center. 

72.  .skaie'q  tfik  .sketsa'usEinEntwa'ux"  En  a  toxtahwe'qEn,  i.  e.,  circle  with  across 

Circle  crosswise  each  other  in  the  middle. 

in  the  middle. 

73.  .sxeti'tuk,3'  little  hole. 

74.  .skaie'q  tEk  .s}a(la)me'mEk,''  circular  little  spot. 

75.  .skomo'x  tEk  kwome'ma,  round  small  object. 

76.  .skomo'x,  round  object. 

77.  .skomox'o'e,  really  round. 

78.  .skomoxo'za,  rounded  object. 

79.  .skaie'q,  circle. 

80.  .skaie'Eq,  little  circle. 

81.  .skaieq'o'e,  real  circle. 

For  notes  see  pp.  410-41 1. 


406  COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  [eth.  ann.41 

82.  .skaie'q  tEk  .sax'tu'k,  circle  with  hole. 

83.  .s.lhwa'kst  .sciiti'ns,  ring,  its  form. 

84.  .s.lhwa'kst  .skwa'ntEiis,  ring,  its  appearance. 

85.  .s.Jhwa'kst  .stsoqatt'ns,  ring,  its  mark. 

86.  .s.nha.tlfi'la,  notched  (the  name  for  this  figure  or  a  variety  of  arrowhead  or 

triangular  notch). 

87.  mEnusa'ks  tEk  skaiu'wa,  both  sides  of  end  hook. 

88.  .nxos(t)tci'n  tEk  .nxosta'p  .nxoxstci'n  (.nxostci'n,  forked  object). 

Forked  mouth  bottom  down. 

89.  .nxos.tci'n        tEk  .nhatlEma'p. 
Forked  mouth  bottom  up. 

90.  .nxostci'n         tEk  .skEtsa'us  u'a  .sihe'ltsi. 
Forked  mouth  crosswise    to  the  right  side. 

91.  .nxostci'n         tEk  .skEtsa'us  u'a  .stsukahe'ltsi. 
Forked  mouth  crosswise    to  the       left  side. 

92.  .skE.za'ks      tEk       .nhatlEma'p       (or  .stse.e'p). 
Leaning  over  end  bottom  up  standing,  vertical 

93.  .skE.za'ks       u'a    .sihe'ltsi. 

Leaning  over    to  the    right  side. 

94.  .spEna'us^' or  .stse.e'15  tEk  .s.(n)pEna'us    u'a       .sihe'ltsi 

Folded  standing  doubled         to  the       right  side. 

95.  .skE.za'ks  tEk  .nxosta'p,  end  leaning,  bottom  down. 

96.  .skE.za'p  u'a  .stsukahe'ltsi,  bottom  leaning,  pointing  to  the  left  side. 

97.  s.ntcu'iniEX  tEk       .spEiia'us    u'a   skwo't  *"  (or   ti'a  .stsukaheltsi) 
Prostrate,  on  the  ground  doubled      to  the    right  side    (or  to  the       leftside). 

98.  .spEna'us     u'a       .s(h)ihe'ltsi. 
Doubled  wise    to  the  right  side. 

99.  .skolkolo'tz 

100.  .skwolkwalitzj 

101.  stluptlupiiiEk  "  tEk  ha'tlEm,  twisted  line  ascending. 

102.  .stsehl'p  tEk  .snixanl'x,  standing  or  vertical  corners. 

103.  sqotzaqo'.tz,*^  crooked,  crooks,  zigzag.     The  name  for  horizontal  zigzags. 

104.  sqotzaqo'.tz  tEk   .sti'i,  crooked  in  a  line. 

105.  .shatlaha'tlEm  (tEk  .sttl),  ascending  and  descending  line  (up  and  down). 

106.  .s.ntcQ'imEX  tEk  .stlQ'piaEk,  prostrate  twisted  line  (on  the  ground). 

107.  .skakEnt'tz  (tsk  ha'tlEm),  wave  line  going  up. 

108.  .stsEht'p  tEk  .skakEnl'tz,  standing  or  vertical  wave  line. 

109.  .stsEht'p  tEk  .skakEnl'tz  tcame'mat^^  a  kakEnltzmi'ns. 

Standing  wave  Une  small  the     its  wave  Unes. 

110.  .S.ntcu'iniEX  tsk    .skakEnl'tz. 
Prostrate  on  the  ground     wave  line. 

111.  .skakEnl'tz  tEk  .stil. 

Wave  line  in  a  line  (horizontal). 

112.  .s.nxa'xl'tl  "  tEk  ha'tlEm,  notches  ascending. 

113.  .s.nxaxi'tla'n.s,  notched  (frequentative)  edge. 

114.  .szlnzEni'k  tEk  .snxEUExtcI'n  (or  .snixanixtci'n). 

Coils  square  mouth         (corner    mouth). 

115.  .s.nxaxt'tt  tEk  .s.ntcu'iniEx. 
Notched  (frequentative)      flat  on  the  ground. 

116.  .szlnzEni'k  tEk  .s.ntcu'imEz,  coils  horizontal. 

117.  .szini'k  (or  .szinl'k'o'e),  real  coil. 

118.  .skaie'q  tEk  .shaht'tl,  notched  circle. 

119.  .skaie'q  tEk  .shahltta'n.s,  circle,  notched  edge. 

120.  .skaie'q  pio'Eps  .shaht'tis,  circle,  eight  its  notches. 

121.  .skaie'q  tEk  teu  .snixanl'x,  circle  inclining  to  corners. 

For  notes  see  pp.  410-411. 


>  Crooked,  crooks,  zigzag.     The  name  for  vertical  zigzags. 


B0A3] 


APPENDIX  407 


122.  .skaie'q  tEk  pio'Eps  .sntxani'xs,  circle,  eight  its  corners. 

123.  .skaie'q  tEk  pio'Eps  tEk  .siiixaiiix,  circle,  eight  corners. 

124.  .skaie'  Eq  tEk  .snenf'x,  circle  a  little  square. 

125.  tla'kEmEkst  tEk  .snlxant'x  tEk  (.s)tsuxtsuxii'xs,  six  corners,  faces   a   little 

drawn  out. 

126.  .snanl'x  tEk  tla'kEmEkst  (tEk  ha'tlEm),  corners  six,  ascending. 

127.  tla'kEmEkst  tEk  .snlxanl'x  tEk  .skstsa'us,  six  corners  crosswise. 

128.  skEtsa'us  tEk  .snent'x  tEk  tcQ'  .stsuxtsuywa'ks. 

Crosswise  little  square       rather      ends    drawn  out. 

129.  skEtsa'us  tEk  .snenl'x  tEk  .stsuxtsuxQ's  tEk  za'zxt. 

Crosswise  little  square      ends  drawn  out  little  long. 

130.  .nmusa'ks,  four  ends  or  points. 

131.  snixantx'o'e,  real  corners  (square). 

132.  te'tox  tEk  .sneni'x,  true  square. 

133.  toxto'xt  tEk  .snixani'x,  straight  cornered  (square). 

134.  mus  .snixani'xs,  four  its  corners. 

135.  .snixant'x  tEk  mils,  corners  four. 

136.  .snlxanl'x  tfik  mu's  tEk     .skEtsa'us. 

Corners  four  crosswise. 

137.  mu's  tEk  .snlxanl'x  tEk  .stcii'nEks,  four  cornered  drawn  to  one  side. 

138.  mu's  tEk  .snlxanl'x  tEk  .skoo'tz(us),  four  corners  crooked. 

139.  .snlxanl'x  tsk  mu's  tEk  .stsuxtsuxwa'ks,'*  corners  four  ends  drawn  out  (or 

coming  to  a  long  point). 

140.  .snlxanl'x  tEk  mti's  tEk   .s.tsaha'ks,   corners,  four  ends  coming  long  and 

narrow  (contracting) . 

141.  .snlxanl'x  tEk  mu's  tEk  na'ux"  tEk  .satsa(h)a'ks,  corners  four  ends  very 

much  drawn  out. 

142.  .snlxanl'x  tEk  mu's  tEk  na'ux  tEk  .szEXEZExqai'n,  corners  four  ends  very 

much  long  headed. 

143.  mu's  tEk  .snlxEnl'x  tsk  .scl'k  tEk  .stse.pa'ks,  four  corners  oblong  standing 

on  end. 

144.  .skstkEthwa'ks  *'  tEk  hatlEmqai'n,  cut  off  ends;  end  up. 

145.  mu's  tEk  .snl'xEnl'x  tEk  .scl'k  tEk  .skEtsa'us,  four  corners  oblong  crosswise. 

146.  .skEtu'x  mu's         .snlxanl'xs      e1         .s.ntcii'iniEx. 
Cut  ofl  short  piece  four       corners  and    prostrate  on  the  ground. 

147.  mu's  tEk  .snlxEnt'x  tEk  .skazqai'.n,  four  corners  leaning  to  side. 

148.  .ska.zqal'.n  tEk  .siiBni'x. 

Leaning  to  side  head  square  (cornered)  object. 

149.  mu's  tEk    .snlxanl'x  tEk    .ska.zqai'n       u'a       skwo't. 

Four  corners  leaning  over  head    to  the    opposite  side 

150.  .skEtkEtu'x"  tEk    .skE.zqai'n    Q'a    .stsukahe'ltsi. 
Little  cut  off  piece  leaning  head    to  the  left  side. 

151.  .skEtkEtl'tux"  tEk      .sxostap  (if  small). 
Little  cut  off  piece  bottom  down.    . 

152.  mQ's  tEk  .snlzanl'x  tEk  .skEthwa'ks,  four  corners  end  cut  off. 

153.  .nxosta'p  tEk  .sts'uxhwa'p,  bottom  down,  drawn  out  bottom. 
153a.  mu's  tEk  .snlxanl'x  tEk  stsuxqai.n       e1      .skEthwa'ks. 

Four  corners  contracted  head    and  cut  off  end. 

154.  .nhatlEma'p  tEk  .stsuxhwa'p  tEk  .skEthwa'ks,  bottom  up  drawn  out,  cut  off 

end. 

155.  mu's  tEk  .snlxanl'x  tEk  .nha'tlEma'p  tEk  .stsu.xhwa'p    tEk  .skEthwa'ks. 

Four  corners  bottom  up  contracting  bottom  cut  off  end. 

156.  ka(i)la's  tEk  .snlxanl'x  tEk  ha'tlEmqai'.n. 

Three  corners  head  up. 

For  notes  see  pp.  410-411. 

53666°— 28 27 


408 


COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


157.  ka.lla's  tEk  .snixanl'.x  tEk  kutcaha'ks. 

Three  corners  going  down  end. 

15S.   ka.lla's  tEk  .snixant'x  .skEtsa'us. 

Three  corners         crosswise. 

159.  ka.lla's  tEk  .snixant'x  tcItEma'ks  u'a  .stsukahS'ltsi. 

Three  corners         going    end    to  the       left  side. 

160.  ka(t)lla's  tEk  .snixanl'x  tEk  tcu'    .stsuxhwa'ks  e1 

Three  corners  rather    contracting  end  and 

161.  stsiixhwa'usqEn  tEk  ha'tlEma'ks 

Drawn  in  top  ascending  end. 


hatlEmqai'.n. 
ascending  head. 


139-40       141-42     145-44        145-46 


I47-4S 


149 -^'i 


152-53        lSA-55 


156       157       158-59   I60fal       162       )6?     164 


169-73 


174-75     176 


177-79 


180-91 


/\/\^ ^-   r!^ 


132-33 


134-85 


186 


rfb   #    ^ 


I&7-88 


189 


190-91 


II  III 

ll    II 

II    HI 

192-95 


196-96 


^ 


199 


ZOZ 


ao3 


4> 
/\ 

A 

204- 

FlG.  121.- 


LL 


205-06 

-Names  for  geometric  figures 


207-08 


TTTT 

209-10 


162. 
163. 
164. 
165. 
166. 
167. 
168. 
169. 


katla's  tEk 
katla's  tEk 
katla's  tEk 

Three 
katla's  tEk 

Three 
katla's  tEk 

Three 
katla's  tEk 

Three 
katla's  tEk 

Three 
katla's  tEk 

Three 
.stlEntla'ni, 


.snixanl'x  tEk  .skaza'ks,  three  corners  leaning  off. 
.snixanl'x  tEk  .stce'x",  three  corners  spread. 


.snixanl'x 

corners 
.snixanl'x  tsk 

corners 
.snl.xanl'x  tEk 

corners 
.snixanl'x  tEk 

corners 
.snixanl'x  tEk 

corners 
.snixanl'x  tEk 

corners 


skwot      a     skazakstEns 
opposite  side  the  its  end  leaning  over. 

.stsuxhwa'ks     e1      .skaza'ks     e1  ha'tlEma'ks 
end  drawn  out  long  and  leaning  over  end  and   ascending  end. 
.stsuxhwa'ks     e1       .skazaks        e!   kutca(h)aks 
end  drawn  out  long  and  leaning  over  ends  and  descending  end. 
na'u.x    tEk   ..stsahaks     u'a      skwot 
very  much         drawn  out  end  to  the  opposite  side, 
.stsaha'ks  tEk  tcItEma'ks  u'a  .stsukahe'ltsi 
drawn  out  end  going  end     to  the        left  side, 

.stsaha'ks  tEk  .stcexiu'iniEx 
drawn  out  end  spread  on  ground. 


*'  having  ears. 


For  notes  see  pp.  410-411. 


BOAS]  APPENDIX  409 

170.  sei'a  katla's  .sntxant'xs  tEk  .s.ntco'kEka'p,"'  two,  three  their  corners  united 

at  the  bottom. 

171.  .s.nhitltci'n  tEk  azu'm,  notched  opening  large. 

172.  pai'a  tEk  .shi'tt  (or  .shi'tl'o'c),  one  notch  (or  real  notch). 

173.  .nsei'a  tck  katla's  .sntxant'xs  tEk  hathatlEma'ks,  two  together,  three  their 

corners,  ends  ascending. 

174.  skaie'q  tsk  .s.nxaxi'tl,  circle  with  notches. 

175.  skaie'q  tsk        .snc.nt'x  tlo        zEltp 

Circle  squared  (cornered)  completely  around. 

176.  .skolotsa'ks,  crooked  ends  (common  term  for  diagonal  zigzags). 

177.  .s.n.xaxi'tl  tEk  .stsuxqai'.n,  drawn  in  head. 

178.  .skolotsa'ks  tEk  .stsii.xhwa'ks 

Crooked  end  contracted  ends. 

179.  .skolqolotsa'ks  tEk  .sntcokEkqai'.n 

Crooked  enfl  united  head. 

(diagonal  iigziig) 

180.  .skolotsa'ks  tEk  .s.ntsiixqai'.n 

Crooked  ends  drawn  in  head. 

181.  .skolkolotsa'ks  tEk  .stsQxhwa'ks  tEk        hatlaha'tlEm 

Crooked  ends  contracted  ends  ascending  and  descending. 

182.  .skotsako'ts  tEk        .s.xa^ti'tl 

Crooked  ends  horizontal  notched. 

183.  .skolotsa'ks  tEk  lakEtqai'.n,  crooked  ends,  wide  head. 

184.  .skolotsa'ks  tEk  .nzaxqai'.n,  crooked  ends,  long  head. 

185.  .skolotsa'ks  tEk  .tlka'p,  crooked  ends,  wide  bottom. 

186.  .skolotsa'ks  tEk  .skEla'us,  crooked  ends  in  half  or  split  across  middle. 

187.  katla's  tEk  .s.nhatca'us,  three  tied  together. 

188.  katla's  tsk  .snEnl'xa'ist  ™  tEk  .shatehatca'ks 

Three  squares  tied  ends. 

189.  .s.nhatke'kEn     tEk    .skEtsa'usEmEntwa'u?" 
Hole  in  little  head  cross. 

(center) 

190.  mEnausa'ni  tEk  .ske'u 
Both  ways,  ears  broken. 

191.  tEmEnl'kEnEmEntwa'ux"  tEk  .skeuke'u 

Opposite  sides  each  other  broken. 

192.  .skEtu'x"  tEk  .slatt'k  tEk     .stseha'ks 
Cut  off  short  piece  spotted  standing  on  end. 

193.  .skEtkEtu'y"    tEk     .smil'kli" 
Cut  olf  short  piece  close  in  a  group. 

194.  tcEmtcEme'mat  tEk  .skEtkEti'tux"  tEk     .smft'kd 

Small  (plural)  small  cut  off  pieces  close  together. 

195.  .skEtu'x"  tEk  .stcEtcu'  tEk  tcame'mat  tEk     .sntxant'x 

Cutoff  variegated,  ornamented,  small  (plural)  corners  (squares), 

embroidered 

196.  .skEtujf"  tEk  .s.noko'kiaEk  ^*  tsk    .stse.pa'ks,  cut  off  piece  with  incisions 

forming  lines,  end  up. 

197.  .skEtu'jf"  tEk  .s.sist'p,  cut  off  piece  striped  vertically. 

198.  .skEtu':^''  tEk  .sexe'x,  ^'  cut  off  piece  with  incisions. 

199.  skEtu'x"    tEk  .S.noko'kiaEk  tEk         .skwau'u 
Cut  off  piece  incisions  leaning  from  vertical. 

200.  skEtu'x"  tEk  .s.noko'kia'Ek  tEk  .s.ntcu'imEx,  cut  off  piece,  incisions  in  lines 

flat. 

201.  skEtu'x"  tEk  .stso.tso 
Cut  off  piece  striped. 

202.  .s.ntsepa'ks    tEk     .s.nkekl'ts 
Standing  on  end  with  cross  pieces. 

203.  .skeke.xma'ka  tEk  ha'tlEme'mka,  having  branches  points  up  or  ascending 

204.  .skeke.xma'ka  tEk  .shosta'ka,  having  branches  points  down  or  descending. 

205.  .stla'kuEka      u'a    skwo't  tlo  ux"ti'p  ^  (tEk    .stse.pa'ks) 
Point  with  spikes  to  the        side         to  the  end  standing  on  end. 

For  notes  see  pp.  410-4U. 


410  COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  |ETn.ANN.41 

206.  .stse.tp  tEk  .stsea'Ek    u'a        skwot 
Vertical  long  thing   to  the  side. 

207.  .s.ntcu'imEx  .tlke'kat  a  tse'aEktsns,  flat,  short  things  standing  up  in  w  row. 

208.  .s.ntsakaus(tci'n)  tEk  .stlala'kuka 

Spht  in  half  having  spikes. 

209.  .stU  tEk  ..s.ntoxtoxiaEktEn''*  tEk  tcl'kst,  horizontal  line  with  hanging  down 

from  lines  things  fine. 

210.  .skl'ts  tEk  .stoxto'x",  thing  across  having  things  suspended. 

211.  .s.nhaht'tla  u'a  skwo't,  notched  to  one  side. 

212.  .skwotiiEk  tEk  .s.nhahi'tta,  one  side  of  line  having  notching. 

213.  .skwotaEk  tEk  .s.nhaht'tla  .s.nhosta'p  .s.nhahl'tlas 
One  side  hne  notched         bottom  down         its  notches. 

Notes  to  List  op  Geometric  Terms 

1.  texo's,  .stexo's,  .stoxo's,  to  go  in  a  straight  line  or  direction.     Cf.  toxto'xt, 

straight,  true,  and  te'tox,  correct,  true. 

2.  Cf.  .stse',  standing  in  a  row;  tse'Ex,  to  stand  (plural);  to  stand  still,  as  ap- 

plied to  people  and  animals;  -aks,  suffix  meaning  i)oint  or  nose. 

3.  ha'tlEm,   to   go   up,    ascend;    -qai.n,   -qain,   head,   top,   protuberance;    also 

rounded  thing. 

4.  Cf.  .ska'z,  error,  deviation. 

5.  .8,  prefix  making  the  word  a  noun;  -1,   good,  really  ia;  h,  introduced  for 

euphony;  -eltsi,  -a'ltse,  suffix  meaning  body;  right  side  of  the  body. 

6.  Cf.  also  kwa'uEm,  to  set  adrift;  kwa'ut,  to  drift,  drifting. 

7.  Cf.  zl'k,  a  log;  zi'kt,  to  fall  over,  usually  said  of  something  ordinarily  ver- 

tical; -qEn,  head,  top,  cf.  -qai'.n. 

8.  a'ka,  spike,  branch,  finger,  etc. 

9.  Cf.  .stla'k",  nailed;  -.ka,  see  -a'ka. 

10.  -tcin,  mouth,  aperture,  large  notch,  indentation. 

11.  Cf.  .sqe'u,  .ske'au,  broken,  but  not  completely  off. 

12.  Cf.  .skoll'tz,  skolo'tz,  crooked,  ascending  zigzag. 

13.  Cf.  .sqe'u,  .ske'au,  .skaiu'wa,  hook. 

14.  -6'e,  real,  proper,  common. 

15.  Cf.  .skl'ts,  .ske'ts,  across,  crosswise,  at  right  angles;  -ap,  bottom,  foundation. 

16.  .stlEkt'm,  jutting  out,  projecting. 

17.  mEna'us,  both  ways,  both  sides;  -a'us,  way,  road,  path;  middle;  also;  together. 

18.  -tEn,  -tl'n,  thing,  object. 

19.  .si-,  stem  of  se'ia,  two;  -aEk,  -ai'Ek,  -a'iuk,  long  narrow  object. 

20.  ki'kat,  ke'kat,  near,  close;  -Em,  verbal  ending;  -Entwa'ux",  each  other. 

21.  kaka'u,  far,  distant. 

22.  sisia'fik,  in  twos. 

23.  .stlka'us,  together. 

24.  tcu'u,  inclining  to,  rather. 

25.  mus,  four. 

26.  kike'kat,  (plural  form,  see  note  20). 

27.  xb'uex,  xi'nEX,  square,  having  corners  (a  plural  form);  cf.  .sni'x,  corner. 

28.  Cf.  laa,  to  come  close,  to  be  within  touch;  .sla',  close,  touching;  lalii'.t,  close, 

very  near;  -uiniEjf,  ground,  earth. 

29.  Cf.  note  9. 

30.  Cf.  .shatc,  .Sra'tc,  tied  or  fastened  to  something. 

31.  Cf.  .sa'kq,  fastened  or  buttoned. 

32.  Cf.  nxostEqai'.n,  to  come  down  from  a  high  place;  so'xost,  to  descend. 

33.  -s,  its  (possessive  suffix). 

34.  tlo,  tlo-,  surely,  certainly,  completely. 

For  notes  see  pp.  410-411. 


BOAS]  APPENDIX  411 

35.  .su'ljf",  inside;  .nu'Jx",  inside;  to  go  inside;  u'ljf",  to  go  in,  enter,  penetrate; 

-h,  -hw,  -w,  often  demanded  in  the  middle  of  certain  words  for  the  sake  of 
euphony. 

36.  -qe'qEn,  diminutive  of  -qai.n,  and  qEn.     See  notes  3  and  7.     Cf.  .sha't,  .shi't, 

.sjl't,  liaviug  a  hole;  .sxEtIk,  .sxa'tt'k,  .sexti'k,  .say'td'k,  a  hole. 

37.  A  diminutive  of  .sxlt,  having  a  hole. 

38.  .slaml'k,  spot,  blotch. 

39.  .span,  folded,  doubled  up;  spEna'us,  doubled  ways. 

40.  .skwo't,  one  side,  opposite  side. 

41.  .stlup,  twisted,  snarled. 

42.  sqoo'tz,  crooked. 

43.  tcame'mat    (a   plural   form;   singular   kwome'ma,    small);   tcEmtcEme'mat, 

diminutive  form. 

44.  .s'hl't,  .sxi't,  notched;  .sxttl,  notch. 

45.  .stsux",  drawn  in,  contracted,  long  drawn  out;  .stsuxhwa'ks,  gradually  taper- 

ing to  a  long  point,  somewhat  pear-shaped. 

46.  na'uy",  very  much,  overly. 

47.  .skl't,  cut  off  short,  lopped  off,  reduced  to  a  stub;  .skitu'x",  piece  cut  off 

short,  part  of  a  long  piece. 

48.  tla'ni,  tla'ne,  ear;  -ani  (a  suffix  meaning  ear). 

49.  tcokok,  joined,  united. 
60.  -aist,  stone. 

51.  .smok,  in  a  group. 

62.  .so'k,  channel,  incision,  valley. 

63.  .se'x,  incised. 

54.  uxti'p,  to  the  end,  full  length. 

55.  Cf.  .ntoxiaEktEn,  pendant;  .sto'x,  hanging  down,  suspended. 

SOME    ADDITIONAL    TERMS 

tsetsea'n.ns,  with  edges  or  borders  the  same  length. 

tsetselBiie'ut,  with  sides  the  same  length. 

tsitse'a  .nk.otlEne'uts,  with  sides  the  same  length. 

.stcuwe's  .nk.otlEne'uts,  with  equal  sides. 

za'xt  .nk.otlEne'uts,  long  sided. 

Etlke'kat  .nk.otlEne'uts,  short  sided. 

Etlke'kat  a  skwot  zaxt  a  skwot,  one  side  short  and  the  other  long. 

.stexo's  a  skwo't  e1  .skoo'tz  a  skwo't,  one  side  straight  and  the  other  crooked. 

.stexo's  tEk  tsise'a,  parallel,  going  equally  in  one  direction. 

.stexo's,  in  a  straight  line,  going  straight. 

toxtoxa'iEk,  straight  line. 

.szi'l,  in  a  circle,  completely  around,  forming  a  circle. 

za'nEm,  to  go  in  a  circle. 

zEnaza'nEm,  to  go  around  and  around  (but  not  entwining,  or  wrapping  around 

a  thing). 
.stliipia'Ek,  snarled  or  twisted  line,  irregular  line. 
sqo'tsiaEk,  crooked  line. 
za'xiaEk,  long  line. 
.smu'tsiiiEk,  bent  or  curved  line. 
kE'iiEmEntwa'u.x",  touching  each  other. 
kakauEinEntwa'ux",  far  apart,  distant  from  each  other. 
tsetse'a  .skakauEmEntwa'ux''s,  equidistant, 
tsetse'a  .skekatEinEntwa'ux"s,  near  or  close  to  each  other. 
si'wixEniEntwa'ux",  at  right  angles,  deviating  from  each  other, 
.sto'xiask,  pendant  line. 


412 


COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA. 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


Rapidity  of  Work 

In  order  to  estimate  the  rapidity  with  which  the  women  made 
stitches,  plain,  beaded,  or  imbricated,  Mr.  Teit  observed  each  one 
several  times  for  periods  of  five  minutes,  a  term  decided  upon  because 
in  shorter  intervals  the  variation  was  too  great  owing  to  the  time 
consumed  in  moistening  the  coil  and  sewing  splints  and  inserting 
new  coil  material.  An  effort  was  made  to  observe  them  when  work- 
ing with  especially  long  splints,  when  the  number  of  necessary  inter- 
ruptions would  be  minimized.  All  of  the  workers  appeared  to  be  pro- 
ceeding at  a  leisurely  rate  of  speed.  There  was  a  slight  variation  in 
the  number  of  stitches  finished  during  the  different  times  each  woman 
was  observed,  so  that  the  result  as  given  here  is  only  an  average. 


Informant 


No.  1 

10-11 

No.  2 

8-  9 

No.  3 

15-16 

No.  4 

11-14 

No.  5 

12 

No.  6 

9 

No.  7 

10 

No.  9 

13 

No.  10 

12 

No.  20 

9-12 

No.  21 

10-16 

No.  24 

14-17 

No.  25 

10-20 

No.  28 

Number  of 
unimbri- 

cated 

stitches  on 

siiies  of 

baskets 


Number  of 
unirabri- 

cated 

stitches  on 

bottoms  of 

baskets 


8 

7 

10-11 

8-  9 
8 


7-10 
8-12 


Number 
of  im- 
bricated 
stitches 
OD  lids 


10 


Remarks 


Considered  a  fairly  fast  worker  but  not 
a  good  craftswoman;  careless. 

In  all  respects  considered  mediocre  and 
rather  slow. 

Considered    a    fast    and    good    worker; 
careful. 

Fairly  fast  and  careful. 
Do. 

Average  in  all  respects. 
Do. 

Considered  fairly  fast  and  careful. 

Considered  quite  fast  and  careful. 

Medium  in  all  respects;  careful. 

Considered    a    good    worker,    fast    and. 
careful. 

Fast,  good,  and  careful. 

Very  fast  and  good  formerly  (now  eye- 
sight defective). 


In  one-minute  periods  No.  25  occasionally  made  four  stitches  on 
the  side  of  a  basket.  Wlien  she  wet  the  splints  and  coil  the  number 
drojjped  to  three,  and  when  she  wet  her  material  and  also  adtled 
new  coil  splints  she  was  able  to  make  only  two.  Once  she  experi- 
enced some  difficulty  in  passing  the  end  of  the  sewing  splint  through 
the  awl  hole  and  only  accomplished  one  stitch.  No.  1  made  six  coils 
on  the  bottom  of  a  burden  basket,  which  measured  4  inches  in  width, 
during  a  space  of  one  and  one-haff  horn's.  The  bottom  was  of  the 
elongated  watch-spring  type. 


boas] 


APPENDIX 
Imbricated  Stitches 


413 


Informant 

Number  of 
stitches 

Remarks 

No.  1 

9 

7 

1.3 

8-9 

9-10 

8 

10 

8-10 

12 

12-14 

10-15 

No.  2 

No.  3 

Once  put  in  a  different  color. 

About  8  when  changing  colors  and  10  to  11  without 

interruption. 
Once  added  a  new  color. 

No.  4  -_-   

No.  5 

No.  6 

No.  9 

Do. 

No.  10  .-     

No.  21 

No.  24  -   .-   _.. 

Do. 

No.  25 

10-12  when  changing  colors  or  13-15  without  inter- 
ruption. 

No.  25  stated  that  the  stitching  of  four  or  five  coils  on  the  side  of  a 
burden  basket,  where  common  imbricated  patterns  were  placed  on  a 
plain  background  and  the  designs  were  not  intricate,  constituted  a 
good  day's  work  for  an  expert.  If  she  worked  very  long  hours,  she 
might  finish  an  additional  coU. 

Beading 


Informant 

Stitches 

Remarks 

No. 

1 

9 

In  some  cases  this  included  the  changing  of  colors, 
but  this  was  not  taken  into  consideration  at  the 
time  the  observations  were  made. 

No. 

3 

11- 

-14 

No. 

4 

9 

No. 

5 

11 

No. 

6 

8 

Beading  appears  to  be  accomplished  somewhat 
more  rapidly  than  imbrication. 

Nn 

20 

10 

Basket  Shapes  of  Tribes  of  the  Interior 


LAKE  TRIBES 


The  Lake  tribes  used  the  Thompson  type  (fig.  26,  e-g)  large  boiling 
and  water  baskets,  all  the  varieties  of  Figure  27,  Or-d,  and  the  robin 
nest  shape,  Figure  28,  c.  These  ranged  in  size  from  large  baskets 
holding  a  number  of  gallons  down  to  cups. 

They  had  tlie  nut-shaped  type,  Figure  28,  e,  in  several  slightly 
different  forms.  They  also  used  different  sizes  of  elongated  baskets 
like  type  of  Thompson,  Figure  29,  e. 

The  carrying  basket  was  of  two  shapes,  the  larger  kind  approxi- 
mating to  the  old  style  of  the  Klickitat,  but  possibly  not  quite  as  deep 
in  proportion  to  its  width,  and  the  otlier,  generally  the  smaller  kind, 
similar  to  the  birch  bark,  with  almost  straight  sides  and  bottom, 
and  rounded  mouth.     The  latter  was  only  a  httle  wider  than  the 


414  COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH   COLUMBIA  [eth.ann.41 

bottom.  The  bottoms  of  these  shapes  were  of  the  sUghtly  elongated 
watch-spring  variety.  It  seems  that  trays  were  not  used.  All  of  the 
foregoing  information  is  from  Indian  description  and  rough  sketches 
made  by  them  from  memory.     No  examples  were  seen. 

CoLUMBiAS  (Moses- Co LUMBiAs) 

The  Columbias  used  burden  baskets  like  those  represented  in 
Figure  26,  a  and  h  (p.  198)  of  the  Thompson,  but  had  none  like  the 
form  shown  in  c.  They  also  used  some  carrying  baskets  shapetl  like 
Thompson  cups  but  of  large  size,  aijd  as  a  rule  with  slightly  larger 
bottoms  in  proportion  to  their  depth  and  width.  They  were  probably 
the  same  as  those  used  by  the  Lake  and  the  older  ones  of  the  Ivlickitat. 
Tliis  is  a  type  that  appears  to  have  been  universal  among  the  interior 
Sahsh  of  the  South.  The  Columbias  also  employed  the  bowl  and  nut 
shaped  baskets. 

It  is  uncertain  whether  other  ty^ies  were  made.  This  information 
applies  also  to  the  Wenatchi,  according  to  the  Columbias,  but  the 
informants  there  think  they  made  more  varieties  of  shapes. 

Sanpoil  and  Nespelim 

All  carrying  baskets  were  of  the  old  Klickitat  type,  but  there  was 
some  variety.  They  all  had  circular  mouths.  Trays  like  those  of 
the  Thompson  were  used  for  food  and  berries  and  elongated  ones  for 
holding  fish  and  meat.     Some  were  very  long. 

The  water  and  nut  baskets  were  the  same  as  those  of  the  Thompson. 

Comparison  of  Shapes — Thompson,  Klickitat,  and  Lillooet 

The  following  notes  on  shapes  of  baskets  obtaining  among  the 
Thompson,  Lillooet,  and  Klickitat  will  give  an  idea  of  the  relative 
numbers  of  the  different  kinds  in  use  at  the  present  day.  They  are 
from  notes  on  baskets  and  basketry  designs  made  during  the  last  few 
years  by  Mr.  Teit.  The  great  majority  of  the  baskets  were  in  the 
possession  of  Indians.  They  do  not  include  specimens  at  present  in 
any  collection.^ 

'  In  striking  contrast  to  tlie  Thompson  and  Lillooet,  the  Chilcotin  make  only  one  type  of  basket,  the 
burden  basket,  which  varies  very  little  in  shape  and  is  similar  to  that  of  the  Thompson.  The  notes  on  the 
Klickitat  shapes  are  not  complete. 


boas) 


APPENDIX 


415 


Type  of  basket 


Burden  baskets  (fig.  26,  a,  b,  and  others  ap- 
proximately to  c,  d). 

Burden  baskets,  oblong  and  with  very  consider- 
able flare  (fig.  26,  d). 

Burden  baskets,  square,  with  very  sharp  cor- 
ners (fig.  26,  c). 

Small  and  like  the  bottom  parts  of  preceding 
(fig.  26,  k,  i). 

Oblong  and  square: 

Fig.  29,  a-c 


Fig.  29,  d 

Fig.  29,  e 

Fig.  31,  6,  c,  some  square,  others  oblong. 

Flat  backed 

Fancy  (four  of  them  wineglass  shape) 

Circular: 

Fig.  26,  e-g 


Fig.  27,  a-d  (from  capacity  of  a  coffee  cup 
to  about  1  gallon  or  a  little  over). 

Fig.  27,/ 

Fig.  27,  g  (rather  large) 

Fig.  31,  a 

Fig.  28,  e 

Fig.  28,  c 

Trays 

Common    Klickitat   type,   conical   with   small 

bottom  and  high,  nearly  vertical  sides. 
Common   Klickitat   type,   conical,   lower   and 
wider  in  proportion  to  height.' 

Baskets  with  lids 

Baskets  with  feet  or  stands,  mostly  like  Fig. 
31,  b,  c. 


Thomp- 
son 


91 
6 
2 
3 


2 
1 

35 
1 

16 

2 

28 


2 
2 
1 
19 
1 


21 

48 


0 
0 
0 

1(?) 

0 

1 


0 
0 
0 

1 

(medium) 
16 
(mostly 
like  a) 

3 
0 
3 
3 
0 
0 
10 

9 


Lillooet 


8 

0 

23 

0 


(Uke  a) 


0 
2 
10 
0 
4 

2 

6 


15 
6 


1  These  approximate  to  Fig.  27,  a,  d,  of  Thompson,  but  are  larger  and  higher  in  proportion  to  their 
width. 


416  COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  ieth.ann.41 

Thompson  Burden  Baskets,  Gboup  A 


Cat.  No. 
A.  M.  N.  n. 


Provenience 


Measurements ' 


2 

O 

W 

,4 
o 

w 

a 

o 
►4 

s 

Per 

cent 

Per 

cent 

Per 
cent 

Per 

cent 

Per 

cent 

134 

56 

74 

45 

43 

106 

69 

73 

54 

46 

110 

67 

73 

49 

44 

104 

73 

76 

44 

39 

106 

66 

74 

60 

44 

101 

65 

66 

52 

49 

102 

74 

76 

41 

38 

99 

69 

69 

62 

49 

110 

67 

73 

49 

40 

106 

65 

70 

54 

46 

115 

65 

75 

46 

44 

112 

66 

74 

47 

47 

112 

66 

74 

57 

50 

113 

68 

75 

61 

43 

111 

67 

75 

55 

60 

107 

70 

73 

49 

43 

95 

77 

73 

43 

42 

103 

74 

75 

51 

47 

116 

63 

75 

57 

42 

105 

70 

74 

53 

38 

110 

70 

81 

67 

49 

120 

62 

74 

61 

39 

113 

67 

76 

54 

44 

124 

61 

75 

57 

48 

113 

68 

76 

60 

42 

111 

64 

71 

62 

57 

125 

62 

77 

50 

47 

109 

70 

76 

66 

46 

III 


rv{ 


16-8828'. 

16.1-442.. 
16.1-445.. 
16.1-446.. 
16.1^47.. 


16-9236.. 
16-8834.. 
16.1-443.. 
16.1-461.. 
16.H50.. 
16.1-550.. 
16.1^57.. 
16.H66. 
16-8823.. 
16.1-448. 
16.1-454.. 
16-4624.. 


16-8825... 
y  (16.1-404.. 
jl6.1-465.. 
16.H63.. 
16.1-167.. 
16.1^68.. 
16.1-470.. 


vr 


Nootsak., 


Thompson. 

do 

do 

do 


Lower  Fraser.. 
Fort  Douglas.. 

Thompson 

do 

do... 


Thompson. 

do 

do 


do.-.. 

do 

Lower  Thomp- 
son. 

Thompson 

do 


.do., 
.do., 
.do.. 


16-1253... 
16.1-1273.. 
16-9160... 
16-9643-.. 


.do., 
.do.. 


Yale 

C?) 

Thompson 

Lower    Thomp- 
son. 


23    by  31 

35    by  47.5 

35  by  48 

36  by  47.5 
36.5  by  49.5 

32.5  by  49 
41    by  54 
39.5  by  57.5 
26.5  by  36 

25  by  36 
27  by  36 
27.5  by  37 

27  by  36.6 

28  by  37.5 
30    by  40 
28    by  38 
28.5  by  39 

29.5  by  39 
22.5  by  30 

30  by  40.5 
25.5  by  31.5 
24.5  by  33 

26  by  34 
21  by  28 
(irregular) 
26  by  34 
19.5  by  27.6 

31  by  40 
23    by  30 


17.6 

33 
32 
34.5 
32.5 

32 

40 

40 

24 

23.6 

23,5 

24.5 

244- 

25.5 

27 

26 

30 

29 

19 

28.6 

22 

20.6 

23 

17 

23 
17.6 
25 
21 


10    by  14 

(oval) 
16    by  26 
16.5  by  23.5 

14  by  21 
16  by  25 
(indefinite) 
16  by  25.5 
16  by  22 
19  by  30 
10.5  by  17.5 

11.5  by  19.5 

12  by  16.5 

13  by  17.5 

13.6  by  21 
12    by  19 

15  by  22 
12    by  18.5 
12    by  17 
(indefinite) 

14  by  20 
9.5  by  17 

11.5by21.5 

12.5  by  18 
9.5  by  17 

11.6  by  18.5 

10  by  16 

11  by  17 
11  by  17 
14.5  by  20 

10.5  by  17 


Per 

cent 
84 


Per 

cent 

162 

135 
149 

171 
146 

127 
186 
132 
154 
128 
163 
167 
128 
147 
136 
151 


147 
132 
139 
142 
144 
140 
131 

153 
116 
155 
135 


Thompson  Burden  Baskets,  Group  A  B  • 


16.1-462. 
16^1625. 

16-9682. 


Thompson 

Lower    Thomp- 
son. 
Lower  Fraser 


23    by  30.6 
26    by  34,5 

25    by33 


24 


9.5  by  16 

75 

107 

70 

75 

52 

41 

13  by  18.6 

77 

108 

69 

75 

53 

60 

10  by  15 

70 

104 

73 

76 

45 

40 

144 
140 


180 


'  The  measurements  arc  in  centimeters:  those  of  the  height  vertical  projection. 

'B  =  bottom;  LB  =  length  of  bottom;  WB=width  of  bottom;  H  =  height;  M  =  mouth;  LM  =  iength  of 
mouth;  WM  =  width  of  mouth, 

3  The  braces  indicate  subgroups  in  shape,  Nos,  I  and  II  have  small  bases,  flaring  sides  which  are  turned 
to  vertical  halfway  up.  The  rims  are  oblong,  the  corners  rounded.  Ill,  medium  size,  sharper  corners. 
IV,  medium,  oval  corners.    V,  shallow,  small,  square  corners.    VI,  small  and  much  more  scjuare. 

'  These  types  are  intermediate.  Their  sides  are  more  flaring.  There  are  several  others  belonging  to 
this  group  the  measurements  of  which  were  not  obtained. 


BOAS] 


APPENDIX 
Thompson  Burden  Baskets,   Group  B' 


417 


Provenience 

Measurements 

Ratios 

Cat.  No. 
A.  M.  N.  H. 

3 
O 

.2? 
'S 

a 

1 
o 

n 

►J 

o 
W 

o 

H 

o 

n 

2 

2 

m 
-5 

o 
M 

o 

Vll 
VIII 

16-8822 

16.1-139.... 
16.1-^1.... 
16.1-444.... 
16.1-450.... 

16.  4-440.... 
16.W49.... 

16.1-462.... 
16.1-459.... 
16-8830 

Thompson 

do. 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

38  by  48 

39  by  52.5 
34.6  by  47 

32  by  42.5 

33  by  44.6 

35    by  46 
31     by  43 

28.5  by  38.6 
28    by  36 
23     by  29.6 
26     by  36.5 
20    by  29 

21.5  by  27.5 
25     by  33.5 
13    by  17 
19    by  23.6 

34 

35.5 
32 
31.6 
30.5 

27 
27 

25 
25 
18 
23 
16 

19 
23 
11.6 
14.5 

14     by  24.6 
16.5  by  27 
17     by  26.5 
11    by  19 
13    by  21 
(indefinite) 
18.5  by  33.6 
13    by  21 
(irregular) 
11.5  by  18.6 
11.5  by  18 
11.5  by  16.5 
13.5  by  22 
11.5by20 

9    by  14.6 
11    by  17 
7.5  by  10.5 
8    by  14.5 

Per 
cent 
92 
75 
83 
60 
72 

126 
78 

76 
71 
92 
96 
125 

80 
74 
91 
100 

Pet 
cent 
102 
109 
108 
101 
107 

131 
114 

112 
112 
127 
113 
125 

112 
109 
115 
129 

Per 

cent 
70 
67 
68 
74 
68 

60 
63 

65 
66 
61 
65 
55 

70 
69 
68 
62 

Per 

cent 
73 
74 
73 
75 
74 

76 
72 

74 
78 
78 
73 
70 

78 
74 
78 
81 

Per 
cent 
61 
51 
56 
45 
49 

73 
49 

48 
60 
66 
62 
84 

63 
51 
51 
62 

Per 
cent 
40 
42 
49 
34 
40 

63 
42 

40 
41 

60 
52 
77 

42 
44 
42 
42 

Per 
cent 
143 
144 
126 
168 
157 

104 
147 

154 
155 
139 

IX 

16.1-458.... 
16.1-!614(?) 

16.1-461.... 
16.1-469 

Thompson 

Lower    Thomp- 
son. 

Thompson 

do 

116 
100 

148 
147 

X 

16-1287 

16-8737.... 

Yale 

126 

Thompson 

146 

'  These  have  flaring  sides  and  ends,  with  rounded  comers,  which,  however,  become  quite  sharp  at  the 
rim.  VII,  large  or  medium;  VIII,  shallow  for  length  and  width;  IX,  straighter  walls,  very  oblong;  X, 
squarer  forms,  very  sharp  corners,  medium  flare. 


418  COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  |Eth.ann.41 

Thompson  Burden  Baskets  not  Grouped  as  to  Shape 


Cat.  No. 
A.  M.N.  H. 


Provenience 


MeAsurements 


Ratios 


Yale  I. 
Yale- 


16-1043 

16-1268 

16-1256 

16-1270.'... 

16-4603 

16-4605 

16-4607 

16-4608 

16-4609 

16-4610 

16-4611 

16-4612.... 

16^613 

15-4621 

16-4822 

16-4626... I do, 

16-4637 do 

16-4638 I do 

16-4638a. I do 


Lower  Thompson 

....do.. 

....do-. 

....do 

-...do 

....do 

....do. 

....do... 

-...do. 

....do. 

....do 


15-4862... 
16-5973... 
16-8000.,.. 
16-8001... 
16-8372... 
16-8731... 
16-8732... 
16-8734... 
16-8736... 
16-8737... 
16-8824... 
16-8826. . . 
16-8829... 
16-8830... 
16-8835... 
16-8836... 
16-8837... 
16-8877... 
16-9140?.. 
16-9540--- 
16-9641--. 
16-9542- - . 
16-9629... 
16-9631... 
16-9633... 
16.1-27.... 
16.1-473.. 
16.1-1680. 


Thompson 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do 

do.— 

do.-.- 

do- 

do 

do 

Nootsak 

Fraser 

Thompson 

Fort  Douglas-. 

do -- 

Thompson 

do 

do 

do — 

do- -. 

do 

do.... 

do— 


Thompson. 
do 


23    by  32. 

33.5  by  42. 
24.5by34. 

25  by  37, 

38  by  51 

18  by  26 

26  by  35 

27.6  by  38 
31  by  41 
35  by  49 
35  by  51 
30.6  by  42 
29.6  by  39 

19.5  by  36, 

27  by  37 

16.6  by  26 

39  by  55 
36.6  by  50, 
30.5  by  41 
23  by  30 
27.5  by  39 

29  by  38 
33.5  by  41 
30.5  by  40 
29.5  by  40. 

27.5  by  38, 

26.6  by  35 
21.6  by  26 

19  by  23 
30.6  by  39, 
33    by  43 

23.5  by  2 

23  by  29, 

36.6  by  62, 

24  by  29 

30  by  39 
29.6  by  41 
27  by  37 
29    by  40 

22.5  by  34 

25  by  36 
29  by  36, 
15    by  19, 

16.6  by  22, 
28.6  by  46 

'22  by  28, 
29.6  by  40 


21.5 
17 
17 
17 

36.6 
14.6 
23.6 
24.6 
31 

35  5 
37 
30 
25.5 
18.5 
25.5 
14 

36.6 
37.6 
27.5 
19.6 
28 
24.6 
29 
30.6 
27 

24.6 
18 

16.6 
14.5 
29.6 
34 

20.6 
IS 
37 

20.5 
27.5 
27(?) 
25 
27 
20 
25 
23.6 
13 
11 
'20.5 
17 
28.5 


14     by  20.5 
26.5  by  37 


Per 

cent 
95 
217 


14.5  by 
16    by 

11  by 
14    by 

13.5  by 
14    by 

13.6  by 

10  by 

14  by 
11.5  by 

15  by 

15  by 

12  by 
21    by 

16  by 

13  by 

10.5  by 

13.6  by 

13.5  by 

13.6  by 

14  by 

13  by 
11.5by 
11.6  by 

8  by 
8    by 

14  by 
12.5  by 

11  by 
I1.5by 

17  by 

12  by 

13  by 
(?) 

12.5  by 
13  by 
11  by 
15.5  by 
13    by 

7  by 

8  by 
n7    by 

9.6  by 
11.5  by 


22.5 

26 

16 

22 

23.6 

22.6 

21.5 

28.6 

22 

23 

30 

23 

23 

39 

28.5 

21.5 

17.5 

18.5 

24 

23 

19 

21.6 

23.6 

22.5 

14.6 

14.6 

18 

21 

14.6 

16.5 

27 

16 

20.5 

20 

22 

21 

22 

19 

13 

11 

30.5 

14.5 

16 


Per 
cent 
107 
200 
143 
150 
104 
126 
110 
112 
100 

96 

95 
101 
116 
105 
106 
113 
109 

94 
111 
110 

98 
117 
115 
100 
109 
105 
148 
138 
129 
103 
103 
114 
133 

99 
112 
108 


Per 
cent 
56 
40 
49 
45 
71 
56 
67 
64 
75 
74 
72 
71 
66 
62 
69 
54 
64 
74 
66 
64 
71 
64 
71 
76 
66 
63 
61 
69 
62 
74 
78 
74 
61 
70 
71 
69 
65 
67 
67 
59 
73 
66 
66 
49 
46 
59 
71 


Per 
cent 
70 
79 
71 
67 
74 
70 
74 
72 
76 
71 
68 
72 
75 
65 
73 
63 
70 
70 
73 
76 
69 
76 
'  82 
76 
73 
71 
76 
83 
81 
77 
76 
86 
78 
69 
83 
76 
71 
73 
72 
66 
70 
81 
77 
73 
63 
77 
74 


Per 

cent 

63 

87 


Per 
cent 


79 


Per 

cent 

107 

90 


111 

148 
113 
118 
110 
138 
111 
123 
138 
128 
65 
96 
72 
100 
128 
142 
131 
148 
120 
145 
160 
137 
117 
118 
148 
131 
169 
157 
162 
139 
135 
150 
146 


135 
132 
107 
113 
162 
115 
160 
93 
152 
184 


'  This  bucket  is  obviously  a  freak  and  should  be  omitted  from  the  calculation. 
'  The  confines  of  the  bottom  are  indefinite. 
3  The  rim  is  irregular. 

The  calculations  were  based  on  94  baskets  in  the  collection  of  the 
American  Museum  of  Natural  History. 


boas] 


APPENDIX 


419 


The  langes  and  averages  for  the  various  ratios  as  found  for  tlie 
three  groups  A,  B,  and  that  comprising  the  remaining  lot  wliich 
coukl  not  readily  be  classified  according  to  shape,  are  given  in  the 
table  below.  The  little  group  AB  is  too  small  to  be  of  value,  and 
several  representatives  belonging  to  it  could  not  be  measured  because 
of  their  worn  condition. 


Group  A  (28  baskets) 

Group  B  (16  baskets) 

Undifferentiated  (47  baskets) 

Ratios 

Range 

Average  or 
preponder- 
ance 

Range 

Average  or 
preponderance 

Range 

Average  or 
preponderance 

Per  cent 

Per  cent 

Prr  cent 

Length  of  bottom  to 

50-  95 

80  per  cent 

60-125 

No    preponder- 

57-160 

Scattering.    Slight  pre- 

height. 

average. 

ance—!    tall    (a 
freak),  8  medi- 
um, 2  very  shal- 
low,    5    height 
and    length    of 
bottom  equal. 

ponderance  at  75  per 
cent;  4  cases  130-160; 
the  others  between  57 
and  110  per  cent. 

Width  of  mouth  to 

95-135 

110-113per 

103-131 

2  groups — 12  with 

90-160 

35  between  90  and  120 

height. 

cent. 

average  at   108, 
4  around  125  per 
cent. 

per  cent,  with  pre- 
ponderance at  108  per 
cent;  9  scattered 
quite  evenly  from  125 
to  150. 

Height  to  length  of 

bb-  75 

65  per  cent 

55-  74 

65  per  cent  average. 

40-  76 

70  per  cent. 

mouth. 

average. 

Width  of  mouth  to 

65-  SO 

74  per  cent 

70-  81 

75  per  cent  average, 

55-  85 

72  per  cent. 

length  of  mouth. 

average. 

Length  of  bottom  to 

40-  62 

49  per  cent 

'  45-  55 

53  per  cent  average. 

44-  86 

38  of  these  ranged  from 

length  of  mouth. 

average. 

44  to  65  per  cent 
and  averaged  about 
65  per  cent;  5  others 
were  scattered  be- 
tween 70  and  85  per 
cent. 

Widtt  of  bottom  to 

38-.67 

41  per  cent 

2  3;-  53 

42  per  cent  average- 

35-  74 

40  per  cent  average. 

width  of  mouth. 

average. 

Width  of  mouth  to 

115-185 

Scattering. 

100-165 

Scattering 

65-184 

Very  scattering. 

length  of  bottom. 

'  There  was  one  basket  in  which  this  ratio  was  84  per  cent.    Several  of  its  measurements  were  incongru- 
ous, so  it  was  rejected  from  this  calculation. 
2  The  same  odd  basket.    The  ratio  was  77  per  cent. 

The  opinions  of  some  of  the  informants  regarding  proper  propor- 
tions are  here  reduced  to  the  simplest  indications: 


Inform- 

Type of  basket 

ant 

Tsi.'a 

Tsihetsa 

Spa'nSk 

Spap'EnEk 

9 

H  =  LB 

LB  =  J^LM 
WB  =  less  than  M  WM 

H  =  2WB  or  a  little  less. 
LM  =  U2  LB 
H  =  WM 

H-LB 

24 

[     U  =  LB 

\  LB  =  HLM 

|wB  =  less  than  J-^  WM 

H  =  2  WB  or  a  little  less. 
LM  =  H2  LB 
H  =  WM 

H  =  LB 

29 

H  =  LB-|- 

U=LB-|- 

H  =  LB-|- 

H=LB-f 

22 

H  =  LB-)- 
WB  =  H  LB  or  a  little  more. 

420  COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  [eth.ann.41 

It  will  be  seen  that  for  the  three  most  common  types  or  sizes  of 
burden  baskets  tliey  are  agreed  that  the  height  and  the  length  of 
the  bottom  are  approximately  the  same  or  that  the  height  exceeds 
the  length  of  the  bottom  by  a  very  small  amount.  In  the  majority 
of  baskets  of  all  classes  the  length  of  bottom  actually  is  from  75  to  80 
per  cent  of  the  height  of  the  walls,  the  range  being  from  50  to  160 
per  cent.     The  extremes  are  evidently  of  another  class. 

Two  of  the  informants  stated  that  the  length  of  the  bottom  was  half 
that  of  the  mouth  for  the  tsi.'a  and  two-thirds  of  the  length  of  the 
mouth  for  the  tsihetsa.  In  tliis  meastirement  they  were  more  nearly 
correct.  In  group  A  the  range  is  40-62  per  cent,  with  an  average  of  49 
per  cent;  in  group  B,  45-55  per  cent,  average  53  per  cent;  in  the  undif- 
ferentiated group  44-85  per  cent,  the  majority  averaging  about  55  per 
cent,  with  five  over  70  per  cent. 

The  width  of  the  bottom  was  declared  by  the  same  two  women 
to  be  less  than  half  that  of  the  mouth  for  the  tsi.'a. 

Since  they  stated  that  for  the  tsihetsa  the  height  was  equal  to  the 
width  of  the  mouth,  or  to  twice  the  width  of  the  bottom,  or  a  little 
less  than  that,  we  should  expect  the  width  of  the  mouth  to  equal 
twice  that  of  the  bottom,  or  not  quite  that.  Thus,  for  both  types 
the  ratio  of  the  width  of  the  bottom  to  that  of  the  mouth  should  lie 
between  40  per  cent  and  a  httle  more  than  50  per  cent.  As  a  matter 
of  fact,  it  does.  In  group  A  the  range  is  38-57  per  cent,  witli  an 
average  of  41  per  cent;  in  group  B,  34-53  per  cent,  with  an  average 
of  42  per  cent;  in  the  undifferentiated  group,  35-74  per  cent,  witli 
an  average  of  49  per  cent. 

Only  for  the  tsihetsa  have  these  two  women  remarked  that  the 
height  about  equals  the  width  of  the  mouth.  None  of  the  others 
mentioned  it.  As  a  matter  of  fact,  the  ratio  is  surprisingly  constant 
for  all  tjqjes,  the  average  lying  for  the  three  groups  studied  between 
108  and  113  per  cent  for  the  ratio  of  the  width  of  the  mouth  to  the 
height  as  standard.  Very  few  exceed  120  per  cent.  Allowing  the 
addition  of  about  10  per  cent  for  an  overestimation  of  the  vertical 
line  as  compared  to  the  horizontal,  this  would  about  equalize  their 
apparent  lengths.  That  this  ratio  should  not  have  been  more 
generally  noted  is  rather  surprising.  As  a  corrollary  of  this,  no 
notice  has  been  taken  of  the  ratio  of  the  height  to  the  length  of  the 
mouth,  which  is  also  fairly  constant,  because  of  the  relationship  of 
the  proportions  of  the  mouth.  Here  the  almost  fixed  ratio  of  74  or  72 
per  cent  between  the  width  and  length  obtains.  The  failure  of  the 
women  to  notice  this  has  been  remarked  upon  elsewhere. 

The  length  of  the  bottom  is  such  a  variable  quantity  that  no 
satisfactory  result  was  secured  concerning  its  ratio  to  the  width  of 
the  mouth.  In  fact,  it  will  be  generally  fovmd  that  aU  ratios  involving 
one  of  the  bottom  measurements  are  subject  to  a  wade  range  of 
variation. 


boas] 


APPENDIX 

LiLLOOET  Borden  Baskets 


421 


Cat.  No. 
A.  M.  N.  H. 


Measurements 


Mouth 


Ilcirht 


Eottoin 


Ratios 


Hto 
LB 


Hto 
WM 


H 

to 

LM 

WM 

to 
LM 

LB 

to 
LM 

WB 

to 
WM 

Per 

cent 

Per 

cent 

Pn 

cent 

Per 

cent 

55 

75 

83 

66 

79 

84 

39 

26 

76 

81 

41 

35 

75 

81 

41 

33 

73 

81 

36 

35 

74 

84 

39 

30 

77 

84 

37 

30 

70 

82 

41 

38 

76 

85 

43 

34 

76 

86 

44 

35 

63 

83 

42 

37 

60 

76 

44 

38 

70 

78 

39 

35 

65 

73 

46 

43 

39 

50 

93 

85 

60 

76 

94 

76 

48 

52 

88 

74 

53 

45 

101 

100 

39 

48 

84 

00 

58 

46 

95 

84 

65 

76 

43 

37 

66 

68 

46? 

43 

68 

73 

51 

47 

07 

78 

45 

41 

70 

75 

50 

42 

68 

75 

51 

48 

65 

75 

52 

45 

70 

14 

46 

44 

71 

75 

43 

38 

63 

73 

44 

40 

81 

79 

44 

38 

71 

86 

46 

41 

66 

75 

42 

42 

WM 
to 
LB 


Per 

cent 
90 
215 
194 
200 
227 
215 
225 
200 
197 
210 
195 
173 

194 
156 
54 


60 
44 
57 
49 
177 
148 


145 
175 


150 
146 


140 
160 


175 
166 
178 


188 


180 


16-5886. 
16-5902. 
16-5903. 
16-6904. 
16-5906. 
16-6906. 
16-6907. 
16-5908. 
16-5909. 
16-5910. 
16-5911. 
16.1-483. 

16.1-484. 
16.1^86. 
16-5888. 
16-5889. 

16-6890- 
16-6891 . 
16-5892. 
16-5893. 
16.1-486. 
16.1-487, 

16.1-i88. 
16.1-i89. 

16.1-190. 

16.1-J91. 

16.1-492. 
16.1-493. 

16.1-494. 
16  1-196. 
16.1-498. 

16.1-499. 

16.1-500. 


36.5  by 
42    by 

38  by 
35  by 
33  by 
34.5  by 
35  by 
33  by 
30.5  by 
31.5  by 
21.5  by 

39  by 


48.5 

60 

44.5 

43 

40.5 

41 

41.5 

40 

36 

36.6 

26 

51.5 


33    by  43 
34.6  by  47.5 
27    by  64 
19    by  25 


13.5  by  26 

10.6  by  23.5 
16    by  31 

9.5  by  20.5 
31    by  41 
34    by  50 


27.5  by  37.5 

29  by  37 

28.6  by  38 

30  by  40.6 

31.6  by  43 
27.6  by  37 


29  by  38.5 
27.5  by  37.5 
25    by  31.6 


24.5  by  28.5 


18    by  24 


27 

39.5 
34 
32.5 
29.5 
30.5 
32 
30.5 
27.6 
28 
16.5 
35.5 

30.6 
31 
21 

12.6 
(with 
lid) 
12.6 
12.6 
12 
12 

27-1- 
33 


25.5 
25 


26.5 
27.6 


28 
26 


27.6 
23.6 
26.6 


20.5 


24    by  40.5 
11    by  19.5 

12.5  by  18.5 

11.6  by  17.6 
11.6  by  14.6 
10.5  by  16 
10.5  by  15.5 
12.5  by  16.5 
10.5  by  15.5 
11    by  15 

8  by  11 
15  by  22.6 
(indefinite) 
11.5  by  17 
15  by  22 
23  by  50 
14.5  by  23.5 


10  by  23 

10.5  by  24 
9    by  26 

8    by  19.5 

11.6  by  17.5 
14.5  by  23 

(very 
indefinite) 

13  by  19 
12  by  16.6 
(indefinite) 
12  by  19 
(indefinite) 
14.5  by  20.5 
(indefinite) 

14  by  22.5 
12    by  17 

(woven 

rectangular 

bottom) 

11  by  16.5 
11    by  16.6 

9.5  by  14 
(woven 

rectangular 
bottom) 

10    by  13 

(very 
irregular 
shape) 
7.5  by  10 


Per 

cent 
150 
49 
64 
54 
49 
52 
48 
64 
56 
53 
66 
63 

55 
71 
238 
1S8 


184 
192 
216 
162 

65 

70? 


74 
66? 


72? 
75? 


63 


62 


Per 
cent 
135 
106 
106 
108 
112 
113 
109 
108 
111 
112 
130 
109 

108 
111 
128 
162 


108 
84 

126 
79 

116 

103 


108 
116 


107 
109 


112 
106 


105 
117 


119 


The  calculations  were  based  on  33  baskets  in  the  collection  of  the 
American  Museum  of  Natural  History. 

The  ranges  and  averages  for  the  various  ratios  have  been  assembled 
in  a  manner  similar  to  that  used  for  Thompson  specimens. 


422  COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  [eth.  ank.41 

LiLLooET  Burden  Baskets 


Proportions 

Banges 

Averages 

Preponderances 

LB  to  H  ..._      

Per  cent 
48-  80 
'  98-119 
63-  81 
68-  86 
36-  52 
26-  48 

140-227 

Per  cent 
61 
108 
70 
78 
43 
38 

Scattering. 

WM  to  H 

Around  108  per  cent. 

H  to  LM 

Froin  65  to  75  per  cent. 

WM  to  LM 

LB  to  LM 

WB  to  WM-      

From  75  to  85  per  cent. 
From  40  to  45  per  cent. 
From  35  to  45  per  cent. 

WM  to  LB 

Verv    scattering,    witli    slight    pre- 

ponderances   at     145    per    cent, 
175  per  cent. 

'  With  one  odd  basket  at  130  per  cent. 

Descriptions  of  Design  Elements 

As  an  illustration  of  the  exactness  with  which  any  design  an'ange- 
ment  or  combination  may  be  described,  the  following  list  of  terms  as 
applied  to  arrowhead  design  arrangements  has  been  collected  by  Mr. 
Teit: 

1.  Arrowhead  design  (alone,  single,  here  and  there).  Sketches  222-229,  231, 
232,  839. 

Arrowhead  design  (in  twos,  here  and  there,  in  threes,  fours,  groups). 

Arrowhead  design  (notched  sides  or  ears,  alone,  here  and  there,  with  the  dif- 
ferent varieties  of  arrowheads).     Sketch  839. 

Arrowhead  design  (common,  real).     Sketch  225. 

Arrowhead  design  (plain,  simple).     Sketches  222,  225. 

Arrowhead  design  (mounted).     Sketches  231,  232. 

Arrowhead  design  (worked,  ornamented,  variegated,  embroidered).  Sketches 
223-229,  251,  532. 

Arrowhead  design  (blade,  stone,  flint,  spear,  knife,  head).     Sketches  268,  547. 

Arrowhead  design  (blade,  stone,  flint,  spear,  knife,  head  with  star  filling). 
Sketches  268,' 271. 

Arrowhead  design  (in  file). 

Arrowhead  design  (e.xtended,  horizontally).  Sketches  222-225  with  proper 
arrangement. 

Arrowhead  design  (in  a  line). 

13.  Arrowhead  design  (following  each  other).     Sketches  222-225.     Points  all  one 

way,  vertical  rows. 

14.  Arrowhead  design  (points  up)      1  ,,  „      .  it.    \ 
., .     ,          u     J    1     ■       /     ■  i     1        ^  y (following  one  another). 

15.  Arrowhead  design  (points  down)  J  ^  " 

16.  .Arrowhead  design  (ascending  end,  point  nose). 

17.  Arrowhead  design  (descending  end,  point  nose). 
Arrowhead  design  (hanging,  same  as  17). 
Arrowhead  design  (points  standing,  i.  e.,  in  a  horizontal  row,  especially  on  a 

base  line;  also  touching  close,  apart,  and  the  kind  of  arrowhead).    Sketches 

264-267. 
.\rrowhead  design  (points  sticking  up).     Same  as  19. 
Arrowhead  design  (points  protruding,  meaning  on  a  base  line,  points  up  or 

down) . 
Arrowhead  design  (points    both    sides).     Sketches    264,  265,   267,  arranged 

both  sides  of  a  line. 
Arrowhead  design  (points    leaving    each    other,    on    both    sides).     Sketches 

264-266. 


2. 
3. 

4. 
5. 
6. 
7. 


9. 

10. 
11. 

12. 


18. 
19. 


20. 
21. 

22. 

23. 


Sketches  245, 
246,  249. 


boas)  appendix  423 

24.  Arrowhead  design  (points  both  sides  meeting  each  other)  |„ 

25.  Arrowhead  design  (points  both  sides  reversed)  J 

26.  Arrowhead  design  (points  meeting,  see  24).     There  is  no  line  and  the  design 

is  not  considered  two  sided.     Sketch  271. 

27.  Arrowhead  design  (points  opposite,  not  touching).     Sketch  272. 

28.  Arrowhead  design  (points  crossing  or  passing  each  other).     Sketches  26S,  274. 

29.  Arrowliead  design  (on  both  hands)  f  Divided  in  half  by  lines  or  spaces;  especi- 

30.  Arrowhead  design  (both  sides,  two<     ally  vertical  series.    Sketches  278,  281, 

sided)  I     284,  285,  302,  329,  330. 

31.  Arrowhead  design  (all  over)  I  .^l  ^    , 

„,     .  ,       ,,.,..  ,      V  feither  open  or  connected  arrangement. 

32.  Arrowhead  design  (entire  surface)  J 

33.  Arrowhead  design  (all  over,  bases  touching  each  other)  1„ 

34.  Arrowhead  design  (all  over,  side  b\'  side,  points  up  or  down)  | 

35.  Arrowhead  design  (inclosed,  within  lines).     Sketches  251,  257,  292. 

36.  Arrowhead  design  (in  bands  or  stripes  of  even  width) .     Sketches  246,  301. 

37.  Arrowhead  design  (points  touching,  hanging  or  descending) 

38.  Arrowhead  design  (following  each  other,  hanging  or  descend- 

ing, open  or  closed  arrangement). 

39.  Arrowhead  design  (entering  base  of  each  other,  ascending,  descending,  over- 

lapping).    Sketches  252,  254,  533. 

40.  Arrowhead  design  (broken  point)) 

41.  Arrowhead  design  (hidden  point)  P'^®*'^"®^  ^^°'  ^^'^• 

42.  Arrowhead  design  (points  overlapping,  or  over  bases).     Sketches  252,  254, 

533. 

43.  Arrowhead  design  (blade  entire,  double  ended,  diamond  shaped  arrowstone 

blade).     Sketch  529. 

44.  Arrowhead  design  (entire,  double  ended,  points  connected)  1  atpt „»,  coq 

45.  Arrowhead  design  (tied  ends,  connected).  J 

46.  Arrowhead  design  (one  long  thing,  stalk,  vertical,  horizontal,  standing,  hang- 

ing).    See  also  Nos.  35,  36. 

47.  Arrowhead  design  (two,  both  sides,  hanging,  standing,  vertical). 

48.  Arrowhead  design  (points  entering  each  other),  interlocking  triangles. 

49.  Arrowhead  design  (embracing,  interlocking).     Sketch  332. 

50.  Arrowhead  design  (points  entering  between  each  other  a  little  apart).     See 

No.  2S.     Sketch  268. 

61.  Arrowhead  design  (compressed,  pinching,  i.  e.,  designs  which  interlock  and 
form  arrowheads  from  any  point  of  view).    Sketches  302,  332,  336,  529. 

52.  Arrowhead  design  (intertwining).     Sketch  298. 

53.  Arrowhead  design  (heaped  up).     Sketches  139,  141-143,  146. 

54.  Arrowhead  design  (tied  middles).         [sketches  240,  241. 

55.  Arrowhead  design  (bases  tied  across).) 

56.  Arrowhead  design  (twisted).     Sketches  294,  296,  318. 

57.  Arrowhead  design  (leaning).     Sketches  318,  406. 

58.  Arrowhead  design  (diagonal,  spiral).     Sketches  315,  316. 

59.  Arrowhead  design  (lying,  prostrate).     Sketch  307. 

60.  Arrowhead  design  (zigzag,  connected).     Sketch  78. 

61.  Arrowhead  design  (zigzag  between).     Sketches  266,  268,  274. 

62.  Arrowhead  design  (crosses  between).     Sketcli  275. 

63.  Arrowhead  design  (arrowheads  between).     Sketches  265,  272,  and  probably 

244. 

64.  Arrowhead  design  (with  arrowhead  edges  [or  wings]).     Sketch  301. 

65.  Arrowhead  design  (points).     Sketches  135,  138. 

These  terms  may  be  combined  in  many  ways  to  make  the  descrip- 
tion more  definite. 

53666°— 28 28 


424 


COILED    BASKETRY    IN   BRITISH    COLUMBIA 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


Descriptive  Terms  for  Arrowhead  Star  Varieties 

Arrowhead  star,  4  points  around,  ends  out.     Sketches  319,  608. 
Arrowhead  star,  4  points  around,  ends  in.     Sketch  609. 
Arrowhead  star,  4  points  around,  ornamented.     Sketch  610. 
Arrowhead  star,  2  or  4  points,  ends  in.     Sketch  611. 
Arrowhead  star,  6  points  around,  worked.     Sketches  541-543. 
Arrowhead  star,  4  points  around,  twisted  and  ends  in.     Sketch  311. 
Arrowhead  star,  8  points  around,  four  notches.     Sketch  615. 
Arrowhead  star,  5  points  (white  man's  design).     Sketch  666  (?). 
Arrowhead  star,  serrated  or  points  all  around.     Sketch  616. 

The  centers  are  described  as  arrowhead  center,  square  center, 
cross  center,  round  center,  no  center;  and  the  arrangement  in  rows, 
vertical,  horizontal,  diagonal,  scattered. 

Comparison  of  Design  Arrangements  and  Ornamentation 

Regarding  the  relative  frequency  of  the  different  arrangements  of 
designs  on  Thompson  baskets,  and  for  purposes  of  comparison  with  the 
methods  employed  by  three  other  well-known  basket-making  tribes 
of  this  region,  the  Lillooet,  Chilcotin,  and  Klickitat,  the  following 
notes  are  given  which  Mr.  Teit  has  gathered  during  a  number  of 
years.  The  Thompson  baskets  are  from  all  sections  of  the  tribe, 
undifferentiated;  most  of  them  are  in  the  possession  of  Indians,  some 
belong  to  small  private  collections,  and  some  to  the  museums  (chiefly 
Cliicago).  The  Klickitat  baskets  were  mostly  in  private  collections 
or  in  the  possession  of  Indians.  The  same  may  be  said  of  the  Lil- 
looet baskets,  although  some  of  their  specimens  were  seen  among 
bands  of  the  Shuswap. 


Number  of  specimens 

Thompson 

Lillooet 

Kliclcitat 

1.   Plain  baskets  (devoid  of  both  imbrica- 
tion and  Ijeading.     This  does  not  in- 
clude small  cup  baskets,  a  number  of 
which   are    plain,    nor   baskets   made 

2 

2 

5 

2    Baskets  with  imbrication  only  ^ 

3 

129 
0 

0 
166 

48 

7 

2 

19 
2 

8 
21 
24 

10 

0 

4.   Baskets  with  some  beading  as  weU  as 
imbrication                      _                   _   _ 

No  notes. 

5.  Baskets  with  false  embroidery  only 

6.  Baskets  with  false  embroidery  and  im- 

0 

7.  Baskets  with  designs  only  imbricated 

8.  Baskets  with  entire  surface  imbricated__- 

9.  Baskets  with  ujiper  part  imljricated  all 

over,  about  three-fourths  on  Thomp- 
son, two-thirds  on  Lillooet  (generally 
upper  two-thirds) ,  rest  bare 

17 
29 

0 

1  This  includes  the  basliets  without  designs.    Mr.  Teit  does  not  give  any  figures. 


boas] 


APPENDIX 


425 


Number  of  specimens 


Thompson 


LUlooet 


Klickitat 


10.  Baskets,  upper  part  all  imbricated,  lower 
part  designs  only  (not  "droppers"); 
same  as  two  fields 

Baskets,  upper  part  all  imbricated,  lower 
part  droppers 

Baskets,  upper  part  designs  only  im- 
bricated,   rest    of    basket    bare    (no 

droppers) 

13.  Baskets  having  a  single  field  covering 
the  entire  surface 

Baskets  having  two  design  fields,  an 
upper  imbricated  (generally  only  the 
designs)  and  a  lower  beaded 

Baskets  with  two  design  fields,  upper  an 
imbricated  border  field,  and  the  lower, 
the  rest  of  the  basket,  which  is  also 
imbricated,  with  ,  sometimes  a  very 
narrow  space  between  ' 

Baskets  with  two  fields  (same  as  No.  10). 

Baskets  with  three  fields,  an  upper  and 
a  lower,  all  imbricated,  and  a  middle 
with  only  designs  imbricated 

Baskets  with  three  fields,  upper  and 
lower  beaded  and  middle  field  im- 
bricated  

Baskets  with  four  fields,  a  main  upper 
and  border  field  and  the  lower  field 
imbricated,  and  a  middle  or  lower 
middle  field,  only  the  designs  imbri- 
cated. As  a  rule,  the  lower  and  the 
main  upper  or  upper  middle  fields 
carr^v  exactly  the  same  design 

Baskets  with  designs  on  sides  only 

Baskets  with  designs  on  ends  only 

Baskets  witli  designs  on  ends  different 

from  those  on  the  sides 

23.  Baskets  with  side  designs  different  from 
each  other  (opposite  sides  different 
designs) 

Baskets,  end  designs  different  from  each 
other 

Baskets,  ends  and  one  side  same  design, 
other  side  a  different  design  or  bare 
(no  design) 

Baskets  with  imbricated  designs  on  out- 
side of  bottom 

Baskets  with  bottoms  beaded  outside 
(not  the  beaded  line  marking  division 
of  sides  and  bottom),  nearly  all  cir- 
cular baskets 

28.  Baskets  with  designs  on  inside  of  bottom; 
nearly  all  tray  and  dish  shaped  bas- 
kets, one  bowl,  and  one  small  square 

basket 

29.'  Baskets  having  only  a  single  imbricated 

design 

30.  Baskets  having  two  imbricated  designs 
(different  from  one  another) 


11. 

12. 


14. 


15. 


16. 
17. 


18. 


19. 


20 
21 
22 


24 
25 


26 
27 


0 
0 

1 
220 


162 
52 


7 
19 

5 

55 


0 
22 
38 


(2) 


(2) 


0 
0 

0 
51 


0 
0 

0 
0 


36 
12 


10. 


1  Owing  to  an  error  No.  16  is  a  repetition  of  No. 
'  Mr.  Teit  does  not  give  any  figures. 
3  Si-xteen  otiier  basliets  in  two  Uta'mqt  tiouses  had  the  designs  as  follows:  5  designs,  one;  4  designs,  two; 
3  designs,  two;  2  designs,  five;  and  1  design,  six. 


426 


COILED    BASKETRY   IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


Number  of  specimens 

Thompson 

LiUooet 

Klickitat 

31.  Baskets  ha\ing  three  imbricated  designs 
(ditferent  from  one  anotiier) 

9 

2 

1 

0 

48 

29 

38 

60 

13 

29 

28 

13 

5 

1 

0 

0 

40 

10 

19 

7 

3 

1 

5 

8 

2 

32.   Baskets  having  four  imijricated  designs 
(ditferent  from  one  another)      

1 

33.  Baskets  having  five  imbricated  designs 
(different  from  one  another) 

0 

34.   Baskets   having  six   imbricated  designs 
(different  from  one  anotlicr) 

0 

35.  Designs    arranged    vertically    and    con- 

nected   

36.  Designs    arranged    vertically    and    dis- 

connected                   _   - 

3 
0 

37.  Designs  arranged  horizontally  and  con- 
nected  

22 

38.  Designs  arranged  horizontally  and  dis- 

connected   

39.  Designs   arranged   diagonally   and   con- 

nected                 _       -   -   _               -   _ 

10 
5 

40.  Designs   arranged    diagonally   and   dis- 

connected  

41.  Designs    that    appear    horizontal    and 

perpendicular  or  both 

1 
3 

42.   Designs  scattering,  or  having  no  regular 
arrangement 

8 

Note. — Some  other  baskets  having  cHeck  or  fly  designs  and  net  designs  all  over  can  not  well  be  cla,ssed 
with  any  of  the  above.  Only  baskets  with  geometric  designs  are  included  in  this  tabulation.  Realistic 
designs  are  rare  and  usually  occur  in  detached  arrangement. 

The  lids  and  feet  of  baskets  are  not  included  in  the  above  list.  It  seems  that  beading  on  rims,  sides,  and 
bottoms  of  baskets  is  scarce  among  the  Chilcotin  and  Klickitat  and  also  much  less  common  among  the 
Lillooet  than  among  the  Thompson.    Mr.  Teit  has  very  few  notes  regarding  it,  however. 

Objects  Represented  in  Different  Forms  of  Art 
NATURAL  PHENOMENA 


NATURAL   OBJECTS 


Mountains 
Lakes 
Waves 
Trails 


boas] 


APPENDIX 


427 


Objects  Represented  in  Different  Forms  of  Art — Continued 

ARTIFICIAL   OBJECTS 


Cleometric 

Conventional 

Realistic 

Comb 

Pipe 

Paint  pouch 

TsBne'ka 

TsEne'ka 

Hair  ribbon 

Necklace 

Necklace 

Bead 

Bead 

Dentalium 

Moccasin 

Moccasin  trailer 

Moccasin  trailer 

Leggings 

Leggings 

Legging  fringe 

Legging  fringe 

Hat 

Hat 

Earring 

Nose  rod 

Blanket 

Packstrap 

Net 

Net 

Fish  spear 

Reel 

Reel 

Fishhook 

Root  digger 

Root  digger  (?) 

Hammer 

Hammer 
Deer-hoof  rattle 
Snowshoe 

Mesh 

Patch 

Snare 

Deer  fence 

Corral 

Fort,  stockade 

Grave  box 

Parfleche 

Parfleche 

Woven  bag 

House,  earth  lodge 

Tipi 

Lean-to 

Girl's  lodge 

Sweat  house 

Woven  bag 

Ladder 

Ladder 

Step 

Notched  log 

Door 

Door 

Window 

Window 

Cross 

Cross 

Embroidery 

Embroidery 

Bow  and  arrow 

Bow  and  arrow 

Arrow 

Arrow 

Arrow  feathers 

Arrowhead  points 

428 


COILED   BASKETRY   IN    BRITISH   COLUMBIA 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


Objects  Represented  in  Different  Forms  of  Art — Continued 
ARTIFICIAL  OBJECTS— Continued 


Geometric 

Conventional 

Realistic 

Arrowhead 

Arrowhead 

Arrowhead 

Half  arrowhead 

Spearhead 

Spearhead 

Arrowhead  star 

Iron  arrowhead 

Arrow  nock 

Harpoon 
Drill 
Bow 
War  club 

Cord  twisted 

Mat  design 

TsExakstEn  (girls'  frame) 

TsExakstEn 
Lodge  pole 

PLANTS 


Tree 

Tree 
Branch 

Bush 

Pine  cone  (very  old) 

Leaf 

Maple  leaf 

Fern  leaf 

Mushroom 

Sprout  or  weed 

Cactus  (Opuntia  sp.)  used 
as  food 

Lily  root  (mula)  (Lilium 

Lily  root 

columbianum)  used  as 

food 

Xanaxain 

Berry 

Berrj' 

Moss  cake 

Flowers  differen- 

tiated: 

Clematis 

Flower 

Flower 

Buttercup 
Paintbrush 
Columbine 
Larkspur 

Hatce'ius  root 

boas] 


APPENDIX 


429 


Objects  Represented  in  Different  Forms  of  Art — Continued 

ANIMALS 


Geometric 


Bear  foot 
Beaver 


Panther 
Bird 


Flying  bird  (goose,  eagle, 

swallow) 
Butterfly 
Fly 
Insect 


Eagle 
Crow's  foot 


Duck 


Snake 

Snake  track 
Caterpillar 
Hairy  caterpillar 
Woodworm 
Woodworm  borings 
Snail  (?) 


Conventional 


Bear  foot 
Beaver 
Little  beaver 
Dog 

Deer 


Horse 

Panther 

Bird 

Bird  wings  (goose,  eagle, 

swallow) 
Bird  tails 
Flying  bird 

Butterfly 

Fly 

Insect 

Dragon  fly 

Eagle 

Crow 

Swallow 

Goose 

Duck 


Snake  or 
snake 
skin 


Bull  snake 
Rattlesnake 
Striped  snake 
Garter  snake 


Caterpillar 
Hairy  caterpillar 
Woodworm 


Lizard 


Realistic 


Fish  backbone 

Grasshopper 
Grasshopper  leg 
Grasshopper  elbow 

Head 

>  Distinguished  from  the  larger  designs  of  the  same  name  by  being  small  figures  arranged  diagonally  all 
over  the  surface. 


Animal 
Beaver  (old) 

Dog 

Little  dog  (obsolete)  ' 
Deer 

Deer  and  net 
Little  deer  ' 
Horse 
Otter  (pelt) 

Bird 


Flying  bird 
Butterfly 


Eagle 
Crow 


Fish  (salmon),  rare 
Beetle 

Spider 


People  (men,  women) 


430  COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  |etii.ann.41 

Objects  Represented  im   Different  Forms  of  Art — Continued 

ANIMALS— Continued 


Geomeinu 

Conventional 

Realistic 

Duck's  head 

Deer's  head 
Sheep's  head 
Ram's  horns 

Owl's  face 

Eye 

Eye 

Tooth 

Grizzly  bear's  tooth 

Mouth 

Heart 

Hand 

Finger 

Hand  pointing 

Wing 

Wing 

Butterfly  wing 

Butterfly  wing 

Leg,  foot 

Leg,  foot 

Bent  leg 

Bent  leg 

Bent  back 

Broken  back 

Rib 

\ 

Bird's  foot 

Bird's  foot 

Grouse  foot 

Grouse  foot 

Grouse  foot 

Grouse  tracks 

Grouse  tracks 

Grouse  tracks 

Deer's  hoof 

Deer's  hoof 

Deer's  hoof 

Bearskin 

Deerskin 

Feather 

Feather 

Bird's  nest 

GEOMETRir 

Circle 

Spiral 

Points 

Scratch 

Half  circle 

Zigzag 

Notch 

Cross 

Coil 

False  zigzag 

Stripe 

Line 

DESCRIPTI 

VE  TERMS 

Circling 

Tied  middles 

Striped 

Together 

Crooked 

Bent  ends  or  points 

Here  and  there 

Side  by  side 

Sharp  pcjints 

Short  end 

Ascending  end 

Following     each 

Wide  points 

Points,  corners,  or 

Lying  flat 

other 

Square  points 

shoulders  touch- 

Spread sidewise 

In  file 

Serrated 

ing 

Ornamented 

One  above  another 

Intertwining 

Almost  touching 

Radiating 

Double 

Woven 

Joining 

Expanded 

In  pairs 

Crossed  end 

Heaped  up 

Contracted 

Single  turn 

Crossing 

Leaning 

Two  sided 

Hanging 

Crossing  each  other 

Standing 

Winding 

Piercing    one    an- 

Middles  crossing 

Standing  points 

Twisted 

otlier 

Crossings 

Incision 

Hooked  ends 

Overlapping 

Tied  ends 

Ends  disappearing 

Connected 

BOAS]  APPENDIX  431 


OLD   DESIGNS,  NOW   OBSOLETE 

89,  90,  150,  164,  165,  321?,  481,  562,  590,  591,  628-630,  631?,  632?,  633,  634, 
702,  760-764,  784,  785,  794,  814-817,  846?,  847?,  852,  853,854. 

OLD   DESIGNS,  RARE 

77,  99,  102,  103,  136,  144,  145,  148,  151,  152,  167,  170,  182,  186,  266,  269,  299, 
305,  306,  313,  3S8,  398,  406,  407,  412,  413,  436,  437,  452,  471,  484,  486,  537?, 
538?,  5S6,  619,  621,  670,  678,  679,  682-685,  719,  757-759,  788,  789,  818-824,  and 
Lytton  kekule  house  designs. 

OLD  DESIGNS 

1-16,  21-39,  42-54,  60-72,  74-83,  85-88,  100-108,  110-115,  117-122,  128-138, 
141,  144-151,  153,  155,  158-163,  169-174,  176-184,  187,  189,  191-193,  199,  200- 
206,  208-215,  217,  218,  222-232,  234-236,  240,  241,  244-247,  249,  250,  252,  254, 
257-262,  264-270,  272-275,  277,  278,  281,  284,  286-296,  299,  301-310,  312-318, 
320,  322,  329-332,  335,  347,  349-368,  370-378,  380-393,  395,  397,  399-410,  412- 
414,  423,  425,  426,  428,  429,  431,  435,  437-439,  440,  442-450,  452-458,  460-476, 
478,  480-498,  501,  503,  504,  506-508,  510,  518-529,  531,  533-535,  540,  544,  545, 
547,  551,  552,  562,  568,  570,  571,  576,  579,  586,  588,  593?,  599-603,  616,  619, 
625-627,  635-640,  646,  647,  649,  662,  668,  669,  671,  673-676,  678,  679,  681,  682, 
688,  696-699,  702-732,  746-767,  775,  786,  788-791,  796-798,  800-807,  811-813, 
818-824,  826,  829,  833,  838,  839,  858. 

NEW   DESIGNS 

84,  97,  98,  126,  150  (not  usuallv  on  basketrv,  a  blanket  design),  175,  181,  190, 
219,  2.50,  259,  260,  311,  319,  328,  333,  394,  396,  415,  416,  417,  418,  419,  421,  430, 
515,  516,  517,  539,  553,  559,  594,  595,  597,  599,  600,  601,  803,  607-612,  614,  615, 
619,  653,  656,  657,  660,  664-667,  675,  690,  700,  701,  792,  793,  844. 

The  Informants 

Mr.  Teit  collected  from  the  numbered  informants  with  whom  he 
worked  so  long  quite  complete  data  regarding  themselves  and  their 
individual  achievements,  from  wliich  some  very  interesting  deduc- 
tions may  be  obtained  about  the  different  abilities  and  general 
intelligence  of  the  women. 

No.  1.  Yiopa'tko  (Disappearing  Water),  belonged  to  the  Spences 
Bridge  Band  of  the  Upper  Thompson  and  was  not  related  to  people 
of  any  of  the  other  divisions.  She  was  the  mother  of  informant  No.  2. 
She  began  to  make  baskets  when  she  had  almost  reached  middle  age 
and  still  continued  to  make  several  every  year  at  the  time  she  was 
interviewed,  when  she  was  about  60  years  of  age.,  She  had  manu- 
factured numerous  baskets,  most  of  them  of  the  burden  variety. 

Among  the  designs  used  by  Yiopa'tko  are  the  following: 

Sketches:  (pis.  78-94)  8,  16  (but  not  so  wide),  40,  46,  66,  68 
(narrower),  128,  133,  134,  202,  204,  205,  222,  22.5,  245,  257,  278,  292, 
316,  355,  382,  426,  a  design  closely  resembling  440,  441,  468,  478, 
488,  496,  497,  529,  582,  700,  701,  841. 

Plates:  9,  c;  11,  a  (middle  stripe);  14,  e;  21,  a  (droppers);  23,  c; 
28,  e;  31,  d;  34,  a;  39,  a;  39,  b;  47,  d;  49,  e;  55,  h  (droppers); 
57,  d;  also  A.  M.  N.  H.  16/4644;    16/5901. 

Yiopa'tko  does  not  make  any  net  designs  and  seldom  attempts 
zigzags  or  ladder  patterns,  except  certain  horizontal  zigzags.     She 


432 


COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  1eth.ann.41 


does  not  make  any  star,  butterfly,  eagle,  or  similar  elaborate  patterns, 
but  the  sketches.  Figure  122,  Nos.  1-9,  are  some  with  which  she  is 
familiar. 


Id. 


22. 


i>^^^^<8>;^xs>«^<$> 


en         era        en 
en     en 

I— I  cz 

23.        CD      C3 

nzi 


XTLTf 


24. 


-i__r 


f;w/;y//4 


26. 


27. 


vvv 


30. 


29. 


rrr  n. 


31. 


ru 


35. 


36. 


49-. 


# 


37. 


38. 


v^v^v 


46. 


44. 


45. 


Fig.  122.— Designs  made  by  individual  artists 

The  squares  are  very  small  and  worked  in  red  and  black.  The 
elements  are  too  small  to  be  considered  as  forming  a  "ladder"  or 
"step"  design;   so  she  called  thorn  "beads."      (Fig.  122,  3.) 

The  pattern  (fig.  122,  4)  in  alternating  colors  she  designated  as 
"scratches"  or  incisions. 


BOAS]  APPENDIX  433 

She  used  different  colors  for  the  "leaning"  design  (fig.  122,  5) 
which  she  said  was  considered  by  some  people  to  be  a  portion  of  a 
zigzag  (fig.  122,  7)  and  called  "scratch." 

The  "arrowhead"  pattern  (fig.  122,  6)  she  varied  by  using  differ- 
ent combinations  of  colors  both  for  the  outlines  and  for  the  triangles. 

Yiopa'tko  was  inclined  to  tliink  that  the  name  "  filled  mouth"  was 
sometunes  given  to  the  two  patterns  (fig.  122,  8,  9)  but  she  called 
them  "notch"  designs  and  said  she  had  made  several  varieties. 

No.  2.  TuxI'nEk  (Increased  Bow),  daughter  of  Yi6pa'tko,  was  also 
from  the  Spences  Bridge  Band  of  the  Upper  Tliompson.  Her 
father's  people  were  Fraser  River  Shuswap.  When  interviewed  she 
was  a  young  woman  aged  about  26.  She  began  making  baskets  at 
about  20  and  had  already  made  a  number,  a  few  burden  baskets  and 
other  shapes,  but  mostly  bowls  and  circular  forms.  She  made  one 
or  more  every  year.  Her  teachers  had  been  her  mother  and  some  of 
the  Upper  Tliompson  and  Uta'mqt  women  who  lived  at  North  Bend. 
TuxI'nEk  was  raised  at  Spences  Bridge.  The  designs  made  by  her 
are  largely  represented  by — 

Sketches:  4,  31,  40,  60,  80,  128,  nearly  like  133,  176,  204,  225,  245, 
315,  426,  nearly  like  440,  441,  nearly  hke  479,  480,  547,  568,  nearly 
like  697,  and  a  very  few  others. 

Plates:  25,  b;  49,  /;   also  A.  M.  N.  H.  16/1044;    16/4644. 

The  "mula"  design  was  the  first  she  made.  She  makes  two  varie- 
ties of  star  designs  somewhat  different  from  those  given  here. 

No.  3.  Xamal'.ks  ( Dress)  was  a  young  woman  of  about  32 

years  of  age  of  the  Spences  Bridge  Band,  but  related  by  blood  to  the 
Thompson  and  Lytton  Bands.  She  was  raised  among  the  Thompson 
and  was  not  related  to  any  of  the  other  informants.  She  began 
basket  making  when  a  very  small  girl,  consequently  had  produced  a 
large  number,  and  was  still  making  several  every  year,  on  wliich  she 
expended  all  of  her  spare  time.  The  designs  she  used  are  represented 
in  part  by — 

Sketches:  79,  80,  82,  114-116,  119,  128,  132,  171,  217,  218,  232,  328, 
340,  341,  355,  361,  399,  400,  402,  412,  440,  463,  465,  501,  519,  520,  547, 
627. 

Plates:  Frontispiece;  8,  d;  9,  a;  12,  b;  14,  e;  22,  d;  24,  b;  24,  c 
(all  the  designs  but  not  the  same  combination) ;  25,  a;  25,  c;  28,  d; 
31,  a  (only  with  cross  center) ;  34,  a;  37,  c  (in  vertical  bands  with  and 
without  the  cross) ;  37,  d;  37,  e;  56,  d  (separate  or  in  different  com- 
binations);  57,  c;  also  A.  M.  N.  H.  16/1044;  16/1270;  16/1271; 
16/1273;   16/4581;   16/4620;   16/4644. 

Xamal'.ks  makes  also  the  following  in  various  colors:  Big  bead 
(fig.  122,  10,  11),  heaped  up  (fig.  122,  12). 


434  COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH   COLUMBIA  (eth.ann.II 

No.  4.  TEkwi'tlixqEii  ( Head),  a  daughter  of  No.  5,  was  raised 

around  Spences  Bridge.  Her  parents  were  Spences  Bridge  and 
Nicola.  She  was  aged  about  36  and  began  basket  making  five  or 
more  years  previous  to  the  time  when  she  was  questioned.  She 
picked  up  the  art,  as  many  women  do,  by  watching  others  of  the 
Upper  Thompson  tribes.  She  made  two  or  three  baskets  every  year 
and  had  finished  a  number  of  burden,  oblong,  and  circular  shapes. 
Her  designs,  shown  in  Figure  122,  were  "arrowhead"  (13),  "cloud" 
(14),  "cloud  embroidery"  (15),  variety  of  a  copied  design,  name 
unknown  to  her  (16),  "bead"  variety,  invented  by  herself  (17), 
variety  of  "arrowhead,"  invented  by  herself  (18). 

Plates:  The  right-hand  stripe,  7,  c,  which  is  called  "marks  of  a 
young  fawn's  skin";  the  central  stripe  of  15,  &;  the  rim  design  of 
32,  c;  the  central  stripe  of  3,6;  28,  gr  (called  caterpillar) ;  23,  c,  the 
checkerwork  at  the  rim;   38,  d;  49,/. 

She  also  made  Figure  122,  Nos.  19,  20,  21,  which  she  said  were  all 
variations  of  form  and  arrangement  of  designs  seen  by  her  on  other 
women's  baskets.     She  did  not  know  their  proper  names. 

No.  5.  Sinsi'n.tko  (Staggering  Water)  was  raised  at  Potato  Gardens, 
among  the  Nicola,  but  she  belonged  to  the  Spences  Bridge  Band. 
Her  parents  were  Nicola  and  Lytton.  She  was  nearly  60  years  of 
age,  the  mother  of  No.  4,  and  began  basket  making  only  four  years 
before  this  information  was  gathered.  She  acquired  sufficient  knowl- 
edge of  the  art  by  watching  others  but  had  not  worked  at  it  very 
steacUly,  as  she  did  not  have  much  time  for  it.  She  had  not  cared 
about  it  when  she  was  young.  Her  baskets  were  about  five  in  number 
and  were  oblong  and  circular  shapes.  She  had  made  only  a  very 
few  designs,  not  more  than  six,  the  principal  of  which  were  one  or 
two  forms  of  arrowheads.  Her  first  basket  was  decorated  only  with 
beading. 

No.  6.  Tso's.tko  (Rattling  Water)  belonged  also  to  the  Spences 
Bridge  Band.  Her  mother  was  part  Thompson,  part  Uta'mqt. 
No.  2  was  her  half  sister  by  the  same  father.  She  had  grown  up  at 
Spences  Bridge  and  at  the  time  of  the  investigation  was  45  years 
old.  She  had  made  baskets  for  a  number  of  years  but  as  she  worked 
only  occasionally  had  not  many  to  her  credit.  At  first  she  had  no 
special  mstruction  but  had  gathered  what  she  knew  about  the  art 
from  observing  other  women.  Some  years  she  made  one  or  two 
and  at  other  times  for  a  period  of  a  year  or  more  she  did  nothing. 
All  of  her  baskets  were  comparatively  small  and  circular.  Her 
designs  were: 

Sketches:  4,  7,  30,  51,  60,  80,  86,  128,  157,  180,  222,  225,  245,  303, 
361,  369,  374,  393,  412,  426,  441,  480,  497,  504,  527,  547,  697,  and  a 
very  few  others. 


BOAS]  APPENDIX  435 

No.  7.  Julia  was  a  member  of  the  Lytton  Band  of  Upper  Thompson. 
Her  father  was  a  Lytton,  her  mother  was  partly  Greek,  partly 
Stlaxa'iux".  When  interviewed,  Julia  was  only  17.  She  had  been 
brought  up  at  Lytton  and  had  made  her  first  basket  when  very  young, 
but  nevertheless  had  completed  very  few.  The  designs  she  chose  are 
represented  in  Sketches  36,  157,  ISO,  225,  426,  592.  She  had  imbri- 
cated a  nimiber  of  letters  which  were  the  initials  of  names  she  knew, 
such  as  S,  T,  A,  H,  W,  Z,  M.  The  letters  H  and  Z  she  had  used  in 
decorative  fashion,  placing  the  former  in  horizontal  rows,  the  latter 
in  vertical  series.  W  she  had  taken  as  her  own  mark,  which  she  was 
accustomed  to  place  at  the  corners  of  baskets. 

The  shapes  she  had  made  were  all  small,  and  were  circular,  square 
or  fancy.  The  bottoms  of  her  square  ones  were  all  constructed  by 
means  of  a  watch-spring  coil  which  had  been  thickened  at  intervals 
on  each  round,  in  order  to  produce  corners.  She  had  observed  people 
who  made  baskets  as  long  as  she  could  remember  and  in  addition  had 
been  given  some  instruction  by  her  mother  and  aunt,  but  she  did 
not  care  much  for  the  work.  She  had  made  some  simple  beading 
such  as  over  one  and  under  one,  and  also  over  one  and  under  two. 

No.  8.  Koi'n.tko  ( Water).     This  informant  was  aged  58  and 

was  living  at  Spences  Bridge.  She  had  originally  belonged  to  the 
Thompson  Band,  and  had  grown  up  among  them.  At  the  time  she 
was  questioned  hor  eyes  were  in  a  very  bad  condition  so  that  she  was 
unable  to  see  the  sketches  presented  to  her  for  identification.  How- 
ever, she  said  that  she  had  executed  only  a  few  designs  in  the  days 
when  she  was  young  and  making  baskets  and  that  those  she  did 
make  were  all  very  common.  It  had  been  at  least  35  years  since  she 
had  done  any  work  of  this  kind.  All  the  shapes  she  had  made  were 
circular  and  rather  small. 

No.  9.  KapI'nEk  (Soft  Bow),  37  years  old,  had  lived  all  her  life  at 
Lytton,  being  of  Lytton  descent,  with  a  slight  admixture  of  Uta'mqt 
blood.  Her  mother  and  various  other  relatives  had  taught  her  the 
art  of  basket  making  and  she  had  practiced  it  to  a  great  extent.  At 
the  time  she  was  interviewed  she  was  still  in  the  habit  of  making  a 
number  every  year,  sometimes  as  many  as  10  or  more,  of  different 
sizes.  More  recently  she  confuied  herself  practically  to  the  manu- 
facture of  circular  and  fancy  shapes,  although  during  her  life  she  had 
made  all  varieties.  Kapi'nEk  had  made  many  designs,  for  she  seldom 
duplicated  her  patterns.  Some  of  these  may  be  seen  in  Plate  52, 
a,  e,  i,  j,  but  she  had  made  many  others.  She  also  made  a  design 
which  she  called  "caterpillar"  or  "hairy  caterpillar."  (Fig.  122, 
22.)  She  seldom  repeats  patterns  on  different  baskets  without 
some  variation. 


436  COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  [eth.  aiw.41 

No.  10.— Woli'p.tsa  (Elevated  Bottom  of  a  Robo?  Clear  Weather 
RobeO  was  one  of  the  most  intelligent  and  best  informed  women 
interviewed.  She  belonged  to  the  Potato  Gardens  Band  of  the  Nicola 
and  at  the  time  of  the  investigation  was  32  years  old.  She  had  spent 
part  of  her  life  at  Potato  Gardens  and  part  at  Lytton,  for  her  mother 
had  come  from  the  latter  locality.  When  a  very  small  girl  she  had 
begun  to  make  baskets  under  the  tutelage  of  interested  relatives. 
As  she  was  in  the  habit  of  making  at  least  six  baskets  every  year 
she  had  completed  a  large  nimibcr,  which  included  nearly  all  the 
different  shapes,  but  her  later  efforts  had  been  concentrated  on  fancy 
or  modern  forms  and  circular  typos. 

Woll'p.tsa  said  that  for  fine  work  she  exercised  much  care  in  the 
selection  of  materials.  For  the  finest  work  she  often  scraped  the 
sewing  splints  to  make  them  thinner  and  more  pliable.  Two  bundles 
of  these  were  about  enough  to  make  a  mediima-sized  basket.  She 
jireferred  to  make  circular  baskets  and  trays,  although  she  had  tried 
all  the  shapes.  She  thought  circular  forms  were  much  easier  to 
construct  and  looked  as  well  as  other  kinds  if  not  better.  On 
burden  baskets  she  always  used  elongated  watch-spring  bottoms, 
while  on  all  other  types  she  found  the  plain  watch  spring  the  easiest 
and  best.  She  said  she  had  made  a  great  number  of  designs  and 
could  easily  make  others  if  she  cared  to  try,  but  she  liked  best  the 
"arrowhead"  designs,  of  which  three  or  four  were  favorites,  also 
"spot,"  "line,"  and  "star"  designs.  Again  the  reason  given  was 
that  they  were  easier  and  ajjpeared  as  well  as  other  patterns.  She 
had  never  attempted  any  one-field,  large  designs  such  as  that  seen 
in  Plate  33,  b,  which  she  did  not  know,  although  she  had  seen  some 
like  it.  She  always  made  what  she  called  open  designs,  not  those 
connected  in  several  directions.  She  liked  separate  figures  or  those 
arranged  in  bands  and  had  made  all  the  designs  on  the  basket  pic- 
tured in  Plate  33,  c.  That  on  the  end  was  known  as  a  "necklace" 
pattern;  the  others  were  all  "arrowheads."  She  confessed,  however, 
that  she  was  ignorant  of  the  proper  names  of  a  number  of  designs. 
That  on  the  basket  portrayed  in  Plate  24,  b,  she  called  a  "flying  goose" 
])attern,  of  which  she  declared  there  were  many  variations,  but  the 
variety  best  known  to  her  was  neither  double  nor  executed  in  two 
coloz-s,  but  had  the  single  figures  all  in  one  color.  She  had  seen  one 
old  form  which  showed  the  head  and  tail  of  the  bird,  but  had  never 
attempted  it.  She  had  made  the  design  on  the  basket  in  Plate  39,  c. 
She  considered  the  basket  shown  in  the  photograph  to  bo  of  very  bad 
shape.  It  was  started  with  walls  which  proved  to  be  too  nearly 
vertical  and  were  later  given  more  flare.  She  had  also  made  the 
design  on  the  specimen  in  Plate  3,  b,  but  never  those  given  in 
Plates  11,  ft;  22,  o,  and  48,  e.  She  did  not  know  the  names  of  these 
last  two  patterns  but  had  seen  the  former  and  had  heard  it  called 


BOAS] 


APPENDIX  437 


"notch"  design.  A  photograph  shuilar  to  Plato  49,  d,  was  also 
submitted  to  her.  She  had  never  made  the  design  like  the  one  in 
the  center  on  the  basket  portrayed,  but  had  seen  it  and  this  was  the 
case  also  with  the  simple  "mula"  pattern  of  checks  forming  a  dia- 
mond.    Slie  had  forgotten  its  name  but  called  it  "clusters." 

Other  designs  made  by  Woli'p.tsa  are  shown  in  Plates  8,  <Z;  9,  6; 
12,  I;  25,  a;  25,  c;  34,  a;  37,  a;  37,  h;  37,  d;  37,  e;  39,  a;  39,  6; 
also  A.M.  N.H.  16/1269;  16/1273;  16/4620;  16/9151;  16/9629;  16/9631. 

No.  11.  This  informant  was  named  .swi'xa  (Hair  Streaming  Out?). 
Her  parents  had  belonged  to  the  Styue  Creek  and  Similkameen  Bands, 
Spences  Bridge  group.  At  the  time  she  gave  her  information  she 
was  78  years  old.  When  a  young  woman  she  had  made  a  number  of 
baskets,  but  for  many  years  before  the  time  when  she  was  questioned 
she  had  not  made  any.  She  had  manufactured  chiefly  burden  bas- 
kets and  circular  shapes  of  various  sizes.  In  her  work  she  had  ranged 
from  the  smallest  to  the  largest,  but  the  majority  of  her  pieces  were 
medium  sized.  She  could  no  longer  see  the  designs  very  well,  there- 
fore no  information  could  be  obtained  from  her  concerning  those 
represented  by  the  sketches  and  photographs  which  Mr.  Teit  sub- 
mitted to  all  of  the  women.  She  had  made  "arrowhead,"  "snake," 
"zigzag,"  "ladder,"  "scratch,"  "coil,"  "large  and  small  bead," 
"dentalia,"  and  a  few  other  designs  as  a  girl  but  had  not  made  any 
"grave-box"  or  "mouth"  patterns. 

No.  12.  Tclaxa'tko  ( Water)  was  a  member  of  the  Gladwin 

Band,  part  of  the  Lytton  division.  Her  parents  were  connected 
with  the  Thompson,  Lytton,  and  Styne  Creek  Bands.  Tclaxa'tko 
spent  her  girlhood  partly  with  the  former  two  groups  and  partly  at 
Gladwin.  She  was  a  sister  of  informant  No.  13.  At  the  tinie  she 
was  consulted  about  the  baskets  she  was  50  years  of  age  and  had 
made  baskets  continuously  ever  since  she  was  a  small  girl.  Her 
mother  and  grandmother  had  been  her  teachers.  She  had  made  a 
great  number  of  baskets  and  was  still  producing  four  or  five  a  year, 
not  specializing  in  any  particular  kind. 

She  did  not  remember  having  made  the  same  design  twice,  because 
she  hked  to  try  new  effects.  She  always  visualized  the  complete 
pattern  before  she  commenced  to  make  it,  even  to  the  smallest  details, 
and  this  mental  picture  was  often  formed  weeks  or  even  months 
before  she  executed  her  ideas,  during  the  time  when  she  planned  for  her 
next  basket.  Again,  however,  she  might  not  be  able  to  determine 
upon  her  pattern  until  she  was  ready  to  begin  the  new  piece.  But 
she  always  knew  what  slie  would  do  before  she  started  her  work,  and 
having  once  decided  did  not  change  her  mind,  as  some  women  did 
after  a  design  was  begun,  thus  building  a  different  pattern  on  an  old 


438  COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  [eth.  ann.  41 

decorative  foundation.  Tclaxa'tko  said  that  occasionally  she  noted 
on  a  completed  basket  a  design  which  was  strange  to  her  and  made 
up  her  mind  to  copy  it.  She  intended  usually  to  do  this  exactly,  but 
sometimes  found  that  when  she  was  ready  to  use  it,  although  she 
had  tried  hard  to  remember  all  the  details,  she  had  forgotten  some 
of  them,  and  therefore  had  to  content  herself  with  a  pattern  which 
she  realized  was  not  a  faithful  reproduction,  replacing  the  forgotten 
details  with  others  of  her  own  invention.  These  she  selected  as 
nearly  as  possible  with  an  eye  to  their  suitability.  She  never  forgot 
the  general  form  and  arrangement  of  such  designs.  At  other  times 
she  remembered  quite  well  all  the  details  of  the  pattern  but  purposely 
altered  them  to  suit  her  fancy,  to  improve  the  pattern  or  to  adapt 
it  to  the  shape  of  the  basket  she  was  making.  Occasionally  slic 
invented  designs  entirely  new  to  her.  Sometimes,  to  her  surprise, 
she  discovered  similar  designs  on  baskets  made  by  women  from  distant 
parts  of  the  country,  but  she  said  that  always  her  design  was  a  little 
different  from  theirs.  Thus  it  seems  that  working  with  the  same  ele- 
ments and  having  a  large  but  definite  number  of  styles  of  arrange- 
ment which  lend  to  Thompson  art  some  peculiarities  all  its  own  pro- 
duced a  unity  of  thought  which  limited  the  possibilities  of  invention 
and  resulted  in  several  distinct  origins  for  similar  artistic  ideas. 

Tclaxa'tko  often  made  use  of  old  common  designs  which  she 
adapted  as  she  thought  best,  making  alterations  in  the  arrangement 
or  even  substituting  new  elements.  Wien  copying  designs  seen  on 
other  baskets,  she  never  sketched  them,  nor  did  she  draw  her  own 
inventions  the  better  to  see  how  they  would  look  or  whether  they 
would  be  suited  to  her  purpose.  She  did  not  need  to  draw  them, 
she  said,  as  she  could  imagine  quite  well  exactly  how  they  would 
appeal".  The  designs  made  by  her  were  very  numerous.  Some  are 
represented  in  Plates  16,  a;  22,  c;  22,  d;  23,  c;  25,  6;  25,  c;  28,  d;  31,  &; 
33,  h  (short  side);  34,  a;  37,  c;  55,  g;  56,  d;  57,  c;  also  A.  M.  N.  H. 
16/1044;  16/4581;  16/4621;  16/5889;  and  a  stripe  design  running  in 
horizontal  rings  all  over  the  basket. 

A  short  time  before  her  conversation  with  Mr.  Teit,  Tclaxa'tko 
had  made  the  "bear  track"  design.  She  had  heard  that  there  was 
such  an  old  pattern,  but  she  had  never  seen  it.  Her  grandmother 
and  other  old  women  she  knew  had  made  it,  but  she  did  not  know 
its  construction.  However,  she  thought  about  it  and  concluded  that 
probably  the  best  representation  would  be  that  which  is  given  in 
Figure  122,  23.  She  could  not  tell  whether  there  were  any  points  of 
resemblance  between  it  and  the  pattern  her  grandmother  knew,  nor 
had  she  ever  seen  her  own  invention  or  any  like  it  on  other  baskets. 
She  had  never  even  heard  of  her  pattern  being  duplicated  by  others. 


BOAS)  APPENDIX  439 

According  to  this  informant,  the  designs  on  the  basket  in  Plate 
31,  h,  is  an  embroidery  pattern,  or,  more  properly,  an  imitation  of 
beadwork  used  on  women's  dresses.  So  are  those  shown  in  Plates 
24,  b;  37,  a;  43,  c,  d.  That  shown  in  37,  a,  is  a  copy  of  a  design 
used  both  in  front  and  behind  on  the  upper  parts  of  the  dress. 
Tciaxa'tko  considered  this  a  very  old  design,  for  which  she  had  no 
name  except  "embroidery  design."  Zigzag  beaded  lines  inclosed  the 
figures  before  and  behind  and  passed  over  or  around  the  shoulders, 
thus  connecting  the  embroidery  so  that  it  formed  a  continuous 
pattern.  Those  on  Plates  23,  c,  and  57,  c,  are  also  necklace  designs, 
but  represent  actual  strings  of  beads  or  dentalia.  The  design  of 
Plate  16,  a,  is  called  "leg"  or  "foot."  That  in  Plate  22,  d,  is  a  fish 
or  deer  net  design.  She  said  the  latter  was  the  common  old  name 
among  the  Upper  Thompson  and  was  the  term  used  by  her  mother. 

She  called  the  end  design  which  may  be  discerned  in  Plate  33,  h, 
"arrowhead."  From  her  mother  she  had  learned  that  the  patterns 
seen  in  Plates  28,  h,  d,  and  55,  g,  were  "zigzags"  or  "deer  fences," 
which  with  many  similar  patterns  were  thought  to  be  pictures  of 
fences  in  which  snares  were  set  for  catching  deer.  The  "mula"  or 
"rice  root"  design  she  pointed  out  in  Plate  25,  6,  the  "pouch"  with 
notched  mouth  in  Plate  9,  c.  There  were,  she  remarked,  many 
paint  pouches  cut  in  this  fashion.  The  design  on  the  basket 
Plate  28,  c,  she  called  "net,"  though  the  elements  are  "leg"  elements, 
which  intersect  at  intervals.  A  star  design  executed  all  in  white 
would  bo  called  by  her,  snow.  Plate  28,  e,  shows  a  "flower"  or 
"buttercup"  pattern  which  may  possibly  also  be  interpreted  as 
"larkspur."  Plate  47,  d,  illustrates  rain  or  snow.  The  design  was 
generally  arranged  spirally.  The  "  arrow  "  design  which  may  be  seen 
in  Plate  37,  a,  h,  when  made  in  red  and  black  only,  she  said  was  sup- 
posed to  be  an  imitation  of  beads  and  received  its  name  correspond- 
ingly, but  if  white  were  substituted  for  either  of  these  colors  the 
design  was  known  as  dentalia.  A  figure  somewhat  similar  to  that 
depicted  in  Sketch  681  or  Teit,  "The  Thompson  Indians,"  Figure 
313,^  was  formerly  popular  and  had  been  made  by  her  mother.  It 
was  known  as  a  legging  design  and  illustrated  that  type  of  legging  the 
fringes  of  which  were  strung  with  beads.  Another  design  her  mother 
had  made  and  called  the  "throwing  stick  and  ring  of  the  kolko'laxEm 
game."  (Fig.  122,  24.)  Her  mother  and  grandmother  made  a  num- 
ber of  designs  which  are  now  obsolete,  the  names  of  most  of  which 
were  afterwards  forgotten.  In  response  to  questions  Tciaxa'tko  said 
that  she  did  not  use  "fly"  designs  and  only  a  few  "arrowhead"  pat- 
terns. They  were  easy  enough  to  make,  but  she  had  never  adopted 
them,  nor  had  she  made  the  common  "dentalia"  pattern,  as  illus- 
trated in  Plate  12,  I. 

'  Loc.  cit. 

53666°— 28 29 


440  COILED    BASKETRY   IN   BRITISH    COLUMBIA  [eth.ann.41 

No,  13,  a  sister  of  No.  12,  was  named  TEla'tko  (Extending-in-a-Line- 
Water)  and  also  was  a  member  of  the  Gladwin  Band.  She  was  about 
58  years  old.  She,  too,  began  when  a  small  girl  to  work  in  basketry, 
being  taught,  as  was  her  sister,  by  her  mother  and  grandmother. 
She  had  made  a  great  number,  and  almost  all  the  varieties  of  shapes, 
and  still  completed  from  two  to  six  every  year.  Repeated  use  of 
the  same  patterns  without  alteration  did  not  disturb  her,  although 
like  her  sister  she  sometimes  changed  them  in  small  details,  or 
their  arrangement  in  the  field.  The  same  may  be  said  of  her  in 
regard  to  previous  planning  of  designs  for  a  basket  as  was  said  of 
Tciaxa'tko,  but  when  she  could  not  determine  on  a  design  she  some- 
times began  her  basket  and  built  it  up  to  the  place  where  the  design 
was  to  be  started  before  making  up  her  mind.  Only  rarely  has  she 
altered  a  pattern  in  the  course  of  its  execution,  and  then  only  in 
minute  particulars.  The  designs  she  used  are  to  be  seen  in  Sketches 
198,  435,  495. 

Plates:  The  Frontispiece;  9,  a;  12,  h;  12,  c;  21,  a;  21,  h;  22,  c;  23,  c; 
24,  c;  25,  a;  25,  6;  28,  &;  28,  d;  33,  6;  33,  d;  37,  a;  37,  c;  40,  6;  40,  c; 
50,  h;  55,  6;  55,  g;  57,  f;  and  A.  M.  N.  H.  16/5889;  16/8740;  16/9236; 
and  designs  as  in  Plate  24,  c,  but  not  the  same  combination. 

TEla'tko  agreed  with  the  information  given  by  her  sister.  In  addi- 
tion she  interpreted  the  following  patterns.  For  that  on  the  basket 
in  the  frontispiece  she  said  there  had  formerly  been  no  name  but 
that  the  Uta'mqt  later  called  it  "butterfly  wing."  The  designs  of 
Plate  21,  c,  and  the  baskets  in  Plates  12,  b,  and  39,  6,  she  called 
"ladder";  those  seen  in  Plate  23,  a,  were  "snares." 

The  arrowhead  she  discovered  in  Plate  7,  c,  the  "foot"  in  12,  c, 
the  "star"  in  14,  d,  "snake"  in  18,  h,  the  "deer  fence"  and  "snares" 
or  "zigzag"  in  Sketch  495,  Plates  19,  b,  and  28,  b,  d,  but  properly 
the  points  of  these  designs  should  be  flattened.  She  had  used  a 
pattern  which  she  called  "snail,"  since  it  resembled  the  horns  of  that 
creature,  and  gave  tliis  name  to  the  lower  figures  on  the  basket  shown 
in  Plate  21,  c.  It  resembled  "leg"  (fig.  122,  48)  and  "legs"  (fig. 
122,  49),  patterns  which  she  had  also  made,  the  latter  of  which  was 
named  "loggings"  by  some  people.  Plate  25,  a,  showed  a  "cross" 
copied  from  that  used  by  the  Catholics;  35,  a,  circling  or  snake;  that 
on  the  end  of  the  basket  in  Plate  33,  b,  a  copy  of  a  pattern  known  as 
kekaxa'ist,  which  was  formerly  painted  on  buckskin  robes;  33,  d, 
small  sacks  used  by  women  as  paint  pouches;  33,  c,  all  "embroidery" 
patterns;  as  well  as  those  in  Plates  37,  a,  b,  and  57,  a,  which  were 
used  on  women's  dresses.  The  arrow  point,  she  said,  was  represented 
in  the  triangles  in  38,  d,  while  the  diamonds  on  the  same  basket  she 
designated  as  "notches,"  declaring  that  such  a  name  was  often  givcxi 
this  arrangement  because  of  the  contracted  effect  occurring  at  regular 
intervals.  If  the  diamonds  were  separated,  the  name  would  not  be 
applicable,  but  terms  like  "arrowhead,"  "leaf,"  "eye,"  etc.,  would 


BOAsI  APPENDIX  441 

bo  substituted  as  more  appropriate.  The  design  shown  in  Plate  40, 
6,  was  sometimes  called  a  "root  digger,"  again,  "white  man's  de- 
sign," but  TEla'tko  thought  it  really  was  intended  to  be  a  "dentalia" 
pattern  m  hnitation  of  those  embroidered  on  the  headbands  worn  by- 
girls.  At  any  rate,  she  had  seen  it  on  such  bands  a  very  long  time 
ago.  An  "eagle"  was  found  in  Plate  47,  e.  "Geese"  are  also  rep- 
resented in  Plate  46,  e.  The  picture  in  Plate  57,/,  was  an  old  com- 
mon figure  popular  with  the  Uta'mqt,  which  they  termed  simply 
"mouths"  or  "mouths  and  noses."  TEla'tko  had  copied  it  from 
Uta'mqt  baskets.  She  thought  it  had  not  been  used  by  the  Upper 
Thompson  long  ago  and  probably  originated  with  the  Uta'mqt. 
TEla'tko  had  made  several  varieties  of  flowers  on  her  baskets.  Lily- 
root  figures  were  sometimes  made  touching  one  another  in  all  direc- 
tions, but  usually  the  custom  was  to  separate  them,  and  that  is  the 
way  they  are  arranged  at  present. 

TEla'tko's  mother  had  told  her  the  names  of  many  more  designs 
which  she  had  forgotten.  She  said  there  were  many  old  designs 
wliich  had  become  obsolete.  Many  were  entirely  forgotten,  since 
new  designs  were  continually  being  introduced  together  with  new 
variations  and  arrangements  of  older  patterns. 

She  had  used  many  kinds  of  diamonds  similar  to  those  sketched 
here  (fig.  122,  25),  which  she  called  "eyes."  She  also  made  "rain" 
and  "deer"  patterns  and  "beads"  or  "necklaces." 

Like  her  sister,  TEla'tko  had  certain  pronounced  tastes  in  regard 
to  her  selection  of  patterns.  That  shown  in  Plate  12,  b,  she  had  made 
only  once  because  she  had  found  that  it  was  too  common.  She  did  not 
make  the  "fly"  designs  and  rarely  "  arrowheads  "  for  the  same  reason. 
She  believed  in  trying  to  produce  new  effects  and  variations  wliich 
she  thought  out.  She  did  not  object  to  copying  patterns  from 
strange  baskets  and  had  also  revived  ancient  designs  described  to  her 
by  the  old  women  of  the  tribe.  According  to  her,  some  families  or 
even  individual  women  preferred  using  particular  patterns,  either 
from  habit  or  because  they  liked  them,  but  not  because  they  could 
not  make  others.  They  were  simply  content  to  employ  the  same 
decorative  devices  over  and  over  again,  with  almost  no  variation, 
since  they  served  sufficiently  well  the  piu'pose  of  ornamenting  the 
basket. 

TEla'tko  called  all  the  di'oppers  on  Lillooet  baskets  "tsEne'ka." 
She  had  heard  and  believed  that  these  droppers  were  imitations  of 
the  embroidered  flaps  wliich  the  people  formerly  wore  attached  to 
their  braids  of  hair.  The  flaps  were  usually  long  pieces  of  skin 
entirely  covered  with  embroidery  and  often  provided  with  pendants. 
They  were  worn  on  a  level  with  the  ears  or  a  little  below,  one  at  each 
side,  but  if  the  hair  was  divided  into  three  parts  another  tsEne'ka 
was  attached  to  the  braid  wliich  hung  down  the  back.  Men  some- 
times stuck  feathers  in  them.^ 

'  See  Teit,  "The  Shuswap"  (fig.  231). 


442  COILED    BASKETRY   IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  [eth.ann.41 

No.  14.  Kaukuwa'tko  (Sage-Brush-Water)  had  grown  up  among 
the  Nicola  at  Potato  Gardens  and  belonged  to  that  band.  vShe  was 
about  55,  and  ever  smce  she  was  a  young  girl  she  had  made  baskets  at 
the  rate  of  two  or  three  every  year.  On  the  whole  her  baskets  were 
of  medium  size,  although  she  sometimes  produced  large  pieces  or 
some  of  the  small  bowl  varieties. 

Kaukuwa'tko  made  no  zigzag  or  net  patterns  because  she  con- 
sidered it  very  difficult  to  space  them  properly  and  to  make  all  the 
parts  of  equal  size.  Even  when  they  were  satisfactory,  to  her  mind 
they  did  not  create  any  better  effect  than  other  patterns,  and  when 
badly  made  they  were  considerably  worse.  The  patterns  she  did 
make  are  to  be  seen  in  Sketches  66,  157,  in  two  or  three  arrangements, 
176  single,  215,  218,  244,  254,  284,  288,  289,  303,  311,  330,  391,  427, 
440,  444,  584,  616,  804,  and  a  few  others. 

Plates:  12,  c;  23,  d;  24,  h;  25,  a;  25,  h;  25,  c;  28,  e;  34,  a;  37,  a; 
37,  c;  38,  d;  41,  d;  43,  c;  49,  l;  also  A.  M.  N.  H.  16/1044;  16/4620. 

According  to  Kaukuwa'tko  sketch  No.  330  is  a  dentalia  design. 
Those  seen  in  Plato  37,  a-c,  are  old  designs  in  bead  embroidery.  All 
of  these  Kaukuwa'tko  had  made  arranged  in  long  lines,  as  well  as  the 
same  combinations  that  appear  on  the  baskets  in  Plates  38,  d,  and 
49,  /,  which  were  very  common.  She  did  not  know  why  the  com- 
bination of  these  particular  elements  was  so  customary  but  thought 
that  it  was  due  to  habit  and  because  the  women  thought  them 
attractive.  The  "mula"  design  was  pointed  out  in  Plate  25,  c,  the 
"small  star"  in  47,  d,  a  flower  in  Plate  28,  e,  and  the  "foot"  design 
in  Plate  12,  c. 

No.  15.  Mary  and  her  parents  belonged  to  the  Stlaxai'ux  division. 
She  was  45  years  old  and  had  spent  her  life  in  the  Stlaxai'ux  locality. 
She  had  been  taught  basketwork  at  a  very  early  age  by  the  older 
women  of  her  family,  including  grandmother,  mother,  and  mother's 
sisters,  and  had  specialized  in  medium  sizes  of  all  shapes,  but  par- 
ticularly in  burden  and  circular  baskets.  Of  the  last  she  had  also 
made  some  smaller  specimens.  She  was  still  completing  from  one  to 
three  every  year.  Her  artistic  tastes  are  represented  by  Sketches  68 
257,  288,  292,  434,  504. 

Plates:  7,  c;  9,  6;  11,  a;  12,  a;  12,  I;  14,  e;  16,  a;  18,  I;  24,  e;  24,  g; 
24,  Ji;  27,  g;  33,  c;  34,  a;  37,  a;  37,  6;  37,  c;  37,  e;  38,  c;  39,  a;  39,  h; 
43,  d;  46,  a;  56,  d;  56,  e;  58,  a;  fig.  122,  26;  also  A.  M.  N.  H. 
16/1269;   16/1271;   16/4581;   16/4640;  16/5915;   16/9236;   16/9630. 

According  to  Mary's  account  many  old  Stlaxai'ux  designs  were 
very  similar  to  or  even  identical  with  Lytton  patterns.  Those  of 
the  Upper  Lillooet  resembled  more  the  designs  used  by  the  Lower 
Lillooet  than  those  in  vogue  among  the  Stlaxai'ux  and  Lytton,  but 
they  all  were  very  much  alike.  The  dissimilarity  between  the  art 
of  the  Lower  Lillooet   and  the  Lytton  was  least  marked.     Each 


BOAS]  APPENDIX  443 

group  had  been  considerably  influenced  by  the  work  of  other  groups 
in  a  more  or  less  direct  way,  the  Stlaxai'ux  by  the  Lillooet,  while 
the  upper  bands  of  the  Lillooet  gained  ideas  from  the  Stlaxai'ux 
and  the  Thompson.  The  Lower  Thompson  and  Lower  Lillooet  had 
a  number  of  similar  patterns  which  were  not  used  by  the  ancient 
Lytton  people  farther  up  the  river. 

Long  ago  all  the  Lillooet  used  beading  very  extensively,  much 
more,  in  fact,  than  the  Thompson,  and  in  greater  varieties  of  patterns. 
They  also  were  more  fond  of  "fly"  patterns,  and  up  to  the  present 
time  still  produce  larger  nimibers  of  these  than  do  the  Thompson. 
(Tills  statement  is  borne  out  by  the  facts,  as  an  examination  of  the 
baskets  shows.)  The  false  embroidery  made  by  the  Lillooet  was 
never  made  by  the  Thompson.  When  asked  about  the  Shuswap 
work,  of  which  so  little  knowledge  is  extant,  as  well  as  regarding  the 
Chilcotin,  she  could  give  no  information,  although  apparently  well 
versed  in  the  history  of  the  work  in  her  immediate  region. 

No.  16.  Louise,  aged  40,  also  belonged  to  the  Stlaxai'ux  division, 
but  her  parents  were  connected  with  the  Styne  Creek  and  Upper 
Lillooet.  The  history  of  her  basket  making  is  practically  the  same 
as  Mary's.  She  had  made  a  number  of  sizes  and  shapes,  but  most 
of  her  pieces  had  been  oblong  or  circular.  She  made  medium-sized 
burden  baskets.  Although  she  was  not  as  engrossed  in  the  occupa- 
tion as  formerly,  she  still  continued  to  practice  it  occasionally.  Her 
designs  were  those  given  in  Sketches  24,  60,  68,  75,  433,  440,  and 
462,  arranged  perpendicularly. 

Plates:  7,  c;  8,  d;  12,  h;  14,  a;  15,  h;  16,  h;  19,  a  (both  designs); 
22,  a;  22,  c;  24,  e;  24,  Ti;  28,  c;  28,  d;  29,  h;  32,  h;  32,  c;  33,  c;  34,  a; 
35,  a;  37,  e;  39,  h;  43,  c;  43,  d;  46,  a;  55,  d;  56,  e;  57,  a;  also  A.  M.  N.  H. 
16/1273;  16/1353;  16/4641;  16/4964;  16/5905;  16/5906;  16/9236; 
16/9628;   16/9629. 

She  also  made  a  design  called  "leg"  or  "hooked,"  which  is  given 
in  Figure  122,  26. 

No.  17.  Ex'tko  (Scratched  or  Incised  Water)  was  an  old  woman 
about  75,  who  was  born  and  brought  up  among  the  Lytton  Band. 
Her  parents  also  came  from  the  locality  of  Lytton  and  Spences 
Bridge.  Like  most  of  the  other  informants,  basketry  had  been  a 
lifelong  occupation  with  her  and  she  had  made  nearly  all  the  shapes. 
At  the  time  she  was  interviewed  she  was  still  making  several  every 
year. 

Her  designs  she  identified  with  the  sketches  whose  numbers  are 
given  below,  but  the  basket  photographs  were  not  shown  to  her. 

Slcefches:  8,  13,  14,  22,  elongated,  24,  31,  36,  63,  72,  83,  85,  86,  141, 
188,  191, 202, 204,  206,  225,  226,  245,  246,  249,  252,  257,  266,  288,  289, 
292,  293,  301,  307,  308,  352,  378,  399,  400,  412,  426,  462-464,  484,  489, 
520,  700,  766,  791. 


444  COILED   BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  [ETn.ANN.4l 

She  also  made  practically  all  of  the  beading  designs  shown  in 
Figures  42  and  43. 

No.  18.  Mrs.  John  also  lived  at  Lytton.  Her  parents  were  Lytton 
and  Upper  Uta'mqt.  They  were  also  connected  with  auother  group, 
that  of  Kanaka  Bar.  When  she  was  a  mere  chUd  Mrs.  John  made 
her  first  basket,  but  later  she  dropped  the  art  almost  entirely.  At 
about  the  age  of  30  her  interest  was  again  aroused  and  during  the  six 
years  previous  to  her  conversation  with  Mr.  Teit  she  had  made  a 
great  many  and  had  become  a  specialist  in  fancy  baskets  and  also  pro- 
duced some  pieces  called  "fine  work" — that  is,  constructed  of  very 
fine  coils  and  sewing  splints.  She  had  made  a  great  variety  of  shapes 
and  in  some  years  had  completed  as  many  as  10  or  12  baskets,  mostly 
of  small  or  medium  si7>e.  She  had  very  seldom  used  the  same  design 
twice.  Those  she  had  employed  she  identified  with  Sketches  22, 
elongated,  36,  42,  63,  74,  75,  78,  86,  88,  121,  131,  161,  169,  179, 
212,  225,  231,  245,  252,  254,  278,  281,  315,  316,  357,  380,  388,  392, 
393,  410,  447,  451,  476,  478,  480,  497,  547,  591,  682,  685,  697,  704, 
714,  nearly  like  716,  nearly  Uke  747,  nearly  like  798,  839,  858. 

There  are  no  data  for  this  informant  in  regard  to  the  designs 
which  appear  in  the  plates. 

No.  19.  Still  a  third  member  of  the  Lytton  Band  whose  parents 
had  also  always  dwelt  in  the  vicinity  was  Mrs.  William,  who  was  45 
years  old.  When  approached  for  information  she  was  concentrating 
her  attention  mostly  on  fancy  baskets  but  she  had  constructed  many 
shapes  and  at  least  from  three  to  five  or  even  more  every  year  since 
she  began  to  work  as  a  child.  The  designs  with  which  she  ornamented 
her  work  may  be  seen  in  Sketches  31,  42,  66,  68,  but  three  instead  of 
four  squares"wide,  72,  74,  75,  82,  141,  157,  222,  225-227,  244,  245, 
265,  278,  281,  288,  289,  293,  301,  307,  308,  315,  316,  320,  361,  369, 
393,  399,  400,  402,  423,  435,  which  she  called  a  patch  design,  451, 
464,  465,  468,  490,  519,  529,  584,  682,  697,  839. 

Plates:  7,  a;  8,  a;  8,  d;  11,  a;  12,  a;  12,  I;  14,  e;  18,  b;  21,  a  (all 
designs) ;  22,  d;  24,  c;  24,  h;  25,  b  (but  closer) ;  25,  c;  28,  e;  33,  c; 
34,  a;  35,  6;  37,  a;  37,  b;  37,  e;  39,  a;  39,  b;  39,  c;  46,  a;  47,  d;  50,  b 
(8,  a;  33,  c;  46,  a,  in  other  combinations) ;  also  A.  M.  N.  H.  16/1271; 
16/1353;  16/9150;  16/9628;   16/9629;   16/9630. 

No.  20.  The  parents  of  Mrs.  Tommy  were  of  the  Thompson  Band 
and  they,  as  weU  as  their  daughter,  had  always  lived  in  the  neighbor- 
hood. From  the  time  she  was  very  young  until  she  was  about  40, 
which  was  when  Mr.  Teit  saw  her,  she  had  been  making  baskets, 
although  more  or  less  spasmodically.  Some  years  she  made  none, 
others  from  one  to  several.  She  had  made  about  all  the  shapes,  but 
the  majority  of  her  pieces  had  been  circular  or  burden  baskets.  She 
noted  the  following:  Sketches  39,  48,  106,  107,  114,  132,  202,  204, 


BOAS)  APPENDIX  445 

212,  a  pattern  nearly  like  215,  217,  225,  245,  315,  316,  378,  380,  403, 
413,  a  design  nearly  like  415,  423,  424,  445,  472,  503,  504,  511,  and  a 
design  nearly  like  822. 

No.  21.  Mrs.  Billy  belonged  to  the  Nicola  division  and  had  always 
lived  near  Potato  Gardens  or  Petit  Creek.  Her  parents  and  grand- 
parents were  from  the  same  locality  or  from  Lytton,  although  some 
one  in  the  family  came  from  the  Okanagon  country.  When  Mrs. 
Billy  was  a  young  woman  she  had  learned  to  coil  baskets.  Most  of 
the  shapes  she  had  made  were  burden  or  circular  baskets,  but  from 
time  to  time  she  had  produced  others.  She  was  still  making  two  or 
three  a  year  at  the  age  of  50.  For  the  designs  she  used  see  Sketches 
10,  13,  62,  66,  114,  144,  201,  213,  217,  nearly  like  220,  225,  227,  245, 
246,  307,  315,  316,  319,  349,  351,  360,  368,  369,  374,  378,  382,  390- 
393,  423,  427,  441,  446,  454,  455,  473,  497,  610,  766,  nearly  like  773, 
nearly  like  820,  nearly  like  829. 

No.  22.  StI'xtko  (Spread-Out-Water)  was  a  Coldwater  woman  whose 
relatives  were  from  Boston  Bar  and  neighboring  bands.  From  the 
time  she  was  very  young  until  47  Sti'xtko  had  made  a  number  of 
baskets  and  was  still  producing  two  or  more  every  year.  She  had 
tried  various  shapes  and  many  sizes  but  chiefly  made  burden  baskets. 
She  had  lived  among  the  Upper  Uta'mqt  and  Nicola. 

Her  designs  she  identified  from  Sketches  9,  11,  12,  13,  22  elongated, 
63,  176,  188,  198,  212,  225,  226,  231,  247,  267,  268,  272,  281,  303, 
307,  402,  406,  417,  446,  456,  472,  493,  494,  519,  584,  604,  615,  a  design 
nearly  like  754,  839. 

Considerable  information  was  obtained  from  StI'xtko,  however, 
about  the  interpretations  of  designs  which  she  saw  in  the  photo- 
graphs. "Arrowhead"  designs,  according  to  her,  may  be  seen  on 
the  baskets  in  the  frontispiece  and  Plate  12,  b,  on  the  end  of  the 
basket  on  Plates  33,  b;  37, a,  b,  d,  e;  39,  a.  An  old  "blanket"  design 
is  that  in  Plate  16,  a;  another  may  be  seen  in  Figure  82. 

The  "Cross"  appears  in  Plate  25,  a;  the  real  "grave  box"  or 
luka  design  she  declared  was  that  on  the  side  of  the  basket  in  Plate 
5,  a;  variations  in  22,  d,  and  32,  c.  She  did  not  know  the  interpre- 
tation of  the  pattern  in  Plate  56,  b,  but  thought  it  might  be  a  vari- 
ation of  the  grave  box.  "Mouth"  patterns  are  shown  in  Plates  11, 
b;  29,  c;  57,  a,f. 

The  design  in  Plate  25,  c,  she  said  was  occasionally  called  a  "star," 
"cross,"  "spotted  cross"  or  "spotted  star,"  "cluster,"  "fly,"  or 
"bead."  The  pattern  is  generally  called  a  mula  or  "Indian  rice 
root"  representation.  A  part  of  a  "net"  design  was  discovered  in 
Plate  31,  a,  while  Figure  84  showed  it  entire. 


446  COILED   BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH   COLUMBIA  1eth.ann.41 

The  "notch"  ("bend,"  "bent  leg")  pattern  she  found  in  Plate 
12,  c,  the  "tump  line"  or  "pack  strap"  in  Plate  55,  a,  c. 

No.  23.  The  name  of  this  informant  was  evidently  not  obtained. 
She  was  of  Coldwater  affiliation;  her  parents  came  from  there  and 
relatives  in  the  family  were  Coldwater,  Upper  Uta'mqt  and  Thomp- 
son. The  informant  had  spent  part  of  her  32  years  among  the  Cold- 
water  and  had  made  baskets  since  she  was  very  young,  a  number  of 
shapes,  but  mostly  medium-sized  burden  baskets,  of  which  she  was 
making  one  or  two  nearly  every  year.  The  designs  with  which  she 
ornamented  these  are  given  in  Sketches  14,  43,  74,  88,  179,  186,  187, 

197,  212,  223(?),  225-227,  245,  252,  257,  303,  315,  nearly  like  330, 
365,  435,  445,  479,  520,  547,  584,  nearly  like  715,  785,  790,  845. 

No.  24.  Mrs.  Louis  was  raised  among  the  Upper  Uta'mqt  and 
belonged  to  that  band.  Her  parents  came  from  North  Bend  and 
Boston  Bar  bands.  At  45  Mrs.  Louis  was  still  making  four  or  five 
baskets  every  year  and  said  that  she  had  been  engaged  in  the  work 
since  childhood.  Although  she  had  not  pretended  to  spocialiazc  in 
any  particular  kind  and  had  tried  her  hand  at  all  of  thom,  she  had 
made  a  great  many  fancy  baskets,  which  she  had  adorned  with  the 
designs  seen  in  Sketches  14,  74,  79,  82,  87,  nearly  like  103,  108,  111, 

198,  nearly  like  208,  222,  225,  232,  244,  245,  247,  248,  257,  265,  274, 
278,  298,  332,  365,  380,  435,  488,  489,  504,  521,  525,  528,  537,  584, 
585,  nearly  like  639,  704,  717,  nearly  like  746,  747,  748,  798. 

No.  25.  Mrs.  Paul  was  a  member  of  the  Spuzzum  Band  of  the 
Lower  Uta'mqt  division.  Her  parents  were  from  the  same  locality 
and  Mrs.  Paul  was  raised  there.  She  was  at  least  67  years  old  when 
interviewed  and  since  she  had  begun  making  baskets  when  a  mere 
child  and  was  still  making  three  or  four  every  year,  during  her  life 
she  had  completed  a  great  many.  In  her  earlier  years  her  rate  of 
production  was  much  higher  but  she  said  she  was  not  able  to  do  as 
good  work  as  formerly.  She  had  made  all  of  the  old  shapes  and  even 
a  few  of  the  new  ones,  but  most  of  her  baskets  had  been  burden 
baskets.  Some  of  the  .stluk  and  burden  shapes  she  had  mado  had 
been  of  very  large  size.  Some  of  the  designs  which  Mrs.  Paul  had 
executed  are  to  be  seen  in  Sketches  79-81,  197,  198,  208,  240,  241, 
257,  292,  308,  382,  399,  400,  402,  518,  806,  and  a  number  of  others 
not  in  the  sketches. 

Plates:  8,  d;  9,  a;  9,  h;  12,  h;  14,  b;  14,  e;  18,  a;  22,  d;  24,  c  (not  in 
the  same  combination) ;  25,  a;  25,  c  (rarely) ;  28,  b;  28,  d;  34,  a;  37,  a; 
37,  b;  37,  d;  37,  e;  39,  a;  40,  b  (rarely) ;  55,  c;  57,  a;  also  A.  M.  N.  H. 
16/1044;  16/1273;  16/4581;  16/4620;  16/4640;  16/5905. 

It  will  be  remembered  that  No.  25,  Mrs.  Paul,  has  been  men- 
tioned a  number  of  times  throughout  the  book  as  being  particularly 


BOAS)  APPENDIX  447 

well  informed  about  her  craft  and  likewise  a  very  excellent  technician. 
Much  of  the  information  about  the  practices  of  the  basket  maker  was 
obtained  from  her. 

In  regard  to  the  structure  of  burden  baskets  she  said  that  she 
regulated  the  flare  and  rounding  entirely  by  eye.  The  uniformity  of 
the  coil  was  controlled  partly  by  eye  and  partly  by  touch.  If  the 
coil  became  enlarged  at  any  point  the  next  coil  was  reduced  where 
it  lay  over  the  irregularity  so  that  each  round  maintained  a  proper 
level.  In  many  designs  Mrs.  Paul  counted  her  stitches.  In  making 
a  design  like  that  shown  in  Figure  69  she  counted  the  stitches  which 
composed  the  blocks  but  not  those  in  the  intervening  spaces,  and 
therefore  each  block  conformed  to  a  standard  which  she  had  set. 
She  realized  that  some  stitches  would  be  slightly  wider  than  others, 
and  that  therefore  the  actual  length  of  the  figures  would  vary  some- 
what, but  that  this  Variation  was  scarcely  noticeable.  This  variation 
in  stitches  did,  however,  create  another  discrepancy  which  was  more 
troublesome,  for  the  resulting  figures  were  often  not  perfectly  rectan- 
gular. Owing  to  a  wider  sewing  splint  being  used  on  one  coil  or 
another,  or  on  account  of  the  lean  of  the  stitches  the  outline  might 
result  as  in  Figure  122,  28.  In  so  conspicuous  a  point  as  the  number 
of  coils  between  figures,  Mrs.  Paul  and  all  the  other  women  were 
very  careful  to  count,  but  the  vertical  alignment  was  effected  by 
eye.  She  tried  always  when  first  introducing  the  design  so  to  space 
the  figures  about  the  circumference,  on  the  sides  and  ends,  that  they 
would  be  approximately  equidistant  and  the  corners  not  too  bare. 
The  increasing  flare  caused  the  bare  corner  field  to  become  larger  at 
each  round  of  the  coil,  especially  when  the  decoration  was  in  vertical 
bands.  If  the  bareness  was  not  too  noticeable  she  never  used  "fill- 
ers." She  felt  that  if  the  vertical  stripes  were  properly  spaced  in  the 
beginning,  fillers  would  not  be  required.  It  was  the  custom  to  use 
for  the  filler  a  design  different  from  that  used  for  the  rest  of  the 
basket.  Occasionally  she  would  endeavor  to  adapt  the  bands  to 
the  shape  of  the  field,  wholly  by  eye,  when  the  result  would  appear 
as  in  Figure  122,  29.  With  small,  all-over  patterns  she  often  meas- 
ured in  the  beginning  with  a  splint  and  marks  as  described  by  No.  29, 
so  as  to  start  them  about  the  circumference  as  nearly  equidistant  as 
possible  and  she  also  counted  the  stitches,  both  those  in  the  designs 
and  those  in  the  intervening  spaces.  If  the  arrangement  was  scat- 
tered and  plenty  of  room  was  allowed  between  the  figures  she  pro- 
ceeded by  eye  only. 

Sometimes  when  making  a  design  such  as  a  vertical  stripe  sub- 
divided into  sections  of  a  given  height  it  became  necessary  to  accom- 
modate the  height  of  the  basket  to  the  design,  and  this  she  considered 
when  she  first  determined  the  approximate  height  of  the  walls.  Thus, 
if  two  figures,  for  instance,  had  been  completed  and  four  were  the 


448  COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  [eth.  ann.41 

proposed  number,  she  would  measure  down  to  the  bottom  of  the 
first  figure  from  the  coil  just  finish"id  and  then  invert  her  splint  in 
order  to  see  how  high  the  basket  must  be  to  include  the  fourth  figure 
and  whether  or  not  this  height  would  be  too  great  for  the  length  and 
width  of  the  basket  when  completed  with  the  proper  flare.  If  the 
height  appeared  correct,  then  she  would  continue  her  work  without 
more  ado,  but  if  she  discovered  that  a  proper  height  would  necessi- 
tate cutting  off'  part  of  the  top  figure  she  was  then  obliged  to  alter 
her  original  plans  and  make  the  basket  a  little  higher  than  it  should 
be  for  what  she  considered  correct  proportions. 

If  she  discovered  that  the  top  figure  would  have  to  come  above 
where  the  rim  really  should  be  and  the  introduction  of  four  figures 
would  make  the  basket  too  deep  for  the  other  proportions,  she  con- 
tented herself  with  three  figures.  If  a  few  intervening  coils  would 
be  left  between  the  completion  of  the  top  figure  and  the  rim,  she 
might  introduce  a  different  small  figure  to  fill  this  space,  or  if  she 
was  very  particular  about  the  height  and  there  was  not  room  for 
such  a  design  she  might  introduce  a  portion  of  the  elemental  figure. 
This,  she  said,  was  often  done. 

Mrs.  Paul  agreed  with  the  information  furnished  by  No.  29  in 
regard  to  designs.  In  addition,  she  discussed  some  others.  The 
chevron  design  (fig.  122,  30)  she  called  a  "broken  zigzag;"  Figure 
122,  31  and  32,  were  all  forms  of  the  "step"  design  or  "bent  end 
design  broken."  She  had  made  them  all,  and  also  a  variation  of  a 
common  design  (fig.  122,  33),  which  was  considered  by  her  to  look 
better  on  a  small  basket  than  one  with  three  complete  squares 
(fig.  122,  34)  if  there  was  not  room  for  any  more,  because  the  first 
figure  appeared  complete  in  itself,  while  the  second  seemed  cut  down 
to  suit  the  size  of  the  basket.  The  latter  was  called  "bent  and 
joined."  She  had  recently  made  a  variation  of  the  "mouth"  design 
(fig.  122,  35)  hi  black  lines  and  filled  the  partially  inclosed  square 
spaces  with .  white  imbrication.  Formerly  she  had  used  the  same 
pattern  in  a  vertical  serial  arrangement.  The  common  "mouth" 
design  was  a  nieander.  (Fig.  122,  36.)  Those  she  made  she  consid- 
ered fragments.  Patterns  she  called  "leaves"  she  made  either  in 
imbrication  or  beading.  She  also  made  variations  of  the  "cross" 
design. 

No.  26.  Annie  belonged  to  the  Lower  Uta'mqt  and  was  a  member 
of  the  Spuzzum  Band.  Her  parents  also  lived  there.  She  was  30 
years  old  but  had  made  only  a  very  few  baskets,  and  they  were  small 
and  of  fancy  shape.  She  had  made  rattles.  Tlie  ornamentation  on 
her  work  was  effected  as  often  by  beading  as  by  imbrication,  and 
this  was  true  even  of  the  rattles.  She  liked  basket  making  but 
had  very  little  time  for  it  since  she  had  too  much  housework  and  was 
busy  with  her  children. 


BOAS]  APPENDIX  449 

The  designs  she  made  she  recognized  in  Plate  34,  6;  A.  M.  N.  H. 
1 6/4620 ;  1 6/4863.     (She  also  made  the  beading  designs,  figs.  42  and  43.) 

No.  27.  Josephine  was  about  40  years  old  and  came  from  Spuzzum, 
where  her  people  also  lived.  She  did  not  specialize  in  any  kind  of 
baskets,  although  she  had  been  working  since  she  was  a  little  girl 
and  still  made  five  or  six  per  year.  Her  designs  may  be  seen  in 
Sketches  51,  60,  a  fly  design  resembling  68,  79,  80,  82,  87,  128,  132, 
136,  a  pattern  nearly  hke  205,  226,  246,  247,  272,  274,  275,  278,  281, 
a  design  something  hke  305,  315,  316,  several  varieties  of  399  and 
400,  451,  489,  518,  520,  584,  704,  729. 

The  frontispiece;  A.  M.  N.  H.  16/1044;  Figure  122,  37. 

She  also  made  a  "  tied  heads  "  design, "  fly  "  patterns  in  several  varie- 
ties in  bands  of  different  widths,  the  "dogwood  flower"  (fig.  122,  38), 
and  "leaf"  patterns  (fig.  122,  39),  "zigzag"  (fig.  122,  40),  "bent  end" 
(fig.  122,  41),  "grave  box"  (fig.  122,  42),  "butterfly"  (fig.  122,  43), 
"arrowhead"  (fig.  122,  44). 

No.  28,  a  member  of  the  Spuzzum  Band  of  the  Lower  Uta'mqt, 
was  about  25  years  old.  Her  name  is  not  given.  Her  people  had 
always  lived  at  Spuzzum.  Since  early  childhood  she  had  made  all 
kinds  and  sizes  of  baskets  and  still  continued  to  make  a  number 
every  year.  More  recently  she  had  centered  her  attention  on  fancy 
baskets.  Her  designs  are  given  in  Sketches  435,  690;  in  Plates  12,  b; 
23,  c;  32,  c;  33,  6;  43,  c,  d;  also  A.  M.  N.  H.  16/5913.  She  also  made 
several  varieties  of  "fly"  patterns.  She  called  all  check  patterns 
which  were  generally  known  as  "little  spot"  or  "bead"  (fig.  122, 
45),  "fly,"  "marked,"  or  "variegated."  She  said  they  were  also 
known  as  "berry"  patterns.     Figure  122,  46,  is  a  "garter  snake." 

No.  29.  Katie  was  brought  up  at  Spuzzum.  At  the  time  she  was 
interviewed  she  was  about  45  years  old.  Since  she  began  as  a  Uttle 
girl  she  had  made  all  kinds  of  basketry,  but  had  specialized  to  some 
extent  on  fancy  shapes  and  fine  work.  During  the  past  two  years  she 
had  not  been  able  to  do  any  work  owing  to  an  injured  hand,  but  her 
interest  in  the  art  had  not  waned  and  she  was  able  to  furnish  much 
interesting  and  valuable  information.  The  designs  she  made  are 
seen  in  Plates  7,  a;  12,  b;  14,  e;  22,  c;  24,  a  (middle  design);  25,  b; 
25,  c;  28,  d;  33,  c;  34,  a;  37,  c;  37,  e;  39,  a;  40,  6;  43,  d  (made  only 
when  she  was  young) ;  47,  d;  55,  h;  56,  d;  also  A.  M.  N.  H.  16/1044; 
16/1271;  16/1273;  16/4581;  16/4620;  16/4621;  16/4640;  16/9236; 
16/9628;  16/9630. 

Katie  called  chevrons  which  were  separated  and  arranged  in  vari- 
ous ways  "separated  zigzag."  She  had  made  some  of  them.  Sepa- 
rate diamond  patterns  were  "spot  here  and  there, "  of  which  she  had 
tried  several  variations.     That  in  Figure  54  she  called  "little  spots" 


450  COILED   BASKETRY   IN   BRITISH   COLUMBIA  [eth.ann.41 

but  identified  it  with  the  Lytton  or  Upper  Thompson  "mul a."  She 
had  made  it  but  declared  that  it  was  not  ancient  at  Spuzzvun.  Ac- 
cording to  tradition  it  had  been  borrowed  from  up  the  river.  The 
pattern  seen  in  Plate  40,  i,  was  not  made  at  Spuzzum  until  about 
1885,  when  her  sister  introduced  it,  having  copied  it  from  the 
printed  border  of  a  white  man's  handkercliief.  The  design  in  Figure 
65  was  said  to  be  very  old.  It  was  formerly  made  at  Spuzzum  but 
became  obsolete  and  she  had  forgotten  its  name.  Together  with  other 
Spuzzum  people  she  called  the  pattern  seen  in  Plate  47,  d,  a  "berry" 
design.  Figure  122,  46,  was  made  always  in  red  and  black  at  Spuz- 
zum and  was  known  as  "striped  snake."  If  made  with  white  instead 
of  red  some  people  would  think  it  was  a  dentalia  pattern,  which 
might  have  been  the  reason,  she  thought,  why  it  was  always  red  and 
black.     She  had  made  all  these  designs. 

Realistic  figures  were  very  rare  on  Spuzzum  basketry  long  ago  and 
very  few  were  being  made  when  Katie  was  interviewed.  Some 
people  tliink  there  were  none  formerly. 

In  regard  to  technique  she  was  well  informed.  She  usually  made 
the  height  of  the  basket  wall  equal  to  the  length  of  the  bottom,  and 
this  she  frequently  measured  by  spans,  the  finger  length,  the  distance 
between  joints,  and  the  finger  width.  If  she  measured  properly, 
either  with  her  hands  or  splints,  or  if  she  counted  her  stitches,  she 
could  always  obtain  uniform  designs  which  were  well  spaced  and 
balanced  and  no  filling  was  required.  She  had  never  found  it  neces- 
sary to  use  such  devices  and  preferred  not  to  do  so. 

She  had  the  whole  picture  of  her  design  clearly  in  mind  before 
starting  the  side  walls,  and  she  never  changed  it  once  it  was  begim. 
Such  patterns  as  the  "woven"  design  (pi.  32,  c)  were  very  difficult 
so  she  copied  them  from  sketches  until  half  completed  and  then 
used  the  finished  part  as  a  guide,  since  the  other  was  only  a  reverse. 
Occasionally  she  employed  other  baskets  as  models  when  copying. 
But  if  she  could  not  procure  the  baskets  she  relied  upon  her  memory 
or  made  a  sketch.  Long  ago,  before  the  whites  came,  women  often 
sketched  with  charcoal  on  birch  bark  the  designs  they  wished  to  copy, 
and  more  rarely  they  planned  out  new  ones  on  bark  or  smooth  pieces 
of  wood.  Men  also  drew  designs  to  work  by  when  carving  or  incising 
on  wood. 

Katie  and  her  sister  and  aU  careful  workers  measured  their  designs 
with  a  loose  piece  of  splint  when  starting  them  so  as  to  place  them 
properly  about  the  circumference.  Equidistant  arrangements  seemed 
best  to  them.  They  measured  aroimd  with  the  splint  and  marked 
those  points  where  they  were  to  start  the  designs  by  inserting  into 
the  coil  little  pieces  of  splint  about  half  an  inch  long.  If  they  found 
the  arrangement  would  not  work  out  evenly  they  shifted  the  measure- 
ments and  markers  until  it  did.     If  they  trusted  only  to  the  eye  they 


boas]  appendix  451 

seldom  obtained  equidistant  arrangements  and  the  last  design  came 
out  too  close  to  the  first;  also  defects  became  more  glaring  as  the 
work  advanced.  Some  women  did  not  seem  to  care  about  this,  but 
most  of  them  considered  it  ugly,  even  some  who  would  not  take  the 
trouble  to  measure  carefuUy  but  were  content  with  approximate 
spacing.  A  few  made  a  rough  estimate  of  the  distances  by  measuring 
with  the  fingers  and  then  measured  backward  from  each  point  where 
a  pattern  was  inserted  to  see  if  the  right  distances  were  being  main- 
tained. When  once  all  were  started,  no  further  attention  was  paid 
to  this  point. 

According  to  this  informant,  bottoms  of  flat  coils  or  wooden  slats 
are  all  of  late  introduction,  and  were  copied  from  Lillooet  work. 
They  were  considered  inferior  in  appearance,  strength,  and  dura- 
bility by  the  Thompson  but  were  employed  by  some  women  because 
it  required  less  time  to  make  them.     Katie  had  never  used  them. 

Ring  coils  were  formerly  unknown,  at  least  at  Spuzzimi,  but  later 
became  common.  They  were  introduced  by  her  sister  about  1890 
when  she  was  making  a  very  fine  basket  to  order  for  a  white  man. 
She  finished  the  rim  with  a  ring  and  it  was  not  long  until  others 
copied  her  idea. 

No  basketry  trays  or  spoons  were  made  there  long  ago,  and  the 
only  unusual  shapes  were  cups  and  rattles. 

There  was  not  much  mystery  attached  to  dream  designs  and  prob- 
ably most  of  them  were  not  really  connected  with  guardian  spirits. 
Katie  thought  that  women  were  naturally  thinking  much  about  the 
designs  which  they  intended  to  make,  and  consequently  sometimes 
dreamed  of  them.  When  a  woman  dreamed  a  design  and  used  it, 
other  women  readily  copied  it  if  they  liked  it  without  fear  and  with- 
out asking  permission.  All  the  women  copied  one  another's  designs, 
more  or  less,  some  exactly,  others  purposely  altering  the  details. 

No.  30.  Mrs.  York,  aged  50,  had  also  made  baskets  ever  since  she 
was  a  very  small  girl.  She  and  her  parents  lived  at  Spuzzum.  She 
was  still  producing  a  number  of  baskets  every  year  and  had  fashioned 
all  kinds  of  shapes.  She  said  that  she  had  made  almost  every  design 
known  to  the  tribe,  which  included  many  varieties  of  "arrowhead," 
"zigzag,"  "packstrap,"  "blanket,"  "step,"  "mouth,"  "grave  box," 
"leaf,"  "fern,"  "butterfly,"  "flower,"  "berry,"  "fly,"  "cross," 
"stripe"  designs,  etc.,  perhaps  over  a  hundred  in  all.*  Occasionally 
Mrs.  York  used  the  same  pattern  on  more  than  one  basket,  but 
she  preferred  to  try  new  designs  and  combinations  which  she  might 
see  on  baskets  made  by  other  women.     When  she  copied  patterns 

'  Since  the  sketches  of  Thompson  designs  include  about  800,  it  would  seem  that  even  those  women  who 
are  best  informed  on  the  art  possess,  after  all,  but  a  slight  idea  of  its  range.  It  might  be  argued  that  Mrs. 
York's  idea  of  100  was  perhaps  vague,  a£  in  the  sense  of  "many." 


452  COILED    BASKETRY   IN   BRITISH   COLUMBIA  [eth.ann.41 

she  frequently  varied  them  from  the  original.  She  had  invented 
a  number  which  she  had  thought  out  little  by  little  until  the  whole 
idea  was  complete  in  her  mind  before  she  executed  it.  Sometimes 
she  discovered  afterwards  that  the  same  or  a  similar  idea  had  been 
worked  out  elsewhere.  She  was  of  the  opinion  that  now  it  was  very- 
hard  to  invent  a  really  new  design. 

Mrs.  York  differed  from  some  of  the  other  women  in  the  interpre- 
tations of  a  few  designs.  Some  variants  of  "little  spot"  and  "bead" 
she  called  "berry."  Those  composed  of  a  row  of  dots  or  checks 
inclosed  in  parallel  lines  she  said  might  also  be  termed  "variegated" 
or  "marked,"  while  the  real  "fly"  design  is  always  in  bands  several 
stitches  or  coils  in  ^vidth  with  the  corners  of  the  checks  touching 
one  another. 

These  30  informants  were  of  the  first  group  interviewed  by  Mr. 
Teit  and  it  will  be  seen  that  they  are  quite  representative  of  the  tribe 
in  many  ways,  such  as  locality,  training,  aptitude,  general  information 
and  interest  in  the  subject.  Mr.  Teit  makes  the  following  explana- 
tion concerning  the  lack  of  data  furnished  by  some  of  them:  "When 
interviewing  I  did  not  have  the  sketches  with  me  to  show  to  Nos. 
29  and  30.  I  did  not  have  the  photographs  with  me  to  show  to 
Nos.  17,  18,  20,  21,  22,  23,  24.  Nos.  7,  12,  13,  15,  16,  28,  and  some 
others  could  not  understand  the  sketches  well  or  could  not  see  them 
on  account  of  bad  eyesight,  therefore  I  have  noted  only  a  few  numbers 
which  they  recognized.  In  no  case  do  the  sketches  and  photographs 
given  represent  absolutely  all  the  designs  made  by  the  informant. 
Nearly  all  the  women  have  made  many  more  designs  than  those  they 
could  recognize  from  the  drawings  and  pictures." 

The  remaining  five  informants  were  interviewed  subsequently  and 
not  as  thoroughly  as  the  original  30. 

No.  31.  CEma'nxa  (Tobacco)  was  a  halfbreed  belonging  to  the 
Nicola  division.  Her  father  was  French,  her  mother  Upper  Uta'mqt. 
Csma'nxa  was  about  52  years  old.  Occasionally,  since  she  was  a 
young  girl,  she  had  made  baskets,  but  there  were  years  when  she  had 
produced  none.  She  had  never  learned  to  imbricate,  therefore  some 
of  her  baskets  were  bare,  while  others  were  ornamented  simply  with 
beading.  Some  of  the  latter  variety  she  had  completely  covered 
with  beading,  but  the  design  she  most  often  used  consisted  of  narrow 
horizontal  lines  which  encircled  the  basket  walls  some  distance  apart. 

No.  32.  Sesua  (Little  Friend?)  came  from  the  Nicola  band  at  Potato 
Gardens  but  was  also  related  to  the  Thompson.  She  was  46  years 
old.  When  a  young  woman  she  had  made  only  birch-bark  baskets 
and  woven  articles,  such  as  matting,  but  when  about  40  years  old 
she  began  to  construct  coiled  ware  and  liked  the  work.  She  never 
experienced  much  difficulty  with  the  technique  and  considered  her 


BOAS]  APPENDIX  453 

first  piece  fairly  good.  When  she  saw  Mr.  Teit  she  was  able  to  do 
very  nice  work.  Only  a  few  women  at  Potato  Gardens  and  Spences 
Bridge  made  baskets  when  she  was  young,  for  the  real  centers  for 
the  industry  were  down  the  river  from  Thompson  Siding.  The 
majority  of  the  women  of  the  Thompson  Band  were  engaged  in 
the  occupation,  however,  wliile  most  of  the  people  east  of  them  con- 
structed birch-bark  utensils  and  bought  their  coiled  ware.  Sesua 
had  made  several  baskets  each  year  since  she  began  and  identified 
some  of  her  designs  in  the  following  plates  and  figures : 

Plates:  8,  d;  9,  h;  14,  e;  IS,  a;  25,  c;  28,  h;  35,  a;  35,  d;  37,  c; 
55,  I;  56,  a;  58,  a;  also  A.  M.  N.  H.  16/1044;  16/1269;  and  one 
"flower"  design.     She  had  also  made  a  number  of  diamond  variations. 


Fig.  122a. — Patterns  made  by  Informant  No.  32. 

No.  33.  Rosie,  aged  about  38,  was  a  member  of  the  N.ka'ia  Band 
of  the  Lytton  division.  She  recognized  a  number  of  designs  she  had 
made  in  plates:  Frontispiece;  11,  a;  11,  h;  14,  h;  14,  e;  22,  d;  24,  6; 
24,  /;  25,  a;  25,  c;  25,  d;  28,  d;  28,  e;  28,  h;  29,  h;  31,  a;  35,  a; 
37,  a;  37,  I;  37,  c;  37,  e;  38,  c;  38,  d;  39,  a;  39,  6;  39,  c;  40,  h; 
40,  c;  43,  c;  43,  d;  46,  d;  49,/;  55,  c;  55,  h;  58,  a;  also  A.  M.  N.  H. 
16/1044;  16/1045;  16/1271;  16/4581;  16/4620;  16/4644;  16/5905; 
16/8000;  16/8733;  16/8738;  16/9150;  16/9151;  16/9171;  16/9236; 
16/9281;  16/9628;  and  color  plates  16/4611;  16/4891;  16/5906;  bead- 
ing as  in  Figures  42  and  43. 

No.  34  was  a  friend  and  neighbor  of  No.  33.  They  often  made 
baskets  together  and  planned  new  and  striking  designs  with  which 
to  outdo  their  fellow-workers.  They  also  copied  each  other's  designs. 
The  name  of  No.  34  was  Suzanna.  She  was  27  years  old.  From  the 
photographs  she  recognized  designs  similar  to  those  she  had  made  in 
plates:  Frontispiece;  11,  a;  14,  a;  14,  h;  14,  e;  16,  a;  22,  d;  23,  c; 
24,  I;  24,  /;  25,  a;  25,  c;  25,  d;  27,  g;  28,  d;  28,  e;  28,  h;  35,  a; 
37,  a;  37,  c;  39,  I;  39,  c;  40,  I;  40,  c;  43,  c;  43,  d;  46,  d;  49,  /; 
55,  c;  56,  d;  57,  c;  also  A.  M.  N.  H.  16/1044;  16/1045;  16/4581; 
16/4620;  16/4621;  16/4644;  16/5905;  16/8000;  16/8733;  16/9150; 
16/9151;   16/9236;   16/9281;   16/9628. 

Sometimes  she  used  the  initials  of  the  names  of  women  and  the 
date,  such  as  the  year  when  the  basket  was  completed. 


454  COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  [eth.  ann.41 

No.  35  (Rosia  Hannah)  was  about  26  years  old.  She  belonged  to 
the  Kanaka  Band  of  the  Upper  Uta'mqt  division  and  began  making 
baskets  when  a  very  little  girl.  Some  years  she  produced  as  many  as 
five  or  six,  in  others  not  more  than  two.  She  has  never  used  any 
beading  like  that  the  Lillooet  made  and  said  none  of  the  Kanaka  did. 
She  had  made  baby  carriers.  Her  designs  may  be  seen  in  plates: 
Frontispiece;  5,  a;  11,  a;  12,  a;  14,  a;  18,  d;  22,  d;  23,  c;  24,  a; 
24,  c;  25,  a;  28,  d;  28,  1i;  35,  a;  37,  c;  37,  d;  38,  d;  39,  a;  39,  6; 
43,  c;  46,  a;  46,  d;  46,  e;  47,  d;  49,/;  56,  d;  57,  c;  57,  d;  58,  a;  also 
A.  M.  N.H.  16/1044;  16/1045;  16/4620;  16/5887;  16/8002;  16/8733; 
16/9151;  16/9236;   16/9628. 

Figures:  13,  wliich  is  a  variation  of  a  star  design  the  original  of 
which  had  a  small  cross  below  as  well  as  above. 

Results  Obtained  from   Data   Concerning  the   Informants  ' 

The  information  relating  to  the  informants  is,  perhaps,  not  as  full 
as  might  be  desired.  It  does  not  seem  likely  that  the  data  in  regard 
to  designs  given  by  each  of  the  informants  are  complete.  Further- 
more, the  distinctions  made  between  similar  designs  are  not  all  of 
the  same  order.  Some  women  considered  desigas  with  a  slight  dif- 
ferentiation of  arrangement  or  color  as  entirely  distinct,  even  as  new 
inventions,  while  others  seem  to  have  disregarded  minor  differences. 

It  is  hardly  possible  to  determine  from  the  data  in  hand  any 
characteristic  difference  in  distribution  of  design  elements  over  the 
area  inhabited  by  the  Thompson  Indians.  It  might  seem  that  the 
designs  from  Lytton,  in  the  center  of  the  area,  are  more  varied  than 
any  others,  but  it  so  happens  that  the  basket  weavers  of  this  region, 
who  were  questioned,  were  particularly  skillful.  Taking  the  region 
as  a  whole  and  all  the  individuals  questioned,  certain  designs  were 
claimed  by  each  woman  to  be  made  only  by  her,  while  others  she 
had  in  common  with  one  or  more  other  individuals.  Counting  the 
total  amoimt  of  designs  which  were  made  in  common  with  other 
individuals,  one  or  more,  we  find  that  about  one-eighth  of  all  the 
designs  are  clahned  as  made  by  one  person  only.  There  are,  how- 
ever, very  great  differences.  For  instance,  we  find  that  designs  of 
No.  19  occur  one  hundred  and  twenty  times  in  common  with  other 
individuals,  while  she  has  only  two  that  she  claims  as  belonging  to 
her  alone.  On  the  other  hand,  we  find  that  the  designs  of  No.  21 
occur  sixty-seven  times  with  other  individuals,  while  she  claims 
nineteen  as  her  own.  Similar  conditions  prevail  for  Nos.  20  and  22, 
for  whom  the  respective  numbers  of  designs  held  in  common 
and  alone  are  fifty-one  and  eleven,  and  fifty-five  and  fourteen. 
This  may  indicate  a  strong  individuality  for  the  women  who  have 

'  By  Helen  H.  Roberts. 


BOAS]  APPENDIX  455 

a  groat  many  designs  as  their  own  and  a  lack  of  inventive  genius 
on  the  part  of  No.  19,  who  laas  only  a  very  few  belonging  to  her. 
No.  27  also  has  only  a  very  few  designs  of  her  own.  For  her  the 
occurrences  in  common  with  other  individuals  are  seventy-eight, 
while  she  mentions  only  three  as  her  own. 

The  most  common  forms  which  belong  to  the  whole  area  are 
triangles,  particularly  arranged  in  vertical  series,  and  checkerwork. 

In  the  following  I  give  some  data  relating  to  the  individual  makers. 

No.  1  of  Spences  Bridge  made  a  great  many  varieties  of  checker- 
work  patterns  and  a  surprising  number  of  step,  cloud,  or  mountain 
designs,  both  upright  and  inverted.  Sketches  204  and  496  are  good 
examples.  She  maile  a  number  of  ladder  designs,  both  framed  and 
unframed,  in  vertical  and  oblique  sequence,  as  well  as  a  vertical 
series  of  whole  triangles.  These  pointed  either  up  or  down.  She 
had  a  vertical  series  of  whole  triangles  and  another  divided  into  two 
halves  by  a  white  line,  both  pointing  down,  and  a  series  of  framed 
diamonds  of  alternating  colors,  and  the  odd  figures  seen  in  Sketches 
700  and  701,  but  a  Lytton  woman  also  made  700.  There  are  not 
many  designs  used  by  No.  1  which  were  not  made  by  women  at 
various  points  down  the  river. 

No.  2,  although  the  daughter  of  No.  1,  did  not  seem  to  share  with 
her  many  designs,  and  those  they  both  used  included  very  common 
examples  such  as  the  plain,  single  solid  triangle,  point  up;  the  vertical 
series  of  plain  triangles  points  do\vn,  the  one-line  zigzag  composed 
of  horizontal  and  vertical  sections,  the  step  or  cloud  pattern  in  its 
simplest  form,  two  checker  patterns  and  a  vertical  stripe  with  diagonal 
lines  running  from  side  to  side,  called  "twisted."  Only  one  has 
been  noted  which  was  made  by  No.  2  alone  (Sketch  568) ;  wliile  she 
made  several  in  common  with  Nos.  3  and  6  of  the  same  band,  designs 
that  were  also  knowTi  at  Nicola,  Lytton,  and  Spuzzum.  The  pat- 
terns of  No.  2  covered  a  much  wider  range  of  variation  than  those 
made  by  her  mother.     She  did  not  seem  to  prefer  any  particular  type. 

The  designs  of  the  Spences  Bridge  women  and  similar  ones  encoun- 
tered in  other  bands  do  not  necessarily  indicate  that  the  women  knew 
one  another.  For  instance,  No.  1  from  Spences  Bridge  made  a  great 
many  designs  in  common  with  Nos.  17  and  18  from  Lytton.  All  three 
produced  many  baskets  and  designs.  They  were  probably  much 
interested  in  the  subject  and  familiar  with  most  of  the  patterns  on 
baskets  in  their  own  locality  and  on  those  of  other  neighborhoods 
that  they  happened  to  see. 

No.  3,  Spences  Bridge,  was  fond  of  crosses  or  "stars"  and  zigzags 
of  all  sorts,  but  especially  horizontal  and  vertical  zigzags  composed  of 
oblique  sections.  A  number  of  designs  given  in  the  sketches  seem  to 
have  been  made  only  by  her.  These  are  115,  116,  119,  171,  varieties 
of  zigzags,  and  328,  340,  341,  501,  and  627,  all  of  which  are  rather 
53666°— 28 30 


456  COILED    BASKETRY   IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  tETH.ANN.41 

unusual  and  diverse.  The  others  include  a  large  number  of  zigzags, 
"net,"  "Indian  rice  root,"  and  other  orcUnary  checker  patterns,  two 
"stars,"  and  the  "ladder"  designs  144  and  361,  both  of  which  are  rare. 

Informants  Nos.  4  and  5,  Spences  Bridge,  were  a  young  woman  and 
her  mother.  The  latter  made  very  few  baskets.  The  daughter's 
designs  corresponding  to  the  sketches  were  not  obtained. 

No.  6,  Spences  Bridge,  also  made  zigzag,  checker,  and  a'rrowhead 
patterns  which  were  used  by  the  three  preceding  women,  and  at 
Lytton,Spuzzum,and  Nicola.  She  apparently  invented  those  shown 
in  Sketches  7,  16,  30,  and  527;  at  least  they  were  not  made  by  any  of 
the  women  who  saw  the  sketches.  There  arc  no  designs  common  to 
all  of  the  Spences  Bridge  women,  but  each  woman  made  several 
which  were  also  applied  to  the  work  of  other  women  in  the  settlement. 

Since  Nos.  8  and  11,  both  of  Spences  Bridge,  were  practically  blind, 
they  could  not  identify  their  designs,  so  no  study  of  their  work  was 
possible.     AU  available  information  about  them  has  been  given  above. 

No.  7  was  a  Lytton  woman  whose  work  was  evidently  of  the  simplest 
order.  Her  designs  were  composed  of  single  oblique  lines,  hooks,  or 
crooks,  the  Y  figure  (592)  known  as  part  of  a  grave  box,  which  none 
of  the  other  women  made,  the  plain  single  triangle  and  a  bead  design 
of  three  checks  in  different  colors.  She  could  not  see  the  sketches 
well,  so  only  a  few  of  her  patterns  were  noted,  but  none  of  them  are 
at  all  pretentious. 

No.  9  at  Lytton  saw  only  the  photographs.  From  those  she  recog- 
nized as  designs  she  had  made,  it  is  clear  that  she  was  fond  of  chevrons 
and  eight-pointed  stars.  Many  that  she  identified  were  on  trays, 
and  inasmuch  as  they  are  there  in  radial  arrangement  and  might 
appear  quite  different  when  applied  to  burden  baskets,  it  is  possible 
that  she  constructed  a  number  of  these  forms.  Several  patterns, 
including  white  squares  outlined  in  black,  were  among  those  recognized 
by  her.  She  was  much  more  progressive  than  No.  7,  for  her  patterns 
were  numerous,  varied,  and  complicated,  partly  due  to  the  fact  that 
she  seldom  duplicated  a  design,  preferring  to  try  variations. 

Nos.  17,  18,  and  19  also  belonged  to  Lytton  and  for  the  purpose  of 
convenient  comparison  will  be  discussed  here. 

No.  17  found  forty-six  different  designs  among  the  sketches  which 
she  had  tried.  Ten  were  not  claimed  by  any  of  the  other  informants 
who  saw  them.  They  are  quite  varied.  One  is  realistic,  a  deer  (791) ; 
two  are  zigzag  in  horizontal  arrangement  (83,  85) ;  one  is  a  mouth 
design  in  vertical  series  (191);  there  is  a  vertical  string  of  beads 
(484) ;  a  vertical  series  of  arrowheads,  points  do'wn,  framed  in  a  strijie 
(249) ;  some  triangles  so  arranged  horizontally  on  either  side  of  a  line 
that  no  two  are  opposite  each  other,  while  the  points  of  adjoining 
rows  dovetail  (266).  She  also  made  the  pattern  shown  in  Sketch 
206,  a  notched  star,  and  some  figures  composed  of  isolated  squares 


BOAS)  APPENDIX  457 

(352)  or  triangles,  which  were  called  "beads,"  "flies,"  or  a  "star," 
according  to  the  arrangement.  Of  the  remaining  thirty-six,  some  of 
which  were  common,  such  as  Sketches  225,  245,  257,  thirteen  were 
arrowhead  patterns  in  a  variety  of  groupings — single,  plain,  and 
subdivided  vertically  by  a  change  of  color  into  two  sections;  vertical 
series,  jioints  dowii,  in  plain  color  or  with  a  rhythm  of  three  consecu- 
tive colors;  or  plain  and  light  framed  on  a  dark  stripe.  There  was 
another  series,  points  up,  with  a  heavy  black  outline  as  a  frame  which 
touched  the  triangles  along  the  corners  at  the  sides.  There  were 
two  series  of  half  triangles  facing  left  u4th  points  down,  both 
unframed.  One  of  these  was  in  plain  color  with  tlie  base  of  each 
triangle  barred  with  white  (Sketch  289) ;  tlie  other  presented  the 
elements  in  alternating  colors  (Sketch  288).  Several  other  of  her 
best  creations  may  be  noted  by  referring  to  her  list.  There  is  no 
evidence  to  show  tliat  she  preferred  framed  to  unframed  series.  She 
liked  horizontal  arrangements  composed  of  two  to  five  layers  of  long 
narrow  rectangles  in  alternating  colors,  which  formed  continuous 
lines  about  the  basket.  Checker  designs  numbered  only  four.  The 
one,  two,  three  color  rhythm  was  noted  several  times  in  her  work 
and  also  one,  two,  one,  or  one,  two,  one,  two,  one.  In  common  with 
several  Spences  Bridge  women  she  made  many  patterns  which  Nos. 
18  and  19  did  not  use.  Probably  this  was  because  part  of  her 
family  belonged  there  and  she  herself  grew  up  there.  Then,  too,  she 
was  an  old  woman  and  had  no  doubt  seen  many  designs  in  her  day. 
She  sh'&red  more  designs  with  No.  19  than  No.  18  had  with  either. 
Several  rather  unusual  ones  were  made  only  by  these  two.  (See 
Sketches  72,  141,  293,  301,  464.)  A  few  also  were  repeated  at  Spences 
Bridge  and  at  Spuzzum.  There  are  only  four  patterns  employed  by 
both  17  and  18,  and  all  of  them  were  found  at  Coldwater  and  one  at 
Spences  Bridge.  Four  others  used  by  No.  17  but  not  by  No.  18  were 
seen  at  Coldwater,  but  two  had  been  made  also  by  a  Nicola  woman 
and  one  by  a  Spuzzum  basket  maker.  Considering  that  any  patterns 
used  by  both  women  were  used  elsewhere  and  that  these  were  so  few, 
we  may  perhaps  conclude  that  Nos.  17  and  18  did  not  like  one  another 
or  else  one  another's  work,  for  it  is  hardly  credible  that  tliey  were 
not  acquainted.  Sketches  225  and  245  are  of  patterns  common  to 
all  the  Lytton  women  and  found  among  most  of  the  other  bands. 
Sketch  36  is  of  a  simple  little  figure  found  only  at  Lytton  and  made 
by  several  of  the  women.  On  the  other  hand,  No.  17  knew  the 
Thompson  Band  designs  as  well  as  Spences  Bridge  and  Spuzzum 
patterns,  which  No.  18  never  used  except  in  rare  cases  when  they 
were  also  attempted  by  No.  19,  through  whom  she  may  have  obtained 
them. 

No.  18  was  very  clever.  Tliere  are  15  designs  claimed  only  by  her. 
(See  Sketches  78,  121,  131,  161,  169,  357,  388,  410,  447,  476,  591,  685, 
714,  716, 858.)     Perhaps  altogether  No.  18  used  more  designs  than  any 


458  COILED    BASKETRY   IN   BRITISH   COLUMBIA  [eth.ann.41 

of  the  othier  informants.  Thirteen  appeared  also  at  Coklwater,  but 
of  these  only  three  were  seen  nowhere  else.  They  are  all  extremely 
varied  in  subject  and  treatment.  There  are  divided  vertical  series 
of  triangles  (Sketches  278,  281);  some  conventional  butterflies,  a 
number  of  fly  patterns,  zigzags  and  foot  and  duck  figures  of  all  degrees 
of  elaboration.  No.  18  must  have  been  in  touch  with  the  work  of 
many  other  women,  for  she  used  designs  seen  in  all  the  other  bands, 
although  it  is  impossible  to  say  where  these  originated.  She  avoided 
patterns  used  by  No.  17.  The  latter  was  also  clever  but  old.  It 
seems  as  if  No.  19  may  have  played  the  part  of  a  go-between  in  some 
cases,  for  she  shared  a  number  with  both.  Nevertheless  there  are 
only  a  few  made  only  by  Nos.  IS  and  19. 

No.  19  was  the  third  versatile  Lytton  artist.  From  her  study 
of  the  sketclies-she  found  over  40  designs  that  she  had  tried,  two  very 
simple  ones  being  claimed  only  by  her  (Sketches  320  and  490). 
Arrowheads  are  numerous-on  her  list.  There  are  four  single  triangles, 
two  plain,  turning  up  or  down,  and  two  subdivided  into  two  color 
fields,  one  vertically  through  the  center,  the  other  horizontally  by  a 
line  near  the  base.  There  is  also  a  realistic  arrowpoint.  Her  ladder 
designs  are  like  those  of  No.  18,  except  the  half  triangles  seen  in 
Sketches  288  and  289.  She  had  one  horizontal  arrangement  of  half 
arrowheads,  one  of  whole  figures,  an  all-over  of  half  arrowheads, 
and  another  of  whole  ones.  About  a  cjuartcr  of  hor  patterns  were 
arranged  vertically,  five  horizontally,  five  obliquely,  a  few  all-over, 
while  the  rest  were  nondescript.  She  made  a  number  of  checker 
figures.  It  seems  probable  that  she  knew  Spences  Bridge  people  or 
that  designs  traveled  freely  between  groups  in  the  two  places.  Sketch 
529  shows  an  especially  noteworthy  pattern  which  appears  to  have 
been  used  only  by  Nos.  1  and  19. 

The  Gladwin  designs  so  specified  in  the  notes  are  very  few  and 
only  three  are  credited  to  that  locality  and  nowhere  else,  yet  the 
two  informants,  Nos.  12  and  13,  were  very  active  basket  makers  who 
gave  full  and  valuable  information  and  who  said  that  they  did  not 
make  many  of  the  patterns  popular  elsewhere  simply  for  that  reason, 
but  rather  chose  rare  designs.  Sketches  26  and  91  are  of  designs 
claimed  only  by  No.  12,  while  in  Sketch  495  the  position  of  No.  13  as 
sole  maker  is  not  disputed.  Both  sisters  used  Sketch  435,  which  is 
known  also  at  Lytton,  Coldwater,  and  among  the  Uta'mqt,  and  one 
design  credited  to  No.  12  was  used  also  at  Spences  Bridge. 

Nos.  14  and  21  lived  at  Potato  Gardens,  a  settlement  of  the  Nicola 
band.  Nineteen  designs  were  recognized  only  by  No.  21,  an  indi- 
cation of  the  extent  of  her  creative  genius,  or  if  not  that,  of  her 
taste  for  the  xm usual.  They  include  tipi  (773,  820),  bow  and  arrow 
figures  (829),  checks  (454,  455,  473),  grave  box  (360),  and  several 
uncommon  star  designs,  among  them  three  represented  by  sketches 
220,  319,  and  610.     It  may  be  recalled  that  the  Nicola  were  fond  of 


BOAS]  APPENDIX  459 

star  figures  and  always  interpreted  checked  patterns  as  "clusters  of 
stars"  rather  than  "clusters  of  flies"  after  the  manner  of  the  Lower 
Thompson.  Other  designs  claimed  by  her  exclusively  are  10,  62, 
144,  201,  213,  349,  351,  368,  and  390.  Twenty-two  additional  designs 
were  made  by  No.  21  in  common  with  women  of  other  bands,  but 
only  three  were  shared  by  No.  14,  the  other  informant  of  her  own 
group.  These  are  Nos.  66,  391,  and  427  of  the  sketches.  Here  is 
another  situation  comparable  to  that  existing  at  Lytton  between 
Nos.  17  and  18.  No.  21  tried  patterns  also  made  at  Spences  Bridge, 
Lytton,  Thompson  Siding,  and  Spuzzum.  Many  of  her  figures, 
however,  were  the  simple  triangle  and  check  designs  so  common 
everywhere. 

No.  14  was  much  more  gifted  and  more  particular  in  her  selections 
than  No.  21,  but  not  as  productive.  Five  were  claimed  only  by  her 
and  four  of  these.  Sketches  284,  311,  616,  and  804,  are  not  only 
different  from  each  other  but  also  unique.  The  fifth,  Sketch  444, 
resembles  Sketch  446  made  by  No.  21  as  far  as  general  structure  goes 
and  similar  ideas  have  been  evolved  by  other  women.  The  balance 
of  the  work  of  No.  14  is  far  from  ordinary.  She  evinces  a  strong 
preference  for  contrasting  sections  of  black  and  white.  Out  of  her 
20  designs  8  are  of  this  character  (Sketches  66,  215,  244,  254,  284, 
427,  440,  804).  That  she  likes  alternating  rhythms,  or  one,  two 
rhythms  is  shown  in  these  sketches  as  well  as  in  Sketches  288,  330, 
and  444.  No.  14  shared  decorative  elements  with  the  same  bands 
and  in  some  cases  with  the  same  women  that  No.  21  did.  It  is  diffi- 
cult to  account  for  the  distinct  patterns  selected  by  the  two;  there 
was  not  even  a  difference  in  age  as  in  the  case  of  Nos.  17  and  18  at 
Lytton. 

Nos.  15  and  16  belonged  to  the  Stlaxai'ux  division.  A  number 
of  their  designs  were  recognized  from  the  photographs.  No.  16 
found  about  fifty.  No.  15  about  forty.  Eleven  were  made  by  both 
women  and  included  "fly"  patterns;  slipped  or  plain  diagonals  on  dark 
vertical  stripes;  chevrons  with  points  down  on  dark  vertical  stripes; 
groups  of  vertical  lines  cut  into  alternate  light  and  dark  sections 
(see  pi.  34,  a) ;  zigzags  of  vertical  and  horizontal  sections,  white  with 
black  outlines  on  either  edge;  large  checks  all  over  the  basket;  chev- 
rons without  points,  turning  up  on  dark  vertical  stripes  with  white 
edges  (see  pi.  7,  c) ;  vertical  zigzags  of  diagonal  sections  of  three 
black  and  five  white  rows,  alternating  without  intervening  spaces; 
and  a  series  composed  of  alternating  black  and  white  triangles  (see 
pi.  39,  c). 

No.  15  displayed  a  pronounced  liking  for  vertical  stripes,  although 
oblique  zigzags  of  horizontal  and  vertical  sections  and  horizontal 
zigzags  of  obUque  sections,  especially  with  white  centers  and  black 
edges,  were  also  in  favor  with  her.     Her  vertical  stripes  were  adorned 


460  COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  [eth.  ann.41 

with  a  variety  of  designs,  various  checker  arrangements,  or  combina- 
tions of  rectangles,  zigzags,  triangles,  chevrons,  slipped  and  plain 
diagonal  lines.  Some  were  groups  of  vertical  lines  in  alternating 
colors.  This  preference  may  in  part  be  accounted  for  by  the  fact  that 
the  Stlaxai'ux  live  on  the  Fraser  River  not  far  from  Upper  Lillooet 
territory  where  droppers,  vertical  stripes,  and  fly  designs  are  prevalent. 

No.  16.  A  large  proportion  of  the  patterns  made  by  this  woman 
were  arranged  also  on  vertical  stripes,  the  elements  being  checks, 
chevrons,  diagonal  lines,  triangles,  meanders,  and  rectangles.  She 
used  vertical  and  horizontal  compound  zigzags,  consisting  of  several 
parallel  lines  in  alternating  colors,  which  were  necessarily  of  oblique 
sections,  "  leg  "  designs,  large  all-over  checks,  groups  of  vertical  stripes 
of  alternating  colors,  sometimes  cut  into  short  lengths  by  the  same 
device,  "grave  box,"  "mouth,"  "butterfly,"  "flying  bird,"  and  sev- 
eral other  patterns.  Her  versatility  and  the  fact  that  she  was  more 
than  a  spasmodic  worker  are  evident  from  this  large  array  of  diver- 
sified conceptions,  but  that  she  was  influenced  by  Lillooet  styles  is 
apparent. 

Considering  the  number  of  designs  worked  by  these  two  Stlaxai'ux 
informants,  it  is  rather  peculiar  that  only  about  a  third  of  them  were 
common  to  both.  It  is  another  proof  of  the  large  collection  of  designs 
upon  which  the  people  could  draw  through  the  enormous  develop- 
ment which  the  art  had  experienced,  the  inventive  genius  of  certain 
individuals,  and  the  fact  that  the  tastes  of  any  woman  were  not 
necessarily  controlled  by  standards  set  by  small  local  groups  but 
that  she  more  often  sought  not  to  duplicate  the  products  of  her 
neighbors. 

From  the  Thompson  Band  there  was  only  one  informant.  No.  20, 
who  is  represented  by  nearly  thirty  designs.  Eleven  are  credited 
only  to  her  and  comprise  groups  of  short  double  lines  (48),  single  (106) 
and  triple  (107)  lines  forming  "waves  of  two  turns,"  in  other  words, 
zigzags;  a  few  checker  or  "bead"  patterns  (403,  413,  424,  503) ;  a  ver- 
tical stripe  with  alternating  narrow  and  wide  dark  diagonal  lines  on 
a  light  ground  (Sketch  39);  a  "tipi"  (822),  an  "eye"  (511),  and  a 
square  crossed  by  diagonals  (415).  They  are  all  rather  simple. 
The  remainder  of  her  figures  are  also  made  at  Coldwater,  Spences 
Bridge,  Lytton,  Nicola,  Spuzzum,  or  somewhere  in  that  neighbor- 
hood. There  are  the  widely  known  ones  (see  Sketches  225,  245,  315, 
316);  the  two  "cloud"  figures  (Sketches  202  and  204),  also  seen  at 
Spences  Bridge  and  Lytton;  two  "big  star"  designs  duplicated  at 
Nicola;  checkerwork  and  zigzags.  None  of  them  are  unusual  except 
Sketches  202,  204,  and  215. 

The  Coldwater  women  Nos.  22  and  23  might  be  regarded  as  pro- 
fessionals in  the  same  sense  as  Nos.  17  and  18  at  Lytton  and  25,  27, 
and  29  at  Spuzzum.     No.  22  made  at  least  32  patterns,  13  of  which 


boas] 


APPENDIX  461 


no  one  else  claimed  and  5  more  shared  with  No.  23.  One  of  these  is 
the  simple  triangle  seen  practically  everywhere,  another  the  triangle 
subdivided  in  half  vertically  by  a  change  of  color.  There  is  no 
doubt  that  a  number  of  figures  supposed  to  have  been  used  only  by 
this  woman  were  really  very  common.  Several  are  plain  horizontal 
lines  cut  into  short  lengths  by  alternations  of  color  (9,  11,  12).  Others 
are  Nos.  267,  268,  456,  493,  494,  and  584.  None  are  sufficiently 
unique  to  deserve  comment  except  those  given  in  Sketches  406,  417, 
604,  and  615.  The  sketches  show  that  a  rather  close  connection  of 
some  sort  existed  between  this  woman  and  those  at  Lytton  and 
Spences  Bridge.  Three  somewhat  unusual  treatments  of  arrowheads 
are  to  be  noted  in  Sketches  231,  247,  and  272;  the  last  two  evidently 
used  only  at  this  place  and  among  the  Uta'mqt. 

The  designs  credited  solely  to  No.  23  are  8  of  28  that  she  made. 
They  are  a  little  out  of  the  ordinary  and  include  the  representations 
of  two  animate  objects,  the  "little  man"  (785)  and  the  "little  deer" 
(790).  Tliere  is  a  single  outlined  "arrowhead"  (223),  a  "rain" 
design  in  spots  (43),  a  "fish  spear"  (186),  the  Catholic  cross  (845),  a 
double  horizontal  meander  (187),  and  a  very  fine  "flying  goose" 
pattern  (715).  Beside  these,  there  was  some  checkerwork,  a  few 
series  of  triangles,  one  of  which  (Sketch  252)  is  carried  out  in  a  three- 
part  color  rhythm;  several  subdivided  single  triangles;  a  key  design 
arranged  vertically;  the  Plains  figure  (Sketch  330),  and  other  popular 
patterns  in  addition  to  an  infrequent  diagonal  series  of  gradually 
increasing  squares  (Sketch  479).  She  does  not  seem  to  have  been 
controlled  in  her  choice  of  types  of  patterns  by  any  habit;  on  the 
contrary,  the  character  of  the  figures  is  remarkably  diversified. 

Almost  as  great  an  industry  was  developed  among  the  Lower 
Thompson  as  at  Lytton,  but  there  is  no  strongly  pronounced  differ- 
ence in  ai't  style  between  the  two.  No.  24  belonged  to  the  Upper 
Uta'mqt,  the  remaining  six,  Nos.  25  to  30,  were  from  Spuzzum.  Forty- 
two  designs  made  by  No.  24  were  discovered  in  the  sketches,  14 
probably  her  own.  She  must  have  enjoyed  working  butterfhes  or 
butterfly  elements,  which  constituted  10  of  the  set.  Four,  and 
another  triangle  design  closely  resembling  them,  were  products  of 
her  own  invention  (Sketches  103,  248,  649,  746,  748).  There 
were  10  arrowhead  patterns,  Sketches  298  and  332  giving  rather 
rare  ones  attributed  only  to  her.  Other  designs  attributed  only 
to  her  were  108,  111,  521,  525,  528,  537,  and  585.  There  were 
two  types  of  "grave  box"  designs,  on^  in  all-over  arrangement,  the 
other  fonning  a  horizontal  band,  and  a  zigzag  (Sketch  87).  Checker 
designs  are  not  plentiful  but  there  are  "eye"  figures,  four  kinds  of 
zigzags,  one  the  blanket  pattern,  another  a  wave,  a  third  a  "pack- 
strap,"  and  the  fourth  (Sketch  79)  a  "half  pack-strap,"  which,  how- 


462  COILED   BASKETRY   IN   BRITISH   COLUMBIA  [eth.ann.41 

ever,  is  also  known  as  "snake,"  "mountain,"  or  "caterpillar." 
Sketches  74,  198,  and  208  are  odd  and  striking,  and  there  is  an  eagle 
which  is  given  in  Sketch  717.  Sixteen  of  her  designs  are  in  vertical 
arrangement,  10  horizontal,  and  a  number  are  separate  or  single. 

Those  shared  by  No.  24  with  other  women  indicate  that  she  was 
in  touch  with  the  art  of  many  bands.  Two  were  recognized  only  by 
herself  and  Spences  Bridge  informants,  but  naturally  she  used  many 
patterns  common  at  Spuzzum. 

It  is  hardly  fair  to  judge  No.  25  by  the  photographs  and  sketches 
which  she  could  identify  as  having  been  made  by  her  because  she 
was  nearly  blind.  In  her  younger  days  she  had  been  one  of  the  finest 
weavers.  She  discovered  four  designs  that  apparently  had  originated 
with  her,  among  them  two  (Sketches  240  and  241)  imusual  kinds  of 
arrowheads,  and  806,  a  thunderbird,  which  in  itself  would  be  enough 
to  convince  the  student  of  her  ability  as  an  artist  and  technician. 
Several  "ricoroot,"  "zigzag,"  "arrowhead,"  and  "snail"  or  "head" 
designs  (Sketches  197  and  198),  together  with  the  notched  star  made 
also  by  No.  24,  are  all  that  she  found  among  the  sketches.  An  ex- 
amination of  the  plates  indicated  in  her  list  will  give  an  idea  of  her 
other  work. 

No.  27  was  perhaps  accountable  for  four  patterns,  three  of  which 
are  butterfly  devices,  the  rarest  illustrated  in  Sketch  275.  She  also 
used  four  other  butterfly  figures  (Sketches  247,  272,  274,  and  704). 
The  prevalence  of  bird  and  butterfly  figures  in  the  south  leads  one 
to  suspect  that  this  fancy  may  have  originated  there.  There  is  no 
other  strongly  pronounced  type  preferred  or  employed  in  large  num- 
bers by  this  woman.  The  usual  checker,  arrowhead,  and  zigzag 
series  are  present  in  the  usual  proportion,  but  there  is  no  prevalent 
method  of  arrangement. 

It  may  be  inferred  from  this  study  that  the  women  are  not  closely 
controlled  by  habits  in  their  choice  of  designs  and  do  not  display  very 
often  pronounced  predilections  for  definite  types.  It  may  also  be 
observed  that  individuals  capable  of  creating  the  most  complicated 
and  ornate  patterns  will  nevertheless  make  use  of  the  most  simple 
devices  as  well. 

INDEX   TO   DESIGN   NAMES   OF   SKETCHES 

The  design  names  include  all  of  those  which  Mr.  Teit  heard  used 
by  the  tribe. 

In  the  following  list  are  embodied  references  to  the  use  of  terms. 
U  indicates  use  by  the  Upper  Thompson,  L  by  the  Lower  Thompson; 
U*,  L*  exclusive  use  by  either  division.  For  terms  not  so  marked  no 
information  is  available.  Parentheses  indicate  that  the  name  is  no 
longer  in  use. 

Of  those  not  contained  in  the  list  Mr.  Teit  ascribes  the  following 
to  the  Upper  Thompson:  Arrow  feather,  Arrow  nock,  Barb,  Bear, 
Branch,  Little  buUsnake,  Ends  crooked   or  zigzag,   Fingers,   Hail, 


boas] 


APPENDIX 


463 


Hand,  Harpoon,  Moccasin-trailer,  Rattlesnake's  tail,  Sharp  points, 
Sheep's  head,  Shooting  star.  Snow,  Sprout,  Star  cluster,  Weed. 

For  Lower  Thompson :  Snail. 

For  both  divisions:  Little  crow.  Dog,  Little  duck.  Little  deer, 
Eagle's  tail.  Little  people.  Scattered,  Spider,  Little  tail. 

More  common  among  the  Upper  Thompson:  Corners  touching, 
Corners  nearly  touching.  Cross  head.  Crossing  lines.  Cross  each  other, 
Crossings,  Intertwining,  Serrated,  Sharp  point,  Standing,  Strung, 
Tied,  Tied  middles.  Wide  point. 

The  information  on  this  subject  has  been  taken  from  at  least  one 
hundred  women  of  the  tribe  who  represented  all  the  divisions,  so  that 
it  does  not  seem  possible  that  any  important  design  or  name  can 
have  escaped  the  search.  The  phrases  which  serve  to  qualify  the 
names,  especially  in  describing  arrangements,  are  very  numerous. 
(See  pp.  400  et  seq.) 


Angle,  135,  138,  146,  149,  177,  179. 

Animal  (.and  snare),  859.     UL. 

Arrow,  490,  491,  602,  648,  650,  662, 
830-834.     UL. 

Arrowhead,  tala'zadist,  41,  78,  141- 
143,222-229,  231-233,  240-247,  249, 
252,  254,  257,  264,  269,  272-273 
rarely,  277,  280,  284-286,  292,  295, 
296,  300-302,  311,  319,  323-327,  331, 
332,  334-341,  342,  416,  521,  525,  529, 
532,  533,  543(?),547,  548,  550,  553- 
555,  559(,?),  570,  571,  597,  598,  611- 
615,  618,  622,  661,  663,  672,  675,  739, 
745,  792,  835,  839.     UL. 

Arrowhead  cross,  326,  328. 

Arrowhead  star,  271,  326-328,  333,  415, 
417,  419,  604-605,  607-610,  614. 

Arrowheads  touching  bases,  329,  330. 

Arrow  notch,  593.     U. 

Arrowpoint,  tatazahd'ks  (from  tatd'za, 
arrow,  -d'ks  point),  102,  103,  135, 
138-140,  149.     UL. 

Arrowpoint  star,  616. 

Backbone,  150. 

Bag,  207,  686,  693. 

Bark  notched,  287. 

Bead,  mokietcE7iaist  (from  mokie'tcEn, 
small  beads  used  in  embroider}') ,  1-3, 
6-7,  9-11,  14,  16,  26,  27,  28,"  43-44, 
46,  48,  68,  73-77,  84,  91,  92,  120,  164, 
236,  297,  331,  347-349,  354-358,  364, 
365,  367,  377-387,  390,  395,  413,  423- 
425,  451,  454,  471,  477,  481,  488,  493, 
495-497,  502,  503,  524,  580,  590,  591. 
UL. 


'  The  Dame  of  a  rather  large  bead  sold  by  the  fur  traders 
seems  to  indicate  red. 


Bead  embroidery,  475,  476. 

Beaded  edge,  297,  488,  524,  580. 

Bear  foot  (?),  536,  538,  631,  632.     U. 

Bear  skin,  792. 

Beaver,  snunia(h)dist  (diminutive  of 
snu'ya,  beaver),  559  (rare),  794.    UL. 

Beaver  tail,  549.     U*. 

Bent  back,  153,  154.     UL. 

Bent  end,  184.     UL. 

Bent  knee,  157,  158. 

Bent  leg,  147,  148,  152-154,  177,  179, 
183,  184.     UL. 

Bent  middle,  137,  153,  154. 

Berry,  .stsEtcoqEtndist  .stsEqtcdgsmd'ist 
(from  .stso'qEm  service  berrv),  668, 
669.     U. 

Big  bead,  .stcoktcakoksad' ist '  (from 
-oksa,  a  diminutive  form  of  -o'za,  egg 
or  bead  shaped),  349,  351,  352,  359, 
366,  369-374,  376,  401-405,  407,  409, 
410,  412,  414,  415,  419,  423,  426,  427, 
437,  438,  441-450,  455,  456,  458,  464- 
466,  468-471,  478-480,  482-487,  490, 
491,  498,  507,  510,  522,  525-528,  531, 
534,  535,  552,  568,  569,  586,  670.     U. 

Big  spot,  372,  445-450,  503  (rare). 

Big  star,  215,  218,  391,  492. 

Bird,  spEzuzodist  (from  spEzu'zo,  bird), 
8,  211,  212,  339,  340,  372,  373,  375, 
389,  441,  44.5-450,  460,  461,  468,  507, 
647,  694,  706-732,  767,  775,  797,  804- 
806.     UL. 

Bird  flying.     UL. 

Bird's  foot,  186,  628-630,  796.     UL. 

Bird's  nest,  642-644. 

They  were  generally  blue,  but  the  name 


464 


COILED    BASKETRY   IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


Bird's  tail,  719. 

Bird's  track,  796. 

Bird's  wing,  299,  309,  310,  712,  713, 
731,  732,  767. 

Blanket,  .snazd'ist  (from  .sna'z,  a  kind 
of  woven  goat  hair  blanket),  111.     L. 

Blue  Clematis,  659. 

Bolt,  543,  660. 

Borings  of  woodworm,  112,  113. 

Bow,  827-829.     UL. 

Branch,  144,  145. 

Broken  back,  147,  148,  152,  184.     UL. 

Broken  middle,  137. 

Broken  rib,  147(?),  148,  184(?). 

BuUsnake,  tlhwinEka' kesl  (from  ilhwi'- 
HEq  bullsnake),  24,  66-68,  83,  116- 
118,  230,  354,  357,  365,  438,  440, 
581,  625-627.     U. 

Bush,  234-236.     UL. 

Buttercup,  var.  Ranunculus  .nkikax^- 
mus'dist  (from  .nkikaxEmU' s  butter- 
cup), 391,  392. 

Butterfly,  135,  136,  137  (rare),  151, 
237(?),247,  248,  261,  263  (rare),  271, 
305,  321  (rare),  372,  445-450,  564(?), 
565(?),  572  (rare),  646-651  (rare), 
690,  693,  704,  705,  746-756,  765, 
774,  798-803.     L. 

Butterfly  wing,  .nkl'kaxEni{h)aist,  nkl- 
kaxEndist  (from  .nkl'kaxEni,  general 
name  for  butterfly),  135(?),  136,  151, 
239,  247,  305,  704,  705.     L. 

Cactus,  671  (?),  852-854.     U*. 

Cake,  moss  cake,  420. 

Caterpillar,  .sivopEli'lEtsaa' ist,  wopaW- 
lEtza{h)d,ist,  .s{h)opali'litsa{b)dist,  from 
.swopall'lEtsa,  hairy  caterpillar,  21, 
45,64,65,79-80,81(7),  112,  113,  116- 
121,  128-131,  134,  157-163,  175,  176, 
194-198, 297, 313, 314,  317  (rare),  318, 
349,  355,  366,  373,  374,  377,  378,  380, 
381-387,  403,  407,  408,  413(?),  414, 
423,  427-429,  451-453,  454(?1,  457, 
465,  471,  475-480,  488,  498,  501,  503, 
504, 506(?),  524, 568, 580, 696-699.    U. 

Circles,  .szEl.kd'ist,  zElzEl.kei' .st,  zeIze- 
lEkd'ist,  from  .szEltk,  reaching  around, 
arching;  zEnzEnEkd'ist,  zhiEkdist, 
from  .szEut'k,  in  a  coil  (i.  e.,  as  a 
rope);  .skaieq.dist,  from  .skaieg,  round; 
.sqaiqaieq.di'st,  86,  101  (half),  202, 
204,  371,  582,  588,  776.     UL. 


Circling,  ZEnza'nEmd'ist,  from  zansm, 

to  move  in  a  circle,  86,451,776.     UL. 
Clematis,  658,  659. 
Cloud,  5,  9-15,  26,  91-94,  202-205,  208- 

210,  244,  289,  369,  370-372,  377-387, 

390,    412,    416,    441-454,    475,    476, 

495,  502,  503,  577-579,  695,  700,  701. 

U*. 
Club,  848. 
Cluster  of  flies,  377,  378,  380-387,  399- 

402,  454,  502,  510,  534,  552. 
Cluster  of  stars,  399,  400,  402. 
Coil,  4,  22,  23.     UL. 
Comb,     stExmindist     (from     stExmi'n, 

comb),  322,  350,  368,  631,  632,  808, 

811-813,  841.     U. 
Cone,  760-764.     U  *. 
Contorting,  104. 

Contracted  middle,  114,  115,  321,  416. 
Contracting,  521,  522,  525,  528(?). 
Corral,  776.     U  *. 
Crook,  .skolkolitzd'ist,  .skolkoltlEtzd'ist, 

.skolkolotzdist,     .skElkElolzd'isl,    from 

.skolo'lz  or  skElo'tz,  crooked;  .sko.o'lz. 

crooked,  152,  159-162;  double  crook, 

177,  179. 
Crooked.     PI.  57,  a.     UL. 
Cross,    Christian    cross,    lekwa{h)d'ist, 

lekwana'ist     (from    la    croix),     845; 

.skEtzEniEntwduXudist,  152,  180,    182, 

216(?),  326,  328,  492,  528,  548,  771- 

773,  845.     UL. 
Crossed  Unes,  crossings,  .s.nkaki'tsd'ist 

.s.nkekitsdist     (from     .skd'a,     placed 

down    on;     .sklls,    crosswise);    kEts- 

kEtsa'tsdist  (a  diminutive  form).     UL. 
Crow,  .sd.&'dst,  .ma(h)d'ist  (from  .sd'a, 

crow),  797.     UL. 
Crow's  foot,  628-630.     U  *. 
Deer,    little    deer     design,    sme'metse'- 

tsdist,   smEmitse' tsest    (diminutive  of 

sml'its,   fiesh,   a   common   name  for 

deer),  790,  791.     UL. 
Deer  fence,  86,  95,  559,  566.     U  *. 
Deer  foot,  674,  738.     U  *. 
Deer  hoof,  673.     U  *. 
Deer-hoof  rattle,  842. 
Deer  net,  .spEnpind' ist  (from  .spEnpl'n, 

large  net  for  making  deer  corrals), 

362,  519,  520. 
Deer  track,  673,  674. 
Deer's  head,  734-737.     U*. 


BOAS] 


APPENDIX 


465 


Dentalia,  .sllaka'ist  (from  .slla'k,  sL,ak, 
a  large  variety  of  dentalium  shell), 
&-15,  21,  24,  37,  40,  46,  55-69,  73-75, 
77,  164,  165,  298,  374,  427-429,  433, 
434,  438,  455,  463-466,  471,  481,  485, 
497-499,  503,  504,  568,  570,  571,  576, 
579,  590,  591,  708.     UL. 

Dentalia  pendants,  77. 

Digger,  .kalaxai' .st  (from  ka'lax,  root 
digger),  152,  180,  181. 

Door,  430.     UL**. 

Double  figures,  159-162,  177,  179. 

Dragon  fly,  8,  388,  389.     U  * 

Dream  design,  339,  692, 771-773,  859. 

Dress  design,  98,  99,  101,  507,  671. 

Drill,  835.     U. 

Duck,  179,  696-699(?).     UL. 

Duck's  head,  197,  506.     U. 

Eagle,  haldud'ist  (from  hala'u,  golden 
eagle),  694,  706-713,  716-723,  775, 
777,  804-806.     UL. 

Eagle's  nest,  642.     U  *. 

Ear-ring,  483,  523. 

Earth  lodge,  tcilx^a'ist  (from  tci't.x, 
house,  lodge),  771-773,  821  (Lytton 
designs).     U. 

Edge,  207,  297,  488,  524,  580. 

Embroidery,  5,  9-15,  55-69,  91,  92,  97, 
98,  101,  201-205,  209,  210,  303,  350, 
354,  358,  366-368,  371,  372,  377-387, 
412-414,  434,  442-448,  454,  475,  476, 
498,  499,  537,  570,  571,  579,  671.    U. 

Ends,  rdtCratckaind'ist  (?)  (tied  tops), 
152,  169,  183,  523,  674. 

Entwining,  tluptlupatwd' ux"  (from 
.stlu'p,  twisted),  567. 

Eye,  431,  511,  512,  521,  522,  525,  527, 
528,  559?,  587  (rare).     UL. 

False  legging,  53,  54. 

Fanciful  figure,  701. 

Fawn,  .ntsum.lad'ist  (from  .ntsu'mtla, 
fawn),  790. 

Feathers,  490,  491,  849-851.     U. 

Fence,  518,  559,  566. 

Fern,  .sxdnEmd'ist,  sxanemdist,  .tsxd- 
nEmd'isl  (from  .sxd'nam,  fern, 
brake),  244,  264-267,  339;  a  kind  of 
fern,  690.     L*. 

Fir-branch,  144,  145. 

Fish,  740.     UL. 

Fish  backbone,  150. 

Fishhook,  152,  169,  181,  183,   185.     U. 

FishUne  reel,  214. 


Fish  net,  .nxe' zkotKnd' ist  (from  .nxe'- 
zkotEn,  large  net  set  for  fish) ; 
sluktcEnd'ist  ^  stuktuktcEndist  (from 
.stu'ktcEn,  bag  net,  from  .stu'k,  closed, 
-tcin,  mouth),  362,  519,  520.     L. 

Fish  spear,  186,  740.     U. 

Flat  points,  86. 

Flower,  spd'kEmdist,  spapEkEmdist 
(from  .spdkEm,  general  term  for 
flower),  220,  221,  391,  392,  512,  539- 
543,546,606-608,614,656-661.    UL. 

Fly,  xamaza(h)diiit  (from  xamd'za,  com- 
mon fly) ;  xatiEksdist,  xaanEksdist, 
hahariEqsdist,  (from  xandqs,  a  variety 
of  fly),  6,  7,  16,  68,  211,  212  (rare), 
347,  358,  365,  375,  377,  378,  380-389, 
391,  393,  399-402,  412,  413,  425,  426, 
438,  440,  454,  460-462,  468,  475-477 
499  (checked  part),  502,  510,  534, 
552.     L. 

Foot  (Little  foot,  skwaxtt'test,  from 
.skwdxt,  foot  or  leg) : 

Animals,  536,  538,  631,  632,  674. 
Birds,  628-630,  820. 
Human,   156-163,   169,   170,   172- 
174,  182,  183,  680,  741-744,  786- 
789. 

Fort,  kaid'xEnd'tat  (from  kaia'xEn,  fort, 
stockade),  96.     U*. 

Frame,  49,  50. 

Fringe,  26,  503,  681. 

Garter  snake,  .s^otsadist,  .stsdtsaotsa- 
d'ist,  .SrOtSiOtsEdist,  6zotsa{h)  dist 
(from  .s) rOtsa,aitsa,  garter  snake?), 
72,  116-119.     U. 

Girl's  frame,  50,  687. 

Girl's  lodge,  818-821. 

Gnawed  all  around,  .shahEtld'ist  (from 
.shitl,  gnawed,  serrated),  206. 

Gnawed  edges  all  around,  412. 

Goose  (flying),  449,  450,  452,453,714, 
715.     ilL. 

Grasshopper,  85  (rare),  88  (rare),  101 
(rare),  10.5-108,  112,  113,  128-130, 
146-148,  156,  164  and  165  (rare),  169, 
170, 171,  173, 174, 183,  184,  588.    U*. 

Grasshopper  leg,  105.     U  *. 

Grave-box,  luka{h)dist,  lukluka(h) dist 
(from  luka,  grave  box,  Uta'mqt),  192, 
360,  519,  520,  582-586,  592,  690  (real 
or  proper).     UL. 

Grave  mound,  771-773. 

Grizzly-bear  teeth,  263,  572.     U*. 

Grouse-foot,  796.     L. 


'  These  nets  close  at  the  mouth  when  the  fish  is  caught. 


466 


COILED    BASKETRY   IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  [eth.ann.41 


Grouse-tracks,  796.     L. 

Hair  ornament.     (See  TsEni'ka.) 

Hair  ribbon,  6,  7,  10,  16,  45,  64,  65,  298, 

304,  356,  357,  363,  364,  455. 

Hairy      caterpillar,      s„opEli'lEtsad'ist, 

wopali'lElsa(h)aist,  .s(h)opali' litsa(h)- 

dist  (from  .swopall'lEtsa,  hairy  cater- 

piUar),  21,  349,  366,  374,  377,  378, 

380-387,  413,  414,  423,  427-429,  454, 

465,  473-480,  498,  503,  504,  568.    U  *. 

Half  arrowhead,  42,  71,  277,  286,  288, 

289,  293,  298,  303,  304,  307,  308,  335, 

336.     UL. 

Half  circles,  zintk,  zUik,  86,  101, 202-204, 

495.     U. 
Half  design,  101,  205,  210,  379. 
Half  grave-box,  582. 
Half  horizontal  of  zigzag,  588. 
Half  moon,  621,  766. 
Half  mula,  378,  380-387. 
Half  rainbow,  153. 
Half  or  part  of  spotted  star,  378,  380- 

386. 
Hammer,  808-811.     UL. 
Hand,  633,  634.     U*. 
Hand  pointing,  505.     U. 
Hand  rattle,  843.     U*. 
Hat,  376,  454  (rare),  456  (Nicola*). 
Head,  152,  180,  181,  197,  198,  506,  781. 
UL. 

Snake's  head,  67, 230, 625-627  (rare). 
Head  baud,  97,  354. 
Heaped  up,  377,  378,  380-387.     UL. 
Heart,      swakukdist      (from     swa'kuk, 
heart),  401,  510,  534,  552,  688.     UL. 
Hoof,  673,  674. 
Hook,  152,  169,  177,  179,  181(?),  183, 

185,  680. 
Hooked    end,     .skauwehaks'd'ist,    152, 

169,  183. 
House,  100,  641,  682,  703,  771-773,  825, 
826,   and    Lytton    designs    (pp.    332 
et  seq.). 
Insect,  8,  211,  212,  372,  373,  375,  445- 

449,  460,  461,  468. 
Joined,  17-20. 

Joined  square,  359,  484,  486. 
?Kakanetz,  776. 

Ladder,  xenuxd'ist,  xamixd'ist  (from 
xanu'x,  ladder),  33,  63,  207,  257,  277- 
281,  284,  285,  287-296,  303,  307,  312- 
318,  321  (var.),  329-331,  361,  379, 
406-409,  411,  433,  434,  443  (var.), 
463-467,  471,  478,  480,  576,  683- 
685.     UL. 


Lake,  508.     U*. 

Leaf,  patci'kid'ist,  pEtcpEici'kid'ist 
(from  palci'ki,  leaf),  219,  243,  262, 
264-267,  395,  508,  516,  517,  540-543, 
546-548,  618,  665-667,  855.     L. 

Leaning,  .sk^dud'ist  (from  .sk„d'u,  not 
perpendicular),  29-31,  183.     UL. 

Lean-to  lodge,  682,  826.     U. 

Leg,  153,  154,  156-165,  170,  172-174, 
177,  179,  182,  183,  678-680,  786- 
789.     U. 

Legging,  47-54,  678,  679.     UL. 

Little  legging,  sEskskaius'dist  (from 
ske'i.us,  leggings,  trousers). 

Legging  fringe,  26,  503,  681.     U. 

Lightning  (rare),  109,  112,  113,  130, 
701.     U*. 

Lily-root,  tcdwEkdist,  tcawEkupad'ist 
(tcd'wEk,  root  of  Lilium  colum- 
bianum;  IcawEku' pa,  stem,  from  u'pa, 
stem,  tail),  702,  814-817.     U*. 

Lines  extending  out,  25,  29,  61. 

Little  ladder,  31  (rare),  33. 

Little  notch.     {See  Notch.) 

Little  people,  .stsEnlsEnV ndst  (a  diminu- 
tive form),  784,  785. 

Little  spot.  (See  Spot.)  slEk.tki'kest, 
iEkfska' kdst  ^  iekieke'kdst.     U. 

Lizard,  635-640.     U. 

Lodge,  100,  641,  682,  771-773,  818-821, 
824,  826;  Lytton  designs,  fig.  98.     U. 

Luka(?),  686(?).     (See  Grave-box.) 

Maple  leaf,  665-667. 

Mat  lodge,  824. 

Meandering,  82. 

Mesh,  508,  511,  689.     UL. 

Middle  contracted,  114,  115,  321,  416. 

Moccasin,  641,  695.     U*. 

Moccasin  trailer,  673,  674.     U*. 

Moon,  mdxalEn' dist  (from  md'.xatEn, 
moon),  588,  589,  621,  622,  766, 
858.     UL. 

Morning  star,  216,  217,  492. 

Moss  cake,  420.     U*. 

Mountain,  79-81,  86  (rare),  89-91,  133, 
134,200-204,209,  318,  377,378,  380- 
387,  454,  495,  502,  593,  597.     U. 

Mouth,  tcutcEnd'ist,  splutcEnd'ist  (from 
tcu'tcEn,  mouth  (Ut.);  spliltcEn, 
mouth),  187-196,  360,  776.     L. 

Mula  (milla{h)d'ist  (root  of  Indian  rice; 
Fritillaria  lanceolaia)  (Indian  rice), 
377,  378,  380-387,  399-402,  454, 
510,  534,  552,  592.  (See  Root;  Lily 
root.)     UL. 


3  -Vkest,  -akd'Ht  are  the  diminutive  forms  of  -disit  design,  changed  phonetically  by  the  preceding  syllable 
of  the  word  to  which  the  snflQi  is  joined. 


BOiS] 


APPENDIX 


467 


Mushroom,  234-236.     UL. 

Necklace,  5,  6,  7,  9-16,  21,  45,  46,  68, 
69,  72-78,  82,  84,  85,  88,  91,  92,  97, 
98,  100-103,  120,  133,  134,  137,  164, 
165,  199-204,  207,  209,  354,  356-35S, 
359,  365,  367,  372,  439,  442-444,  448, 
450,  451,  471,  481,  482,  484-487,  489, 
495-497,  499,  507,  534-537,  558,  559, 
562,  563,  570,  571,  586,  590,  591,  595, 
648,  650,  670,  844.     UL. 

Nest,  eagle's,  642;  robin's,  643,  644.    U. 

Net,  97,  98,  362,  435  (rare),  518-521, 
525,  528,  537.  561,  563,  689.     U*. 

Nose-rod,  8. 

Notch,    .stsEntsBna'ist     (from     .stst'n, 
notch),  163,  193-196,  369,  371,  441, 
449,  450-453,  648,  674,  675,  776.     U. 
Little  notch,  stsEntsEni' ndst.     U. 

Notched  bark,  287. 

Notched  end,  674. 

Notched  feather,  833. 

Notched  ladder,  277,  321, 331, 443.  UL. 

Notched  star,  206-208,  219,  418,  616. 

OpalilE'sts  (eagle),  775. 

Open  middles,  82. 

Ornament(?),  686. 

Ornamented  arrowhead,  745. 

Ornamented  star,  394. 

Otter,  793.     UL. 

Owl's  face,  .sfcEZuiaus'a'ist  (from. sAiaZu'ia 
owl),  391,  392.     U*. 

Pack  strap  (tump  line),  stsu'pEna'ist, 
tsuptsupEnd'ist  (from  .stsu'pEn,  pack 
strap),  79-82,  114,  115,  518,  557 
(part),  560  (part),  563  (rare),  565, 
675,  689,  776.     L. 

Paint  pouch,  837,  846,  847.     U. 

Parfleche,  114,  115,  258-260,  270,  320, 
322-325,416,556,597-601,603.     U*. 

Part,  .skatu'x,  .skEtkEtu'x,  499,  508, 
537,  675. 

Part  of  earth  lodge,  Lytton  designs. 

Part  of  grave-box,  85  (rare),  88  (rare), 
101  (rare),  586,  588  (rare),  592. 

Part  of  mula,  377,  378,  380,  381,  382- 
387,  454. 

Part  of  net,  521,  525,  528. 

Part  of  spotted  star,  377,  378,  380,  381- 
387,  454. 

Part  of  step-design,  423. 

Part  of  tsupenaist,  557,  564,  565. 

Part  of  zigzag,  146. 
*  A  diminutive  of  -dist,  affected  phonetically  by 


Patch   .sluxalauxa(h)aist    .sloxald' uxdst 

(from   .sld'ux",   patched),   435,    436. 

UL. 
Pendant,  77,  78,  91,  92,  558,  670. 
People,    sei.tkEnEmuxd'ist    (from   .se'i- 

.tkEUEmux",  people),   768-770,   784, 

785.     UL. 
Pine  cone.     (See  Cone.) 
Pipe,  .ntcEko'EtstEnd'ist  (from  MtcEkoE- 

IstEn,  pipe),  390,  741-744,  840. 
Point  (arrow),  102,  103,  138,  139,  140, 

149. 
Points  (standing),   .skEm.tld'ksdist,  kE- 

kom.tld'ks'a'ist  (from  .skEmi'tl,  to  di- 
minish to  a  vanishing  point),  499.     L. 
Pointing  hand,  505. 
Pool,  665-667. 
Pound  for  game,  776. 
Pouch.     (See  Paint  pouch.) 
Rain,  tdkEld'ist  (from  .std'k.l,  rain),  27, 

28,    35,    43,    44,    73,    75    (rare),   367 

(rare).     U(L). 
Rainbow,  29-33,  82,  85,  88,  91,  92,  100, 

101,  153  and  154  (half,  rare),  700,  776, 

844.     U. 
Ram's  horns,  645,  795. 
Rattle,  623,  624,  842,  843.     U*. 
Rattlesnake,    tsdlEnd'ist     (from     .stsa- 

.ti'n,  rattlesnake),  14,  16,  24,  72,  354, 

358,  410,  526,  531,  581,  623,  624.     U. 
Reel,  214. 
Rib,  147,  148. 

Ribbon.     (See  Hair  ribbon.) 
Rice-root.     {See  Root.) 
Robin's  nest,  643.     U. 
Root   (rice-root),   milla{h)d'ist    (Indian 

rice),    378,    380-387,    399-402,    510, 

552,  702,  796-799.     (See  Mula;  Lily  ' 

root.) 
Root-digger,   kalaxai'.st    (from    kd'lax, 

root-digger),  152,  180,  181. 
Scratch,     .sts.otsdd'ist,     .sts.dts.ohe'i.st, 

.sts.o.o'i.ist  *  (from  .s.<s.(5'e,  scratch), 

25,  29,  61.     UL. 
Shaman,  wearing  mask,  733. 
Sheep  horns,  795. 
Shield,  622. 
Single  (in  one  piece,  separate),  .npid'ist, 

.npipid'ist     (from     .npa'ia,    in    one 

piece) . 
Skin  (stretched),  792.     U*. 
SkEskEnits,  194-196. 
the  preceding  syllable. 


468 


COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


Snail  (also  horned  caterpillar),  .skEt- 
katlani(h)a'ist,  197,  198. 

Snake,  .smeiixdist  (from  .sme'iix,  snake), 
4,  15-17,  19,  22-24,  30,  33,  38,  45, 
62-64,  66-72,  79-83,  86,  104,  109- 
111,  114-125,  128-131,  153,  154,  1S7, 
188,  230,  302,  354,  357,  358,  363,  365, 
366,  410,  413,  414,  438-440,  498,  521, 
625,  526,  528-531,  537,  581,  625-627, 
807.     UL. 

Little  snake,  smeme.xe'xest,  using 
the  diminutive  for  "snake"  and 
"design";  smEmaxa'ist,  using 
the  diminutive  for  snake. 

Snake's  head,  67  (rare),  230,  625-627 
(rare) .     U*. 

Snake-skin,  7,  24,  69-71,  302,  357,  366, 
413,  414,  440,  498,  529.     U. 

Snake's  tail  (rattlesnake),  tsatenupa- 
aist  {-u'pa  tail,  see  rattlesnake),  623, 
624.     U*. 

Snake-track,  kakozd'ix'dist  (from  ka- 
kozd'ix,  to  go,  to  crawl),  71,  79-81, 
86,  104,  109-111,  114,  115,  128-131, 
187,  188.     UL. 

Snare,  508,  511,  521,  525,  528,  566,  582, 
588,  859.     U*. 

Snowshoe,  844.     UL. 

Spear,  186,  740. 

Spear-head,  508,  656,  661,  662,  700, 
701,  838(?).     UL. 

Spot,  .slele'ka'ist,  .slalikdist,  slElEkdist, 
slEle'kd'ist,  .slElil.kd'ist,  a  diminutive 
form  of  slElik;  lEkalakdisl  ("here  and 
there,"  "now  and  then");  sHklikd' ist, 
(from  .sUk,  spot),  6, 7, 43-46,  359,  364, 
372,  377,  378,  380-387,  445-450,  454, 
458,  469,  470,  484,  486,  503,  568.     U. 
Little  spot  design  in  a  belt,  encircl- 
ing   the     basket,    pid'iesk    tEk 
tEklki'kest  tEk  ZEl.pd'ist.^ 

Spotted  star,  377,  378,  380,  381,  382- 
387,  454. 

Square  joined,  484. 

Standing  points,  499. 

Star,  .nkokucEnd' ist  (from  .nkoku'cEn, 
star),  206-208,  211-221,  271,  311, 
319,  326-328,  333,  347,  349,  375,  377, 
378,  380-388,  392-400,  402,  415,  418, 
419,  424,  425,  454,  459-462,  465,  478, 
480,  492-494,  498,  511-515,  540-546, 
557,  559,  560,  604-616,  620,  695,  792, 
845.     UL. 

*  tEk,  with. 


Step,  .nkokouwctEniEnd'ist  (from  kowe'- 
tamEn,  stirrup,  step,  or  kowe'tEm,  to 
put  down  the  foot) ,  200-202,  204, 206, 
.366,  379,  413,  414,  442-444.     U. 

Stepped  half  circle,  201,  203. 

Stepped  star,  207,  208,  418. 

Sllak,'  8,  21,  24,  37,  40,  42,  73,  74,  298, 
304,  437,  455,  499,  503,  504,  568,  570, 

571,  579. 

Sllupaist  (twisted)  (from  stliip,  tvfisted), 
39,  40,  355. 

Storm  clouds,  700,  701. 

Strap.      (See  Pack-strap.) 

String  of  beads,  5-7,  9-16,  68,  356. 

Stripe  (see  also  Scratch  and  Incision), 
.stdiad'ist  (from  .sla' ,  stripe),  .stsEl- 
tsEldist,  stsEltsEli' lest  (from  MseI, 
.stsi'l,  stripe),  .sti'ldisi,  .stiltUdist 
(from  .sttl,  stretching  out  in  a  long 
line),  25,  29,  30,  37,  61.     UL 

Striped  bead,  437. 

Striped  snake  (see  also  Garter  snake) ,  4, 
22,  23,  30,  33,  38,  62,  118,  119,  153, 
164.     U. 

Sun,  220,  221,  606.     U. 

SwaUow,  299,  309,  310,  339,  340,  647, 
724-732,  767.     U. 

Swallow  tail,  676.     U*. 

Swallow  wing,  299,  309,  310,  731, 
732.     U. 

Sweat-house,  641,  703,  826.     U. 

Tail: 

Beaver,  649.     U*. 

Bird,  676,  719-722,  778-780. 

Snake,  623,  624,  702,  814-817. 

TcawEk.     (See  Lily  root.) 

TcEtcEldist,  61. 

Thunder,  643,  660,  694. 

Thunder  arrowhead,  548. 

Thunderbolt,  648,  700,  701. 

Tied  ends,  523.     UL. 

Timbers,  Lvtton  designs. 

Tipi,  771-773,  818-824. 

Tooth,  263-269,  273   (rare),  289,  353. 

572.  UL. 

Tops  of  mountains,  79,  80,  593. 
Tracks: 

Animals,  636,  673,  674. 
Birds,  796. 

Snakes    kakozd'ixdist   (from    kako- 
zdix,  to  go,  to  crawl),  71,  79,  80, 
86,  104,  109-111,  114,  115,  128- 
132,  187,  188. 
«  For  others  see  Dentalium. 


boas] 


APPENDIX 


469 


Trail,  104,  114,  115.  U*(L). 
Trailer  (moccasin),  673,  674. 
Tree,      144,      145,    234-236,    757-759, 

856.     UL. 
.Tree  ladder,   294,  295,    318,    683-685. 

U. 
Ts^nt'ka,^  ts'EnSka(h)dist,    tsEntsEneka- 

clist    (from    .stsEnS'ka,    ornamented, 

embroidered),  350,  367,  368,  420,  432, 

499,  500,  573-575,  596,  674,  675,  677, 

686,  688,  693.     U. 
TsExa'ksten    (girl's    frame),    60,    687. 

U. 
Twisted,       .stlupa'ist       (from       .stlup, 

twisted),  39,  41,  355,  356.     UL. 
Underground  house  with  cross  at  head 

of  ladder,  771-773.     (Fig.  116.) 
War-club,  848.     UL. 
Wave,  106-110,  146.     U(L). 
White  clematis,  658. 
White  man's  design,  327. 
Window,  421.     UL**. 


Wing,  .skExka' xEn' d'ist  (from  .ska'xan, 
wing),  135.     UL. 
Bird,  299,  309,  310. 
Eagle's,  712,  713.     UL. 
Swallow,  731,  732,  767. 
Butterfly,  136,  151,  247,  271-276, 
305,  564,  565,  704,  705. 
Woodworm,   .sixelcd' ist   (from   .se'xetc, 
woodworm),     45,     63-65,     67,     121, 
230,   348,   363,    364,   457,    601,    524, 
625-627.     U. 
Woodworm  borings,  112,  113.     U. 
Woven  bag  design,  207,  686,  693.     U*. 
Xanaxa'in,  36,  37,  39-42,  298,  303, 304, 

361,  433,  434,  570,  571.     U*. 
Xane'm,  690. 

Yellow  pine  cone,  760-764. 
Zigzag,  78-80,  82,  86,  104,  106-111,  114, 
115,  133,  134,  146  (part),  205,  495, 
566,  567,  688  (part).     UL. 
Zigzag  double,  558,  563. 
Zigzag  half  circles,  201-204. 
Zigzag  steps,  200. 


Indian  Names  for  Designs  Not  Identified  with  Sketches 

Arrowhead  pack  strap tala'za  tEk  tsupEnd'ist,  from  tatd'za,  arrowhead. 

Awl-point .sho.o.laksdist,  from  .sho'o.l,  .soo.eI,  awl,  applied 

to  elongated  diamonds. 

Beetle  or  June  bug.     U .nkokoumd'ist,  from  .nkoko'um,  beetle,  June  bug. 

Crossed  end kEtsd'ks'dist,  from  .skits,  across,  and  -dks,  end 

point. 

Crossed  head.     UL kitzqaindist,  {rom  .sfciis,  across,  and  qain,  head. 

Crossing  middle.     UL kitsd'usEmEntwd'ux'''d'ist,  from  -d'us,  middle, 

together. 
Diagonal  zigzag  (also  sometimes  kakozotld' ks.dist,  from  .skazt'tl,  tumbling  over, 
vertical).  leaning  bent;  -d'ks,  end;  .sqd'z,  crooked,  indi- 

rect, wrong. 
.nkEkazEtld'ks.dist. 
kakEzollaksdist 
kazo.lldks'disi 
skozo' tldks' dist 
kakozotldist 

Ends  crossing.     UL .skazox' a' ist,  from  .sfcozo'x,  pack  saddle,  because 

of  the  cross  bars. 
Horse.     UL .nlcaskaxa{h)dist,  from  .nlcaskd'xa,  horse. 

Incisions.     UL l.saxic'xdst  L    ^^^   ,.-,^^  incised,  cut. 

[.sexiexd  ist] 

Iron  arrowhead ululamuza{h)d'ist,   from    sUluli'm,    iron;    -oza, 

-Hza,  round,  egg  or  bead-shaped  object. 
Little  dog.      UL .skd' kxaih)  d'ist,  from  ska' xa,  dog. 

Little  standing-  __  Useiseo'iestlfTom  .stse,  erect,  upright,  standing 

Itsats^o'  test  j  hoTa  the  ground;  a  diminutive  form. 
Nose .spEspEsaksd'ist,  from  .spEsd'ks,  nose. 


'  The  flap  of  skin  tied  around  the  braids  of  hair. 


470 


COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLXIMBIA 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


Pointed  (diamond,  lozenge)  . 


Roots,     varieties    of     (unidenti- 
fied, edible). 
Short 


UL. 


Short  ends.1 
Small  ends./ 

Spiral,  zigzag.     UL. 


Spurious   tribal    pattern,    imita- 
tions. 
Square  point.     UL 


Standing  ends 

Thing  in  mouth 

Variegated  or  marked. 


.skEtn.tldksd' ist ,  from  .skKmi'tl,  to  vanish  in  a 

point. 
hate eiusd' ist,  from  hatcei'us,  tied  together. 
xaHExaina'ist,  from  xanExa'in,  root. 
.tlkake'kest,  from  .tlke'kat,  short. 
.stlka.ka'ksd'isl,  from  .tlke'kat,  short,  or  .stlkd' , 

something  placed,  or  something  attached  to 

the  end  of  another  design. 
.skakKnl'tsd'ist,    kakanitsa'ist,    from    .skant'is, 
in  progressive  circles  or  spirals,  dim.  skekani'ts. 
tlsi'qad'ist,  from  .stlEe'qa,  imitation. 

sxmnxand' ks' d' isi,  sxEnEXEriExa'ks'd'ist,  from 
sxEnEx?,  square  or  cornered. 

.stehd'ks'd'ist,  from  tse'Ex,  people  stand,  -d'ks, 
point,  nose,  end. 

tsetse(h)d'ks'd'ist. 

.s.nhahaktcind'ist,fTOTanhaktci'n,  holding  some- 
thing in  the  mouth. 

.stsEtsok(em)d'ist,  from  .stso'k^,  marked,  pic- 
tured. 


Design  Names  on  Plates 


Angle,  12,  c;  16,  o. 
Arrow,  44,  g;  53,  6. 
Arrow  chain,  53,  e. 
Arrow  feather,  53,  e. 
Arrowhead,  8,  c;  10,  6;  12,  h;  15,  a; 
23,  o;  24,  c,  d;  28,  b;  31,  d;  33,  6;  37, 

a,  b,  d,  e;  38,  d;  39,  a-c;  40,  d,  e;  44, 
h-d,  h  i;  45,  j;  46,  a,  d;  52,  c,  d,  g,  h; 
53,  a,  d,  e;  54,  c;  56,  d. 

Arrowheads  and  lakes,  49,  /. 

Arrowhead  star,  17,  6. 

Arrow  notch,  24,  b;  53,  d. 

Arrow  point,   12,  6;  14,  d;  24,  a;  28, 

b,  d;  36,  b;  38,  c;  51,  d,  k;  65,  a,  c,  d. 
Arrow  point  star,  45,  i;  52,  o,  &,  2. 
Baskets,  39,  a. 

Bead,  9,  c;  31,  b;  38,  c;  41,  j;  44,  i;  45, 

m;  52,  c,  d;  55,  g. 
Beads  and  copper  tubes,  27,  d. 
Bear's  foot,  24,  a. 
Beaver,  24,  d. 
Bent  ends,  18,  a. 
Bent  leg,  12,  c. 
Big  bead,  36,  a. 
Bird,  36,  a;  45,  k. 

Bird  flying,  21,  a,  e;  27,  e;  31,  6;  46,  e,  g. 
Bowsnake,  29,  a. 
Bullsnake,  26,  a;  43,  c,  d. 
Buttercup,  65,  h. 


Butterfly,  24,  6;  45,  c;  51,  m. 

Butterfly  and  leaves,  33,  b. 

Butterfly  wings,  46,  d. 

Cactus,  51,  o. 

Caterpillar,  18,  a;  24,  e;  26,  /;  35,  a; 

43,  c;  49,  d;  55,  /i. 
Caterpillar  in  circle,  29,  a. 
Circles,  5,  a. 
Circling,  40,  6;  57,  a. 
Cloud,  44,  6,  g;  52,  a-f,  j,  I;  53,  b. 
Cloud  on  mountain,  25,  a,  b. 
Coil,  9,  a. 

Cranes,  flying,  53,  a. 
Crooked,  57,  a. 
Crook,  16,  a. 
Crook,  single,  12,  c. 
Cross,  25,  a;  27,  e;  41,  d;  51,  g. 
Cross  head,  40,  6. 
Deer  fence,  28,  6;  45,  g. 
Deer  net,  22,  d. 
Dentalia,  12,  6;  15,  o;  26,/;  34,  a;  35,  c; 

46,  a;  49,/;  51,/;  56,  d;  58,  a. 
Diamond,  51,  k. 
Dream  design,  45,  /. 
Duck,  12,  c;  16,  a. 
Duck's  head,  12,  c. 
Eagle,  45,  j;  46,  e,  g;  47,  e. 
Earth,  44  e. 
Earth  and  trees,  36,  6. 


BOAS] 


APPENDIX 


471 


Embroidery,  7,  a;  10,  h;  27,  /;  32,  c; 

35,  6,  c;  37,  a-c;  38,  c,  d;  40,  d,  e; 

43,  c,  d;  46,  /;  48,  6;  53,  6;  55,  h. 
Entwining,  39,  a. 
Eye,  38,  d;  49,  /;  57,  d. 
Fish  net,  22,  d. 

Flower,  28,  e;  40,  c;  42,  i;  54,  d;  55,  A. 
Fly,  10,  6;  14,  d;  15,  a;  16,  o;  21,  o,  c; 

24,  e;  26,  6;  28,  e;  29,  6;  33,  c;  42,  i; 

43,  c,  d;  45,  6,  d,  e;  47,  d;  53,  d;  55,  h. 
Foot,  12,  c;  16,  a;  18,  a;  27,  e;  28,  c; 

41,  A;  44,  h. 
Garter  snake,  8,  d;  9,  a. 
Goose,  flying,  14,  c;  21,  c;  24,  6;  57,  c. 
Grave  box,  5,  a;  21,  c;  22,  o,  d;  31,  a; 

32,  c;  44,  a;  56,  6;  57,  a. 
Ground,  44,  e. 
Half  arrowhead,  12,  b;  26,  d;  35,  c;  37,  a; 

39,  b;  41,  6;  44,  /i;  45,  m;  49,  d,  /;  51, 

/;  58,  a. 
Half  circle,  40,  6. 
Half  fly,  52,  e,  f. 
Half  mouth,  35,  a. 
Half  mula  (lily  root),  52,  e,  f. 
Half  star,  52,  e. 
Hammer,  33,  b. 

Head,  19,  a;  20,  a;  31,  /;  52,  I;  57,  b. 
Heaped  up,  32,  c. 
Heart,  40,  6. 

Hook,  12,  c;  18,  a;  41,  /i;  44,  h. 
Hook,  double,  16,  a;  28,  c. 
Hook,  single,  27,  e. 
Hooks,  crossing,  44,  d;  45,  6. 
Horns,  points  called,  52,  I. 
Incisors,  8,  c. 

Indian  paint  brush,  40,  c,  e. 
Kazotlaks  (?),  57,  a. 
Ladder,  14,  d;  22,  b;  31,  6,  d;  32,  c;  39, 

6;  44,  c;  49,  d. 
Lakes,  21,  c;  38,  d. 
Lakes  and  creeks,  32,  c. 
Leaf,  33,  6;  38,  d;  45,  i;  49,  /;  52,  g,  k; 

55,  A. 
Leg,  12,  c;  16,  a;  18,  a;  27,  e;  28,  c. 
Lily  root,   10,   6;  21,  a;  25,  6;  48,   c; 

49,  b;  51,  fc;  52,  g,  h. 
Line  going  around,  9,  a. 
Little  bead,  10,  b. 
Little  crow,  24,  b. 
Little  spot,  10,  6,-  26,  6. 
Little  star,  16,  a;  47,  d;  54,  a. 
Lodge,  53,  d;  54,  d. 
Mesh,  21,  c. 

53666°— 28 31 


Moon,  44,  g;  53,  6. 

Morning  star,  25,  o. 

Moss  cake,  41,  (jr. 

Mountain,  17,  a;  35,  a;  45,  ff,  A;  51,  d; 

52,  e,  /,  I. 
Mountain  side,  53,  d. 
Mouth,    11,    6;    18,    a;    19,    a;    22,    a; 

29,  a,  c;  32,  h;  48,  c;  50,  d;  55,  A; 

57,  a,  f. 
Necklace,  7,  a;  9,  c;  12,  c;  21,   a,  c; 

23,  a;  24,  a,  b;  27,  c,  d,  /;  31,  6,  d; 

34,  a;  35,  6;  38,  d;  52,  a,  6,  i;  57,  c. 
Net,  28,  c;31,  a. 
Notch,  9,  c;  11,  6;  12,  c;  18,  a;  22,  a; 

29,    a;   32,    b;   35,    a;   43,    c;   48,    c; 

56,  d;  57,  a,  f. 
Otter,  45,  j. 
Packstrap,   18,  d;  22,  d;  28,   6;  31,   a; 

33,  c;  55,  a,  c. 
Paint  pouch,  9,  c;  33,  d. 
Part  of  a  design,  33,  d;  46,/. 
Part  of  grave  box,  5,  a. 
Part  of  zigzag,  16,  a. 
Patch,  36,  b. 
Pelt,  45,  i. 
Pipe,  27,  e;  45,  3,  /(. 
Points,  short,  8,  c. 
Points,  sharp,  28,  d. 
Rain,  9,  c;  41,  c;  51,  c. 
Rainbow,  41,  e. 
Rattlesnake,  18,  b;  43,  c,  d. 
Rattlesnake  tail,  14,  c. 
Ribs,  17,  h;  38,  d;  51,  b. 
Rolls  of  Indian  hemp  bark,  5,  a. 
Root  digger,  40,  6. 
Rope,  27,  /. 
Scratch,  8,  c. 
Snake,    18,    6;  21,    a;  24,    a;  26,    a-c; 

33,  c;  37,  d,  e;  38,  c;  41,  i;  43,  c,  d; 

45,  Z;  50,  6;  55,  h;  56,  d. 
Snake-skins,    39,    a;  45,    I,    m;  46,   /; 

51,  A. 
Snake-tail,  51,  h. 
Snake-track,   24,   e;  31,   d;  35,    a;  37, 

d,  e. 
Snare,  21,  c;  28,  6. 
Spear-blade,  40,  d,  e. 
Spear-head,  44,  d;  52,  a,  b. 
Spot,  16,  a;  27,  6;  32,  c;  41,  a,  c,  e,/,  j; 

44,  g;  47,  d;  51,  ?ra;  52,  I;  63,  d,  j; 

56,  d. 
Standing,  7,  a;  34,  a. 
Standing  ends,  56,  d. 


472 


COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH   COLUMBIA 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


Star,  23,  d;  25,  a;  27,  e;  28,  a,  c;  42,  i; 

44,  g;  45,  g-i,  m;  46,  rf,"  51,  (7;  52, 

a-d;  53,  6,  c;  55,  h. 
Star  with  sky  background,  41,/. 
Steps,  17,  e;"32,  c;  37,/;  51,  v  52,  j. 
Stripe,  14,  a;  34,  6;  49,  d. 
Stripe,  leaning,  41 ,  c. 
Striped  snake,  26,  e;  27,  a. 
Sun,  44,/. 
Swallow,  21,  c. 
Tadpole,  36,  a. 
Teeth,  8,  c;  35,  a. 


Teeth,  string  of,  27,  d. 

Thunderbolt,  45,  /. 

Tree,  24,/;  36,6. 

TsEne'ka,  9,  c;  48,  c. 

Twisted,  27,/. 

Twisting,  22,  d. 

Underground  house,  44,  e;  fig.  116. 

Wave,  53,  c. 

Xanaxa'in,  12,  h;  29,  c;  51/,  h;  58  a. 

Zigzag,  17,  e;  18,  o;  28,  6,  d;  31,  b.  d; 

36,  b;  37,/;  61,  d,  i,  k;  55,  d,  g;  57, 

c,  /;  58,  a. 


Design  Names  on  Plates  in  Farrand's  Basketry  Designs  of  Salish  Indians 

Plate  XXI 


1.  Fl\'ing  geese  (  =  24,  6). 

2.  Rattlesnake's  tail  (  =  14,  c). 

3.  Flying  birds. 

4.  Snake  tracks  (  =  37,  d). 

5.  Snake  tracks  (  =  35,  a). 

6.  Flies,  Snake  tracks  (?) ,  Arrowheads 

(  =  43,  c). 

7.  Snake  (  =  8,  d). 

8.  Butterfly     wings     (  =  Frontispiece, 

bottom  basket). 


9.  Flies,  Arrowheads,  and  Half  circles 
(  =  55,  h). 

10.  Flounders  (Quinault). 

11.  Head  with  mouth,  teeth,  and  hair; 

below.     Arrowhead     (=  Frontis- 
piece, top  basket). 

12.  Flies  (  =  43,  d). 

13.  Head    with    open    mouth;    below, 

Arrowheads  (  =  56,  d). 
Grouse,  Tracks,  and  Earth  line. 


14 


Plate  XXII 


1.  Intestine;  below.  Flies  (  =  29,  b). 

2.  Net  with  deer  shot  by  an  arrow, 

Man,  Dogs  (  =  46,  h). 

4.  Fern  leaf. 

5.  Man  with  feather  in  hair,  bow,  two 

arrows;  at  either  end,  Ladder  (?). 

6.  Arrowheads  (  =  39,  a). 

7.  Arrowheads  of  two  different  shapes. 


8.  Arrowheads  (  =  76,  top  basket). 

9.  Packstrap  or  Fish  net  (  =  22,  d). 

10.  Grave  box  (  =  28,/). 

11.  Crossing  trails  or  Stars   (  =  25,  a). 

12.  Stone  hammer  (  =  33,  b). 

13.  Fish  net  (Quinault). 

14.  Stars  (  =  28,  a). 


Plate  XXIII 


Lakes  connected  by  streams,  ducks 
flying  toward  the  lakes,  foot- 
prints of  animals. 

Arrowheads  and  Crossing  trails. 

Rows  of  lodges. 

Household  utensils. 

Mountain  chain  (Quinault). 


6.  Mountain  chain  (Quinault). 


7. 


10. 
11. 
12. 


Mountain  with  lakes  in  the  vaUey 

(  =  28,  6). 
Ripples  of  water  (Quinault). 
?  (Quinault). 
Lightning  (  =  31,  6). 
Dream  design  (  =  37,  c). 
Chilcotin  basket  (=8,  a). 


INDEX   TO   SKETCHES   OF   DESIGNS  ^ 

Plates  78-94  contain  the  designs  collected  by  Mr.  Teit  with  the 
interpretations  given  by  him.  It  seemed  best  not  to  change  the  Hst 
because  for  additional  designs  the  explanations  could  not  be  given. 
As  stated  before,  the  collection  was  made  by  Mr.  Teit  in  the  course 
of  a  considerable  number  of  years  and  the  information  embodied  in 
them  was  collected  from  all  the  divisions  of  the  tribe. 

There  are  a  number  of  striking  omissions  in  the  list;  particularly 
the  vertical  stripes  with  diagonal,  triangular,  and  chevron  decora- 
tions are  not  fully  represented. 

It  will  also  be  seen  that  the  explanations  given  in  the  present  list 
do  not  quite  coincide  with  the  explanations  given  on  the  plates, 
although  the  differences  are  of  minor  importance  and  do  not  invali- 
date the  results  obtained  from  the  discussion  of  design  elements, 
pages  422—424.  So  far  as  possible  identifications  of  sketches  and  of 
very  similar  designs  occurring  on  photographs  have  been  embodied 
in  the  list. 


HORIZONTAL    LINES 

1-3.  Bead. 

4.  Striped  snake,  Coil  (?). 

5.  Cloud,       Embroidery,       Necklace, 

String  of  beads,  Dentalia. 

6.  Hair  ribbon,  Spot,  Beads,  Necklace, 

String  of  beads.  Flies. 

7.  Hair  ribbon.  Spot,  Beads,  Necklace, 

String   of    beads,    Flies,    Snake- 
skin. 

8.  Dentalia,  Nose-rod,  Flying  bird  or 

insect.  Dragonfly. 

9.  Cloud,       Embroidery,       Dentalia, 

Necklace,  String  of  beads. 

10.  Cloud,  Dentalia,  Embroidery,  Hair 

ribbon.      Necklace,      String     of 
beads. 

11.  Cloud,       Embroidery,       Dentalia, 

Necklace,  String  of  beads. 

12.  13.  Cloud,    Embroider}',    Dentalia, 

Necklace,  String  of  beads. 
14.  Cloud,       Embroidery,       Dentalia 
Necklace,  String  of  beads,  Rat- 
tlesnake. 
1  The  index  is  not  quite  complete. 


HORIZONTAL  LINES — Continued 

15.  Cloud,       Embroidery,       Necklace, 

Dentalia,  Snake. 

16.  Hair     ribbon.     Snake,     BuUsnake, 

Beads,  Necklace,  String  of  beads. 
Rattlesnake,  Flies. 

17,  19.  Joined,  Spliced,  Snake. 

18,  20.  Joined,  Spliced. 

21.  Hairy  caterpillar,  Dentalia,  Neck- 

lace, OpalilE'tsa  Eagle  (?) 

22,  23.  Striped  snake.  Coil. 

24.  Dentalia,  Snake  or  snakeskin.  Bull- 

snake,  Rattlesnake. 

25.  Scratch,    Stripe,    Lines    extending 

out. 

26.  Legging  with  beaded  fringe.  Clouds 

appearing    above    the    horizon. 
Beads  (rarely). 

DIAGONAL    LINES 

27.  28.   Rain,  Beads. 

29.   Leaning,  Rainbow,  Stripe,  Scratch, 
Lines  extending  out. 

473 


474 


COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA 


[eTH.  ANN.  41 


DIAGONAL  LINES — Continued 

30.  Leaning,   Rainbow,  Striped  snake, 

Stripe  (Rainbow  stump). 

31.  Leaning,    Rainbow,    Little   ladder, 

Stripe  (Rainbow  stump). 

32.  Scratches,   Rainbow,  Stripe,  Rain- 

bow stump. 

33.  Rainbow,     Little    ladder,    Striped 

snake. 

34.  (?). 

35.  Rain. 

36.  Xanaxa'in  (an  edible  root). 

37.  Xanaxa'in,  Stripe,  Dentalia. 

38.  Striped  snake. 

39.  Stlupaist  or  twisted,  Xanaxa'in. 

40.  Stlupaist    or    twisted,  Xanaxa'in, 

Dentalia. 

41.  Arrowhead,  twisted,  Xanaxa'in. 

42.  Half  arrowhead,  Xanaxa'in,   Den- 

talia. 

VERTICAL    LINES 

43.  44.  Rain,  Spot,  Bead. 

45.  Woodworm,    Hair    ribbon.    Snake, 

Caterpillar,  Spot,  Necklace. 

46.  Rain,  Spot,  Bead,  Necklace,  Den- 

talia. 

47.  Frame,  Legging. 

48.  49.  Legging. 

50.  Girl's    frame    (tsExa'ksten),    Leg- 

ging- 

51,  52.  Legging. 

53.  False  legging. 

54.  False  legging,  Striped  legging. 
55-59.  Dentalia  and  Embroidery. 

60.  (?). 

61.  Lines  extending  out.  Stripe,  Scratch. 

62.  Striped  snake, 

63.  Snake,  Ladder,  Hair  ribbon,  Wood- 

worm. 

64.  65.  Snake,  Caterpillar,  Hair  ribbon, 

Woodworm. 

66.  Snake,  BuUsnake. 

67.  Snake,     Bullsnake,     Snake's    head 

(rarely),  Woodworm.  93, 

68.  Snake,  Bullsnake,  Bead,  Fly,  Neck-     95. 

lace,  String  of  beads.  96. 

5  This  is  supposed  to  have  been  in  the  Stlaxa'iu.x  country 
The  diamonds  represent  gun  holes. 


69. 
70. 
71. 

72. 

73, 

75. 

76. 


77. 


78. 


79. 


80. 


81. 


82. 


83. 

84. 
85. 

86. 


87. 
88. 

89, 
91, 


VERTICAL  LINES — Continued 

Snake,  Snakeskin,  Necklace. 

Snake,  Snakeskin. 

Snake,  Snakeskin,  Combined  snake 

track  and  half  arrowhead. 
Snake,  Rattlesnake,  Garter  snake, 

Necklace. 
74.  Bead,       Dentalia,       Necklace, 

Rain. 
Bead,     Dentalia,     Rain      (rarely), 

Necklace. 
Bead,  Necklace. 

DIAGONAL    ZIGZAG,  HORIZONTAL 

Necklace  of  dentalia  or  tubers? 
Beads,  Pendants. 

Arrowhead,  Zigzag,  Necklace  with 
pendants. 

Snake,  Snake  track,  Mountain  tops, 
Zigzag,  Caterpillar,  Pack  strap. 

Snake,  Snr.ke  track.  Mountain  tops, 
Zigzag,  Caterpillar,   Pack   strap. 

Snake,  Snake  track.  Pack  strap. 
Mountain,  Caterpillar. 

Pack  strap  (connected  points  or 
open  middles),  Rainbow  con- 
nected. Necklace  (rarely),  Zigzag, 
Meandering,  Snake. 

Snake,  Bullsnake. 

Necklace,  Bead. 

Rainbow,  Necklace,  Part  of  grave 
box  (rare).  Grasshopper. 

Zigzag  (flat  or  wide  points),  Half 
circles  connected,  Going  back 
and  forth  in  half  circles,  Moun- 
tains (rarely).  Snake  tracks  (very 
rare).  Deer  fence. 

Grave  box. 

Rainbow,  Necklace,  Part  of  grave 
box  (rarely).  Grasshopper. 

90.   Mountains. 

92.  Rainbow  and  cloud,  Cloud  over 
mountain.  Embroidery, 
Necklace  and  pendants, 
Beads. 

94.   Cloud  (Nicola). 

Deer  fence  with  snares. 

Indian  fortress  on  top  of  a  rock.- 
It  is  surrounded  by  a  wall  of  logs  and  stones. 


boas] 


APPENDIX 


475 


DIAGONAL    ZIGZAG,    HORIZONTAL COIl. 

97.  Head    band,    Embroidery    on    the 

fronts  and  backs  of  dresses.  Net, 
Necklace. 

98.  Necklace,  Variety  of  net,  Embroid- 

ery, Dress  design. 

99.  Dress  design. 

100.  Necklace,  Rainbow,  Part  of  earth 

lodge  (rarely),  Dress  design. 

101.  Necklace,  Rainbow  (Lytton),  Half 

circle,  Embroidery,  Half  of  a 
design,  Part  of  a  grave  bo.\ 
(rare),  Dress  design.  Grasshop- 
per. 

102.  103.  Arrowpoints,  Necklace. 

DIAGONAL    ZIGZAG,  VERTICAL 

104.  Trail,  Snake  tracks.  Snake,    Con- 

torting, Ascending  zigzag. 

105.  Grasshopper,  Grasshopper  leg. 

106.  Wave  (two  turns),  Zigzag,  Grass- 

hopper. 

107.  Wave  (two  turns).  Zigzag,  Grass- 

hopper. 

108.  Wave  (short  turn).  Zigzag,  Grass- 

hopper. 

109.  Wave      (three     turns).      Zigzag, 

Lightning  (rarely).  Snake  or 
Snake  track. 

110.  Wave  (four  turns).  Zigzag,  Snake 

or  Snake  track. 

111.  Blanket,   Zigzag   (up  and  down). 

Snake  or  Snake  track. 

112.  113.   Caterpillar,  Lightning  (rare- 

ly) ,  Grasshopper,  Wood- 
worm borings. 
114,  115.  Trail,  Parfleche  (rarely).  As- 
cending zigzag,  Snake, 
Snake  track,  Contracted 
middles,  Pack  strap  (rare- 

ly)- 

116,  117.  Snake,    Bullsnake,    Caterpil- 
lar, Garter  snake. 

118.  Snake,      Bullsnake,      Caterpillar, 

Garter  snake.  Striped  snake. 

119.  Snake,  Caterpillar,  Garter  snake. 

Striped  snake. 

120.  Snake,  Bead  necklace.  Caterpillar. 

121.  Snake,  Woodworm,  Caterpillar. 
122-125.  Striped  snake. 

126,  127.   (?).  I 


THE  ZIGZAG  COMPOSED  OP  VERTICAL  AND 
HORIZONTAL  SECTIONS 

128,  129.  Snake  and  snake  track  (rare- 
ly), Caterpillar,  Grasshop- 
per. 

130.  Snake  and  snake  track    (rarely), 

Caterpillar,  Grasshopper,  Light- 
ning. 

131.  Snake  and  snake  track   (rarely), 

Caterpillar. 

132.  Snake  track. 

133.  Mountain,  Zigzag,  Necklace. 

134.  Mountain,       Zigzag,       Necklace, 

Caterpillar. 

THE    CHEVRON 

135.  Butterfly,       Wing,       Arrowpoint, 

Angle. 

136.  Butterfly  wing.  Butterfly. 

137.  Necklace,       Butterfly       (rarely), 

Broken  or  bent  middle. 

138.  Angle,  Arrowpoint. 

139.  140.   Arrowpoint. 

141.  Arrowhead    (heaped   up   or  over- 

lapping) . 

142.  Arrowhead. 

143.  Arrowhead. 

144.  Tree,  Fir  branch.  Branch. 

145.  Tree,  Fir  branch. 

146.  Waves  (one  turn),  Angle,  Arrow- 

head, Part  of  zigzag  (Uta'mqt), 
Grasshopper. 

147.  Bent   leg,    Broken   back,    Broken 

rib,  Rib,  Grasshopper. 

148.  Bent    leg.    Broken    back.    Grass- 

hopper, Rib. 

149.  Angle,  Arrowpoint. 

150.  Fish  backbone  (Spuzzum). 

151.  Butterfly,  Butterfly  wing. 

152.  Broken  back.  Bent  leg,  Fishhook, 

Hook,     Crook,     Hooked     end, 
Cross,  Head,  Root  digger. 

153.  Rainbow  (half  or  stumps)   (rare). 

Bent  middle.  Bent  back.  Bent 
leg,  Striped  snake  (rare). 

154.  Rainbow  (half  or  stumps)  (rare), 

Bent  middle,  Bent  back,  Bent 
leg,  Striped  snake  (rare). 


476 


COILED    BASKETRY    IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA  |eth.  ann.41 


THE  RIGHT  ANGLE   WITH  ONE  LONG  SIDE 

155.  (?). 

156.  Leg,  Foot,  Grasshopper. 

157.  158.  Leg,  Foot,  Caterpillar,  Bent 

knee. 
159-162.  Leg  (variation),  Foot  (varia- 
tion),   Caterpillar,    Double 
hook.  Crook. 

163.  Leg,    Foot    (rarely).    Caterpillar, 

Notch. 

164.  Leg  (variation).  Necklace,  Beads, 

Dentalia,  Grasshopper  (rarely) 
(arranged  spirally  and  hori- 
zontally). 

165.  Leg  (variation).  Necklace  (rarely), 

Dentalia,  Grasshopper. 
166-168.   (?). 

169.  Hook,    Hooked    end,     Fishhook, 

Foot,  Grasshopper. 

170.  Leg,  Foot,  Grasshopper. 

171.  Grasshopper. 

172.  Leg,  Foot. 

173.  174.  Leg,  Foot,  Grasshopper. 

175.  Caterpillars  crossed. 

176.  Caterpillar. 

177.  Caterpillar,  Double  hook.  Double 

crook.  Angle,  Bent  leg. 

178.  (?). 

179.  Caterpillar,  Double  hook.  Double 

crook.  Angle,  Bent  leg.    Duck. 

180.  Root  digger,  Cross,  Head. 

181.  Root   digger.    Cross,    Head    (pos- 

sibly from  whites).  Fishhook(?l. 

182.  Leg,  Foot. 

183.  Hooked  end.  Leaning,  Hook,  Fish- 

hook  (rarely).   Foot,   Bent  leg, 
Grasshopper,  Leg  leaning. 

184.  Bent  back.  Broken  back.  Broken 

rib,  Bent  leg.  Grasshopper. 

185.  Fishhook. 

186.  Fish  spear.  Bird's  foot. 

THE    MEANDER 

187.  188.  Snake,  Snake  track  (rarely), 

Mouth. 
189-191.   Mouth. 

192.  Variant  of  grave  box.  Mouth. 

193.  Mouths,     Notches     facing     each 

other. 
194-196.   Notch,    Mouth,    Caterpillar, 

SkEsknits(?). 
197.  Snail,   Caterpillar,   Head,   Duck's 

head. 


THE  MEANDER — continued 

198.  Snail,  Caterpillar,  Head. 

199.  Necklace. 

200.  Necklace,  Mountain,  Zigzag  steps. 

201.  202.   Necklace,   Cloud  and  moun- 

tain, Zigzag  half  circles. 
Stepped  half  circles.  Em- 
broidery, Clouds,  Steps. 

203.  Necklace,    Cloud   and   mountain, 

Zigzag  half  circle.  Stepped  half 
circle,  Embroidery,  Clouds. 

204.  Necklace,  Cloud,  Mountain,  Zig- 

zag half  circles.  Stepped  half 
circles.  Embroidery. 

205.  Cloud,  Zigzag,  Embroidery,  Half 

design. 

206.  Star,  Star  notched  or  stepped  all 

around.  Gnawed  all  around. 

207.  Star,   Stepped  star.   Variation  of 

ladder  or  necklace  (?),  Notched 
or  gnawed  edges  all  around, 
Woven  bag  design. 

208.  Star,  Notched  star,  Star  stepped 

all  around.  Star  surrounded  by 
a  cloud.  Cloud  with  star  shining 
through  it. 

209.  Cloud,      Necklace,     Embroidery, 

Cloud  and  mountain. 

210.  Cloud,    Embroidery,    Half    of    a 

design. 

CROSSED    LINES 

211.  212.  Star,  Small  star.  Fly  (rarely), 

Flying  birds  or  insects. 

213.  Star. 

214.  Star,  Fishline  reel. 

215.  Star,  Big  star. 

216.  Star,  Big  .star  (?),  Morning  star. 

Cross. 

217.  Star,  Morning  star. 

218.  Star. 

219.  Star  (notched).  Leaf  (Spuzzum). 

220.  221.   Sun     (painted     on     circular 

lids),  Star,  Flower. 

TRIANGLES 

222-229.   Arrowhead. 

230.  Snake(?),    Bullsnake(?),    Snake's 

head,  Woodworm(?). 
231-233.   Arrowhead. 
234,  235.   Bush,  Mushroom,  Tree. 
236.  Bush,  Mushroom,  Tree,  Bead. 


boas] 


APPENDIX 


477 


TRIANGLES — Continued 

237.  Butterfly (?). 

238.  Arrowhead.*  * 

239.  Butterfly,  Wing  of  butterfly. 

240.  241.   Arrow,  Arrowhead. 

242.  Arrowhead.' 

243.  Arrowhead,  Leaf. 

244.  Arrowhead      (joined      all      over), 

Cloud  (rarely),  Fern. 

245.  Arrowheads  touching  bases. 

246.  Arrowhead. 

247.  Arrowhead,    Butterfly,    Butterfly 

wing. 

248.  Butterfly. 
249-251.   Arrowhead. 

252.  Arrowheads  entering  one  another. 

253.  (?). 

254.  Arrowheads  touching  bases. 

255.  256.   (?). 

257.  Arrowhead,  Ladder. 
258-260.   Parfleche(?) 

261.  Butterfly. 

262.  Leaf  (double). 

263.  Tooth,  Grizzly-bear  tooth,  Butter- 

fly (rarely). 
264-267.  Arrowhead    (rarely).    Tooth, 

Leaf,  Fern  leaf. 
268,  269.  Arrowhead,  Tooth. 

270.  Parfleche. 

271.  Butterfly,  Arrowhead  star.  Wing. 

272.  Arrowhead,    Butterfly,    Butterfly 

wing. 

273.  Tooth  (rarely),  Arrowhead  (rare- 

ly). Wing. 

274.  275.  Arrowhead,    Butterfly,    But- 

terfly wing. 

276.  Arrowhead. 

277.  Arrowhead,  Half  arrowhead.  Lad- 

der (var.). 

278.  Ladder,  Arrowhead. 

279.  (?) 

280.  Ladder,  Arrowhead. 

281.  Ladder,  Arrowhead. 

282.  283.   (?). 

284.  Arrowheads  touching  bases,  Lad- 

der. 

285.  Arrowheads,  Ladder. 

286.  Arrowheads,  Half  arrowheads. 

287.  Ladder,  Notched  bark. 

288.  Ladder,  Half  arrowhead. 

289.  Ladder,  Tooth,  Cloud  (rarely).  Half 

arrowhead. 

290.  291.   Ladder. 

^  Occasionally  used.    Formerly  bead  work  patterns 
*  Drawn  from  Indian  description. 
'  On  a  new  basket. 


TRIANGLES — Continued 

292.  Ladder,  Arrowhead. 

293.  Ladder,  Half  arrowhead. 

294.  Tree  ladder.  Arrowhead. 

295.^  Arrowhead,  Ladder  for  climbing 
trees. 

296.  Arrowhead,  Ladder. 

297.  Bead,  Beaded  edge,  Caterpillar. 

298.  Half  arrowhead,    Dentalia,    Con- 

nected, Hair  ribbon,  Xanaxa'in. 

299.  Swallow,  Wing. 

300.  301.  Arrowhead.  ' 

302.  Arrowhead,  Snake,  Snakeskin. 

303.  Half  arrowhead,  Xanaxa'in,  Lad- 

der, Embroidery  (cf.  571). 

304.  Half  arrowhead,  Xanaxa'in,  Hair 

ribbon,  Dentalia,  Connected. 

305.  Butterfly,  Butterfly  wing. 

306.  Single  leaf. 

307.  Half  arrowhead  horizontal.   Lad- 

der horizontal. 

308.  Half  arrowheads  joined  all  over. 

309.  310.  Swallow,  Wing. 

311.  Star,  Arrowhead  (occasionally). 

312.  Ladder. 

313.  314.  Ladder,  Caterpillar. 
315,  316.  Ladder,  Arrowhead. 

317.  Ladder,  Caterpillar. 

318.  Tree  ladder,   Arrowhead,   Moun- 

tain, Caterpillar. 

319.  Star,  Arrowhead  (occasionally). 

320.  Parfleche. 

321.  Ladder  (var.).  Contracted  middle, 

Butterfly  (rarely). 

322.  Comb,  Double  comb,  Parfleche(?). 
323-325.  Arrowhead,  Parfleche. 

326.  Arrowhead,  Star,  Cross. 

327.  Arrowhead,  Arrowhead  star, White 

man's  design(?). 

328.  Star,  Arrowhead  star.  Arrowhead 

cross. 
329-330.  Arrowheads   touching   bases, 
Ladder(?). 

331.  Arrowhead,  Variation  of  notched 

ladder.  Bead. 

332.  Arrowhead. 

333.  Star,    Arrowhead   star    (occasion- 

ally). 

334.  Arrowhead. 

335.  336.  Arrowhead,  Half  arrowhead. 

337.  (?). 

338.  Arrowhead. 


478 


COILED    BASKETRY   IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


348, 
349 
350 


TRIANGLES — Continued 

339.  Arrowhead,  Bird,  Swallow,  Dream 

design,  Fern. 

340.  Arrowhead,  Bird,  Swallow. 

341.  342.  Arrowhead. 

SQUARES 

343-346.   (?). 

347.  Bead,  Fly,  Star. 

Bead,  Woodworm. 

Bead,  Star,  Hairy  caterpillar. 

TsEne'ka,  Embroidery,  Comb. 
351,  352.   Big  bead. 

353.  Tooth. 

354.  Necklace,  Headband,  Beads,  Em- 

broidery,     BuUsnake,     Rattle- 
snake. 

355.  Twisted,  Bead,  Caterpillar  (rare). 

356.  Twisted,  Bead,  Hair  ribbon.  Neck- 

lace, String  of  beads. 

357.  Twisted,  Bead,  Hair  ribbon.  Neck- 

lace, BuUsnake,  Snakeskin. 
Embroidery,  Bead,  Fly,  Necklace, 

Rattlesnake,  Snake. 
Bead,     Necklace,     Spot,    Joined 

squares. 
Grave  box.  Mouth  (rarely). 
Xanaxa'in,  Ladder. 
Fish  net.  Deer  net. 
Snake,  Woodworm,  Hair  ribbon. 
Spot,    Bead,  Hair  ribbon,   Wood- 
worm. 
Snake,  BuUsnake,  Necklace,  Bead 

embroidery.  Fly. 
366.  Snake,      Snakeskin,      CaterpiUar, 

Bead,  Step,  Embroidery. 
Rain  (rarely).  Necklace  of  beads, 

TsEne'ka,  Embroidery. 
Comb,      Embroidery,      TsEne'ka 

(hair  ornament). 

369.  Big  bead.  Notch,  Cloud. 

370.  Big  bead.  Cloud. 
Big    bead.     Notch,    Embroidery, 

Cloud,  Circles. 
Big  bead.   Big  spot,  Embroidery, 

Cloud,      Necklace,      Butterfly, 

Insect,  Bird. 
Big  bead,    Flying  insect  or  bird 

(Uta'mqt),  Caterpillar. 

374.  Big  bead,  Caterpillar,  DentaUa. 

375.  Star,  Fly,  Flying  bird.  Insect. 

376.  Big  bead.  Hat. 


358. 

359. 

360. 
361. 
362. 
363. 
364. 

365. 


367. 


368. 


371. 


372. 


373. 


SQUARES — continued 


377, 


379. 


389. 
390. 
391. 


392. 


393. 


378.  Cloud,  Cluster  of  flies  (Ut.), 
Heaped  up.  Bead,  Embroidery, 
Part  of  mula.  Spot  (heaped  up), 
Part  of  spotted  star  (Nicola), 
Mountain  (rare).  Caterpillar. 

Cloud,  Bead,  Step,  Ladder,  Half 
of  a  design.  Embroidery. 
380-387.  Cloud,  Cluster  of  flies 
(Uta'mqt),  Heaped  up.  Bead, 
Embroidery,  Part  of  mula  (root 
of  wild  rice,  lily  root),  Spot 
(heaped  up),  Half  or  part  of 
spotted  star  (Nicola),  Mountain 
(rare),  CaterpiUar. 
388.  Star  (Nicola),  Fly  (Uta'mqt), 
Dragon  fly. 

Fly,  Dragon  fly.  Flying  bird. 

Cloud,  Pipe,  Bead. 

Big  star.  Small  fly  (Uta'mqt), 
Buttercup  (Nicola),  Owl's  face 
(Lytton). 

Big  star,  Flower,  Buttercup,  Owl's 
face. 

Big  star  (Nicola),  Fly  (Uta'mqt). 

394.  Ornamented  star  variation. 

395.  Leaf  (Spuzzum),  Star,  Bead. 
396-398.  Star,  Shooting  star  (Nicola). 
399,  400.   Mula,   Star   (Lower  Nicola), 

Cluster  of  stars  (Nicola),  Cluster 

of  flies  (Uta'mqt). 
Mula,  Cluster  of  flies  (Uta'mqt). 
Mula,  Cluster  of  flies  (Uta'mqt), 

Cluster  of  stars  (Nicola). 
404.  Big  bead,  Caterpillar. 
Big  bead. 

Ladder,  Arrowhead. 
Ladder,  Big  bead,  CaterpiUar. 
Ladder,  Caterpillar. 
Ladder,  Big  bead. 
Rattlesnake,  Big  bead. 
Ladder  of  underground  house. 
Cloud,      Embroidery,      Fly,      Big 

bead,  Gnawed  edges  all  around. 

413.  Fly,    Big   bead.    Steps,   Snake   or 

snakeskin.     Hairy     caterpillar. 
Embroidery. 

414.  Embroidery,     Step,      Big     bead. 

Caterpillar,  Snake,  Snakeskin. 

415.  Star,    Arrowhead    star    (occasion- 

aUy),  Big  bead. 


401. 
402. 

403, 
405. 
406. 
407. 
408. 
409. 
410. 
411. 
412. 


B0A3] 


APPENDIX 


479 


SQUARES — continued 

416.  Contracted    middle,    Arrowhead, 

Cloud,  Parfleche. 

417.  Arrowhead  star. 

418.  Star,  Notched  star.  Stepped  star. 

RECTANOLES 

419.  Star,    Arrowhead   star    (occasion- 

ally), Big  bead. 

420.  Moss  cake,  TsEne'ka  (hair  flap) . 

421.  Window. 

422.  (?). 

423.  Beads,   Part  of  step  design,   Big 

bead,  Caterpillar. 

424.  Star,  Bead. 

425.  Star  (Nicola),  Bead,  Fly. 

426.  Big  bead.  Fly. 

427.  Big  bead,  Dentalium,  Caterpillar. 

428.  Dentalium,  Caterpillar. 

429.  Dentalium,  Caterpillar. 

430.  Door. 

431.  Eye. 

432.  TsEne'ka. 

433.  Ladder,  Dentalia,  Xanaxa'in. 

434.  Shell  embroidery.   Ladder   (Cold- 

water),  Dentalia,  Xanaxa'in. 

435.  Patch    (real    patch    design).    Net 

(rarely) . 

436.  Patch  (Spuzzum). 

437.  Bead,  Striped  bead,  Dentalium. 

438.  Snake,  Bullsnake,  Big  bead.  Fly, 

Dentalia. 

439.  Necklace,  Snake. 

440.  Snake,  Snakeskin,  Bullsnake,  Fly. 

441.  Big   Ijead,    Notch,    Cloud,   Flying 

bird. 

442.  Big  bead.  Necklace,  Steps,  Cloud, 

Embroidery. 

443.  Big  bead.  Necklace,  Steps,  Cloud, 

Embroidery,  Ladder  (variation), 

444.  Big  bead,  Necklace,  Steps,  Cloud. 

Embroidery. 
445-447.  Big  bead.  Big  spot.  Butterfly, 
Cloud,  Embroidery,  Flying 
insect  or  bird  (Uta'mqt). 

448.  Necklace   (in  addition  to  preced- 

ing). 

449.  Big    bead.     Big    spot,     Butterfly 

(Spuzzum),  Cloud,  Notch, 
Flying  insect  or  bird  (Spuzzum), 
Flying  goose. 


RECTANGLES — Continued 

450.  Big    bead.     Big    spot.     Butterfly 

(Spuzzum),  Cloud,  Notch,  Fly- 
ing insect  or  bird  (Spuzzum), 
Flying  goose.  Necklace. 

451.  Beads,    Necklace,    Notch,    Notch 

extended.  Circling,  Caterpillar, 
Clouds  extended. 

452.  453.  Cloud  extended.  Notch,  Cat- 

erpillar, Flying  goose. 

454.  Cloud,  Mountain,  Cluster  of  flies 

(Uta'mqt),  Bead,  Embroidery, 
Hat,  Spot  (heaped  up),  Part  of 
spotted  star  (Nicola),  Hairy  cat- 
erpillar, Mula,  Part  of  mula. 

455.  Big  bead,  Hat,  Dentalia,  Hair  rib- 

bon. 

456.  Big  bead.  Hat. 

457.  Caterpillar,  Woodworm. 

458.  Spot,  Big  bead. 

459.  Wide-pointed  star. 

460.  Star,  Fly,  Flying  bird.  Insect. 

461.  Star  (Nicola),  Fly  (Uta'mqt),  Fly- 

ing  bird.  Insect. 

462.  Star  (Nicola),  Fly  (Uta'mqt). 

463.  Dentalia,  Ladder. 

464.  Dentalia,  Ladder,  Big  beads. 

465.  Dentalia,     Ladder,     Big     beads, 

Steps,  Caterpillar. 

466.  Dentalia,  Ladder,  Big  beads. 

467.  Ladder. 

468.  Big  beads.  Fly,  Flying  bird.  Insect. 

469.  470.  Spot,  Big  beads. 

471.  Ladder,     Bead,     Necklace,     Den- 

talia. 

472.  (?). 

473.  474.  Hairy  caterpillar. 

475,  476.  Cloud,  Fly,  Bead,  Embroid- 
ery, Caterpillar. 

477.  Fly,  Bead,  Hairy  caterpillar. 

478.  Steps,     Bead,    Hairy    caterpillar. 

Ladder. 

479.  Big  bead.  Hairy  caterpillar. 

480.  Steps,  Big  bead.  Hairy  caterpillar. 

Ladder. 

481.  Necklace,  Beads,  Dentalia. 

482.  Big  bead.  Necklace. 

483.  Big  bead.  Ear-ring. 

484.  Bead,     Spot,     Necklace,     Joined 

squares. 

485.  Dentalia,  Necklace. 

486.  Necklace,  Joined  squares.  Spot. 


480 


COILED   BASKETRY   IN    BRITISH    COLUMBIA 


[etH.  ANN.  41 


RECTANGLES — Continued 

487.  Necklace. 

488.  Bead,  Beaded  edge,  Caterpillar. 

489.  Necklace. 

490-491.   Big  bead,  Feathers. 

492.  Star,    Cross,    Morning    star,    Big 

star. 

493.  Bead,  Star. 

494.  Star. 

495.  Cloud,  Mountain, Necklace, Beads, 

Zigzag,  Half  circle. 

496.  497.  Necklace,  Beads,  Dentalia. 

498.  Big  bead.  Step,  Embroidery,  Cat- 

erpillar, Dentalia,  Snake, 
Snakeskin. 

499.  Standing  points   (Spuzzum),   Fly 

(checked  part),  TsEue'ka,  Em- 
broidery, Dentalia,  Necklace, 
Part  of  a  design. 

600.  TsEne'ka 

601.  Caterpillar, Woodworm. 

602.  Mountains    and    clouds,     Beads, 

Clusters  of  flies  (Uta'mqt). 

503.  Legging  fringe.  Clouds,  Dentalia, 

Beads,  Big  spot  (rarely).  Cat- 
erpillar. 

504.  Dentalia,  Caterpillar. 

505.  Hand  pointing. 

506.  Head,  Duck's  head.  Caterpillar. 
607.   Necklace,  Design  on  dresses,  Fly- 
ing bird.  Beads. 


DIAMONDS 


508. 


Spearhead(?),  Snares,  Lakes, 
Leaves,  Meshes,  Part  of  a  de- 
sign (Uta'mqt). 

509.  Wasp's  nest. 

510.  Mula  (root  of  wild  rice) ,  Cluster  of 

flies,  Heart,  Big  bead. 

511.  Star,  Eye,  Snare,  Mesh. 

512.  Star,  Eye,  Flower. 
513-515.  Star. 

516.  Leaf. 

517.  Leaf  double. 

518.  Net,  Fence,  Pack-strap. 

619,  520.  Fish  net.  Deer  net.  Variation 
of  grave  box. 

521.  Contracting,      Eye,      Arrowhead, 

Snake,  Snare,  Net,  Part  of  net. 

522.  Contracting,  Eye,  Big  bead. 

523.  Tied  ends,  Ear-ring. 

524.  Bead,   Beaded  edge.   Woodworm, 

Caterpillar, 


DiAMO  N  DS — continued 

525.  Contracting,      Eye,      Arrowhead, 

Snare,    Net,    Part   of   net,    Big 
bead,  Snake. 

526.  Rattlesnake,  Big  bead. 

527.  Eye,  Contracting,  Big  bead. 

528.  Connected     crosses.     Big     bead, 

Snake,  Part  of  net  design.  Con- 
tracting, Eye,  Snare. 

529.  Arrowhead,  Snake,  Snakeskin. 

530.  Snake. 

531.  Rattlesnake,  Big  bead. 

532.  Arrowhead. 

533.  Arrowhead  heaped  up  (cf.  252). 

534.  Necklace,  Big  bead,   Mula,  Clus- 

ters of  flies   (Uta'mqt),   Heart 
(Uta'mqt). 
536.  Necklace,  Big  bead,  Heart. 

536.  Necklace,  Bear's  foot(?),  Tracks(?). 

537.  Necklace,     Embroidery,      Snake, 

Net. 

538.  Bear's  foot. 

539.  Flower. 

540.  Flower,  Star,  Leaf. 

541.  542.  Flower,  Star,  Leaf  (rarely). 

543.  Star,  Arrowhead(?),  Thunderbolt, 

Flower,  Leaf. 

544,  545.  Star. 

546.  Star,  Flower,  Leaf. 

547.  Arrowhead,  Leaf. 

548.  Arrowhead    with    cross    or    star, 

Thunder  arrowhead.   Thunder- 
bolt, Leaf. 

549.  Beaver's  tail. 

550.  Arrowhead. 

551.  (?). 

552.  Big  bead.  Heart,   Mula,  Clusters 

of  flies  (Uta'mqt). 
553-555.  Arrowhead. 

556.  Parfleche. 

557.  Star,  Part  of  tsupenaist. 

558.  Necklace  with  pendants,  Double 

zigzag. 

559.  Arrowhead,  Eye(?),  Star,  Beaver 

(rarely).  Variation  of  necklace, 
Deer  fence  and  snares. 

560.  Star,  Pack  strap. 

561.  Net  design  in  fragments. 

562.  Necklace  (rarely). 

563.  Tsupenaist  (rarely).  Net  (rarely), 

Necklace,  Double  zigzag. 

564.  Butterfly (7),   Part   of  tsupenaist. 

Wing. 


boas] 


APPENDIX 


481 


DIAMONDS — continued 

565.  Butterfly,     Part     of     tsupeniiist, 

Wing. 

566.  Zigzag,  Deer  fence  and  snares. 

567.  Eutwiuing,  Zigzag. 

RHOMBOIDS 

668,  569.  Spot,    Big    bead,    Dentalia, 

Caterpillar. 
570,  671.  Arrowhead,  Necklace,  Beaded 

embroidery,      Dentalia, 

Xana.xa'in. 

TRAPEZOIDS 

572.  Tooth,  Grizzly-bear  tooth.  Butter- 
fly (rarely). 
573-575.  TsEne'ka. 

576.  Dentalia,  Ladder. 

577,  578.  Cloud  (Nicola). 

579.  Cloud,   Mountain,  Dentalia,  Em- 

broidery. 

580.  Bead,  Beaded  edge.  Caterpillar. 

581.  Snake,  BuUsnake,  Rattlesnake. 

THE    HEXAGON 

582.  Snare,    Circle,    Half    or    part    of 

grave  box. 

583.  Grave  box. 

THE    OCTAGON 

584.  Grave  box. 

585.  Real  grave  box  (Spuzzum,  cf.  520), 

Lodge  (Lytton  design). 

586.  Big    bead.    Part    of    grave    box, 

Necklace. 

587.  Variation     of     grave     box,     Eye 

(rarely) . 

588.  Full  moon,  Half  horizontal  zigzag 

or  meander  (Spuzzum),  Circle, 
Snare,  Part  of  grave  box,  Grass- 
hopper. 

589.  Moon. 

THE    COMBINATION    OF    SIMPLE    GEO- 
METRIC   FIGURES 

590.  Necklace,   Beads,    Dentalia,   Em- 

broidery of  shell,  beads,  or 
quills. 

591.  Necklace,  Beads,  Dentalia. 

592.  Part  of  grave  box. 

593.  Arrow  notch.  Mountain  tops. 

594.  (?). 

•  Painted  on  circular  lids. 


THE   COMBINATION  OP  SIMPLE  GEO- 
METRIC FIGURES — continued 

595.  Necklace. 

590.   TsEne'ka. 

597,  598.   Parfleche,  Arrowhead. 

599-601.  ParflecheC?). 

602.  Arrow. 

603.  Parfleche(?). 

604.  605.  Star,  Arrowhead  star. 
606.9  Su„_  Star,  Flower. 

607.*  Arrowhead  star,  Flower. 

608.  Star,  Arrowhead  star.  Flower. 

609,  610.  Star,  Arrowhead  star. 
611-613.  Star,    Arrowhead    (occasion- 
ally). 

614.  Star,    Arrowhead    (occasionally), 

Flower. 
615.'  Star,  Arrowhead  (occasionally). 

616.  Star,      Arrowpoint      star,      Star 

notched  all  around. 

617.  (?). 

618.  Leaf,  Arrowhead. 

619.  (?). 

620.*  Star,    White    man's    star    (Spuz- 
zum). 

DESIGNS    EITHER    GEOMETRIC    OR 
REALISTIC 

621.  Half  moon. 

622.  Moon  and  arrowhead,  Full  moon, 

Arrowhead  and  shield  (?). 

623.  624.  Rattles,  Rattlesnake's  tail. 

625.  Snake,      Bullsnake,     Woodworm, 

Snake's  head. 

626,  627.  Snake,    Snake's    head.    Bull- 

snake,  Woodworm. 
628-630.  Crow's  foot.  Bird's  foot. 
631,  632.  Bear's  foot,  Comb. 
633,  634.  Hand,  Fingers. 
635-640.  Lizzard. 

641.  Moccasin,   Inverted  sweat   house 

or  lodge. 

642.  Eagle's  nest,  Bird's  nest. 

643.  Panther,  Robin's  nest,  Bird's  nest. 

644.  Bird's  nest. 

645.  Sheep  horns. 

646.  Butterfly. 

647.  Flying  birds.   Swallow,   Butterfly 

(rarely) . 

648.  Butterfly       (rarely),       Necklace, 

Notch,  Arrow. 

649.  Butterfly. 
'  Has  different  kinds  of  centers. 


'  Copied  from  oilcloth.     The  general   shape  is  always  the  same,  but  there  are  many  varieties  of 
centers. 


482 


COILED   BASKETRY   IN   BRITISH    COLUMBIA 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


DESIGNS    EITHER    GEOMETRIC    OR 

REALISTIC — continued 

650.  Butterfly       (rarely),       Necklace, 

Notch,  Arrow. 

651.  Butterfly. 
652-655.   (?). 

656.  Spearhead,  Flower. 

657.  Flower. 

658.  Flower,  White  clematis. 

659.  Flower,  Blue  clematis. 

660.  Leaves,        Flower,        Spearhead, 

Thunderbolt  (rarely). 

661.  Flower,  Arrowhead,  Spearhead. 

662.  Arrow. 

663.  Arrowhead. 

664.  (?). 

665-667.  Leaf,  Pool,  Maple  leaf. 
668,  669.  Berries. 

670.  Necklace    with    tooth    pendants. 

Big  beads. 

671.  Embroidery,  Cactus(?),  Dress  de- 

sign. 

672.  Arrowhead. 

673.  Moccasin  trailer,  Deer  track.  Deer 

hoof. 

674.  Moccasin  trailer.  Deer  track.  Deer 

hoof,  TsEne'ka,  Notch,  Notched 
end. 

675.  Notch,     Arrowhead,     Part    of    a 

design,  TsEne'ka,  Basketry. 

676.  Swallow  tail. 

677.  TsEne'ka. 

678.  679.  Leg,  Legging. 

680.  Hook,  Foot  (rarely).  Leg. 

681.  Legging  with  beaded  fringe. 

682.  House,  Lean-to  lodge. 
683-685.  Ladder,    Tree   ladder    (Cold- 
water)  . 

686.  Grave  box(?),  Ornament(?),  TsE- 

ne'ka, Woven  bag  patterns. 

687.  Girl's  frame. 

688.  Heart,  TsEne'ka. 

689.  Pack    strap    with    fillings,    Net, 

Mesh. 

690.  Part  of  grave  box,  Butterfly,  Kind 

of  fern.  Variation  of  butterfly, 
Xane'm. 

691.  (?) 

692.  Mala  (Lytton),  Dream  design(?). 

693.  Butterfly  (?),  Woven  bag  pattern, 

TsEne'ka  (rarely). 


STRONGLY    CONVENTIONALIZED 

694.  Eagle,  Bird,  Thunder. 

695.  Moccasin,  Clouds  with  stars. 
696-699.   Duck,  Caterpillar. 

700.  Spearhead,  Thunderbolt  and  rain- 

bow (rare).  Storm  clouds. 

701.  Spearhead,  Thunderbolt  and  light- 

ning     (rare).      Storm      clouds, 
Cloud,  Fanciful  single  figure. 

702.  Lily    root    (Mula,    Root   of   wild 

rice),  Snake's  tail. 

703.  Sweat  house. 

704.  705.   Butterfly,  Butterfly  wing. 

706.  Eagle,  Bird. 

707.  Eagle,  Flying  bird. 

708.  Eagle,  Flying  bird,  Dentalia. 

709.  Eagle,  Flying  bird. 
710,711.   Eagle,  Bird. 

712,  713.  Eagle,  Flying  bird,  Eagle 
wing. 

714,  715.  Flying  goose.  Bird. 
716,  717.  Eagle,  Bird. 

715.  Eagle,  Flying  bird. 

719-722.  Eagle,  Bird,  Eagle's  or  bird's 

tail. 
723.  Eagle,  Bird. 
724-730.  Flying  birds.  Swallow. 
731,  732.  Flying  birds.  Swallow,  Swal 

low  wing. 
733.  Shaman  wearing  mask. 
734-736.  Panther,  Deer's  head. 

737.  Deer's  head. 

738.  Deer's  hoof. 

739.  Arrowhead. 

740.  Fish  spear  and  fish. 
741-744.  Pipe,  Foot. 

745.  Arrowhead  (ornamented). 
746-756.  Butterfly. 
757-759.  Tree. 
760-764.  Pine  cones  (yeUow). 

765.  Butterfly  or  insect. 

766.  Half  moon(?). 

767.  Flying  bird.  Swallow,  Wing. 
768-770.   Man,  People. 

771-773.  Underground  house  with 
cross  at  the  head  of  the 
ladder,  Tipi,  Dream 
designs,  Grave  mound 
with  cross. 

774.  Butterfly. 


BOA8) 


APPENDIX 


483 


STRONGLY    CONVENTIONALIZED COn. 

775.  Bird,  Eagle,  OpalilE'tsa. 

776.  Rainbow,     Circling     half     circle, 

Mouth,    Notch,    Corral,    Pack 

strap,  Kakanetz. 
777.»  Eagle. 
778-780.  Eagle's  tail. 

781.  Eagle's  head. 

782,  783.  Flying  bird. 

REALISTIC 


834. 

835. 
836. 
837. 
838. 
839. 
840. 
841. 
842. 
843. 
844. 
845. 


784,  785.  Little  men. 
786-789.  Leg,  Foot. 

790.  Little  deer. 

791.  Deer. 

792.  Arrowhead,  Star,  Stretched  bear- 

skin. 

793.  Otter. 

794.  Beaver. 

795.  Sheep  horns. 

796.  Grouse  tracks,  Grouse  feet.  Bird's 

feet.  Bird's  tracks. 

797.  Crow,  Bird. 
798-803.   Butterfly. 
804-806.  Eagle,  Bird. 

807.  Snake. 

808.  Hammer,  Comb. 

809.  810.   Hammer. 

811.  Hammer,  Comb.  855. 

812,  813.  Comb,  Single  comb.  856. 
814-817.  Lily    root    (Mula,    Root    of     857. 

wild  rice),  Snake's  tail.  858. 

818.  Tipi,  Girl's  lodge.  859. 

8  This  is  sometimes  a  central  figure  on  the  basket  wall, 
desigas.    The  central  diamond  represents  the  heart;  the  cross,  the  head 
feathers. 


REALISTIC — continued 

819.  Tipi,  Girl's  lodge. 

820.  Tipi,  Girl's  lodge,  Bird,  Foot. 

821.  Tipi,  Girl's  lodge.  Earth  lodge. 

822.  823.  Tipi. 

824.  Tipi,  Mat  lodge. 

825.  Sweat  house. 

826.  House,  Lean-to  lodge. 

827.  Bow. 

828.  829.  Bow  and  arrow. 
830-832.  Arrow. 
833.  Arrow,  Notched  feather. 

Arrow. 

Drill,  Arrowhead. 

Arrowhead. 

Arrowhead,  Paint  pouch. 

Arrowhead,  Spear  head. 

Arrowhead. 

Pipe. 

Comb. 

Rattle,  Deer-hoof  rattle. 

Hand  rattle. 

Rainbow,  Necklace(?),  Snowshoe. 

Catholic  cross    (Nicola,    Gladwin 

rarely) ,  Star. 
847.  Paint  pouch  (with  fringe). 
War  club. 

Feather. 

Cactus. 


846, 
848. 
849-851 
852-854 


Leaf. 
Tree(?). 

Wasp's  nest  and  tree  branches. 
Moon. 

Dream  design  of  snare  and  animal. 

and  is  then  surrounded   by  tail  or  bead 

and  the  checks,  the  ends  of 


BIBLIOGRAPHY 

Balfour,  Henry.     The  evolution  of  decorative  art.     London,  1903. 

Barrett,  S.  A.     Porno  Indian  baslietry.     Publ.  Univ.  Cal.,  Amer.  Archaeol.  and 

Ethn.,  vol.  VII,  no.  3,  Berlceley,  190S. 
Boas,  Franz.     Decorative  designs  of  Alaskan  needle  cases.     Proc.  U.  S.  Nat. 

Mus.,  vol.  XXXIV,  pp.  321-344,  Washington,  1908. 
Dixon,  Roland  B.     Basketry  designs  of  the  Maidu  Indians  of  California.    Amer. 

Anthrop.,  n.  s.  vol.  ii,  no.  2,  pp.  266-276,  New  York,  1900.         _ 
■ Basketry  designs  of  the  Indians  of  northern  California.     Bull.  Amer. 

Mus.  Nat.  Hist.,  vol.  xvii,  pt.  1,  New  York,  1902. 
Emmons,  G.  T.     The  basketry  of  the  Tlingit.     Mem.  Amer.  Mus.  Nat.  Hist., 

vol.  Ill,  pt.  II,  New  York,  1903. 
Farrand,  Livingston.     Basketry  designs  of  the  Salish  Indians.     Mem.  Amer. 

Mus.  Nat.  Hist.,  vol.  ii  (Jesup  North  Pacific  Expedition,  vol.  i),  pt.  v,  New 

York,  1900. 
GoDDARD,  Pliny  E.     Life  and  culture  of  the  Hupa.     Publ.  Univ.  Cal.,  Amer. 

Archaeol.  and  Ethn.,  vol.  i,  no.  1  (Basket-making,  pp.  38-48),  Berkeley,  1903. 
Ghosse,  Ernst.     The  beginnings  of  art.      New  York,  1897. 
H  ADDON,  A.  C.     Evolution  in  art  as  illustrated  by  the  life-histories  of  designs. 

London,  1895. 
HiLL-ToDT,  .Charles.     The  native  races  of  the  British  Empire.     British  North 

America.     I.  The  far  West,  the  home  of  the  Salish  and  Dcn(5.     London,  1907. 
Holmes,  W.  Hi     A  study  of  the  textile  art  in  its  relation  to  the  development  of 

form  and  ornament.     Sixth  Ann.  Kept.  Bur.  Ethn.,  pp.  189-252,  Washington, 

1888. 
JocHELSON,  Waldemar.     The  Koryak.     Mem.  Amer.  Mus.  Nat.  Hist.,  vol.  x 

(Jesup  North  Pacific  Expedition,  vol.  vi),  pt.  ii.  New  York,  1908. 
KissELL,  Mary  Lois.     Basketry  of  the  Papago  and  Pima.     Amer.  Mus.  Nat. 

Hist.,  Anthrop.  Papers,  vol.  xvii,  pt.  iv,  New  York,  1916. 
Kroeber,  a.  L.     Decorative  symboUsm  of  the  Arapaho.     Amer.  Anthrop.,  n.  s. 

voL  III,  no.  2,  pp.  308-336,  New  York,  1901. 
The  Arapaho.     Bull.  Amer.   Mus.   Nat.  Hist.,  vol.  xviii,  pt.   1,   New 

York,  1902. 

Basket  designs  of  the  Indians  of  northwestern  California.     Publ.  Univ. 


Cal.,  Amer.  Archaeol.  and  Ethn.,  vol.  ii,  no.  4,  Berkeley,  1905. 
Mason,    Otis    T.     Aboriginal  American   basketry.     Studies    in    a   textile   art 

without  machinery.     Report  U.  S.  National  Museum,  1902,  pp.  171t548. 
Orchard,  William  C.     The  technique  of  porcupine-quill  decoration  among  the 

North  American  Indians.     Cont.  Mus.  Amer.  Ind.,  Heye  Foundation,  vol.  iv, 

no.  1,  New  York,  1916. 
Teit,  James.     The  Thompson  Indians  of  British  Columbia.     Mem.  Amer.  Mus. 

Nat.  Hist.,  vol.  ii  (Jesup  North  Pacific  Expedition,  vol.  i),  pt.  iv.  New  York, 
_1900^^    —        — 
— ^^^^-^ —     The  Lillooet  Indians.     Mem.  Amer.  Mus.  Nat.  Hist.,  vol.  iv  (Jesup 

North  Pacific  Expedition,  vol.  ii),  pt.  v.  New  York,  1906. 

The  Shuswap.     Mem.  Amer.   Mus.   Nat.  Hist.,  vol.  iv  (Jesup  North 


Pacific  Expedition,  vol.  ii),  pt.  vii.  New  York,  1909. 
Notes  on  the   Chilcotin   Indians.     Appendix  to  The   Shuswap,   Ibid., 


pp.  759-789. 

Wissler,  Clark.     Decorative  art  of  the  Sioux  Indians.     Bull.  Amer.  Mus.  Nat. 
Hist.,  vol.  xviii,  pt.  3,  New  York,  1904. 

North  American  Indians  of  the  Plains.     Amer.  Mus.  Nat.  Hist.,  Hand- 
book ser.,  no,  1,  New  York,  1912. 
484 


PLATE  1 

0,  A.M.N.H.  16-1271;  b,  A.M.N.H.  16-8859;  c,  A.M.N.H.,  16-5908 
REFERENCES   TO  PLATE 

a,  p.  148.    Details  of  imbrication 
&,  c,  p.  163.    Details  showing  regularity  of  imbricated  coils 
53666°— 28 1 


BUREAU    OF  AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY  FORTY-FIRST   ANNUAL   REPORT      PLATE  2 


WOMAN   MAKING  A  BASKET.    i,P.  167) 


PLATE  3 

b,  A.M.X.n.  ir)-8837 

REFERENCES  TO  PLATE 

a,  pp.  11)9,  172.  Watch-spring  bottom 

p.  180.  View  illustrating  wrenched  corners 

i,  pp.  163,  170,  172.  Elongated  watch-spring  bottoms 

p.  180.  View  illustrating  wrenched  corners 

p.  225.  Beading  on  bottom 

p.  227.  Break  of  horizontal  design  on  corner  of  basket 

c,  p.  172.  Bottom  of  parallel  coils 

p.  180.  View  illustrating  wrenched  corners 


BUREAU    OF   AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY 


FORTY-FIRST    ANNUAL   REPORT      PLATE  3 


BOTTOMS  OF  BASKETS 


BUREAU   OF  AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY 


FORTY-FIRST   ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE   4 


-Ite^ 


f 

<^: 

- 

u'^^. 

"•^■vT 

i^L 

?r- 

'  " 

'^if 

^- 

ii^ 

i:H>:. 

^  "-. 

iifi 

/:-  . 


BOTTOMS  OF  BASKETS 


PLATE  4 

a,  A.M.X.n.  16-1013 

REFERENCES  TO  PLATE 

a,  p.  172.  Bottom  of  parallel  coils  surrounded  by  spiral  coils 

p.  180.  View  illustrating  wrenched  comers 

p.  225.  Beading  on  bottom 

h,  p.  172.  Bottom  of  parallel  coils  sewed  to  the  walls 

p.  ISO.  View  illustrating  wrenched  comers 


PLATE  5 

a,  Thompson.  A.M.N.H  16-8733.  Basket  with  warped  bottom.  Design:  "Variation  of  grave  box" 
(Coldwater,  Uta'mqt);  "Part  of  a  grave-box  pattern"  (Spuzzum);  "Circles"  (Nicola).  Also 
"Rolls  of  Indian    hemp  bark   which  were  tied  at  both  ends  and  in  the  middle" 

6,  Basket  with  strengthened  bottom 

REFERENCES  TO  PLATE 

a,  p.  173.    Basket  with  warped  bottom 

p.  254.    Hexagonal  pattern 
b  ,  p.  173.    Cross  sticks  for  straightening  bottom  of  basket 


BUREAU    OF   AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY 


FORTY-FIRST    ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE   5 


WARPED  AND  STRENGTHENED  BOTTOM   OF  BASKETS 


PLATE  6 

a.  Slat  bottom,  Thompson.    A.M.N.H.  16-1325;  h,  slats  and  coils;  c,  slats 

HEFEEENCES  TO  PLATE 

a,  p.  174.  Slat  bottom 

6,  p.  172.  Slat  bottom  sm-rounded  by  coils 

p.  178.  Method  of  sewing  bottom  coils  to  ends  of  slat  bottom 

p.  228.  Bottom  with  bifm-cated  stitches 

c,  p.  174.  Slat  bottom 

p.  178.  Method  of  sewing  slat  bottom  to  walls  of  basket 


BUREAU    OF    AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY 


FORTY-FIRST    ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE  6 


BOTTOMS  OF   BASKETS 


PLATE  7 

0,  Thompson.    A.M.N.H.  16-9540.    B:isket  with  warped  walls.    Design:  "Nect- 

lace  of  beads  and  dentalia,"  "Embroidery,"  "Standing"  (Spuzzum) 
6,  Chilcotin.    U.S.N.M.  247690.    Basket  with  warped  walls 
c,  Lillooet.    A.M.N.H.  16-5975.    Correction  for  slanting  of  coils 

REFERENCES  TO  PLATE 

a,  p.  180.    Basket  with  irregular  walls 

p.  243.  Vertical  stripes  interrupted  by  checkerwork 

p.  249.  Banded  squares 

b,  p.  180.  Chileotin  basket  with  irregular  walls,  and  ends  higher  than  middle 
p.  345.  Chilcotin  basket,  general  description 

c,  p.  180.  Basket  with  adjustment  of  coils  to  secure  a  straight  rim 
p.  242.  Lillooet  basket  with  vertical  stripes 

p.  253.    Chevron  designs 


BUREAU    OF   AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY  FORTY-FIRST    ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE   7 


"ajss^s^ 


,lLH4-"'f'^'**** 


J^„i,.,j,;iii'ify 


THOMPSON,  CHILCOTIN,  AND   LILLOOET  BASKETS 


PLATE  8 

0,  Chilcotin,  A.M.N.H.  16-1382.  Basket  with  depressed  center  of  rim.  Design  as  interpreted  by  the 
Thompson:  Atrim:  "Stripe,"  "Standing;"  field,  under  rim:  "Net"  (Nicola),  "Patch;"  nextfleld: 
"Star  design,  connected/'  "Part  of  a  net  or  mesh;"  lowest  field:  "Zigzag,"  "Snake,"  "Deer  fence" 

b,  A.M.N.H.  16-5894  l 

c,  Lillooet.    A.M.N.H.   16-5891.    Basket  with  lid.     Design:  "Scratches,"    "Short   points,"   "Teeth"  J 

(Nicola,  Gladwin);  "Arrowhead"  (Lytton),  "Incisions"  j 

d,  Thompson.    A.M.N.H.  16-4604.    Tobacco  basket  with  lid.    Design:  "Snake,"  "Garter  snake"  | 

REFERENCES  TO  PLATE 

a,  p.  180.  Chilcotin  basket  with  ends  higher  than  middle 

p.  231.  Chilcotin  basket  with  characteristic  division  of  decorative  field  into  rim  and  three  divisions,  ■] 

the  central  one  without  imbricated  background  j 

p.  345.  Chilcotin  basket  with  vertical  designs  leaning  to  the  left 

6,  p.  186.  Basket  with  lid  of  watch-spring  coiling  ,J 

c,  p.  186.  Basket  with  slat  lid  | 
p.  187.  Slat  lid  with  encircling  coil  ( 
p.  225.  Basket  with  beaded  lid  ' 
p.  227.  Horizontal  decoration  with  break  on  long  side  near  corner 

p.  252.    Decoration  consisting  of  small  isolated  triangle  on  rim  j 

d,  pp.  186,  187.  Basket  with  lid  j 
p.  204.  Nut-shaped  basked  with  lid  \ 
p.  227.  Horizontal  decoration  showing  break  ] 
pp.  234,  262.    Horizontal  band 


BUREAU    OF  AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY 


FORTY-FIRST   ANNUAL   REPORT      PLATE  8 


THOMPSON,  CHILCOTIN,   AND   LILLOOET  BASKETS 


BUREAU    OF  AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY 


FORTY-FIRST    ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE       9 


-^i'i"f>'--'-  TiiAA 


.ii^t0^ 


'Hiu 


ifMP'rir«rtt«fei'ir  ^  »  a^a^ 


i.»l»i|t>lf»''»n»»:»|r>r»|r^~»"WMr»"^ 


THOMPSON   AND   LILLOOET   BASKETS 


PLATE  9 

a,  Thompson.    A. M.N.n.  10-1032.    Basket  with  lid.    Design:  "Coil,"  "Snake"   (Thompson);    "Line  i 

going  around"  (Xicola,  Stlaxa'iuxuj;  "Garter  snake"  (Coldwater,  Lytton,  Uta'mqt,  Spuzzum) 
6,  Thompson.    Victoria  Museum,  Ottawa,  VI.  M.  185,  a.    Lid  of  basket.     Design;  "Coil,"  "Snake" 

c,  Lillooet.    .V.M.N.H.  16-6937.    Basket  with  lid.    Design:  "Notch,"  "Necklace,"  "TsEnf'ka,"  "Pouch 

with  notched  mouth."    On  the  lid,  "Bead,"  "Rain"  < 

d,  Thompson.     A.M.N.H.  16-4639.    Tobacco  and  pipe  basket 

REFERENCES  TO  PLATE 

a,  p.  187,    Basket  with  lid  of  watch-spring  coiling 
p.  191.    Basket  with  coiled  foot 

p.  204.    Nut-shaped  basket  witb  lid 
pp.  234,  262.    Horizontal  band 

b,  p.  186.    Lid  of  watch-spring  coiling.  ^ 

c,  p.  187.    Slat  lid  with  encircling  coils  I 
p.  225.    Basket  with  beaded  lid 

d,  p.  208.    Basket  for  tobacco  and  pipe 

63666°— 28 II 


PLATE  10 

n,  Thompson.    H. M.A.I.  8610.    Basket  with  lid 

b,  Lillooet.  A.M.N.H.  16-5888.  Basket  with  lid.  Design  on  the  lid:  "Little  spot"  (Coldwater), 
"Little  bead"  (Thompson).  On  the  basket  walls,  stripes  1  and  5,  "Arrowhead"  (Coldwater); 
stripes  2  and  4,  "Arrowhead"  (Coldwater),  "Variety  of  Indian  rice"  (Lytton),  "Embroidery" 
(Thompson,  Lytton):  stripe  .3,  "Snake"  (Thompson,  Nicola),  "Fly"  (Uta'mqt) 

KEFERENCE.S  TO  PLATE 

a,  p.  187.    Basket  with  slat  lid  and  encircling  rim  coil 
p.  225.    Basket  with  beaded  lid 

p.  234.    Imbricated  zigzag 

b,  p.  187.    Basket  with  slat  lid  and  encircling  double  coil 
p.  225.    Basket  with  beaded  lid 

pp.  239,  242.    Vertical  stripes 


BUREAU    OF   AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY 


FORTY-FIRST   ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE     10 


THOMPSON   AND   LILLOOET  BASKETS 


BUREAU    OF   AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY  FORTY-FIRST   ANNUAL   REPORT      PLATE  11 


THOMPSON   BASKETS 


PLATE  11 

a,  Thompson.    Basket  with  lid  supported  by  flange 

i,  Thompson.    A.M. X.H.  16-^1)45.    Basket  with  lid.    Design:  "Mouth"  (Coldwater);  "Notch" 
(Nicola).    Some  say  that  the  design  was  taken  from  the  whites 

REFERENCES  TO  PLATE 

Q,  p.  187.  Basket  with  lid  of  parallel  coils  surrounded  by  spiral  coils;    smaller  than  mouth  of 
basket  and  supported  by  flange 

p.  191.  Basket  with  coiled  foot 

p.  239.  Vertical  stripes 

6,  p.  188.  Basket  with  lid  following  the  lines  of  the  walls 

p.  189.  Lid  worked  from  outer  rim  toward  center 

p.  191.  Basket  witli  coiled  foot 

p.  225.  Basket  with  beaded  foot 

p.  234.  Horizontal  zigzags 

p.  264.  Adjustment  of  pattern  at  corners 

p.  299.  Decorated  lid 


PLATE  12 

n,  Probably  Thompson.    Basket  with  attached  lid 

6,  Thompson.    A.M.N.H.  16-1326.    See    also    Plate    (ia.    Design:     "Hal.'    arrowhead"     (Thompson, 

Spences  Briilge,  Lytton,  Stlaxa'iux");    "Arrowhead"    (Coldwater);    "Arrowpoint"    (Spuzzum); 

"Xana.xa'in"  (Spences  Bridge,  Nicola);  "Dentalia"  (Lytton,  Thompson  Siding) 
c,  Thompson.    A.M.N.H.  16-8734.    Basket   with    foot.    Design:  "Hook,"  "Single  crook,"  "Angle," 

"Notch,"   "Foot,"   "Leg,"   "Bent  leg"  (Thompson,  Nicola);  "Duck,"  "Duck's  head" 

REFERENCES  TO    PLATE 

a.  pp.  189,  206.    Basket  with  attached  lid 

p.  208.    Storage  basket 

p.  239.    Vertical  stripes  ;' 

p.  299.    Decorated  lid 
6,  p.  186.    Basket  with  lid  of  parallel  coils 

p.  239.    Vertical  stripes 

p.  284  (note).    Basket  with  flller 

p.  299.    Basket  with  Hd 
c,  p.  191.    Basket  with  coiled  foot 

p.  240.    Horizontal  arrangement  of  isolated  designs 


BUREAU    OF   AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY  FORTY-FIRST   ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE   12 


THOMPSON    BASKETS 


BUREAU    OF   AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY  FORTY-FIRST    ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE    13 


4Cl 

^Kv^ 

a^tgf^g^^U 

i^'^rsL^ 

1  •?« 

WmsmM^ 

^m-B^'^' 

BOTTOM   OF  THOMPSON   BASKET.    LILLOOET  RATTLE 


PLATE  13 

a,  Thompson.    A.M.N.H.  16-1044.    Bottom  finished  with  two  ring  coils 
6,  Lillooet.    A.M.N.H.  15-5926.    Baby's  rattle,  seen  from  the  top 

REFERENCES  TO  PLATE 

a,  p.  193.    Bottom  finished  with  two  ring  coils 

b,  p.  186  (note).    End  of  rattle  made  by  watch-spring  coiling 
p.  252.    Rattle  with  small  isolated  triangles 


PLATE  14 

n,  Lillooet.    A. M.N.H.  16-5912.    Basket  with  handle.    Design:  "Stripe" 

b,  Lower  Thompson.    A.M.N.H.  16-4r,42 

c,  Thompson.    A.M.N.H.  16-462fi.    Baslcet  with  handle.    Design:  "Necklace  of  dentalia  and  beads" 

(Gladwin,  Lytton),  "Rattlesnake  tail"  (Thompson,  Spences  Bridge),  "Flying  goose"  (Thompson, 
Nicola) 

d,  Lillooet.    A.M.N.H.  16-6934.    Basket  with  lid  and  handle.    Design:  "Variety  of  arrowpoint,"  "Va- 

riety of  ladder."    The  stripe  connecting  the  diamonds  has  been  likened  to  an  arrow  shaft:  again  the 
lid  pattern  has  been  called  "snake."    There  are  "flies"  in  the  spaces 

e,  Thompson.    A.M.N.H.  16-4605 

REFERENCES  TO  PLATE 

a,  p.  195.  Basket  with  coiled  handle 

p.  234.  Imbricated  vertical  design 

6,  p.  195.  Basket  with  coiled  handle 

c,  p.  195.  Basket  with  coiled  handle 
p.  299.  Basket  with  lid 

d,  pp.  195,  204.    Basket  with  lid  with  knob  handle 
p.  254.  Large  diamonds  divided  by  central  band 
p.  299.  Basket  with  lid 

e,  p.  195.  Basket  with  coiled  handle 
p.  234.  Imbricated  zigzag 


BUREAU    OF    AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY 


FORTY-FIRST   ANNUAL   REPORT      PLATE   U 


fM^'^V^^f^. 

t 

c 

^^^^^ 

m 

^^M^m 

s 

^S^V 

m 

^ 

i 

1 

^ 

THOMPSON   AND   LILLOOET   BASKETS 


BUREAU    OF    AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY  FORTY-FIRST    ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE    15 


UUBWWMMWK"^' •  '"Mil!  11"!""-""' I"' 
iW»!|inmMNMMMtHs>*iaiiiii<'iitiH'\'\ij««i< 
liinn'i'W«M»ttHWf»ifrfW|t»;i)tin»V(nn(i''i 


■HHIMHMIWitlHtVillt'  m» 


\mm>wmnmv,rf\n:)\^\  ■ 


'mm 


BWillHriMflH' 

mm*-  mWVMVm 


Wm'-w»«««i»ivii> 


■>.Miv--'l'!M\V'1\''  V"'^"*'' 

'wi-rir»it'i!Mi'"i«>««riViii^«rM:W"' 


itWHP«;iTiI!'iJ 
fMiaWtHWi'i" 

^■v(»-mw»!'i  ii  Kwwikr  ;i'''!)\\ri\  .!>i»»wtfr:v 

■■■iW»l»Wli*i»IH«««- U' IV  V  rW  ^»'«!f.i»Vf 
>(<«MiMW!V||'>niii<«Mi'  (iilnVffllV.H  :'m«>il»l' 


THOMPSON   AND   LILLOOET   BASKETS 


PLATE  15 

a,  Lillooet.    U. 3. N.M.  217466.    Trunk.    Design:  "Arrowheads    and    dentalia,"    "Fly" 

(Uta'mqt) 

b,  Thompson.    A.M.N.TI.  16-8839.    Trunk 

c,  Port  Douglas.    A.M.N.H.  16-SS38     Trunk 

REFEREXCE3  TO   PLATE 

a,  p.  205.  Storage  basket 

p.  239.  Storage  basket  with  vertical  stripes  as  decoration 

p.  242.  Lillooet  basket  with  vertical  stripes 

6,  p.  205.  Storage  basket 

p.  239.  Storage  basket  with  vertical  stripes  as  decoration 

p.  242.  Thompson  basket  with  vertical  stripes 

c,  p.  205.  Storage  basket 

p.  239.  Vertical  arrangement  of  diamonds 

p.  296.  Detailed  discussion  of  decoration 

p.  300.  Faulty  spacing  of  design 


PLATE  16 

a,  Lillooet.  A.M.N.H.  16-5895.  Modern  basket.  Design  on  isolated  coils:  "Little  star,"  "Spot" 
(Nicola,  Thompson),  "Fly"  (Uta'mqt).  On  the  body  of  the  basket:  "Double  hook,"  "Crook," 
"Angle"  (Thompson,  Spuzzum);  "Hook,"  "Duck"  (Lytton,  Stlaxa'iuxu);  "Part  of  a  zigzag  or 
snake"  (Uta'mqt);  "Leg,"  "Foot"  (Gladwin,  Lytton) 

6,  Thompson(?).    Modem  basket  with  central  division 

REFERENCES  TO  PLATE 

a,  p.  184.    Basket  with  loop  work  on  walls 
p.  195.    Basket  with  coiled  handle 

p.  208.    Fancy  basket  of  loop  work 

b,  p.  210.    Modern  basket  with  partition 


BUREAU    OF   AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY 


FORTY-FIRST    ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE    16 


THOMPSON   AND   LILLOOET  BASKETS 


BUREAU    OF  AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY         FORTY-FIRST   ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE   17 


if-  < 


^.> 


.<■♦} 


<x 


THOMPSON   AND   LILLOOET  BASKETS 


PLATE  17 

[Victoria  Museum,  uttawal 

a,  Thompson.    VI.M.  432.    Design:  "Mountains."     (On  sides,  "Ducks  on  water") 

b,  Thompson.    VI.M.  58.    Design:  "ArrowheLids  with  stars  inside" 

c,  Lillooet.    VI.O.  10.    {hid  see  f) 

d,  Lillooet.    VI.O.  12 

e,  Thompson.    VI.M.  49.    Design:  "Zigzag,"  "Step" 
/,  Lillooet.    VI.O.  10.    Lid  to  c 

g,  Thompson  or  Lillooet.    VI.M.  87.    Modern  basket 
h,  Thompson.    VI.M.  65.    Design:  "Rib'* 
i,  Lillooet.    VI.O.  11 

REFERENCES  TO  PLATE 

a,  p.  208.  Fancy  basket  with  looped  rim 

6,  p.  253.  Diamonds  outlined  in  black 

c,  p.  253.  Checkered  diamond 

d,  p.  204.  Nut-shaped  basket 

e,  p.  208.  Fancy  basket  with  looped  rim 
/,  p.  229.  Regular  arrangement  of  design 

p.  253.  Distorted  checkered  diamonds 

g,  p.  208.  Fancy  basket  with  loop  work 

ft,  p.  245.  Diagonal  decoration  on  tray 

i,  p.  205.  Storage  basket 


53666^—28- 


PLATE  18  I 

a,  Lillooet.    A.M.N.H.  16-5911.    The  main  design:  "Notch,"  "Mouth,"  "Zigzag," 'Taterpillar."    The  " 

filler:  "Leg,"  "Foot,"  "Hook,"  "Bent  ends"  ] 

6,  Lillooet.    A.M.N.H.  16.1-601.    Basket  with  lid  decorated  in  beading.    Design:  "Snakes"  (Lytton);  ' 

"Rattlesnake" 

c,  Lillooet.    U.P.M.  (N.A.)  1763.    Burden  basket,  side  decorated  with  beading 

d,  Thompson.    A.M.N.H.  16.1-450.    Design:  "  Pack  strap  " 

REFERENCES  TO  PLATE  ' 

I 

Q,  p.  230.  Lillooet  basket,  upper  part  without  imbrication  { 

p.  234.  Imbricated  vertical  and  horizontal  lines 

p.  2S4.  Basket  with  filler  i 

b,  p.  205.  Storage  basket  [ 
p.  224.  Basket  with  beaded  lid  I 

c,  p.  230.  Lillooet  basket  with  one  beaded  side 

p.  238.  Lillooet  basket  with  stripes  used  as  droppers 

p.  263.  Lillooet  basket  with  beading  i 

d,  p.  232.  Single  field  with  design  on  unimbricated  background  -^ 
p.  268.  Basket  illustrating  treatment  of  zigzag  at  corner 


o 
o 

-J 

o 

z 
I 
I- 


FORTY-FIRST    ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE    19 


LILLOOET  BASKETS 


PLATE  19 

a,  Port  Douglas.    A. M.N.H.  16-8834.    Basket  decorated  with  large  single  design.    Design:  Above, 

"Head";  below,  "Mouth" 

b,  Liliooet.     A.M.N.H.  16.1-192 

REFERENCES  TO  PLATE 

a,  b,  p.  231.     Basket  with  design  field  divided  into  two  sections 
a,  p.  3S4.     Design  divided  in  center  by  an  undecorated  field 


PLATE  20 

a,  Lillooet.    U.S.N. M.  217432.    Basket  decorated  with  large  single  design;  above,  "Head" 
6,   Lillooet.     U.S.N.M.  217424 

REFERENCES  TO  PL.-VTE 

a,  p.  231.    Lillooet  basket  with  design  field  divided  in  two  sections 
p.  242.    Head  design 

p.  384.    Design  divided  in  center  by  an  undecorated  field 

b,  p.  231.    Lillooet  basket  with  design  field  divided  in  two  sections 


3UREAU    OF    AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY  FORTY-FIRST    ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE   20 


LILLOOET  BASKETS 


CO 

.1- 

UJ 

:^ 

CO 

< 
m 

1- 

UJ 

o 
o 

_l 
_l 


Q 

z 
< 

z 
o 

CO 

Q. 

o 

I 
h 


PLATE  21 

a,  Harrison  Lake.    A.M.N.H.  16.1-509.    Design:  In  center,   "Flying  bird,"   "Necklace;"   on  either 

side,  "Indian  rice."    The  droppers,  "Snake,"  "Fly" 
6,  Harrison  Lake.     A.M.N.H.  16.1-520 

c,  Lillooet.     A.M.N.H.  16-6931.     Design:  Upper  field,  "Variation  of  grave  box,"  "Mesh,"  "Lakes 

with   ducks."    "Snare  with    animals,"    "Men,"  "Flies;"  lower  field,  "Flying  geese,"   "Flying 
bird,"  "Swallow,"  "Necklace" 

d,  Thompson.    A.M.N.H.  16.1^62 

REFERENCES  TO  PLATE 

0, 6,  p.  231.  Design  arrangement  in  two  fields,  the  upper  one  imbricated 

a,  p.  253.  Chevrons  interpreted  as  flying  birds 

b,  p.  253.  Lillooet  basket  with  chevron  designs 

c,  p.  231.  Lillooet  basket  with  design  divided  into  two  fields 
p.  254.  Lillooet  basket  with  large  diamonds 

p.  255.     Realistic  design 

d,  p.  239.    Horizontal  line  called  by  some  rectangles  divided  into  three  sections 
p.  250.    Rectangles  divided  in  sections  of  different  colors 

p.  262.    Horizontal  band  running  around  the  basket 


PLATE  22  j 

a,  Thompson.    U.S.N.M.  217453.    Design:  "Notch,"  "Mouth,"  "Variation  of  grave  box" 

h,  Lillooet.    A.M.N.H.  16-6933.    Design:  "Ladder"  (Lytton).    Between  the  ladders,  "Buclf  deer," 

"Flies,"   "Grouse,"  or  "Ducks,"  "A  bow  and  two  arrows,"  "Man  with  outstretched  hand."  ' 

Sec  Plato  76  I 

c,  Lillooet.    Lower  field  with  beading 

d,  Thompson.     A.M.N.H.    16-4612.     Design:    "Twisting"  (Coldwater,    Uta'mqt,   Lytton);    "Fish-  , 

net"  (Uta'mqt,  Lytton,  Spences   Bridge);  "Deer  net"  (Thompson,  Gladwin,  Spences  Bridge,  j 

Nicola);  "Grave  box"  (Coldwater);  "Tumpline,"  "Pack  strap"  I 

REFERENCES  TO  PLATE  ' 

a,  p.  231.    Basket  with  decorated  field  covering  three-quarters  of  entire  surface 

b,  pp.  255,  256.     Realistic  designs 

c,  p.  234.    Imbricated  zigzag 

d,  p.  232.    Design  on  unimbricated  background 
p.  254.    Diamond  designs 


I- 
< 


I- 
q: 
O 


< 

2 
Z 
< 


CO 

I- 

UJ 
)^ 

03 

< 

m 

1- 

LU 
O 
O 


Q 

z 
< 

z 
o 

03 

Q. 

o 

I 
I- 


'  ''.'^'  ''J^S&kcK. 

i^rjB»g?^^^^^g^}H^^^ 

1  ^a 

I 

1 
if 

.i 

^u 

4 

:* 

iS  lis T^*  * 

s^S 

^^^ 

p 

M 

Si 

1 

Ej^s  ^^^ 

B 

■ps»* 

P"*^"" 

CO 

I- 

LU 
CO 

< 
m 

H 
UJ 

o 

o 


Q 

Z 

< 

z 
o 

CO 

D. 

O 

I 


PLATE  23 

a,  Lillooet.    A.M.N.H.  16-6929.    The  design  is  not  made  by  the  Thompson,  but  they  call  it  "  Variety 

of  arrowhead"  (Coldwater),  "Necklace,"  "Men  and  dogs."  The  two-legged  animals  were  also 
intended  to  be  dogs,  but  there  was  not  room  enough  to  admit  of  complete  figures.  The  Lillooet 
interpret  the  pattern  as  "Arrowhead"  with  figures  of  "Men,"  "Dogs,"  and  "Ducks" 

b,  U.P.M.  (X.A.)  1774 

c,  A.M.N.H.  16-4643 

d,  Thompson.    A.M.N.H.  16.1-441.     Design:  "Star" 

REFERENCES  TO  PLATE 

a,  p.  232.  Imbrication  except  on  small  field  near  bottom 

p.  255.  Realistic  design 

6,  p.  233.  Basket  with  imbrication  of  the  whole  wall 

c,  p.  234.  Imbricated  zigzag 

d,  p.  232.  Unimbricated  basket  with  imbricated  design 
p.  284.  Basket  with  filler 


PLATE  24 

a,  Thompson.    A.M.N.H.  16-8001.     Design:  "Arrow  points"  (Spuzzum);  "Necklace,"  "Bowsnalie," 

"Bear  foot"  (Uta'mqt).    The  band  in  tlie  middle:  "Necklace  of  quills" 

b,  Thompson.    A.M.N.H  16-4607.    Design:  "Butterfly"   (Lytton):  "Variation    of   a  little  crow  pat- 

tern"  (Lytton,  Stlaxa'iuX");  "Arrow  notch"  (Thompson,  Coldwater);  "Flyinggoose"  (Thompson,  i 

Nicola);  "Variation  of  necklace  of  dentalia  and  beads"  (Thompson,  Spences   Bridge,    Gladwin);  ', 

"Mountain  sheep "(?)  ! 

f,  Thompson.     A.M.N.H.  16-4638A.    Design:  "Arrowhead "(?)  i 

li,  Thompson.    A.M.N.H.  16-8732.    Design:  "Arrowhead,"  "Beaver"  ] 

f,  Lillooet.    A.M.N.H.  16-9874.      Design:  "Snake  track,"  "Snake,"  "Caterpillar."    The  design  in  the  ' 

center,  "Fly"  (Uta'mqt) 
/,   Lillooet.    A.M.N.H.  16-6939.    Design,  according  to  the  Lillooet:  "Trees" 

g,  Thompson  basket.    A.M.N.H.  16-8835.  Eraser  River  Division  ,j 
h,  Field  Museum  109263. 

REFERENCES  TO  PLATE  | 

«,  p.  231.  Design  field  divided  into  three  sections  with  narrow  middle  band  j 

p.  268.  Treatment  of  zigzag  at  corner  '  i 

6,  p.  232.  Designs  on  unimbricated  background  j 

p.  253.  Chevrons  interpreted  as  flying  birds  ^ 

c,  p.  232.  Design  arranged  in  two  fields  on  unimbricated  background  i 
p.  268.  Treatment  of  zigzag  at  corner 

d,  p.  231.  Design  arrangement:  central  field  imbricated,  upper  and  lower  imbrication  on  plain  background 

p.  268.    Treatment  of  zigzag  at  corner  . 

e,  p.  233.    Lillooet  basket  with  vertical  stripes  .: 
/,  p.  255.    Realistic  design  representing  flower  or  tree 

(/,  p.  233.    Thompson  basket  with  vertical  stripes 

p.  282.    Displacement  of  stripes  and  filler 
ft,  p.  250.    Rectangles  in  checker  formation 


BUREAU   OF  AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY 


FORTY-FIRST    ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE   24 


THOMPSON  AND  LILLOOET  BASKETS 


BUREAU    OF  AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY  FORTY-FIRST   ANNUAL   REPORT      PLATE  25 


THOMPSON   BASKETS 


PLATE  25 

a,  Thompson.    A.M.N.H.    1&-4638.    Design:    "Cross"    (Uta'mqt,     Coldwater);     "Star"    (Spuzzum, 
Spences  Bridge,  Coldwater,  Nicola,  Lytton,  Thompson);  "Morning  star"  (Spences  Bridge,  Nicola) 
6,  Thompson.    U.S.N.M.  2225S7.    Design:  "Indian  rice"  (Lytton,  Nicola) 

c,  Thompson.     A.M.N.H.  16-1043 

d,  Thompson 

REFERENCES  TO  PLATE 

a,  p.  240.  Diagonal  distribution  of  design 

p.  240.  All-over  distribution  of  design 

6,  p.  240.  All-over  distribution  of  design 

p.  253.  Checker  diamonds  outlined  in  black 

c,  p.  239.  Vertical  arrangement  of  design 

d,  p.  239.  Vertical  arrangement  of  design 
p.  240.  All-over  distribution  of  design 
p.  251.  Triangles 

53666°— 28 IV 


PLATE  26 

(Victoria  Mi'seum,  Ottawa] 

O.Thompson.    VI. M.  288.  Design:  "Snake,"  "Bullsnake" 

6,  Thompson.    VI.M.  289.  Design;  "Snake,"  "Fly,"  or  "Little  spot"  (Lower  Thompson) 

c,  Lillooet.    VI. O.  7 

d,  Thompson.    VI.M.   282.  Design:  "Snake;"  first  filler,  "Head;"  second  filler,  "Tail;"  third  filler, 

"Half  arrowhead" 

e,  Thompson.    VI.M.  307.  Design:  "Striped  snake" 

/,  Thompson.    VI.M.  278.    Design:  On  the  stripes,  "Dentalia;"  on  the  filler,  "Caterpillar" 
g,  Lillooet.    VI.O.  4 
h,  Lillooet.    VI.O.  3 

REFERENCES  TO  PLATE 

a,  p.  239.    Vertical  arrangement  of  design 

p.  250.  Rectangular  design  in  vertical  stripe 

p.  284.  Filler 

b,  p.  239.  Vertical  arrangement  of  design 

c,  p.  239.  Vertical  arrangement  of  design 

p.  249.  Squares  consisting  of  six  stitches  and  four  coils 

d,  p.  239.  Vertical  arrangement  of  design 
p.  284.  Filler 

f,  p.  239.  Vertical  arrangement  of  design 
/,  p.  239.  Vertical  arrangement  of  design 

p.  250.  Vertical  stripe  consisting  of  rectangles 

p.  284.  Filler 

g,  p.  240.  All-over  distribution  of  design 
ft,  p.  205.  Storage  basket 

p.  239.    Vertical  arrangement  of  design 
p.  243.    Stripe  with  long  diagonals 


BUREAU    OF    AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY  FORTY-FIRST   ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE   26 


THOMPSON   AND   LILLOOET   BASKETS 


BUREAU    OF   AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY 


FORTY-FIRST    ANNUAL    REPORT     PLATE   27 


THOMPSON   AND   LILLOOET   BASKETS 


a,  Thompson.  VI. M.  283.  Design 
6,  Thompson.  VI. M.  272.  Design 
C.Thompson.  VI. M.  276.  Design 
d,  Thompson.    VI.  M.  34S.     Design 

f,  Thompson.     VI. M.  327.     Design 

"Single  hook,"  "Foot,"  "Leg, 
/,  Thompson.     VI.  M.  277.     Design: 

g,  Lillooet.     A.M.N.H.  16-5903 
h,  Lillooet.     A.M.N.H.  16-5902. 


PLATE   27 

[a-f,  Victoria  Museum] 

"  Striped  snake  " 

"Spot" 

"  Necklace  " 

"Necklace,"  "  Beads  and  copper  tubes  ;"  below,  "  String  of  teeth  '* 

"Cross,"  "Star,"  "Flying  bird."     The  elbow  or  angle  is  called. 

"  "Pipe" 

"Twisted,"  "Hope,"  "Necklace,"  "  Embroidery  " 
Beaded  basket 
Beaded  basket 

REFERENCES  TO  PLATE 


a,  p.  245.     Diagonal  stripe 

&,  p.  250.     Small  rectangles  of  varied  colors 

c,  pp.  250,  262.     Horizontal  bands  with  rectangles 

d,  p.  234.    Imbricated  horizontal  lines 

pp.  240,  250,  262.     Horizontal  hands  with  rectangles  of  varied  colors 

f,  p.  240.    All-over  design  in  diagonal  arrangement 
/,  p.  234.    Horizontal  lines  in  beading 

p.  262.     Horizontal  distribution  of  design 

g,  p.  234.    Lillooet  basket  with  vertical  imbricated  design  and  horizontal  beading 
h,  p.  230.    Lillooet  basket  with  one  beaded  side 


PLATE  28 

o,  Thompson.    A.M.N.H.  16-4608.    Design:  "Stars" 

6,  Thompson.    A.M.N.H.  16-4637.    Design:  "Arrowhead,"  "Arrow  points"  (Coldwater),  "Pack 

strap"  (Spuzzum).  "Zigzag"  (Thompson),  "Deer  fence  with  snares"  (Gladwin,  Thompson 

Siding) .    (Long  side  of  d) 
<■,  Thompson.    A.M.N.H.  16-8824.    Design:  "Leg."  "  Fool,"  "Doiihle  hool;,"  "Net"  (Thompson, 

Nicola) 
d,  Thompson.     A.M.N.H.    16-4637.     Design:   "Sharp    points,"    "Zigzag"     (Thompson),    "Arrow 

points"    (Uta'mqt,  Lytton).    (Short  side  of  6) 
c,  Thompson.    U.S.N.M.  217438.    Design:  "Flower"    (Buttercup.    Larkspur),    "Star"    (Nicola), 

"Fly"  (Uta'mqt),  "Part  of  a  long  fly  design"  (Spuzzum) 
/,  Thompson.    A.M.N.H.  16-4606 
g,  Thompson 
h,  Thompson.    A.M.N.H.  16.1-449 

REFERENCES  TO  PLATE 

a,  p.  240.    Horizontal  arrangement  of  design 

b,  p.  254.    Diamonds  used  as  designs 

p.  268.  Treatment  of  zigzag  at  corner 

c,  p.  240.  Diagonal  arrangement  of  design 

d,  p.  240.  Horizontal  arrangement  of  zigzag 
p.  268.  Treatment  of  zigzag  at  corner 

e,  p.  240.     All-over  distribution  of  design 
/,  p.  241.    Large  single  design 

ff,  p.  241.    Large  design  on  unimbricated  background 

p.  262.    Adjustment  of  figure  to  increasing  diameter  of  basket 
h,  p.  240.    Diagonal  arrangement  of  design 


BUREAU    OF    AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY 


FORTY-FIRST   ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE  28 


THOMPSON   BASKETS 


BUREAU    OF   AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY  FORTY-FIRST   ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE  29 


LILLOOET  BASKETS 


PLATE   29 

a,  6,  Lillooet.^  A.M.N.H.  16-5907.  Long  and  short  sides.  Design:  According  to  the  Lil- 
looet,  "Notch,"  "Mouths  in  a  circle,"  "Intestine  and  flies,"  "Intestine  and  beads." 
The  design  is  not  marte  in  exactly  the  same  way  by  the  Thompson.  Their  pattern 
is  called  "Mouth  design  carried  around  in  a  circle"  (Coldwater),  "Variety  of 
Notch"  (Thompson).  "Caterpillar  design  made  in  a  circle"  (Thompson  Siding). 
The  design  on  the  droppers  is  called  "  Fly"  by  the  Spuzzum 
c,  Lillnoet.  A.M.N.H.  l(i-5906.  This  design  is  not  made  by  the  Thompson,  but  they 
interpret  it  among  the  Coldwaterasa"  Variety  of  the  mouth  design."  The  Thomp- 
son band  call  the  dropper  pattern  "Xanasa'in."  The  Lillooet  interpret  the  design 
as  "Arrowhead,"  while  the  large  pattern  is  the  "Tooth."  The  whole  design  is 
known  as  the  "  Head  and  mouth  with  hair  along  the  back  of  the  head" 

REFERENCES  TO  PLATE 

a,  p.  239.  Lillooet  basket  with  droppers 

p.  242.  Intestine  design 

p.  262.  Adjustment  of  figure  to  increasing  diameter  of  basket 

&,  p.  239.  Lillooet  basket  with  droppers 

p.  252.  Adjustment  of  figure  to  increasing  diameter  of  basket 

c,  p.  239.  Lillooet  basket  with  droppers 

p.  242.  Head  design 

p.  2j2.  Adjustment  of  figure  to  increasing  diameter  of  basket 

p.  384.  Decorated  field  divided  by  undecorated  central  band 


PLATE  30 

[Field  Museum] 

a,  Lillooet.  57909.  Carrying  basket.  New.  Splint  foundation.  Upper  part  with  white  imbricated 
groundwork,  two  zigzag  horizontal  bands  of  checkered  pattern;  each  side  with  two  droppers 

6,  Lillooet.  57897.  Carrying  basket.  Splint  foundation.  On  three  sides  decorated,  upper  with 
horizontal  zigzag  in  imbrication  and  droppers.  Fourth  side,  five  narrow  droppers  in  black,  white, 
and  red 

c,  Lillooet.    85540.     Basket  for  berries  (tsalE),  of  coiled  root  formation.     A  little   more  than  one-half 

imbricated  above.     Sides  with  design,  corners  with  zigzag  pattern.     All  in  red  and  black  cherry  on 
white  ground 

d,  Lillooet.    57912.     Carrying  basket.     Split-root  foundation.     Upper  part  with  imbricated  groundwork 

e,  Lillooet.    57888.    Carrying  basket 

f,  Lillooet.    8554L    Basket  for  berries  (tsalE),  of  coiled  root  work.    Design:  Above,  "Hand  hammers;" 

below,  "Mountains" 

g,  Lillooet.    57895.    Carrying  basket.    Split-root  foundation.    Upper  half  decorated  with  imbricated 

stitch,  butterfly  design 
ft,  Lillooet.    57896.     Carrying  basket.     Splint  foundation.     Design:  "Butterfly" 
i,   Lillooet.    85536.     Carrying  basket.     Design:  "Butterfly  and  rows  of  animals" 
;",  Lillooet.    85539.    Carrying  or  berry  basket.    Slightly  less  than  one-half  imbricated  above.    Design: 

"Modified  butterfly" 
k,  Lillooet.    57933.    Carrying  basket. 
I,  Lillooet.    85537.    Carrying  basket.    Large  upper  half  imbricated,  "Butterfly"  design.    Imbricated 

droppers  on  lower  half 
m,  Lillooet.    85538.    Berry  basket.    "Butterfly"  ornamentation;  below,  "Arrowheads" 
n,  Lillooet.    57902.    Carrying  basket.    Split-root  foundation 

REFERENCES  TO  PLATE 

a-e,  p.  239.  Lillooet  basket  with  droppers  consisting  of  vertical  lines 

J,  p.  239.  Lillooet  basket,  lower  field  decorated  with  large  figures 

g,  p.  239.  Lillooet  basket  with  droppers  consisting  of  vertical  lines 

ft,  p.  239.  Lillooet  basket  with  lower  field  decorated  by  horizontal  beading 

i,  p.  239.  Lillooet  basket,  lower  field  decorated  with  large  figures 

j,  p.  239.  Lillooet  basket,  lower  field  decorated  with  large  figures 

fc,  p.  239.  Lillooet  basket  with  droppers  consisting  of  vertical  lines 

I,  p.  239.  Lillooet  bjisket,  lower  field  decorated  with  isolated  lines 

m,  p.  239.  Lillooet  basket,  lower  field  decorated  with  triangles 

n,  p.  239.  Lillooet  basket,  lower  field  decorated  with  large  figures 


BUREAU    OF  AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY 


FORTY-FIRST  ANNUAL   REPORT      PLATE  30 


LILLOOET  BASKETS 


BUREAU    OF    AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY 


FORTY-FIRST    ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE    31 


\/      \ 


,■     ,■   !  :  ft  r  g''  Bi  fi  1  » 
^to^-;  t     »    »  ■  r  ■  »  ■ 

"*  'j-  ■■     i     ; 


■^rW 


THOMPSON  AND  LILLOOET  BASKETS 


PLATE  31  ^ 

a,  Lillooet.    A.M.N.n.  16-5898.    Modern  basket.    Design,  according  to  the  Thompson:  "Like  a  single  : 

design  with    a  grave   box"  (Coldwater),  "Net"  (all   other   bands),  "Part  of  a   net"  (Spuzzum),  , 

"Diamond  pack-strap  design"  (Uta'mqt).     According  to  the  Lillooet  it  is  "Arrow"  ; 

6,  Lillooet.    A.M.N.H.  16-5890.     Storage   basket.     Design   on   lid,   as   interpreted   by   the  Thompson:  : 

"Beads;"  on  the  basket,  "  Necklace,"  "Variation  of  the  flying  bird  design,"  "Zigzag,"  "Ladder"  I 
(Lytton,  Gladwin).    The  Lillooet  call  the  main  design  "Lightning" 

c,  Lillooet.     A.M.N.H.  16-6940.     Modern  storage  basket.     According  to  the  Lillooet  the  design  belongs 

to  the  white  man.    It  was  copied  from  the  border  of  a  handkerchief  ■ 

d,  Lillooet.    A.M.N.H.  16-5893.    Modern  storage  basket.    Design,  according  to  the  Thompson:  "Varia- 

tion of  the  snake  track"   (Coldwater);   "Necklace"  (Spences  Bridge,   Nicola);  "Variation  of  the  ' 

ladder"  (Gladwin):  "Zigzag."    On  the  edge  of  the  lid,  "Arrowhead;"  in  the    center,  "Bead."  , 

According  to  the  Lillooet  the  designs  are  "Lightning"  and  "Arrowhead"  ! 

e,  Thompson.    Burden  basket 

f,  Lillooet.    U.S. N.M.  217436.    Burden  basket.    Design:  "Head" 

REFERENCES  TO  PLATE  , 

a,  p.  195.  Basket  with  coiled  handle  ! 

p.  254.  Diamonds  ^ 

&,  p.  225.  Beaded  lid  I 

p.  234.  Imbricated  diagonal  lines 

c,  p.  225.  Basket  with  beaded  bottom 

d,  p.  225.  Beaded  lid 

p.  234.    Imbricated  diagonals 
c,  p.  262.    Adjustment  of  figure  to  increasing  diameter  of  basket 
/,  p.  337.    Method  of  adjustment  of  figure  to  upper  field  of  Lillooet  basket  with  unrelated  droppers  , 


PLATE  32 

a,  Thompson.     U.S.N.M.  222032 

6,  Lyttonor  Lower  Thompson.    Design,  according  to  Lytton:  "Notch;"  and  Lower  Thompson  "Mouth" 
c,  Thompson.    A. M.N.n.  16-4623.     Design:  At  rim,  "Spot"  (Coldwater);  "Step,"  "Ladder"  (Lytton); 
"Heaped  up"  (Nicola);  "Embroidery"  (Spences  Bridge).    The  main  design,  "Variation  of  the  grave 
box"  (Uta'mqt,  Coldwater,  Spuzzum,  Lytton,  Thompson,  Nicola).     Also,  "Lakes  and  creeks" 

REFERENCE  TO  PLATE 

a-c,  p.  240.    Large  rectangular  connected  designs  covering  the  whole  wall  or  the  upper  part  of  the  basket 


BUREAU    OF   AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY  FORTY-FIRST   ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE    32 


VV.   " 


a 


THOMPSON  BASKETS 


BUREAU    OF   AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY 


FORTY-FIRST    ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE   33 


THOMPSON    BASKETS 


PLATE  33 

a,  Thompson.     U.S.N.M.  219876 

6,  Thompson.  A.M.X.H.  16^613.  Design:  On  ends,  " Sxanema'ist "  "fernUke  plant  with  notched 
leaves"  (Spuzzumj;  on  the  sides,  "Leaves,"  "Hammer"  (Spuzzum);  "Variation  of  arrowhead" 
(Coldwater);  "Butterfly  mixed  with  leaves"  (Spuzzum).  The  leaf  design  on  the  ends  was  an  old 
blanket  pattern 

c,  Thompson.     U.S.N.M.  222585.     Design:  "Snake"  (Thompson),  "Pack  strap,"  "Fly"  (Uta'mqt) 

d.  Fort  Douglas.     A.M.N.H.  16.1-551.     "Part  of  a  design"  (Uta'mqt),  "Paint  pouch"  (Nicola) 
€,  Thompson.    U.S.N.M.  216426 

REFERENCES  TO  PLATE 

a,  p.  240.  Diagonal  arrangement  of  design 

6,  p.  241.  Large  single  design  representing  leaves 

c,  p.  243.  Vertical  stripe  consisting  of  checks 

p.  284.  Filler 

d,p .  241.  Large  single  design  on  storage  basket 

€,  p.  253.  Vertical  zigzag 

p.  283.  Filler 

53666"— 28 V 


PLATE   34 

a,  Thompson.    A.M.N.H.  1&-4603.    Design:  "Dentalia"  (Spences  Bridge,  Lytton,  Nicola,  Thompson); 

"Necklace  of  dentalia  and  beads"  (Thompson,  Lytton,  Nicola);  "Standing"  (Spuzzum).    A  name 
was  once  known  among  the  Coldwater,  but  had  been  forgotten 

b,  Thompson.    A.M.N.H.  16-1272.     Design:  "Stripe" 

c,  Thompson.    Burden  basket 

d,  Thompson.    Burden  basket 

REFERENCES  TO  PLATE 

a,  p.  234.    Vertical  stripe  divided  into  alternating  squares 
p.  243.    Vertical  stripe  divided  into  alternating  squares 

p.  284.  Filler  I 

b,  p.  234.  Vertical  stripe  consisting  of  imbricated  and  unimbricated  lines  I 
p.  243.  Vertical  stripe  consisting  of  imbricated  and  unimbricated  lines 

c,  p.  234.  Vertical  stripe  with  small  squares 
p.  243.  Vertical  stripe  with  small  squares 
p.  249.  Small  squares 

p.  284.    FiUer  ' 

d,  p.  243.    Vertical  stripe  consisting  of  black  and  white  rectangles  interrupted  by  checkerwork 
p.  250.    Vertical  stripe  consisting  of  black  and  white  rectangles  interrupted  by  checkerwork 

p.  281.    Filler  with  design  dilTerent  from  main  design  j 

p.  284.    Filler 


BUREAU    OF    AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY 


FORTY-FIRST    ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE   34 


THOMPSON  BASKETS 


BUREAU   OF  AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY 


FORTY-FIRST   ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE  35 


THOMPSON  AND  LILLOOET  BASKETS 


PLATE  35 

a,  Tbompson.    A.M.N.H.    16-4610.    Design:    "Half    of  a    mouth   pattern"    (Coldwater);    "Notch," 

"Caterpillar"  "Snalie's  tracks,"  "Mountain,"  "Teeth" 

b,  Lillooet.    A.M.N.H.  16.HSS.    Design:  "Necklace,"  "Embroidery" 

c,  Thompson.    U.S.N.M.  213535.    Design:  "Half  arrowhead,"  "Dentalia,"  "Embroidery" 

d,  Thompson  or  Lillooet.    Burden  basket 
«,  U.P.M.(N.A.)  1772.    Storage  basket 

REFERENCES  TO  PLATE 

a,  p.  234.  Imbricated  vertical  and  horizontal  lines 

6,  p.  230.  Decoration  in  vertical  bands  . 

p.  234.  Vertical  imbricated  lines  I 

p.  243.  Design  consisting  of  uninterrupted  vertical  imbricated  lines  ' 

c,  p.  243.  Vertical  stripe  with  diagonals 

p.  284.  Filler  . 

d,  p.  243.  Vertical  stripe  with  diagonals  and  chevrons  i 
p.  253.  Vertical  stripe  with  diagonals  and  chevrons                                                                                                                                         ^ 

e,  p.  205.  Storage  basket  i 
p.  243.  Vertical  stripe  with  diagonals 

p.  284.    Filler 

p.  298.    Lid  continuing  design  of  walls 

p.  299.    Lid  continuing  design  of  walls 


PLATE  36 

[Victoria  Museum,  Ottawa] 

o.  Lytton.    VI.M.  342.    Design:  "Tadpole,"  "Big  bead."  " Bird" 

b,  Thompson.    VI.M.  215.    Design:  "Zigzag,"  "Arrow  point."  "Patch"  or  "Tree,"  "Earth  and  trees' 

REFERENCES   TO   PLATE 

a,  p.  240.  Basket  with  isolated  rectangles  or  squares  with  attached  lines 

b,  p.  240.  Zigzag  design  in  horizontal  arrangement 

c,  p.  262.  Decoration  by  horizontal  band 

d,  p.  186.  Basket  with  lid  ot  watch-spring  coiling 
p.  299.  Basket  with  lid  of  watch-spring  coiling 

f,  p.  244.  Basket  decorated  with  plain  stripes 
/,  p.  244.  Basket  decorated  with  plain  stripes 

g,  p.  243.  Stripes  with  slipped  double  diagonals 
h,  p.  245.  Diagonal  stripe 

i,  p.  245.    Vertical  stripe  with  border  consisting  of  triangles  and  central  band 
j,  p.  281.    Correction  of  direction  of  vertical  stripe 
k,  p.  240.    Diagonal  arrangement  of  isolated  patterns 


BUREAU    OF  AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY         FORTY-FIRST   ANNUAL   REPORT      PLATE  36 


?PI|^pBT ^.. 


J'  # 


^ 


0( 


THOMPSON   BASKETS 


BUREAU    OF  AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY 


FORTY-FIRST    ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE    37 


THOMPSON  AND   LILLOOET  BASKETS 


PLATE  37 

a,  b,  c,  Lillooet.    A.M.N.H.    16-5910.     Three    views.     Design,   according    to   the  Thompson:    "Arrow- 
head:"   "Half  arrowhead"    (Coldwater,   Thompson);    "Old    bead  or  embroidery  pattern  ' 
(Nicola,  Spences  Bridge).    According  to  the  Lillooet,  "Arrowhead,"  excepting  that  on   the 
side  (the  diamond)  of  which  the  meaning  was  uncertain.    It  was  thought  to  be  a  dream  design 
and  was  regarded  as  sacred  and  not  used  by  other  women  except  the  maker 
d,  e,  Thompson.     A.M.N.H.  16-4622.    Two  views.     Design:  "Snake,"  "Snake  track"  (Thompson); 
"Variety  of  arrowhead"  (Coldwater) 
/,  Thompson.    A.M.N.H.  16-8824.     Design:  "Zigzag"  or  "Step" 
REFERENCES  TO  PLATE 

a,  p.  230.  Decoration  in  vertical  bands 

p.  244.  Basket  with  vertical  stripes  with  diagonals  and  triangles 

6,  p.  244.  Vertical  stripe  with  triangles 

c,  p.  253.  Isolated  diamonds 

{?,  p.  244.  Vertical  stripe  with  zigzag 

€,  p.  244.  Vertical  stripe  with  chevrons 

p.  253.  Vertical  stripe  with  chevrons 

/,  p.  268.  Treatment  of  corner 


1 

PLATE  38  ,] 

fl,  b,  Thompson.    Victoria  Museum,  Ottawa.    VI. M.  351  i 

c,  Fraser  River.     A.M.N.H.  16-8830.     Design;  "Snake,"  "Bead,"  "Embroidery"  (Xicola);  "Arrow             '                  i 

point"  (Thompson,  Nicola) 

d,  Thompson.     A.M.N.H.    16-iG09.    Design:    On    bands,    "Arrowheads;"  the  diamonds,  "Arrow-                              j 

heads,"  "Leaves,"   "Lakes"   (Nicola);  "Eyes."    The  other  design  was  called  "Ribs,"  "Neck-  I 

lace,"  "Bead  embroidery"  I 

REFERENCES   TO    PLATE 

a,  p.  205.  Storage  basket  ' 
p.  254.    Diamonds  j 

b,  p.  205.    Storage  basket 

p.  254.    Hexagon  I 

c,  p.  244.    Vertical  stripe  with  chevrons 
p.  253.    Vertical  stripe  with  chevrons 

p.  284.     Filler  j 

d,  p.  244.  Vertical  stripe  with  chevrons  \ 
p.  253.  Vertical  stripe  with  chevrons  ] 
p.  254.    Vertical  stripe  with  chevrons  and  diamonds  in  concentric  arrangement  j 


jgfe 

K. 

CO 

m 

I 

^^l^kh^ 

UJ 

i 

^Hpp|pi|Mi^. 

H 

4 

HkST'^"  '■'"■' 

< 

_J 

0. 

H 

K 

:«H^ 

1- 

B 

BB. 

^BHB 

q: 

B 

^B^fJ^  '^f^  ^^  .'^  _'^_  _ 

ez^^^^kS^^H 

O 

HHBfcJmSB 

^hS@I9^^I 

Q. 

'JB 

I^SB^^^^^HBH 

|H|flHB^fi^B 

LlJ 

^^fl 

^I^^^^^^^^^^H 

^H^^^^^^^H 

a. 

H 

H^^^^^Hl 

^^^hH 

-I 

i  ''■B 

^^bHHU^^H 

^H^^RjB 

< 

>^^SI 

B9^3^^^^^^^B 

B^s0v^9 

3 

OH 

MSS^^^^^^HHH 

^^B^hm^^^B 

Z 

^s 

ig^g^^^m^^^m 

^^^^^^^^H 

Z 

HI 

^^H^^^^^^^l 

^^^^^^^^H 

< 

w 

^^^H^^^^l 

BBMBMB 

1- 

w 

Bj^WH^BHSi 

^5ijHj^3 

m 

a. 

gl 

■JrMrjjgflj^fffl^ 

f^^n^^H^H 

u. 

s 

HMM^MtMiH 

Ibbiwi^ 

> 

n 

iBBilli^^^^^ffl 

^^hSP*^ 

1- 

,9 

■^^^B^H^^&H 

wf^^ 

cc 

»2 

^^^^^^^^H^^^H 

w*^ 

o 

y 

^HI^^HP^^^ 

u. 

1 

^^^ 

CO 

I- 

UJ 
CO 

< 

CQ 

Z 

o 

CO 

Q. 

o 

I 


BUREAU  OF  AMERICAN  ETHNOLOGY       FORTY- Fl  RST  ANNUAL  REPORT      PLATE  39 


-m 


"iSSSR: 


THOMPSON   BASKETS 


PLATE  39 

a,  Thompson.     A. M.N. II.    16-4624.     Design:   "Arrowheads"      (Coldwater,      Spuzzuin,      Thompson); 

"Eulwining"  (Thompson);  "Sntike  skin."  The  superimposed  triangles  are  sometimes  called 
"  Dusket  pattern,"  as  representative  of  a  pile  of  baskets 

b,  Thompson.    A.M.K.H.  l(j-9543.    Design;  "Ladder"  (all  bands);  "Arrowhead"   (Coldwater,  Spuz- 

zum);  "Half  arrowhead."  The  real  "ladder,"  according  to  the  Uta'mqt,  should  have  a  vertical 
line  dcwn  the  center  or  at  one  side  to  repi^esent  the  handhold  on  the  type  of  ladder  used  in  the 
underground  house 

c,  Thompson.    A.M.N.n.  lG.1-473.    Design:  "Arrowhead" 

REFERENCES  TO  PLATE 

a,  p.  244.  Vertical  stripe  with  diamonds 

p.  2S4.  Filler 

6,  p.  244.  Vertical  stripe  with  marginal  triangles 

c,  p.  244.  Vertical  stripe  consisting  of  rectangles  divided  diagonally 

p.  283.  Filler 

p.  284.  Filler 


PLATE  40 

(J,  Lillooet  or  Thompson.    A.M.N.H.  IG. 1-1580.     Burden  basket 

ft,  Thompson.  A.M.N.H.  16-4625.  Design  copied  from  the  whites,  according  to  the  Coldwater.  The 
Thompson  say  it  is  not  old.  "Circling"  (Nicola),  "Root  digger"  (Lytton).  "Cross  head"  (Spences 
Bridge).    Among  the  Spuzzum  it  is  rare.    It  is  also  called  "Half  circle"  and  "Heart" 

f,  Thompson.     A.M.N.H.  16-8736.     Design:  "Flower,"  "Indian  Paint  Brush"  (Uta'mqt) 

d,€,  Thompson.  A.M.N.H.  16-8731.  Two  views.  Design;  "Arrowhead  and  two  kinds  of  flowers,  one 
of  which  is  the  Indian  Paint  Brush"  (Uta'mqt);  "Embroidery,"  "Spear  blade" 

REFERENCES  TO  PLATE 

a,  p.  243.  Vertical  stripe  with  triangles 
p.  284.  Filler 

b,  p.  283.  Vertical  stripe  leaning  to  left  and  leaviug  a  bare  field  on  right-hand  upper  side 

c,  p.  194.  Basket  with  handles 

p.  381.     Modern  l)asket,  (lower  design 

d,  p.  254.    Vertical  stripe  with  diamonds 

e,  p.  381.    Modern  basket,  flower  design 


BUREAU    OF   AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY 


FORTY-FIRST   ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE  40 


THOMPSON    BASKETS 


BUREAU    OF  AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY 


FORTY-FIRST  ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE  41 


It' 


^ 


•w-^'^^T^SK 


"*£aiSS.'-r 


.  C^^^^^^^^s:^:^:]^^^^ 


^ 


W-j;.-- 


*    y 


J 


THOMPSON  BASKETS 


PLATE  41 

[\'ictoria  Museum,  Ottawa] 

a,  VI.M.  225.    "Spot" 

b,  VI.M.  192.    "Half  arrowhead" 

f,  VI.M.  247.     "Spot,"  "Rain" 

d,  VI.M.  229.    "Cross" 

e,  VI.M.  248.    On  the  basket  walls,  "Rainbow,"  "Stripe  leaning;"  on  the  foot,  "Spot' 
/,  VI.M.  311.    On  the  walls.  "Star  with  sky  background;"  on  the  foot,  "Spot" 

?,  VI.M.  301.  "Moss  cake" 

ft,  VI.M.  209.  "Foot,"  "Hook" 

i,  VI.M.  189.  "Snake" 

;,  VI.M.  218.  On  the  rim,  "Bead:"  in  diagonal  lines,  "Spot" 

REFERENCES  TO  PLATE 

a,  p.  240.  Isolated  designs  arranged  horizontally 

b,  p.  180.  Basket  with  lid  of  watch-spring  coiling 
p.  250.  Subdivided  squares  arranged  diagonally 
p.  299.  Subdivided  squares  arranged  diagonally 

c,  p.  240.  Irregular  distribution  of  small  designs 

d,  p.  250.  AVhite  squares  with  black  centers 

e,  p.  245.  Diagonal  stripe 

/,  p.  250.    Subdivided  squares 

g,  p.  249.    Squares  in  black  outline 
h,  p.  249.    Subdivided  squares 

i,  p.  202.    Horizontal  bands 

p.  299.     Round  lid 
j,  p.  240.    Diagonal  arrangement  of  isolated  design 

53666°— 28 VI 


PLATE  42 

[a-h,  Victoria  Museiiiii,  Ottawa] 

i,  Lillooet.    A.M.N.II.  lfi-5927.    Cradle.    Designr  "Flower,"  "Star,"  "  Fly" 

REFERENCES  TO  PLATE 

a,  p.  479.  Sketch  No.  4S2,  Plate  87 

&,  p.  245.  Diagonal  arrangement 

c,  p.  482.  Sketch  No.  670,  design  representing  tooth  pendants,  Plate  91 

d,  p.  480.  Sketch  No.  495,  Plate  87,  flat  zigzag  design  called  clouds,  mountains,  necklace,  beads 

e,  p,  240.  Regular  arrangement  of  isolated  designs 
p.  252.  Triangles 

/,  p.  252.  Triangles  in  horizontal  arrangement 

g,  p.  205.  Storage  basket 

p.  244.  Vertical  stripe  with  chevrons  in  opposite  directions  and  stripes  with  zigzags 

p.  299.  Lid  (turned  the  wrong  way  on  the  photograph) 

h,  p.  254.  Isolated  diamonds 

!,  p.  339.  Baby  carrier  with  zigzag  lines,  beading  and  imbricated  squares 


BUREAU    OF  AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY 


FORTY-FIRST    ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE  42 


/ 


\\"> 


X'h,  II' 


.  5  "^     ■»  *  - 


'  ""'  f^*^H.*>t^,V'?*-?*'**'*  *'>>i*!' 


%" 


t?        •f  ^«        ^ 


THOMPSON  AND  LILLOOET  BASKETS 


BUREAU    OF   AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY 


FORTY-FIRST   ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE  43 


-Ca 


I  H  ll'Ui  V 

1  tl  I  t  I! 

IL «. 


- ><  ill 

Hi, 


ti  I  I  >- 
II  I  I  II 


li 


'*»)*«  ^»»   •^w**-  " 


THOMPSON  AND   LILLOOET  BASKETS 


PLATE  43 

a,  6,  Thompson.    A. M.N.H.  16.1-585.    Two  views.    Cradle  with  beading. 

c,  d,  Lillooet.  A. M.N'.H.  16-5886.  Two  views.  Design,  according  to  the  Thompson:  "Snake" 
(Nicola,  Spences  Bridge,  Thompson  Siding.  Lytton);  "Rattlesnalie"  (Nicola,  Coldwater); 
"Bulsnake"  (Lytton,  Nicola,  Thompson);  "Embroidery"  (Lytton).  The  meander,  "Notch," 
"Caterpillar;"  the  checker  stripes,  "Fly"  (Spuzzum).  According  to  the  Lillooet:  "Flies;"  the 
meander,  "Circle,"  "Half  circle,"  "Waves,"  "Snake's  tracks;"  the  other  design,  "Arrowhead" 

REFERENCES  TO  PLATE 

a,  p.  339.  Baby  carrier  with  beaded  zigzag  lines  and  beaded  diagonals 

b,  p.  339.  Baby  carrier  with  beaded  zigzag  lines  and  beaded  diagonals 

c,  p.  337.  Lillooet  basket  with  vertical  stripes  of  uneven  width 
p.  243.  Vertical  stripes  with  broad  diagonals 

d,  p.  337.  Lillooet  basket  with  vertical  stripes  of  uneven  width 


each    other."    The  lid, 
'Underground  lodges 


PLATE  44 

[Victoria  Museum,  Ottawa] 

■n,  Thompson.    VI. M.  217.    Design:  "Grave  box,  inside  men  and  horses" 
6,  Thompson.    VI. M.  1S3.    Design:  "Arrowhead,"  "Cloud" 

c,  AVenatchi.    E,  45.    Design:  "Arrowhead,"  "Ladder" 

d,  Thompson.     VI. M.  188.    Design;    "Spearhead,"   "Double  hook    crossing 

"Arrowhead" 
(,  Thompson.    VI. M.  431.    Design:  Outer  circle,  "Earth,"  "Ground."  triangles, 

with  ladders" 
/,  Thompson.    VI.M.  (217).     Design:  "Sun" 
g,  Thompson.    VI.M.  197.    Design  on  the  edge:  "Spot,"  in  the  center,  four  "Arrows,"  "Man,  lieer, 

and  grouse,"  two  "Butterflies,"  and  "Star,  moon,  arrowhead,  and   two  cloud  designs,"  used  as  a 

filling 
h,  Thompson.    VI.M.  233.    Design:  "Half  arrowhead,"  variety  of  "Hook"  or  "Foot" 
i,    Thompson.    VI.M.  328.    Design:  The  squares,  "Beads;"  other  figures,  "Arrowheads" 

REFEREN'CES  TO  PLATE 

a,  p.  255.  Realistic  design 

6,  p.  250.  Subdivided  squares 

c,  p.  251.  Triangles  in  diagonal  arrangement 
p.  252.  Triangles  in  diagonal  arrangement 

d,  p.  252.  Isolated  triangles 
p.  253.  Isolated  triangles 

€,  p.  229.  Tray  with  regular  arrangement  of  ornamentation 

p.  252.  Tray  with  connected  triangles 

/,  p.  252.  Tray  with  triangles  in  circular  arrangement 

p.  253.  Tray  with  triangles  in  circular  arrangement 

g,  p.  255.  Tray  with  realistic  design 

h,  p.  251.  Isolated  triangles 

i,  p.  250.  Subdivided  squares  and  disconnected  triangles 

p,  251.  Subdivided  squares  and  disconnected  triangles 

p.  252.  Subdivided  squares  and  disconnected  triangles 


BUREAU    OF   AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY  FORTY-FIRST    ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE   U 


THOMPSON  AND  WENATGHI  BASKETS 


BUREAU    OF  AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY 


FORTY-FIRST    ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE   45 


^ 


THOMPSON   BASKETS 


PLATE  45 

[Victoria  Museum,  Ottawa] 

0,  Thompson.    VI. M.  413.    Design:  "Men,  paddles,  and  fish  spear" 
6,  d,  e,  Thompson.    VI. M.  265.    Three  views.    Design:  "Double  hooks  crossing  each  other;"  also  "Man, 
woman,  and  bird;"  on  the  foot,  "Fly" 
c,  Lytton.    VI. M.  266.     Design:  "Butterflies" 

/,  Thompson.    VI.  M.  315.    Dream  design,  "Animal  seen  underneath  a  mountain" 
g,k,  Thompson.  VI. M.  346.    Two  views.    Shaman's  hand  bowl.    Design;  "Mountain,"  "Shaman's 
house,"  "Shaman's  pipe,"  "Stars" 
i,  Thompson.    VI. M.  299.    Design:  "Star,"  "Stretched  pelt,"  "Arrowhead  star"  (Xicola,   Cold- 
water) 
;,  Thompson.    VI. M.  210.    A  rattle.    Design:   "Arrowhead,"  "Leaf,"  "Thunderbolt."  "Eagle," 

"Otter" 
k,  Thompson(?).    Design:  "Bird" 

/,  Thompson.    VI. M.  264.    Design:  "Snake,"  "Snake  skin" 
m,  Thompson.    VI. M.  255.    The  beading,   "Bead;"   imbrication,  "Star,"  "llalf  arrowhead;"   on 


the  lid,  "Snake  skin" 


REFERENCES  TO  PLATE 


a,  p.  255.  Tray  with  realistic  design 

^,  d-g,  i,  j,  k,  p.  255.  Realistic  designs 

c,  p.  253.  False  triangles  representing  wings  of  butterflies 

h,  p.  251.  Isolated  triangles 

I,  p.  250.  Rectangles  in  horizontal  arrangement 

m,  p.  250.  Rectangles  in  hoiizontal  arrangement 

p.  299.  Lid  with  horizontal  arrangement 


PLATE  46 

a,  Thompson.    TJ.S.N.M.  222592.    Design;  "Arrowhead"  (Lytlon,  Thompson),  "Dentalia" 

b,  U.S.N. M.  2174G7 

c,  Thompson  (",') 

d,  Thompson.    A.M.N.H.  16-48G2.    Design  of  false  triangles,  "Butterfly  wing,"  "Arrowheads"  (CoM- 

water);  the  diamonds,  "Star"  (Nicola) 

e,  Thompson.    A.M.N.H.  16-9542.    Design:  "Flying  bird"  (Nicola,  Coldwater);  "Eagle"  (Uta'mqt) 

f,  Thompson.    A. M.N. TI.  16.1-27.    Design:  "Bead   embroidery,"  "Snake  skin"  (Nicola);    "Dentalia" 

(Lytton);  "  Fragment  of  a  design"  (Spuzzum);  "Parts  of  three  designs" 

g,  Thompson.     A.M.N.H.  16-9541.     Design:  "Flying  bird,"  "Eagle"  (Spuzzum) 

/(,  Lillooet.    A.M.N.H.  16-6930.    Design,  according  to  the  Lillonet:    "Net,"   "Mesh."    The  spaces  are 
filled  in  with  figures  of  a  "Deer  shot  with  an  arrow/'  "Deer,  men,  women,  flies,  dogs,  and  ducks" 

REFERENCES  TO  PLATE 

a,  p.  253.  Vertical  arrangement  of  triangles 

6,  p.  268.  Treatment  of  zigzag  at  corner 

c,  p.  262.  Adjustment  of  figure  to  increasing  diameter  of  basket 

d,  p.  254.  Black  diamonds  with  central  star,  in  horizontal  arrangement 

p.  264.    Lack  of  coordination  between  central  designs  and  design  of  upper  and  lower  fields 

e,  p.  255.     Realistic  design;  flying  bird 

p.  256.    Ornamental  use  of  realistic  design 

p.  273.    Ornamental  use  of  realistic  design  and  adjustment  of  figure  to  increase  diameter  of  basket 
/,  p.  482.    Sketch  No.  686,  Plate  91.  large  central  ornament;   according  to  design  sketches,  grave  box, 

ornament,  TsEni^'ka,  woven  bag  patterns 
g,  p.  255.    Realistic  design;  flying  bird 
h,  p.  255.     Realistic  design 


BUREAU    OF  AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY 


FORTY-FIRST  ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE  46 


^-.^ 


>/y' 


THOMPSON  AND  LILLOOET  BASKETS 


BUREAU    OF  AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY 


FORTY-FIRST    ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE   47 


THOMPSON  AND  LILLOOET  BASKETS 


PLATE  47 

a,  Thompson.     U.S.N.M.  216428 

b,  Thompson.     U.S.N.M.  219880 
r,  .\.M.N.n.  16-8372 

d,  Thompson.     U.S.N.M.  222595.     Design:   "Small  star"    (Lytton,   Nioola);  "Spot"  (Lytton):  "Fly" 

(Uta'mqt) 

e,  Lillooet.    A. M.N. II.  16-0936.    Design,  according  to  the  Thompson:  "Eaglesitting  and  flying"  (all 

bands),    .\ccording  to  the  Lillooet,  "Eagles,"  "Flies,"  "Grouse,"  or  "Ducks"  with  folded  wings 

REFERENCES  TO  PLATE 

a,  p.  281.  Correction  of  direction  of  vertical  stripe 

6,  p.  283.  Filler 

r,  p.  4S1.  Sketch  No.  640,  Plate  90.  the  lateral  ornament  with  only  two  pairs  of  lateral  arms,  generally 
e-xplained  as  lizard 

d,  p.  240.  Regular  arrangement  of  small  designs 
p.  279.  Detailed  discussion  ^f  ornamentation 

e,  p.  255.  Realistic  design 

p.  261.    Slanting  lines  produced  by  shaving  oil  the  imbricated  rim 


PLATE  48 

a,  6,  Thompson  or  I/illooet.    Storage  basket  and  lid 

c,  Thompson.    U.S.N.M.    216420.    Storage    basket    and  li<l.    Design:   "Mouth,"   "Notcli,"   "Indian 
rice"  (Coldwater,  Nicola);  "Embroidery,"  "TsEnS'ka" 

REFERENCES  TO  PLATE 

0.  pp.  298,  299.    Vertical  stripe  extending  over  body  of  basket  and  lid 

b,  p.  229.    Lid  with  design  carried  over  from  body  of  baslcet 

pp.  298,  299.    Vertical  stripe  e.xtending  over  body  of  basket  and  lid 

c,  pp.  298,  299.    Vertical  stripe  extending  over  body  of  basket  and  lid 


BUREAU    OF   AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY        FORTY-FIRST    ANNUAL    REPORT 

PLATE  48 

^^  *^'       t            *"       Mf   V*t      *ii    lu        \\   '^i^       >^    ^w       ^^        '-'^  ^'^^Vj^^V 

jBsfeJ  ip^"~fc?Ti" "  y-^-pll|^^f--ift-  ^1^  ,Sf 

's^:^;;--*--^-—  ^_*.  «^— *^.-.-*-.-.  *  » -.  *-*..*„»  «.  ji_,*„fcjfc^>4|.' 

■  -^-^  -.  *— *  ,«..-.  *-^  ■  ■  — '  '  *-*-*.■=*.-._-.  -.  *  .--- 

THOMPSON   BASKETS 


BUREAU    OF    AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY 


FORTY-FIRST    ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE   49 


THOMPSON  AND  LILLOOET  BASKETS 


PLATE  49 

a.  Above,  LillooetC?);  below,  LilJooetC?).    Storage  baskets 
h,  Thompson.    A. M.N. H.  16.1-27.     Design;  "Indian  rice" 

c,  Lillooet  or  Thompson.    Storage  basket 

d,  Lillooet.     A. M.N. II.  16-5892.    Design   in   the  center,   according  to  the  Thompson:  "Half  arrow- 

head,"   "Stripes,"  "Ladder"  (Gladwin);  "Caterpillar"   (Lytton,  ITta'mqt).     According  to  the 
Lillooet,  "Arrowhead"  and  "A  variety  of  lightning" 

e,  Basket,  provenience  unknown 

/,   Eraser  River.     A. M.N. II.  16-8837.     Design  on  the  bands  and  at  the  corners;  "Dentalia,"  "Half 
arrowheads;"  on  the  diamonds,  "Arrowheads  and  lakes,"  "Leaves,"  "Eyes"  (Nicola) 

REFERENCES  TO  PLATE 


a  (top),  p.  254.  Storage  basket  with  large  hexagonal  designs 

a  (bottom),  p.  245.  Asymmetry  of  colors  in  vertical  stripe 

h,  p.  289.  Detailed  discussion  of  decoration 

c,  p.  253.  Black  diamonds  outlined  in  checkerwork 
p.  299.  Lid 

d,  p.  244.  Broad  vertical  stripe  with  diagonals  not  reaching  the  edges 

e,  p.  254.  Diamond  pattern  on  unimbricated  background 
/,  p.  283.  Filler 

53666**— 28 Vll 


PLATE   50 

0,  Beaded  lid  of  basket.    See  also  PI.  50,  a 
!),  c,  Lytton.    Basket  and  lid.    Design:  "Snake" 
d,  e,  Upper  Thompson.    Basket  and  lid.    Design:  "Mouth" 

/,  Basket,  provenience  unknown 

REFERENCES  TO  PLATE 

a,  pp.  225,  299.    Beaded  lid 

i,    p.  240.    Diagonal  arrangement  of  squares 

c,  p.  186.    Watch-spring  lid 

d,  p.  205.    Storage  basket 

p.  342.    Storage  basket,  comparison  between  Lillooet  and  Thompson  mouth  designs 

e,  p.  227.    Beaded  horizontal  arrangement  of  decoration 
pp.  225,  299.    Beaded  lid 

/,     p.  229.    Circular  bottom  of  basket  with  design  crossing  center 
p.  299.    Decorated  slat  bottom 


BUREAU    OF   AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY 


FORTY-FIRST    ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE   50 


*'*»^4i5:Vij 


.I  I.  .1.     :.  .\ 1  .,, 


., )ij«,-..^-jrs' 


^ 


THOMPSON   BASKETS 


BUREAU    OF  AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY  FORTY-FIRST   ANNUAL   REPORT      PLATE  5t 


a 


d 


at    ...  -' 

s 

Th         «  »      % 


// 


■i.  —   1-  . 


\   s^-X  J-~-.-^f/^- 


THOMPSON    AND    LILLOOET    BASKETS 


Thompson. 

Thompson. 

Thompson. 

Thompson. 

Thompson. 

Thompson. 

Thompson. 

Thompson. 

Ruby  Creek. 

Thompson. 

Ruby  Creek 


PLATE  51 

[Victoria  Museum,  Ottawa] 


VI. M.  24S. 
VI. M.  fi5. 
VI. M.  305 
VI. M.  335. 
VI.O.  14 
VI. M.  243. 
VI. M.  256. 
VI. M.  32. 

VI. M.  50, 
VI.O.  15 
,    VI.M.34, 


Design: 

Design; 

Design: 

Design; 

Design: 
Design: 
Design: 


"Cactus" 
•Rib" 
"Rain" 
"Arrow  point,' 


"Zigzag,"  "Mountain" 


"Half  arrowhead."  "Xanaxa'in,"  "Dentalia" 

"Star,"  "Cross" 

'Snake  skin;"  short  lines,  "Tails  of  snakes" 


Design:  "Zigzag,"  "Step" 

Design:  "Zigzag,"  "Arrow  point,"  "Diamond,"  "Indian  rice" 


Lillooet.    VI.O.  8.    Storage  basket 
Thompson.    VI. M.  35.    Design  at  the  corners; 


'Butterflies;"  other  designs  are  "Spots" 


REFERENCES  TO  PLATE 

0,  p.  483.  Sketch  No.  852,  Plate  94,  reahstic  design  representing  cactus 

b,  p.  240.  Horizontal  arrangement  of  diagonal  lines 

c,  p.  239.  Vertical  lines 

d,  p.  240.  Horizontal  arrangement  of  zigzag 

e,  p.  240.  Diagonal  lines  leaning  leftward 
/,  p.  239.  Vertical  stripe 

g,  p.  299.  Basket  with  lid 

h,  p.  262.  Adjustment  of  figure  to  increasing  diameter  of  basket 

i,  p.  240.  Diagonal  arrangement  of  design 

;,  p.  240.  Vertical  stripe 

k,  p.  240.  Horizontal  arrangement  of  zigzag 

1,  p.  284.  Filler 
p.  299.  Lid 

m.  pp.  299,  300.     Lid 


PLATE  52  j 

[Victoria  Museum,  Ottawa]  ] 

a,  d,  Thompson.     VI. M.  205.    Two    views.     Design:    "Star,"    "Cloud,"    "Cloud    and    Mountain,"  1 

"Necklace,"    "Arrowhead  star,"  "Spearhead" 
c,  d,  Thompson.    VI. M.  201.    Two  views.    Design:  "Beads,"  "Arrowheads,"  "Star,"  "Clouds" 
e,f,  Thompson.    VI. M.  195.    Two   views.    Design:  "Cloud,"   sometimes  called   "Mountain,"  "Half 

Indian  rice,"  "Half  fly"  (Uta'mcit):  "Half  star"  (Nicola) 
p, /i,  Thompson.    VI. M.  208.    Two  views.    Design:  "Arrowhead,"  " Leaf,"  " Indian  rice" 
i,  Thompson.    VI. M.  207.    Design:  "Necklace" 
;,  Thompson.    VI. M.  196.    Design:  "Clouds,"  "Steps" 
It,  Z,  Thompson.    VI. M.  194.    Two  views.    Design:  "Mountain,"  "Head,"  "Points  called  horns,"  and 

"Arrowhead  star,"  "Spot;"  large  design,  "Cloud" 

REFERENCES  TO  PLATE 

a-U  p.  300.    Arrangement  of  designs  ■ 

a,  b,  p.  2.'4.    Star  design 

c,  p.  229.    Tray  with  radial  arrangement  of  ornament  I 


BUREAU    OF   AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY 


FORTY-FIRST    ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE   52 


— *==B5K:^«ea[^^^ 

■JS^-iTl'vW^fK^-. "  - -.- ^  - .' --^^  »  "■•«■  ""'■"^i^ 

r#,-. ,. .  1  ■       ;■-..., " 

Jc 


J 


#^ 


THOMPSON    TRAYS 


BUREAU    OF   AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY  FORTY-FIRST    ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE 


53 


"^"'•^:i:^~— --^'^- 


c       ''-..^rfS^V..     J^    A    ^-^    / 


t^...,.^::.....^^^ 


THOMPSON     TRAYS 


PLATE  53 

[Victoria  Museum,  Ottawa] 

a,  Thompson.    VI. M.  330.    Design:  "Arrowhead  and  Dying  crane" 

6,  Thompson.    VI. M.  198.    Design  at  edge:  "Clouds"  (Nicola,  Spences  Bridge);  at  center,  "Arrows, 

moon,  and  stars"  (NicolaJ:  "Embroidery"  (Lytton) 
c,  Thompson.    VI  M.  343.    Design:  "Wave,"  "Coyote,"  "Duck,"  "Star" 
d,e,  Thompson.    VI. M.  218.    Two  views.    Design:  Main  design,  "Arrowhead"  or  "Arrow  chain."  The 
squares  at  the  bottom,  "Arrow  feathers:"  the  triangles,  "Arrow  nock;"  "Spot,"  "Fly,"  "Mountain 
side" 

REFERENCE  TO  PLATE 

a-e,  p.  300.    Arrangement  of  designs 


PLATE  54 

[V'ictoria  Museum,  Ottawa] 

a,  Thompson.    VI. M.  414.    Tray.    Design:  "Fish  spear"  and  "Small  star" 

b,  Thompson.    VI. M.  203 

c,  Thompson.    VI. M.  347.    Design  atthe  edge:  "Arrowheads;"  in  the  middle,  "Young  man  in  dancing 

attire;  his  sweat  house;  the  sun,  moon;  his  war  club  and  four  arrows" 

d,  Thompson.    VI.M.  425.    Main  design,  "Flower;"  at  rim,  "Tipis" 

REFERENCES  TO  PLATE 

a-d,  p.  300.  Arrangement  of  designs 

a,  p.  229.  Tray  with  radial  arrangement  of  ornament 

b,  p.  229.  Oval  tray  with  design,  direction  of  coiling 

c,  p.  229.  Tray  with  radial  arrangement  of  ornament 


BUREAU    OF  AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY  FORTY-FIRST   ANNUAL    REPORT 


PLATE  54 


Cf 


,ai»w" 


xuu<ni*«  Mfltmiu 


'•w«l», , 


/      ..""    ,,*«»•         »**"  ™™"  '"*™  "»««     ^H  \ 

-^'■''  ^      "^^      '«'"'■      '«*"      wm  *'i'  \v\ 


f/: 


^^      ^    ,  TOlJj'l  Vl-*'  »-"l>  WUuij 

"^        '.      -nsin       i^**        ""*"         WW         J-         %,  % 


*»!*iH 


a)^<'li)<  uiW»i^ 


'U  I   ,  ^ 


%/* 


■^      inw«i  Tvi"!        "Siniv 


WitfUin  ,«mv.         wniKt 


^1^      *>tm^        <jimieii      tmm        wa™'       ^,,, 

n»«r<i  fnir.  rw  in"''""  ^  ^ 

"WWHj  «r^iwTiiM  tiwBH'***'  ^ 


^    %   -  '-    ^ 


'.     \. 


o 

r/ 

8 

^;H'^ 

-.,.:■ --Vf^ 

■-^., 

Sir        ,f^ 

/^^ 

THOMPSON    TRAYS 


BUREAU    OF    AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY 


FORTY-FIRST   ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE   55 


LILLOOET    BASKETS 


PLATE  55 

a,c,  LiUooet.    A. M.N. H.  16-5904.    Two  views.    Acoonling   to   the   Thompson:  "Pack  strap"  (Cold- 
water,  Uta'mqt.  SpuzzumJLytton).    Also  "Arrow  points,"  but  it  is  said  that  this  is  not  the 
proper  term  because  the  angles  fit  too  closely  into  one  another.    According  to  the  Lillooet  these 
are  "Fly"  patterns,  but  no  name  was  obtained  for  the  other  large  design 
b,  Lillooet.    Trunk 

d,  Harrison  Lake.    A. M.X.H.  16.1-504.    Design:  "Variation  of  an  arrow  point,"  "Zigzag" 

e,  Lillooet.    U.S.N.M.  217435 

/,  Harrison  Lake.    A.M.N. II.  16.1-513 

g,  Lillooet.  U.S.N.M.  219878.  The  upper  design:  "Beads,"  "Spots;"  lower  design,  "Zigzag," 
"Necklace,"  "Deer  fence" 

A,  Lillooet.  A.M.N.H.  16-5908.  According  to  the  Thompson  meanders:  "Variety  of  the  mouth 
design"  (Coldwater);  "Caterpillar"  (Uta'mqt).  In  tlie  upper  fielil  the  checker  stripes  and  the 
clusters  are  "Fly"  (Spuzzum,  Uta'mrjt);  "Stars"  (Nicola);  "Flower,"  "Buttercup"  (Spences 
Bridge,  Lytton).  The  designs  on  the  droppers,  "Snake"  (Nicola,  Spences  Bridge,  Lytton);  "Em- 
broidery" (Lytton,  Stla.xa'iux");  "Fly"  (Spuzzum,  Uta'mqt);  the  clusters,  "Leaf"  (Uta'mqt). 
.According  to  the  Lillooet  the  designs  are  "Flies,"  "Half  circles,"  " .\rrowheads " 

REFERENCES  TO  PLATE 

a,  p.  336.    Lillooet  basket  with  three  beaded  sides 
p.  337.    Irregularity  in  arrangement  of  droppers 
6,  p.  268.    Treatment  of  zigzag  at  corner 

0,  p.  338.    Lillooet  basket  with  three  beaded  sides  and  one  imbricated  side 
d,  p.  253.    Vertical  lines  of  chevrons 

f,  pp.  284,  336.     Filler 

/,   p.  337.    Horizontal  diagonals 

g,  pp.  230,  263,  336.    Lillooet  basket  with  beaded  side 
h,  p.  2W.    Filler 


PLATE  56 

a,  Lillooet.    Trunk.     See  also  PI.  50,  a 

b,  Lillooet.    A.M.X.II.  16-5909.    The  design  was  not  made  by  the  Thompson,  but  was  interpreted  by 

the  Coldwater  band  as  a  "Variety  of  the  grave-box  pattern."  By  the  Lillooet  it  was  considered 
to  be  El  "Hatsimnalus"  or  "Tooth"  design  with  "^Vrrowheads" 

c,  Lillooet  or  Thompson.    Burden  basket 

d,  Lillooet.    A. M.N. II.  16-5903.    Design,  according  to  the  Thompson:   Stripes  1  and  3,   "Dentalia," 

"Arrowhead;"  stripe  2,  "Standing ends"  (Spuzzura,  Coldwater);  "Snake"  (Thompson);  "Notch" 
(Thompson,  Coldwater).  The  beadwork  between  the  stripes  is  called  "Spot  design"  by  all  the 
bands.  The  pattern  on  the  droppers  is  known  as  "Notch"  (Coldwater,  Thompson,  Lytton). 
According  to  the  Lillooet  it  is  "Fly"  and  "Arrow" 

e,  Lillooet.    Trunk  , 

REFERENCES  TO  PLATE 

a,  p.  299.    Lid 

p.  336.    Angular  shape  of  basket 

b,  p.  284.    Filler 

p.  336.    Lillooet  basket  with  filler  and  bifurcated  stitch 

c,  p.  337.    Lillooet  basket  with  horizontal  design  arrangement 
d,  p.  337.    Lack  of  adjustment  between  two  design  0elds 

p.  250.     Rectangular  design 
e,  p.  339.    Lillooet  storage  basket 


BUREAU    OF  AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY 


FORTY-FIRST  ANNUAL   REPORT      PLATE  56 


V4iSi;.i>ti!iiu  >  I  I'M'CkWtUi-a'irUtSilii 


„  i.  i< 


« ■ I        '  I   *i^-..i.i^.«a>hi 


to 


« 


LILLOOET    BASKETS 


BUREAU    OF   AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY 


FORTY-FIRST   ANNUAL   REPORT      PLATE   57 


THOMPSON  AND  LILLOOET  BASKETS 


PLATE   57 

a,  Lillooet.  A.M.N.H.  16-5905.  Thompson  interpretations:  "Mouth"  (Coldwater);  "Crooked" 
(Thompson);  "Notch,"  "Circling,"  "Crooked"  (Nicola);  "Variation  of  the  grave-box  pattern" 
(Spuzzum).    Lillooet  interpretation:  "Fungus" 

6,  Lillooet.    "Head  design" 

c,  Lillooet.    A.M.N.H.   10-5902.     Design:   "Necklace"   (Thompson,  Coldwater,   Uta'mtjt);  "Zigzag," 

"Part  of  a  design"  (Uta'mqt);  "Variation  of  tlie  (lying-geese  pattern"  (Thompson).    According  to 
the  Lillooet,  the  name  for  the  large  pattern  was  not  known;  the  rest  are  "  Flies" 

d,  Thompson.    A.M.N.H.  16.1-319.    Design:  "Eye"  (Gladwin) 

e,  Lillooet.    U.P.M.(N.A.)  1769 

/,  Lillooet.  A.M.N.H.  16-5885.  De,sign,  according  to  the  Thompson:  "  Mouth"  (Coldwater,  Uta'mqt, 
Spuzzum).  Also,  elsewhere,  "Mouth,"  "Zigzag,"  "Notch."  The  design  on  the  lower  lialf  of  the 
basket  is  not  made  by  the  Thompson.    According  to  the  Lillooet  the  pattern  is  "Circle" 

g,  Lillooet.    U.P.M.(N.A.)  1763 

h,  Lillooet.     U.P.M.(N.A.)  1767 

REFERENCES  TO  PLATE 

a,  p.  262.  Adjustment  of  figure  to  increpsing  diameter  of  basket, 

ft,  p.  337.  Adjustment  of  large  figure  to  decorative  field 

f ,  p.  336.  Lillooet  basket  with  beading  on  three  sides;  imbrication  on  one  side 
p.  337.  Lillooet  basket  with  horizontal  design  arrangement 

rf,  p.  2.50.    Rectangular  design 

p.  337.    Adjustment  of  large  design  to  decorative  field 
e,  pp.  2S4,  336.     Filler 
/,  p.  242.    Head  design 

pp.  336,  339.    Storage  basket  showing  regularity  of  form 

g,  pp.  230,  336.    Lillooet  basket  with  beading  on  three  sides;  imbrication  on  the  fourth  side 
A,  p.  337.    .\diustment  of  large  figure  to  decorative  field 

53666°— 28 vm 


PLATE  58 

a,  Lillooet.  A.M.N.H.  10-5914.  Design,  according  to  Thompson  bands:  "Zigzag"  (Coldwater), 
"Kazotlalis"  (Spuzzum).  Tlie  pattern  of  the  droppers,  "Half  arrowhead"  (Coldwater), 
"Xanaxa'in"  (Thompson),  "Dentalia"  (Lytton).  According  to  the  Lillooet,  "Arrowhead" 
(below),  "Lightning"  (above) 

6,  Lillooet.    U.P.M.(X.A.)  1764 

c,  Chilcotin.    U.P.M.(N.A.)  3381 

d,  ChUcotin.    U.P.M.(N.A.)  3385 

e,  Chilcotin.    U.P.M.(N.A.)  3407 
/,   Chilcotin. 

g,  Chilcotin.    Field  Museum  103054 

h,  Chilcotin.   Victoria  Museum,  Ottawa.   VI. J.  8 

REFERENCES  TO  PLATE 
(I,  p.  239.     Droppers 
6,  p.  339.    Lillooet  storage  basket 
c-h,  pp.  345-34S.    Discussion  of  Chilcotin  baskets 


BUREAU    OF    AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY 


FORTY-FIRST    ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE   53 


Hitellli'tiiW"'/    •   ..     J. 


«ss 


J=SS=ai„..,_i3!KU. 


-^^.-^I 


LILLOOET    AND    CHILCOTIN    BASKETS 


BUREAU    OF   AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY 


FORTY-FIRST    ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE   59 


CHILCOTIN   BASKETS 


PLATE  59 

[e-h,  Victoria  Museum,  Ottawa] 
c.  VI.J.  3  /,  VI.J.  5  g,  VIJ.  9  h,  VIJ.  2 

REFERENCES  TO  PLATE 

a,  p.  230.    Chilcotin  basket  with  design  in  three  Belds 
a-h,  pp.  346-348.    Discussion  of  Chilcotin  baskets 


PLATE  60 

a,  Cliilcotin.    Field  Museum  103050 

b,  Chilcotin.    A. M.N. 11.  10-8353.    Bottom  fielii,  "Nets;"  .second  field,  "Ribs,"  "Ribs  and  backbone," 

according  to  some  people;  third  field,  "Snake,"  "Snake  fence;"  fourth  field  (rim),  "Arrowhead" 

c,  Chilcotiu.    Victoria  Museum,  Ottawa.    VI. J.  6 

d,  Chilcotin.    A.M.N.H.  10-8303.    Design:   At  the  bottom,  "Nets;"  second  field,  "Arrowhead;"  third 

field, "  Sacks; "  fourth  field,  "Arrowheads;"  fifth  field,  "Nets;"  sixth  field,  "Ribs"  (of  which  the 
straight  lines  are  fish  ribs,  the  crooked,  animal  ribs,  according  to  one  old  man).  The  basket  maker 
interpreted  the  designs 

e,  Chdcotin.    Field  Mu.seum  102931 

REFERENCES  TO  PLATE 

a,  p.  230.    Chilcotin  basket  with  design  in  three  fields 
a-e,  pp.  345-348.    Discussion  of  Chilcotin  baskets 


BUREAU    OF   AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY 


FORTY-FIRST    ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE   60 


CHILCOTIN  BASKETS 


BUREAU   OF  AMERICAN   ETHNOLOGY 


FORTY-FIRST  ANNUAL  REPORT     PLATE  61 


CH I LCOTIN  BASKETS.    (PP.  345-348) 


BUREAU   OF   AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY 


FORTY-FIRST   ANNUAL   REPORT      PLATE  62 


Xl 


a 


.-^-t-r-vn'-r.^^^ 


^>^»° 


V 


5,  ?s  s  dy' 


y 


CHILCOTIN  BASKETS.    (PP.  345-348) 
a,  Sargent  collection  b,  Field  Museum  103055  /,  Field  Museum  103056 


PLATE   63 

a,  A.M.N.n.  50-1493 

b,  A.M.N. II.  50-1471 

c,  A.M.N.H.  50-1493 

d,  A. M.N.U.  50-1466 

e,  A. M.N.U.  50-1467 
g,  A.M.N.n.  50-1472 
*.  A.M.N.H.  50-1465 

REFERENCES  TO  PLATE 

I 
a,  p.  358.    Klickitat  bag  with  net  design  j 

b,d,h,  pp.  3,54,  376.    Klickitat  bags  j 

c,  p.  358.    Klickitat  bag  with  net  design  1 

d,  e,  p.  358.    Klickitat  bags  with  gill  design  . 

/,  p.  358.    Klickitat  bag  with  leg  design 
h,  p.  358.    Klickitat  bag  with  leg  design 


BUREAU    OF   AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY  FORTY-FIRST   ANNUAL   REPORT      PLATE  63 


b 


KLICKITAT  WOVEN   BAGS 


BUREAU    OF   AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY  FORTY-FIRST   ANNUAL   REPORT      PLATE  64 


KLICKITAT  WOVEN   BAGS 


PLATE  64 

a,  A.M.N.E.  50-1521 

b,  A.M.N.U.  50-1522 

c,  A.M.N.H.  50-1476 

d,  A.M.N.H.  50-1470 

f,  A.M.N.H.  50-1514 
/,  A.M.N.U.  50-1510 

g,  A.M.N.H.  50-1512 
It,  A.M.N.H.  50-1513 

REFERENCES  TO  PLATE 

a-Zi.p.  376.    Klickitat  bags 

c,  p.  358.    Klickitat  bag  with  leg  design 


PLATE  65 

a,  A.M.N  H.  50-1523 

b,  A.M.N.H.  60-1525 

c,  A.M.N.H.  50-1624 

d,  A.M.N.H.  16-4962 
f,  A.M.N.H.  60-1463 
/,  A.M.N.H.  50-1464 

REFERENCES  TO  PLATE 

a-f,  p,  376.  Klickitat  bags 

a,  p.  358.  Net  and  zigzag  designs 

6,  p.  375.  Design  in  horizontal  arrangement 

c,  p.  358.  Net  design 


BUREAU   OF  AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY  FORTY-FIRST  ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE  55 


KLICKITAT  WOVEN  BAGS 


BUREAU    OF   AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY 


FORTY-FIRST   ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE  65 


KLICKITAT  BASKETS 


PLATE  66 

a,  A.M.N.H.  50-1482. 

Design:  "Birds" 

6,  A.M.N.H.  50-1483 

c,  A.M.N.H.  5O-14B0. 

Design:  "Dogs"(?),  "Horses  and 

m 

d,  A.M.N.H.  50-1491 

e,  A.M.N.H.  50-1490 

/,  A.M.N.H.  50-1474 

g,  A.M.N.H.  60-1469 

h,  A.M.N.H.  50-1495 

!,  A.M.N.H.  50-1462. 

Coiled  basket 

i,  A.M.N.H.  50-1461. 

Coiled  basket 

k,  A.M.N.H.  50-1457 

I,  A.M.N.H.  50-1459 

m,  A.M.N.H.  50-1484 

n,  A.M.N.H.  50-1480 

0,  A.M.N.H.  50-1496. 

Woven  cap 

p,  A.M.N.H.  50-1498. 

Woven  cap 

9,  A.M.N.H.  50-1543. 

Woven  cap 

r,  A.M.N.H.  50-1497 

Woven  cap 

»,  A.M.N.H.  50-1485. 

Design:  "Deer" 

(,  A.M.N.H.  50-1489 

u,  A.M.N.H.  50-1478 

V,  A.M.N.H.  50-1479 

to,  A.M.N.H.  50-1486 

REFERENCES  TO  PLATE 

a-h,  Ic-n,  s-w,  p.  354.    Klickitat  flexible  baslcets 

a-r,  p.  364.    Baslietry  caps 

i,  j,  p.  354.    Coiled  baskets 

k,  p.  358.    Foot  or  gill  design 

n,  p.  358.    Gill  design 

p,  q,  V,  p.  358.    Step  design 

53666°- 

-28 IX 

PLATE  67 

o,  A.M.N.H.  50-14S7 

b,  A.M.N.U.  50-1481 

c,  A.M.N.H.  10.1-533 

d,  A.M.N.U.  60-1527 

c,  A.M.N.H.  50-1414 
/,  A.M.N.H.  50-1488 
g,  A.M.N.H.  50-1526 
h,  A.M.N.H.  50-1417 
i,  A.M.N.H.  50-1490 
j,  A.M.N.H.  50-1477 
Jt,  A.M.N.H.  50-1494 
1,  A.M.N.H.  50-1492 

m,  A.M.N.H.  50-1415 
n,  A.M.N.H.  50-1475 
0,  A.M.N.H.  60-1441 
p,  A.M.N.H.  60-1473 
q,  A.M.N.H.  50-1408 
r,  A.M.N.H.  50-1409 
s,  A.M.N.U.  50-1407 

REFERENCES  TO  PLATE 

0-5,  pp.  355-357.    Klickitat  baskets 

d,  p.  358.    Leg  design 

i,  p.  358.  Tootli  design 

It,  p.  358.  Gill  design 

m,  71,  p.  358.  Finger-nail  design 

0,  p.  368.  Arrowhead  design 


BUREAU    OF   AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY 


FORTY-FIRST    ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE  67 


KLICKITAT  BASKETS 


BUREAU    OF  AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY  FORTY-FIRST  ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE  68 


KLICKITAT  BASKETS 


PLATE  68 

a,  A.M.N.H.  60-H36 

b,  A.M.N.U.  50-1435 

c,  A.M.N.H.  50-1416 

d,  A.M.N.U.  50-1442 

e,  A.M.N.H.  50-1431 
/,  A.M.N.H.  50-1425 
9,  A.M.N.H.  50-1430 
*,  A.M.N.H.  50-1466 

i,  A.M.N.H.  50-1418 
j,  A.M.N.H.  50-1426 
k,  A.M.N.H.  50-1451 

REFERENCES  TO  PLATE 

a-k,  pp.  355-357.  Klickitat  coiled  baskets 

e,  f,  p.  358.  Leg  design 

g,  p.  358.  Zigzag  or  scratch  design 

i,  p.  358.  Tooth  design 

;,  p.  358.  Leg  design 

i.  p.  358.  Zigzag  design 


BUREAU    OF    AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY 


FORTY-FIRST   ANNUAL   REPORT      PLATE  69 


KLICKITAT  BASKETS.    (P.  358) 

0,  A.M.N.H.  50-1448  b,  A.M.N. H.  60-1449 


BUREAU    OF  AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY 


FORTY-FIRST  ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE  70 


KLICKITAT  COILED  BASKETS.    (P.  358) 


a,  A.M.X.n.  50-1537 

b,  A.M.N.H.  50-1413 

c,  A.M.N.H.  50-1440 

d,  A.M.N.H.  50-1446 


e,  A.M.N.H.  .50-1423 
/,  A.M.N.H.  50-1411 
g,  A.M.N.H.  50-1447 


ft,  A.M.N.H.  50-1450 
i,  A.M.N.H.  50-1540 
j,   A.M.N.H.  50-1455 


BUREAU    OF  AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY 


FORTY-FIRST   ANNUAL   REPORT      PLATE  71 


KLICKITAT  BASKETS.    (P.  358) 


b,  Sargent 

c,  A.M.N.H.  SO-2473 


d,  A.M.N.n.  50-1413 

e,  A.M.N.H.  50-1421 


BUREAU   OF  AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY 


FORTY-FIRST  ANNUAL   REPORT      PLATE  72 


'^^^-^"-.^ 


KLICKITAT  BASKETS.    (P  358) 


a,  A.M.N.H.  50-2483 
6,  A.M.N.H.  60-1539 


c,  A.M.N.H.  50-1538 

d,  A.M.N.U.  50-1536 


BUREAU    OF   AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY 


FORTY-FIRST  ANNUAL   REPORT      PLATE  73 


KLICKITAT  BASKETS.    (P.  358) 
a,  A.M.N.n.  50-2471  6,  A.M. N.H.  50-2470  c,  U.P.M.(N.A.)  1790 


BUREAU   OF  AMERICAN   ETHNOLOGY 


FORTY-FIRST  ANNUAL   REPORT       PLATE  74- 


KLICKITAT  COILED  BASKETS 


PLATE  74 

a,  A.M.N.H.  50-143.3 

b,  A.M.N.n.  50-1427 

c,  A.M.N.H.  SO-li43 

d,  A.M.N.H.  6IW420 

c,  A.M.N.H.  50-1412.  Design:  "Horses  and  men" 
/,  A.M.N.H.  50-1419 
g,  A.M.N.H.  50-1428 
A,  A.M.N.H.  50-1451 
!,  A.M.N.H.  50-1438 
i,  A.M.N.H.  50-1437 
k,  A.M.N.H.  50-1439 
I,  A.M.N.H.  50-1452 
m,  A.M.N.H.  50-1429 
7i,  A.M.N.H.  50-1453 
0,  A.M.N.H.  SD-1422 
p,  A.M.N.H.  50-1444 
J,  A.M.N.H.  50-1445 

REFERENCES  TO  PLATE 

a-q,  p.  358.  Klickitat  coiled  baskets 

b,  p.  358.  Step  design 

c,  p.  3.58.  Arrowhead  design 
,  f,  ii,  p.  358.  People 

/,  i,  p.  358.  Zigzag  design 

g,  p.  358.  GUI  or  leg  design 

(,  p.  358.  Step  design 

m,  p.  3.58.  Gill  design 

n,  p.  358.  Leg  design 


BUREAU    OF   AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY 


FORTY-FIRST   ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE  75 


KLICKITAT  AND  COAST  BASKETS.    (P.  368) 


a-f,  Klickitat  coiled  baskets 

St  h,  j,  Twined  baskets,  Puget  Sound 


i,  k,  I,  Proveoience  unknown 


BUREAU  OF  AMERICAN   ETHNOLOGY 


FORTY-FIRST  ANNUAL  REPORT      PLATE  76 


A.  M.N.H.   16-4621.     Ula'mqt 

A.  M.N.H.   16-1044.    Thompson  A.  M.  N.  H.   16-4640,     Uta'mat 

A.  M.N.H.  16-6933.     Lillooet 


PLATE   76 

A.M.N.n.  16-4621.  Lower  Thompson  basket 

A. M.N.H.  16-1014.  Thompson  hasket 

A.M.N.H.  16-4640.  Lower  Thompson  basket 

A.M.N.H.  16-6933.  Lillooet  basket.    Another  view  on  Plate  22,  b 

REFERENCES  TO  PLATE 
p.  233.    Two-field  arrangement  on  Lillooet  basket 
p.  253.    Vertical  zigzag 
p.  263.    Diamond  design 
p.  255.    Realistic  design 
p.  256.    Realistic  design 


PLATE  77 

A.M.N.H.  16-9236.    Lower  Thompson  basket 

A.M.N.H.  16-8835.    Thompson  basket  from  the  upper  Fraser  River 

REFERENCES  TO  PLATE 
p.  232.    Imbrication  on  entire  field  on  bare  background 
p.  240.    Diagonal  distribution  of  designs 
p.  268.    Treatment  of  diagonal,  crossing  corner 
p.  282.    Error  in  placing  vertical  stripe 


BUREAU  OF  AMERICAN   ETHNOLOGY 


FORTY-FIRST  ANNUAL  REPORT      PLATE  77 


A.M   N.H.   16-9236.     Lower  Thompson 
A.M.N.H.   16-8835.     Fraser  River 


BUREAU    OF   AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY  FORTY-FIRST    ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE  78 

2  3 


1 


5 


y///A         W/A  V//A         Vh 

9  10 


11 


\/////////h     t         v//^ 


12 


13  !■» 


m%m  wMm 


15 


16 


//m/////// !  /////>////////. 

'///// 

'//////////////J 

'm/:////m//wm//, 

'/////. 

17 


^^ 


//// 

,1 

y/// 

// 

///, 

1 

'//// 

y//A 

1 

y///, 

^/f 

m^ 


18 


20 


w/////////. 


///////////. 


21 


25 


29 


22 


I   ■ 
I   I 

07     I       I 


■  ■ 

■  ■  I 


28 


30         31         3-2 


33 


K 


43 


44 


1. 


47 


46 


SKETCHES  OF   DESIGNS 


PLATE  78 


HORIZONTAL  LINES 


1-3.  Bead. 

4.  Striped  snake,  Coil  (?). 

5.  Cloud,  Embroidery,  Necklace,  String  of  beads, 

Dentalia. 

6.  Hair  ribbon,  Spot,  Beads,  Necklace,  String  of 

beads,  Flies. 

7.  Hair  ribbon,  Spot,  Beads,  Necklace,  String  of 

beads,  Flies,  Snake  skin. 

8.  Dentalia,    Nose-rod,    Flying    bird    or    insect. 

Dragonfly. 

9.  Cloud,  Embroidery,  Dentalia,  Necklace,  String 

of  beads. 

10.  Cloud,    Dentalia,    Embroidery,    Hair   ribbon, 

Necklace,  String  of  beads. 

11.  Cloud,  Embroidery,  Dentalia,  Necklace,  String 

of  beads. 


12,  13.  Cloud,    Embroidery,    Dentalia,    Necklace, 
String  of  beads. 

14.  Cloud,  Embroidery,  Dentalia,  Necklace,  String 

of  beads.  Rattlesnake. 

15.  Cloud,  Embroidery,  Necklace,  Dentalia,  Snake. 

16.  Hair  ribbon.  Snake,   BuUsnake,  Beads,  Neck- 

lac«,  String  of  beads,  Rattlesnake,  Flies. 

17.  19.  Joined,  Spliced,  Snake. 

18.  20.  Joined,  Spliced. 

21.  Hairy    caterpillar,    Dentalia,    Necklace,    Opa- 

lilE'tsa  Eagle  (?). 

22,  23.  Striped  snake,  Coil. 

24.  Dentalia,   Snake   or    snake    skin,    Bullsnake, 

Rattlesnake. 

25.  Scratch,  Stripe,  Lines  extending  out. 

26.  Legging  with  beaded  fringe,  Clouds  appearing 

above  the  horizon,  Beads  (rarely). 


DIAGONAL  LINES 


27,  28.  Rain,  Beads. 

29.  Leaning,  Rainbow,  Stripe,  Scratch,  Lines  ex- 

tending out. 

30.  Leaning,     Rainbow,     Striped     snake,     Stripe 

(Rainbow  stump). 

Leaning,  Rainbow,  Little  ladder,  Stripe  (Rain- 
bow stump). 

Scratches,  Rainbow,  Stripe,  Rainbow  stump. 

Rainbow,  Little  ladder,  Striped  snake. 


31 


34.  (?). 

35.  Rain. 

36.  Xanaxa'in  (an  edible  root). 

37.  Xanaxa'in,  Stripe,  Dentalia. 

38.  Striped  snake. 

39.  Stlupaist  or  twisted,  Xanaxa'in. 

40.  Stlupaist  or  twisted,  Xanaxa'in,  Dentalia. 

41.  Arrowhead,  twisted.  Xanaxa'in. 

42.  Half  arrowhead,  Xanaxa'in,  Dentalia. 


VERTICAL  LINES 


43,  44.  Rain,  Spot,  Bead. 

45.  Woodworm,  Hair  ribbon,  Snake,   Caterpillar, 
Spot,  Necklace. 


46.  Rain,  Spot,  Bead,  Necklace,  Dentalia. 

47.  Frame,  Legging. 


PLATE  79 


VERTICAL  LINES 


48,49.  Legging. 

60.  Girl's  frame  (tsExa'ksten),  Legging. 

61,52  Legging. 

53.  False  legging. 

54.  False  legging,  Striped  legging. 
55-59.  Dentalia  and  Embroidery. 

60.  (?). 

61.  Lines  extending  out,  Stripe,  Scratch. 

62.  Striped  snake. 

63.  Snake,  Ladder,  Hair  ribbon.  Woodworm. 
64,65.  Snake,  Caterpillar,  Hair  ribbon.  Woodworm. 
66.  Snake,  Bull  snake. 


67.  Snake,  Bullsnake,  Snake's  head  (rarely).  Wood- 

worm. 

68.  Snake,  Bullsnake,  Bead,  Fly,  Necklace,  String 

of  beads. 

69.  Snake,  Snake  skin,  Necklace. 

70.  Snake,  Snake  skin. 

71.  Snake,  Snake  skin, Combined  snake  track  and 

half  arrowhead. 

72.  Snake,  Rattlesnake,  Gartersnake,  Necklace, 

73.  74.  Bead,  Dentalia,  Necklace,  Rain. 

75.  Bead,  Dentalia,  Rain  (rarely).  Necklace. 

76.  Bead,  Necklace. 


DIAGONAL  ZIGZAG,   HORIZONTAL 


77.  Necklace  of  dentalia  or  tubers(?), Beads,  Pend- 

ants. 

78.  Arrowhead,  Zigzag,  Necklace  with  pendants. 

79.  Snake,  Snake  track.   Mountain  tops,  Zigzag, 

Caterpillar,  Pack  strap. 


Snake,   Snake  track.  Mountain  tops.   Zigzag, 

Caterpillar,  Pack  strap. 
Snake,   Snake  track.    Pack  strap.   Mountain, 

Caterpillar. 


BUREAU    OF   AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY  FORTY-FIRST   ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE   79 


54 


55 


48         49  50        51 


52 


56 


II 


53 


57 


SKETCHES  OF  DESIGNS 


BUREAU    OF  AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY  FORTY-FIRST   ANNUAL   REPORT      PLATE  80 


83 


82 


84 


86  87 


MM 


88 


89 


90 


m/        \mijm  ^m  ^m^nill^t 


yAVAVy 


93 


94 


95 


o  o  o  o 


96 


A 


//A\  //A\ 


-^      ^  100 

99 


SKETCHES  OF   DESIGNS 


PLATE  80 


DIAGONAL  ZIGZAG,   HORIZONTAL 


82.  Pack  strap  (connected  points  or  open  middles), 

Rainbow  connected.  Necklace  (rarely),  Zig- 
zag, Meandering,  Snake. 

83.  Snake,  Bullsnake. 

84.  Necklace,  Bead. 

85.  Rainbow,  Necklace,  Part  of  grave  box  (rare). 

Grasshopper. 
80.  Zigzag  (flat  or  wide  points),  Half  circles  con- 
nected, Going  back  and  forth  in  half  circles, 
Mountains  (rarely).  Snake  tracks  (very  rare), 
Deer  fence. 

87.  Grave  box. 

88.  Rainbow,  Necklace,  Part  of  grave  box  (rarely), 

Grasshopper. 
89,90.  Mountains. 
91,92.  Rainbow  and  cloud,  Cloud  over  mountain, 

Embroidery,     Necklace     and     pendants. 

Beads. 


93,94.  Cloud  (Nicola). 

95.  Deer  fence  with  snares. 

96.  Indian  fortress  on  top  of  a  rock.^ 

97.  Head  band,  Embroidery  on  the  fronts  and  backs 

of  dresses,  Net,  Necklace. 

98.  Necklace,  Variety  of  net,  Embroidery,  Dress 

design. 

99.  Dress  design. 

100.  Necklace,     Rainbow,    Part    of    earth    lodge 

(rarely),  Dress  design. 

101.  Necklace,    Rainbow     (Lj'tton),    Half    circle, 

Embroidery,  Half  of  a  design.  Part  of  a  grave 
box  (rare).  Dress  design,  Grasshopper. 
102, 103.  Arrow  points.  Necklace. 


DIAGONAL  ZIGZAG,   VERTICAL 


104. 


Trail,     Snake     tracks.     Snake,     Contorting, 
Ascending  zigzag. 
105.  Grasshopper,  Grasshopper  leg. 


106.  Wave  (two  turns),  Zigzag,  Grasshopper. 

107.  Wave  (two  turns),  Zigzag,  Grasshopper. 


1  This  is  supposed  to  have  been  in  the  Stlaxa'iux  country, 
stones.    The  diamonds  represent  gun  holes. 


It  is  surrounded  by  a  wall  of  logs   and 


PLATE  81 


DIAGONAL   ZIGZAG,   VERTICAL 


108.  Wave  (short  turn),  Zigzag,  Grasshopper. 

109.  Wave  (three  turns),  Zigzag,  Lightning  (rarely), 

Snake  or  Snake  track. 

110.  Wave  (four  turns),  Zigzag,  Snake  or  Snake 

track, 
HI.  Blanket,   Zigzag   (up  and   down),   Snake   or 

Snake  track. 
112,  113.  Caterpillar,    Lightning    (rarely).    Grass- 
hopper, Woodworm  borings. 
114,  115.  Trail,  ParflSche  (rarely).  Ascending  zig- 
zag,   Snake,   Snake    track,    Contractod 
middles,  Pack  strap  (rarely). 


116,  117.   Snake,     Bullsnake,     Caterpillar,  Garter- 
snake. 

118.  Snake,    Bullsnake,   Caterpillar,   Gartersnake, 

Striped  snake. 

119.  Snake,      Caterpillar,      Gartersnake,      Striped 

snake. 

120.  Snake,  Bead  necklace.  Caterpillar. 

121.  Snake,  Woodworm,  Caterpillar. 
122-125.  Striped  snake. 

126,  127.  (?). 


THE  ZIGZAG  COMPOSED  OF  VERTICAL  AND  HORIZONTAL  SECTIONS 


128,  129.  Snake  and  snake  track  (rarely),  Caterpil- 
lar, Grasshopper. 
130.  Snake  and  snake  track  (rarely),  Caterpillar, 
Grasshopper,  Lightning. 


131.  Snake  and  snake  track  (rarely).  Caterpillar. 

132.  Snake  track. 

133.  Mountain,  Zigzag,  Necklace. 

134.  Mountain,  Zigzag,  Necklace,  Caterpillar. 


THE  CHEVRON 


135, 
136, 
137. 


Angle. 


Butterfly,  Wing,  Arrow  point, 

Butterfly  wing,  Butterfly. 

Necklace,  Butterfly  (rarely),  Broken  or  bent 
middle. 

Angle,  Arrow  point. 
139,  140.  Arrow  point. 
141.  Arrowhead  (heaped  up  or  overlapping). 

Arrowhead. 

Arrowhead. 

Tree,  Fir  branch.  Branch. 

Tree,  Fir  branch. 

Waves  (one  turn).  Angle,  Arrowhead,  Part  of 
zigzag  (Uta'mqt),  Grasshopper. 


138. 


142. 
143. 
144. 
145. 
146. 


147.  Bent  leg,  Broken  back,  Broken  rib.  Rib,  Grass- 

hopper. 

148.  Bent  leg,  Broken  back.  Grasshopper,  Rib. 

149.  Angle,  Arrow  point. 

150.  Fish  backbone  (Spuzzum). 

151.  Butterfly,  Butterfly  wing. 

152.  Broken    back.    Bent    leg,    Fishhook,    Hook, 

Crook,    Hooked    end.    Cross,    Head,    Root 


Rainbow  (half  or  stumps)  (rare),  Bent  middle. 
Bent  back.  Bent  leg,  Striped  snake  (rare). 


BUREAU    OF   AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY  FORTY-FIRST    ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE   81 


111 


112 


113         114 


116        117        lis 


119      126    121 


128 


126 


130 


122        123       124      125 


133 


127 
135  V 

w/ 


129 


131  132 


m 


13T 


i34 


136 


M 


138 


139 


140 


141      142 


\/ 


143 


144 


^^'^, 


146 


»»» 


145 


147 


:o: 


148 


149 


150 


151 


152         153 


SKETCHES  OF  DESIGNS 


BUREAU   OF  AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY  FORTY-FIRST   ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE  82 

¥\    ~i   jj  nun  mm   nn     nnnnn 
\\    r    157    nn     nn    ni'       mum 

I    J    J      159         [I  im 

154         ''''         158 


162 


M 


164 


165 


163 


166  168  170 


rlrlrlrlr       L 

172  175 


D 


173 


OIZD 

174 


J 


Mm 

MM 


182 


176      177      178      179      180       181 


183  185 


rLTLT 

nsw 

185  1S7  189 


wm 


184 


186  188 


Q 

1r 

fl 

■ir 

[nl 

190 


194 


199 


195 


196  197  198  200 


1^  I        I Jp^  205 


206  _^*^  208 

SKETCHES  OF  DESIGNS 


PLATE  82 


THE  CHEVRON 


154.  Rainbow  (  half  or  stumps)  (rare),  Bent  middle,  Bent  back,  Bent  leg,  Striped  snake  Crare). 


THE  RIGHT  ANGLE  WITH   ONE  LONG  SIDE 


155.    (?). 

15G.  Leg,  Foot,  Grasshopper. 
157,  158.  Leg,  Foot,  Caterpillar,  Bent  knee. 
159-162.  Leg  (variation).  Foot  (variation),  Cater- 
pillar, Double  hook.  Crook. 

163.  Leg,  Foot  (rarely).  Caterpillar,  Notch. 

164.  Leg   (variation),   Necklace,   Beads,   DentaHa, 

Grasshopper  (rarely)  (arranged  spirally  and 
horizontally). 

165.  Leg  (variation),  Necklace  (rarely),  Dentalia, 

Grasshopper. 
166-168.  C). 

169.  Hook,  Hooked  end,  Fishhook,  Foot,  Grass- 

hopper. 

170.  Leg,  Foot,  Grasshopper. 

171.  Grasshopper. 

172.  Leg,  Foot. 

173.  174.  Leg,  Foot,  Grasshopper. 


Caterpillars  crossed. 

Caterpillar. 

Caterpillar,    Double    hook,    Double    crook. 

Angle,  Bent  leg. 
(?). 
Caterpillar,    Double    hook,    Double    crook. 

Angle,  Bent  leg,  Duck. 
Root  digger.  Cross,  Head. 
Root    digger,    Cross,    Head    (possibly    from 

whites),  Fishhook(?). 
Leg,  Foot. 
Hooked     end,     Leaning,     Hook,     Fishhook 

(rarely),  Foot,  Bent  leg,  Grasshopper,  Leg 

leaning. 
Bent  back,  Broken  back,  Broken  rib,  Bent  leg, 

Grasshopper. 
Fishhook. 
Fish  spear,  Bird's  foot. 


THE   MEANDER 


187,  188.  Snake,  Snake  track  (rarely).  Mouth. 
189-191.  Mouth. 

192.  Variant  of  grave  box,  Mouth. 

193.  Mouths,  Notches  facing  each  other. 
194-196.  Notch,  Mouth,  Caterpillar,  SkEsknits(^). 

197.  Snail,  Caterpillar,  Head,  Duck's  head. 

198.  Snail,  Caterpillar,  Head. 

199.  Necklace. 

200.  Necklace,  Mountain,  Zigzag  steps. 

201.  202.  Necklace,    Cloud   and   mountain,   Zigzag 

half  circles,   Stepped  half  circles.   Em- 
broidery, Clouds,  Steps. 
203.  Necklace,  Cloud  and  mountain.  Zigzag  half 
circle,    Stepped    half    circle.    Embroidery, 
Clouds. 


204.  Necklace,  Cloud,  Mountain.  Zigzag  half  circles 

Stepped  half  circles.  Embroidery. 

205.  Cloud,  Zigzag,  Embroidery,  Half  design. 

206.  Star,    Star   notched   or   stepped   all   around. 

Gnawed  all  around. 

207.  Star,    Stepped   star,   Variation   of  ladder  or 

necklaceC),  Notched  or  gnawed  edges  all 
around,  Woven  bag  design. 

208.  Star,  Notched  star.  Star  stepped  all  around, 

Star  surrounded  by  a  cloud,  Cloud  with  star 
shining  through  it. 


PLATE  83 

THE   MEANDER 

209.  Cloud,    Necklace,    Embroidery,    Cloud    and   I  210.  Cloud,  Embroidery,  Half  of  a  design, 
mountain.  1 

CROSSED  LINES 


211,  212.  star.  Small  star,  Fly  (rarely).  Flying  birds 
or  insects. 

213.  Star. 

214.  Star,  Fishline  reel. 

215.  Star,  Big  star. 


216.  Star,  Big  Star  (?),  Morning  star.  Cross. 

217.  Star,  Morning  star. 

218.  Star. 

219.  Star  (notched).  Leaf  (Spuzzum). 

220.  221.  Sun  (painted  on  circular  lids),  Star,  Flower. 


TRIANGLES 


222-229.  Arrowhead. 

230.  Snake('),  Bullsnake(?),   Snake's  head,  Wood- 

worm(?). 
231-233.  Arrowhead. 
234,  235.  Bush,  Mushroom,  Tree. 

236.  Bush,  Mushroom,  Tree,  Bead. 

237.  Butterfly(?). 

238.  Arrowhead.'  s 

239.  Butterfly,  Wing  of  butterfly. 

240.  241.  Arrow,  Arrowhead. 
242.  .Arrowhead.  1 

-Arrowhead,  Leaf. 

Arrowhead  (joined  all  over),  Cloud  (rarely), 

Fern. 
Arrowheads  touching  bases, 

246.  .\rrowhead. 

247.  Arrowhead,  Butterfly,  Butterfly  wing. 


243. 
244. 


245. 


248.  Butterfly. 
249-251.  .Vrrowhead. 

252.  Arrowheads  entering  one  another. 

253.  (?). 

254.  Arrowheads  touching  bases. 
256,256.  (?). 

257.  Arrowhead,  Ladder. 
258-260.  ParflecheC?). 

261.  Butterfly. 

262.  Leaf  (double). 

263.  Tooth,  Grizzly-bear  tooth.  Butterfly  (rarely). 
264-267.  -Arrowhead  (rarely).  Tooth,  Leaf,  Fern  leaf. 
268,  269.  -\rrowhead,  Tooth. 

270.  Parfleche. 

271.  Butterfly,  Arrowhead  star.  Wing. 

272.  Arrowhead,  Butterfly,  Butterfly  wing. 

273.  Tooth  (rarely),  Arrowhead  (rarely),  Wing. 


I  Occasionally  used.    Formerly  beadwork  pattern. 


2  Drawn  from  Indian  description. 


BUREAU    OF   AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY  FORTY-FIRST  ANNUAL   REPORT      PLATE  83 


209 


210 


212 


214 


^Ih 


215 


m 


mzz&       217 


216 


218 


219 


220 


221 


228 

k 

229 


2.30 


030  ■ 

231 


236. 


233 


234 


237 


-n- 


u 

235 


244 


T  A 

222  225 

A  A 

223  226 

A  A 

224  227 


_I1L. 


238 
I 


239 


SKETCHES  OF  DESIGNS 


BUREAU    OF   AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY  FORTY-FIRST    ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE  84 


A  V  A  V  A  M.^ 

274  M.m^ 

▼▲▼▲  -^  ,M.  ,.  ^. 

^  276  ^11!^  JL         ^   ^  280 

AVAV  \7  V  279  281 

275  277  278  282  283 


2lE     M 

284  285  287 


289 


IF         W 

r    ;r 


288  290  291  292 


293        294       ^^^      296 


297        298 


299 


800 


! 


rrFi^ 


305 


vrrr 
rrrr 


307  309   N  ly^ 

1—^       811 


301         802  ^°^  30+ 

316 


306 


310    17 


y 


308 


314      r  »16 

323 


318     JPP^  Wv3/ 

■^  319    V  \  322 

321  324 

329 


E  X  W  13  1  ,, 


326 


v: 


328 


327 


333  334 


331        332 
SKETCHES  OF  DESIGNS 


PLATE  84 


TRIANGLES 


274,  275.  Arrowhead,  Butterfly,  Butterfly  wing. 

276.  Arrowhead. 

277.  Arrowhead,  Half  arrowhead.  Ladder  (var.). 

278.  Ladder,  Arrowhead. 

279.  n 

280.  Ladder,  Arrowhead. 

281.  Ladder,  Arrowhead. 

282.  283.  (?) 

284.  Arrowheads  touching  bases,  Ladder. 

285.  Arrowheads,  Ladder. 

286.  Arrowheads,  Half  arrowheads. 

287.  Ladder,  Notched  bark. 

288.  Ladder,  Half  arrowhead. 

289.  Ladder,  Tooth,  Cloud  (rarely),  Half  arrow- 

head. 
290,291.  Ladder. 

292.  Ladder,  Arrowhead. 

293.  Ladder,  Half  arrowhead. 

294.  Tree  Ladder,  Arrowhead. 

295.1  Arrowhead,  Ladder  for  chmhing  trees. 

296.  Arrowhead,  Ladder. 

297.  Bead,  Beaded  edge.  Caterpillar. 

298.  Half  arrowhead,   Dentalia,   Connected,   Hair 

ribbon,  Xanaxa'in. 

299.  Swallow,  Wing. 

300.  301.  Arrowhead. 

302.  Arrowhead,  Snake,  Snake  skin. 

303.  Half    arrowhead,    Xanaxa'in,    Ladder,    Km- 

broidery  (cf.  571). 


304.  Half    arrowhead,    Xanaxa'in,    Hair    ribbon, 

Dentaha,  Connected. 

305.  Butterfly,  Butterfly  wing. 

306.  Single  leaf. 

307.  Half  arrowhead  horizontal,  Ladder  horizontal. 

308.  Half  arrowheads  joined  all  over. 

309.  310.  Swallow,  Wing. 

311.  Star,  Arrowhead  (occasionally). 

312.  Ladder. 

313.  314.  Ladder,  Caterpillar. 
315,  316.  Ladder,  Arrowhead. 

317.  Ladder,  Caterpillar. 

318.  Tree  ladder,   Arrowhead,   Mountain,    Cater- 

pillar. 

319.  Star,  Arrowhead  (occasionally). 

320.  Parfl^che. 

321.  Ladder  (var.).  Contracted  middle.  Butterfly 

(rarely). 

322.  Comb,  Double  comb,  Parfl6che(?). 
323-325.  Arrowhead,  ParflPche. 

326.  Arrowhead,  Star,  Cross. 

327.  Arrowhead,    Arrowhead    star.   White    man's 

design(?). 

328.  Star,  Arrowhead  star.  Arrowhead  cross. 
329,330.  Arrowheads  touching  bases,  Ladder(?). 

331.  Arrowhead,  Variation  of  notched  ladder,  Bead. 

332.  Arrowhead. 

333.  Star,  Arrowhead  star  (occasionally). 

334.  Arrowhead. 


1  On  a  new  basket. 


33S,  336.  Arrowhead,  Half  arrowhead. 

337.  (?). 

338.  Arrowhead. 


PLATE  85 

TBUNGL£S 


339.  Arrowhead,    Bird,    Swallow,    Dream   design, 

Fern. 

340.  Arrowhead,  Bird,  Swallow. 

341.  342.  Arrowhead. 


343- 
347. 
348. 
349. 
3.50. 
361, 
3S3. 
354. 

355. 
356, 


359. 
360. 
361. 
362. 
363. 
364. 
365. 

366. 

367. 


369. 


■346.   C). 

Bead,  Fly,  Star. 

Bead,  Woodworm. 

Bead,  Star,  Hairy  caterpillar. 

TsEDf'ka,  Embroidery,  Comb. 
352.  Big  bead. 

Tooth. 

Necklace,    Headband,    Beads,    Embroidery, 
Bullsnake,  Rattlesnake. 

Twisted,  Bead,  Caterpillar  (rare). 

Twisted,  Bead,  Hair  ribbon.  Necklace,  String 
of  beads. 

Twisted,  Bead,  Hair  ribbon.  Necklace,  Bull- 
snake,  Snake  skin. 

Embroidery,    Bead,    Fly,    Necklace,    Rattle- 
snake, Snake. 

Bead,  Necklace,  Spot,  Joined  squares. 

Grave  box.  Mouth  (rarely). 

Xanaxa'in,  Ladder. 
,  Fish  net.  Deer  net. 

Snake,  Woodworm,  Hair  ribbon. 

Spot,  Bead.  Hair  ribbon,  Woodworm. 

Snake,   Bullsnake,  Necklace,  Bead    embroid- 
ery. Fly. 

Snake,   Snake  skin.    Caterpillar,  Bead,  Step, 
Embroidery. 

Rain  (rarely).  Necklace  of  beads,  TsEnS'ka, 
Embroidery. 

Comb,    Embroidery,    TsEnf'ka    (hair    orna- 
ment). 

Big  bead.  Notch,  Cloud. 


372. 

373. 

374. 
375. 
376. 


370.  Big  bead.  Cloud. 

371.  Big  bead.  Notch,  Embroidery,  Cloud,  Circles. 
Big  bead.  Big  spot.  Embroidery,  Cloud,  Neck- 
lace, Butterfly,  Insect,  Bird. 

Big  bead,   Flying  insect  or  bird   (Uta'mqt), 

Caterpillar. 
Big  bead.  Caterpillar,  Dentalia. 
Star,  Fly,  Flying  bird.  Insect. 
Big  bead.  Hat. 
377,  378.  Cloud,  Cluster  of  flies  (Ut.),  Heaped  up. 
Bead,     Embroidery,     Part    of    mula, 
Spot  (heaped  up),  Part  of  spotted  star 
(Nicola), Mountain  (rare).  Caterpillar. 
379.  Cloud,  Bead,  Step,  Ladder,  Halt  of  a  design. 

Embroidery. 
380-387.  Cloud,  Cluster  of  flies  (Uta'mqt),  Heaped 
up,  Bead,  Embroidery,  Part  of  mula 
(root   of   wild    rice,    lily    root),    Spot 
(heaped  up).  Half  or   part   of  spotted 
star  (Nicola),  Mountain  (rare).  Cater- 
pillar. 
Star  (Nicola),  Fly  (Uta'mqt),  Dragon  fly. 
Fly,  Dragon  fly,  Flying  bird. 
Cloud,  Pipe,  Bead. 

Big   star.    Small    fly    (Uta'mqt),    Buttercup 
(Nicola),  Owl's  face  (Lytton). 

392.  Big  star,  Flower,  Buttercup,  Owl's  face. 

393.  Big  star  (Nicola),  Fly  (Uta'mqt). 


388. 


390. 
391. 


BUREAU    OF   AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY  FORTY-FIRST   ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE   85 


335 


^ 


iOii*:l1i' 


336 


337 


344 

345              346 

343 


339  340 


347 

no    mn 

TT  349 

348 


342 


w 

^ 

B 

J 

m 


m 


350 


351 


352 
nnnnnry 

353 


-D-D-Q-D- 

359 


360 


,M,m.W.m.       _ri   ji    m 

354  J^^ 

(T  tSr   tT  CTl  wr  wr 

356 


* 

^ 

^ 

5^    f^'^ 

ii( 

.* 

i 

, 

358 


357 


.1 — II — 1. 

i^-,, — I. 
.1— 1>— 1 


361 


M 

362 


373 


if 

^z- 

'{4 

'A 

^ 

i^ 

//_ 

ii 

-* 

■^. 

•a 

/, 

t 

363  364  365  366         367        368 


&- 


369 


371 


W^* 


376  ^ 


378 


"tLrxP 


370 


372 


ffR 


375 


377 


I 


379 


^hi 


m 


382 


380 


381 


4 


E       E 


,«^ 


B 


385 


386 


^ 


387 


389 


383 
=§= 


384 


390 


m 


53666°— 28 XI 


388 

SKETCHES  OF  DESIGNS 


Mii 


392 


an 


391  393 


BUREAU    OF   AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY  FORTY-FIRST    ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE   85 

M 


412 


A 

K 

J  J, 

ji 

mlw. 

c 

^  J  J 

J 

E    t!EI 

II 

416    ■flS 


414 


411 


413 


415 


I 


417     ""9 


u 

tea 


422     423 


425 

G0  GD 


428 


420    421 


424 


426 

427      429   ^130 


li 


^31 


\^ 


*32 


«^ 


+37 

'^^ 

'^ 

^ 

^fl 

439 


436 


438 


434 


435 


4-10 


4« 


442 


443 


444 


445 


^ 

f'f; 

S 

£iS^ 

44 

6 

^^ p7?^ 

^^  447 


^^'^^   ^^ 


449 


447 
SKETCHES  OF   DESIGNS 


448 


PLATE  86 


SQUARES 


394.  Omiimented  star  variation. 
39.S.  Leaf  (Spuzzura),  Star,  Bead. 
390-398.  Star,  Shndting  star  (Xicola). 

399,  400.  Mula,   Star   (Lower   N'icr.la),    rhister  of 

stars  (Niccla),  Cluster  of  flies  (I'ta'mqt). 

401.  Mula,  Cluster  of  flies  (Uta'm<|t). 

402.  Mula,  Cluster  of  flies  (Uta'mqt),  Cluster  of 

stars  (Nicola). 

403.  404.  Big  bead.  Caterpillar. 
40.5.  Big  bead. 

400.  Ladder,  Arrowhead. 

407.  Ladder,  Big  bead.  Caterpillar. 

408.  Ladder,  Caterpillar. 

409.  Ladder,  Big  bead. 


410.  Rattlesnake,  Big  bead. 

411.  Ladder  of  underground  house. 

412.  Cloud,  Embroidery,  Fly,  Big  bead.  Gnawed 

edges  all  around. 

413.  Fly,   Big  bead.   Steps,   Snake  or  snake  skin, 

TIairy  caterpillar,  Erabroiilery. 

414.  Embroidery,    Stefi,    Big    bead.    Caterpillar, 

Snake,  Snake  skin. 

415.  Star,  Arrowhead  star  (occasionally).  Big  bead. 

416.  Contracted      middle.      Arrowhead,      Cloud, 

ParflSche. 

417.  Arrowhead  star. 

418.  Star,  Notched  star.  Stepped  star. 


RECT.INGLES 


419.  star,  Arrowhead  star  (occasionally).  Big  bead. 

420.  Moss  cake,  TsEn6'ka  (hair  flap). 

421.  Window. 

422.  (?). 

423.  Beads,  Part  of  step  design,  Big  bead.  Cater- 

pillar. 

424.  Star,  Bead. 

425.  Star  (Nicola),  Bead,  Fly. 

426.  Big  bead.  Fly. 

427.  Big  bead,  Dentalium,  Caterpillar. 

428.  Dentalium,  Caterpillar. 

429.  DentaUum,  Caterpillar. 

430.  Door. 

431.  Eye. 

432.  TsEnf'ka. 

433.  Ladder,  Dentalia,  Xanaxa'in. 

434.  Shell  embroidery,  Ladder  (Coldwater),  Den- 

talia, Xana.\a'in. 


435.  Patch  (real  patch  design).  Net  (rarely). 
430.  Patch  (Spuzzum). 

437.  Bead,  Striped  bead,  Dentalium. 

438.  Snake,  Bullsiiake,  Big  bead.  Fly,  Dentalia. 

439.  Necklace,  Snake. 

440.  Snake,  Snake  skin,  Bullsnake,  Fly. 

441.  Big  bead.  Notch,  Cloud,  Flying  bird. 

442.  Big  bead,  Necklace,  Steps,  Cloud,  Embroidery 

443.  Big  bead.  Necklace,  Steps,  Cloud,  Embroid- 

ery, Ladder  (variation). 

444.  Big  bead,  Necklace,  Steps,  Cloud,  Embroidery. 
445-447.  Big   bead.    Big   spot,    ButterQy,    Cloud, 

Embroidery,     Flying    insect    or     bird 
(I'ta'mqt) . 

448.  Necklace  (in  addition  to  preceding). 

449.  Big   bead.    Big   spot,    ButterQy    (Spuzzum), 

Cloud,  Notch,  Flying  insect  or  bird  (Spuz- 
zum), Flying  goose. 


PLATE  87 


KECTANiiLES 


450.  Big   bead,    Big   spot,    ButterBy    (Spuzzum), 

C'lourt,  Notcti,  Flying  insect  or  bird  (.Spuz- 
zum), Flying  goose,  Necklace. 

451.  Beads,    Necklace,    Notch,    Notch    extended. 

Circling,  Caterpillar,  Clouds  extended. 

452.  453.  Cloud  extended.  Notch,  Caterpillar,  Fly- 

ing goose. 

454.  Cloud,  Mountain,  Cluster  of  flies  (Uta'mqt), 
Bead,  Embroidery,  Hat,  .Spot  (heaped  up). 
Part  of  spotted  star  (Nicola),  Hairy  cater- 
pillar, Mula,  Part  of  mula. 

465.  Big  bead.  Hat,  Dentalia,  Hair  ribbon. 

450.  Big  bead.  Hat. 

4.57.  Caterpillar,  Woodworm. 

458.  Spot,  Big  bead. 

459.  Wide-pointed  star. 

460.  Star,  Fly,  Flying  bird,  Insect. 

461.  Star  (Nicola),   Fly   (Uta'mrit),   Flying  bird. 

Insect. 

462.  star  (Nicola),  Fly  (Uta'mqt). 

463.  Dentalia,  Ladder. 

464.  Dentalia,  Ladder,  Big  beads. 

465.  Dentalia,   Ladder,   Big  beads.   Steps,   Cater- 

pillar. 

466.  Dentalia,  Ladder,  Big  beads. 

467.  Ladder. 

468.  Big  beads.  Fly,  Flying  bird.  Insect. 
409,  470.  Spot,  Big  heads. 

471.  Ladder,  Bead,  Necklace,  Dentalia. 

472.  (?). 

473.  474.  Hairy  caterpillar. 


476.  Cloud,  Fly,  Bead,  Embroidery,  Caterpil- 
lar. 

Fly,  Bead,  Hairy  caterpillar. 

Steps,  Bead,  Hairy  caterpillar,  Ladder. 

Big  bead.  Hairy  caterpillar. 

Steps,  Big  bead.  Hairy  caterpillar.  Ladder. 

Necklace,  Beads,  Dentalia. 

Big  bead.  Necklace. 

Big  bead.  Earring. 

Bead,  Spot,  Necklace,  Joined  squares. 

Dentalia,  Necklace. 

Necklace,  Joined  squares.  Spot. 

Necklace. 

Bead,  Beaded  edge.  Caterpillar. 

Necklace. 

491.  Big  bead.  Feathers. 

Star,  Cross,  Morning  star.  Big  star. 

Bead,  Star. 

Star. 

Cloud,  Mountain,  Necklace,  Beads,  Zigzag, 
Half  circle. 

497.  Necklace,  Beads,  Dentalia. 

Big  bead,  Step,  Embroidery,  Caterpillar,  Den- 
talia, Snake,  Snake  skin. 

Standing  points  (Spuzzum),  Fly  (checked 
part),  TsEnP'ka,  Embroidery,  Dentalia, 
Necklace,  Part  of  a  design. 

TsEne'ka. 

Caterpillar,  Woodworm. 

Mountains  and  clouds.  Beads,  Clusters  of 
flies  (Uta'mqt). 


BUREAU    OF    AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY  FORTY-FIRST    ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE   87 

I 1 


E 


^m 


450 


451 


453 


"^^^^.....^ 


455 


1 


463 


456 


464 


457 


458 


■ir.n 


/■_# 


[I 


465 


459     -ir.i 


466 


454 


4r,': 


■ZI4G9 


470 


IB    P 


ED     tn 


471 


472 


473 


475  "^ 


M. 


474 


mi  I ' 


liiij      'mill 

III 

IlllilPlllill 

477   kl 

illlllllllll 

478 


cm    F 


479 


W/MX, 


481 


H    fcS 


482     483 


480 


^U 


''\^'\ 


484      485 


493  494 


486 


SKETCHES  OF   DESIGNS 


BUREAU    OF   AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY  FORTY-FIRST   ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE 


P 


603 


504 


507 


508 


509 


610        511 


^ 


612 


513      514     515 


516 


517 


518 


vy  V 


520 


519 


^  521 


622 


SKETCHES  OF   DESIGNS 


PLATE  88 


RE(TAN(^.LE.S 


503.  Legging  fringe,  Clouds,  Dentalia,  Beads,  Big 

spot  (rarely),  Caterpillar. 

504.  Dentalia,  Caterpillar. 

505.  Hand  pointing. 


■■iOO.  Head,  Duck's  head.  Caterpillar. 
.^07.  Necklace,    Design   on   dresses,    Flying    bird, 
Beads. 


508.  Spearhead  (?),  Snares,  Lakes,  Leaves,  Meshes, 

Part  of  a  design  (Uta'mqt). 

509.  Wasp's  nest. 

510.  Mula  (root  of  wild  rice).  Cluster  of  flies.  Heart, 

Big  bead. 

511.  Star,  Eye,  Snare,  Mesh. 

512.  Star,  Eye,  Flower. 
613-515.  Star. 

Sie.  Leaf. 

517.  Leaf  double. 

518.  Net,  Fence,  Pack  strap. 

519, 520.  Fish  net.  Deer  net.  Variation  i»f  grave  box. 

521.  Contracting,  Eye,  Arrowhead,  Snake,  Snare, 

Net,  Part  of  net. 

522.  Contracting,  Eye,  Big  bead. 

523.  Tied  ends.  Earring. 

524.  Bead,  Beaded  edge.  Woodworm,  Caterpillar. 

525.  Contracting,    Eye,    Arrowhead,    Snare,    Net, 

Part  of  net.  Big  bead.  Snake. 

526.  Rattlesnake.  Big  bead. 

527.  Eye,  Contracting,  Big  bead. 

528.  Connected  crosses,  Big  bead.  Snake,  Part  of 

net  design.  Contracting,  Eye,  Snare. 


529.  Arrowhead,  Snake,  Snake  skin. 

530.  Snake. 

.Ml.  Rattlesnake,  Big  bead. 

532.  Arrowhead. 

533.  Arrowhead  heaped  up  Ccf.  252). 

534.  Necklace,  Big  bead,   Mula,    Clusters  of  flies 

(Uta'mqt),  Heart  (Uta'mqt). 

535.  Necklace,  Big  bead.  Heart. 

530.  Necklace,  Bear's  foot(?),  Tracks(?). 

537.  Necklace,  Embroidery,  Snake,  Net. 

538.  Bear's  foot. 

539.  Flower. 

540.  Flower,  Star,  Leaf. 

541,542.  Flower,  Star,  Leaf  (rarely). 

543.  Star,    Arrowhead(7),    Thunderbolt,    Flower, 

Leaf. 
544,545.  Star. 
540.  Star,  Flower,  Leaf. 

547.  Arrowhead,  Leaf. 

548.  Arrowhead  with  cross  or  star.  Thunder  arrow- 

head. Thunderbolt,  Leaf. 


PLATE  89 

DIAMONDS 


549.  Beaver's  tail. 

550.  Arrowhead. 

551.  (?). 

552.  Big    bead,    Heart,    Mula,    Clusters    of    flies 

(Uta'mqt). 
553-555.  Arrowhead. 

556.  ParflSfhe. 

557.  Star,  Part  of  tsupenjiist. 

558.  Neclilace  with  pendants,  Double  zigzag. 

659.  Arrowhead.    Eye(?),    Star,    Beaver    (rarely), 
Variation  of  necklace.  Deer  fence  and  snares. 


.160.  Star,  Pack  strap. 

561.  Net  design  in  fragments. 

562.  Necklace  (rarely). 

563.  Tsupenaist   (rarely).  Net   (rarely),  Necklace, 

Double  zigzag. 

564.  ButterflyC.'),  Part  of  tsupenllist,  Wing. 

565.  Butterfly,  Part  of  tsupenaist.  Wing. 
560.  Zigzag,  Deer  fence  and  snares. 

567.  Entwining,  Zigzag. 


RHOMBOIDS 


r<m,  569.  Spot,  Big  bead,  Dentalia,  Caterpillar. 


570,  571.  Arrowhead,   Necklace,    Beaded  embroid- 
ery, Dentalia,  Xanaxa'in. 


TRAPEZOIDS 


572, 
673- 
576, 
577, 


584. 

585. 


586. 
587. 


Tooth,  Grizzly-bear  tooth.  Butterfly  (rarely). 
-575.  TsEnP'ka. 
Dentalia,  Ladder. 
578.  Cloud  (Nicola). 


579.  Cloud,  Mountain,  Dentalia,  Embroidery. 

580.  Bead,  Beaded  edge.  Caterpillar. 

581.  Snake,  Bullsnake,  Rattlesnake. 


THE   HE.XAOON 

Snare,  Circle,  Half  or  part  of  grave  bo.x.  1  .583.  Orave  box. 

THE   (JCTAliON 


Grave  box. 

Real   grave    box    (Spuzzuni,   cf.    .'(20),    Lodge 

(Lytton  design). 
Big  bead.  Part  of  grave  box.  Necklace. 
Variation  of  grave  box.  Eye  (rarely). 


588.  Full  moon,  Half  horizontal  zigzag  or  meander 

(Spuzzum),  Circle,  Snare,  Part  of  grave  bo.x, 
Grasshopper. 

589.  Moon. 


THE  COMBINATION   OF  SIMPLE   GEOMETRIC   FHiURKS 


,590.  Necklace,    Beads,    Dcntali; 

shell,  beads,  or  ()ihlls. 
.5ill.  Necklace,  Beads,  Dentalia. 


Embroidery    of 


.^92.  Part  of  grave  box. 

.'i93.  .\rrow  notch.  Mountain  tops. 

594.  (?). 


BUREAU    OF   AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY  FORTY-FIRST   ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE  89 


0 


650 


554 


549 


552 


556 


553 


555      557 


558 


CKXXX 


563 


664 


559 


560 


562 


565 


M^MM 


666 


667 


568 

^^11 

^569       E          H 

572 


P 


574 


575 


570    671 
578 


573 


577 


679 


581  ^ 
580        582 


;;^)^o^    ^^^^O"     ^j^^^^Mj^  O'"^' 

583  584 


\V ^V^    V^ ^   — ^_/*\/*T.iitlO«. 


585 


_rT  Vir.ia.tn 


686 


587 


589 
588 


- 

1 

590 

591 

Y 

692 

nrr 


594 


593 


SKETCHES  OF   DESIGNS 


BUREAU    OF    AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY  FORTY- Fl  RST    ANN  U  AL    REPORT      PLATE   90 


695 


o 


A 


697 


S96  59S 


699 


600  602 


fi04    ^ 

k 

^ 

603 


605 


606 


607 


608 


609 


610 


611 


613  614 


612 


615 


m 


616 


617 


621  623  624 


629 


631 


633, 


635 


> 


627 


628 


ft? 


dH) 


659        640[r'1 


630  632  634 


643 


636 


637 


646 


626 


T 

638 


641 


642 


V614 


645 


SKETCHES  OF  DESIGNS 


PLATE   90 


THE   COMHINATION-    OF   SIMPLE    GEOMETRIC   FIGURES 


595.  Necklace. 

596.  TsEnf'ka. 

597.  598.  Parfleche,  Arrowhead. 
599-001.  Parfl8che(?). 

602.  Arrow. 

603.  Parflfchc(?). 

604.  605.  Star,  Arrowhead  star. 
606.1  Sun,  Star,  Flower. 

607.1  Arrowhead  star.  Flower. 
608.  Star,  Arrowhead  star.  Flower. 


609,  610.  Star,  .\rrowhcad  star. 
611-613.  Star,  -\rrowhead  (occasionally). 
614.  Star,  Arrowhead  (occasionally).  Flower. 
615."  Star,  Arrowhead  (occasionally). 

616.  Star,  Arrow-point  star.  Star  notched  all  around. 

617.  (?). 

618.  Leaf,  Arrowhead. 

619.  (?). 

620.3  star.  White  man's  star  (Spuzzum). 


DESIGNS   EITHER   GEOMETRIC  OR   REALISTIC 


621.  Half  moon. 

622.  Moon  and  arrowhead.  Full  moon,  Arrowhead 

and  shield  (?). 

623.  624.  Rattles,  Rattlesnake's  tail. 

625.  Snake,  Bullsnake,  Woodworm.  Snake's  head. 

626,  C27.  Snake,    Snake's   head,  Bullsnake,  Wood- 

worm. 
628-630.  Crow's  foot.  Bird's  foot. 
631,  632.  Bear's  foot.  Comb. 


633,  634.  Hand,  Fingers. 
635-040.  Lizard. 

641.  Moccasin,  Inverted  sweat  house  or  lodge. 

642.  Eagle's  nest.  Bird's  nest. 

643.  Panther,  Robin's  nest.  Bird's  nest. 

644.  Bird's  nest. 

645.  Sheep  horns. 

646.  Butterfly. 


1  Painted  on  circular  lids. 

2  Has  different  kinds  of  centers. 

3  Copied    from   oilcloth.     The   general   shape   is   always  the  same,  but  there  are  many  varieties  of 
centers. 


PLATE  91 


DESIONS     EITHER     GEOMETRIC     OK     REALISTIC 


647.  Flying  birds,  Swallow,  Butterfly  (rarely). 

648.  Butterfly  (rarely),  Necklace,  Notch,  Arrow. 

649.  Butterfly. 

650.  Butterfly  (rarely).  Necklace,  Notch,  Arrow. 

651.  Butterfly. 
652-655.   C). 

656.  Siiearhead,  Flower. 

667.  Flower. 
Flower,  White  clematis. 
Flower,  Blue  clematis. 
Leaves,     Flower,     Spearhead,     Thunderbolt 

(rarely). 
Flower,  Arrowhead,  Spearhead. 
Arrow. 
Arrowhead. 
(?). 
665-667.  Leaf,  Pool,  Maple  leaf. 

668,  669.  Berries. 

670.  Necklace  with  tooth  pendants,  Big  beads. 

671.  Embroidery,  CactusC?),  Dress  design. 

672.  Arrowhead. 

673.  Moccasin  trailer.  Deer  track,  Deer  hoof. 


658, 
659. 


661. 
662. 
663. 
664. 


r,74. 


honf, 


675. 


Moccasin    trailer,    Deer    track,    Deer 
TsEne'ka,  Notch,  Notched  end. 

Notch,  Arrowhead,  Part  of  a  design,  TsEn6'ka, 
Basketry. 

676.  Swallow  tail. 

677.  TsEnP'ka. 

678.  679.  Leg,  Legging. 

680.  nook.  Foot  (rarely).  Leg. 

681.  Legging  with  beaded  fringe. 

682.  House,  Lean-to  lodge. 

683-685.  Ladder,  Tree  ladder  (Coldwater). 
686.  Grave  box(7),  Omament(7),  TsEnB'ka,  Woven 
bag  patterns. 
Girl's  frame. 
Heart,  TsEnS'ka. 

Pack  strap  with  fillings.  Net,  Mesh. 
Part  of  grave  ho-\.  Butterfly,  Kin'l  of  firn. 

Variation  of  butterfly,  Xanc'm. 
(?). 

Mula  (Lytton),  Dream  design(7). 
Butterfly  (?),  Woven  bag  pattern,  TsED^'ku 
(rarely). 


STRONGLY  CONVENTION.\UZED 


694.  Eagle,  Bird,  Thunder. 

695,  Moccasin,  Clouds  with  stars. 
696-699.  Duck,  Caterpillar. 

700.  Spearhead,  Thunderbolt  and  rainbow  (rare). 
Storm  clouds. 


701.  Spearhead,  Thunderbolt  and  lightning  (rare). 

Storm  clouds.  Cloud,  Fanciful  single  figure. 

702.  Lily  root   (Mula,  Root  of  wild  rice),  Snake's 

tail. 


BUREAU    OF    AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY  FORTY-FIRST    ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE   91 


051 


1 


647 


648       649       650 


653       654 


652 


655 


656 


657 


658 


659 


660 


t 


665 


n    ««'^ 


663 


661      662 


664 


666 


671 


672 


///     ///      ///  lll-SliiK 

III   III    \\\  \\\-  Ifei 

\\\    \\\   \\\ 
\\\  u\    \v\ 

///  ///   /// 
III  III   III  669 

\\\    \\\    \\\ 
668 

676 

673  M 

"  ^^^         ^      1^ 

675 


mi 

674 


677 


i    i 
i   I 

679 


!% 


S^sK^ 


isssgl 


680        681  683         684  685 


t^^ 


R 


1 1 

678 


686 


687 


689 


694 


702 


SKETCHES  OF    DESIGNS 


BUREAU    OF   AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY  FORTY-FIRST   ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE  92 


703 


704 


705 


sh 


iiiiiii 


708 


707 


706 


709 


Fi^      711 
710 


'^712        ^ 


^ 


714 


715_ 


716 


718 


720       790 


724 


717     719 

728 


72() 


725 


Y 


721 


723 


727 


72a 


733 


I 


741     743 


737      738 


739    ,^g    742     744 


734 


745 


735 


w 

736 


746 


750 


M  ^  W 

/^\J      748         ^"^ 
f  I  1  749 

747 

'  764 


m 


751 


752 


753 


759        760 


7G2 


763 


SKETCHES  OF   DESIGNS 


703.  Sweat  house. 

704,  705.  Butterfly,  Butterfly  wing. 

706.  Eagle,  Bird. 

707.  Eagle,  Flying  bird 

708.  Eagle,  Flying  bird,  Dentali.i. 

709.  Eagle,  Flying  bird. 

710.  711.  Eagle,  Bird. 

712,  713.  Eagle,  Flying  bird,  Eagle  wing. 

714,  715.  Flying  goose.  Bird. 

716,  717.  Eagle,  Bird. 

718.  Eagle,  Flying  bird. 

719-722.  Eagle.  Bird,  Eagle's  or  bird's  tail. 

723.  Eagle,  Bird. 


PLATE   92 

LY   CONVENTION-VLIZED 

724-730.  Flying  birds.  Swallow. 

731,  732.  Flying  birds,  Swallow,  Swallow  wing 

733.  Shaman  wearing  mask. 

734-736.  Panther,  Deer's  head. 

737.  Deer's  head. 

738.  Deer's  hoof. 

739.  .\rrowhead. 

740.  Fish  spear  and  flsh. 

741-744.  ripe.  Foot. 

745.  .Vrrowhead  (ornamented). 

746-756.  Butterfly. 

757-759.  Tree. 

760-763.  Pine  cones  (yellow). 

PLATE  93 


STRONtiLY   CONVENTIONALIZED 


764.  Pine  cones  (yellow). 

774.  Butterfly. 

765.  Butterfly  or  insect. 

775.  Bird,  Eagle,  OpalilE'tsa. 

766.  naltmoon  ("). 

770.  Rainbow,  Circling  half  circle.  Mouth,  Notch, 

767.  Flying  hirrl,  .?w:illow,  Wing. 

Corral,  Pack  strap,  KakanMz. 

768-770.  Man,  People. 

777.'  Eagle. 

771-773.  Underground  house  with  cross  at  the  head 

778-780.   Eagle's  tail. 

of   the    ladder,    Tipi,    Dream 

designs, 

781.  Eagle's  head. 

Grave  mound  with  cross. 

782,783.  Flying  bird. 

KE-\LISTIC 

784,  785.  Little  men. 

798-803.   Butterfly. 

786-789.  Leg,  Foot. 

804-800.  Eagle,  Bird. 

790.  Little  deer. 

807.  Snake. 

791.  Deer. 

808.  Hammer,  Comb. 

792.  Arrowhead,  Star,  Stretched  bearskin. 

809,  810.  Hammer. 

793.  Otter. 

811.  Hammer,  Comb. 

794.  Beaver. 

812,  813.  Comb,  Single  comb. 

795.  Sheep  horns. 

814-817.  Lily  root  (Mula,  Root  of  wild  rice).  Snake's 

796.  Grouse  tracks,  r.rou.se  feet.  Bird's  feet,  Bird's 

tail. 

tracks. 

818.  Tipi,  Girl's  lodge. 

797.  Crow,  Bird. 

1  This  is  sometimes  a  central  figure  on  the  basket  wall,  and  is  then  surrounded  by  tail  or  head  designs. 
The  central  diamond  represents  the  heart ;  the  cross,  the  head;  and  the  checks,  the  ends  of  feathers. 


BUREAU    OF   AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY  FORTY-FIRST    ANNUAL    REPORT       PLATE   93 

,  '//'  OM  l\  HA.  vA         vA 

767 


764 


V7 


m 


765  766 


769 


768 


A 


770 


774 


771 


skiii 


'^. 


779 


<A^ 


777 


785 


778  780 


786 


781 


789  791 


787 


^ 


788 


790 


795 
796 


799 


798 


805 


804 


812 


J 


775 


776 


t 


782 


783 


792 


793 


794 


800 


801 
802 


V/ 


803 


80S 


806 


807 


CL 


816 


817 


810  811 


53666°— 2» xa 


813  814  815 

SKETCHES  OF   DESIGNS 


Q 


809 


818 


BUREAU    OF  AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY  FORTY-FIRST   ANNUAL   REPORT      PLATE  94 


819 


820 


k 


825        826 


821 


822       823      824 


827 


T 


^ 


828 


829 


i  I 


t  I  w 


0 


^  0 

834     A 


836 


830    831    832   833    835 


840 


>>n>>f>^ji  >>}} 


839 


842 


(^^^ 


837     838 


841 


843      844 


845 


846 


M 


847 


5855 


44 


848     U     850   851      H       853 

849  852  854       856 


859 


861         863 


858 


862 
860       V  \  /  /    864 


857 


SKETCHES  OF  DESIGNS 


PLATE  94 


REALISTIC 


819.  Tipi,  Girl's  lodge. 

820.  Tlpi,  Girl's  lodge,  Bird,  Foot. 

821.  Tipi,  Girl's  lodge.  Earth  lodge. 

822.  823.  Tipi. 

824.  Tipi,  Mat  lodge. 

825.  Sweat  house. 

826.  House,  Lean-to  lodge. 

827.  Bow. 

828.  829.  Bow  and  arrow. 
830-832.  Arrow. 

833.  Arrow,  Notched  feather. 

834.  Arrow. 

835.  Drill,  Arrowhead. 
83f).  Arrowhead. 

837.  Arrowhead,  Paint  pouch. 

838.  Arrowhead,  Spearhead. 

839.  Arrowhead. 


840.  Pipe. 

841.  Comb. 

842.  Rattle,  Deer-hoof  rattle. 

843.  Hand  rattle. 

844.  Rainbow,  NecklaceC?)   Snowshoe. 

845.  Catholic  cross  (Nicola,  Gladwin  rarely).  Star. 

846.  847.  Paint  pouch  (with  fringe). 
848.  War  club. 

849-851.  Feather. 
852-854.  Cactus. 

855.  Leaf. 

856.  TreeC?). 

857.  Wasp's  nest  and  tree  branches. 

858.  Moon. 

859.  Dream  design  of  snare  and  animal. 
860-865.  (?) 


TWO  PREHISTORIC  VILLAGES  IN  MIDDLE 

TENNESSEE 


BY 


WILLIAM  EDWABD  MYER 


4S5 


CONTENTS 

Page 

Introduction 493 

Gordon  Town  Site 

Indian  remains  in  central  Tennessee  Basin 496 

Present  appearance  of  Gordon  town  site 497 

The  town  square 498 

Cooking  and  grinding. 498 

Burials '_ 498 

Mound  A 499 

Fires  at  erection  of  mound 499 

Celebrations  at  the  16-inch  stage 500 

Ceremonies  at  the  30-inch  stage 500 

Buildings 501 

Absence  of  uncharred  wood 501 

The  temple 501 

Ceremonies  at  erection  of  temple 503 

Cache  pits 504 

Altar 505 

Fire  bed 505 

Ceremonial  fires  at  the  four  world  quarters 506 

Other  temples  of  the  southern  Indians 507 

Charlevoix's  account  of  Natchez  temple 508 

Objects  found  in  black  loam  covering  temple 509 

The  town  square 509 

Mound  B 509 

Use  of  Mound  B 510 

The  town  square  of  the  Creek  Indians 511 

House  Circle  No.  3 514 

Fire  bowl 518 

Rectangular  structure  of  small  stones 519 

Polished  black  floor 520 

Small  pot  with  stone  cover 520 

Child's  grave 520 

CofRn  containing  bodies  of  two  children 520 

Other  objects 52 1 

Grave  of  adult  on  exterior  of  wall 523 

Dual  functions  of  building 623 

Domestic  vessels 523 

Colors  of  pottery 527 

House  Circle  No.  23^ 627 

Child's  grave 528 

Fire  bed 531 

Objects  scattered  through  soil 532 

Bowls  with  decorations  showing  probable  Siouan  relationship 533 

Other  objects 535 

53666°— 28 32  487 


488  PREHISTORIC   VILLAGES   IN    TENNESSEE  [ETn.ANN.4l 

Page 

House  Circle  No.  79 535 

The  metate S35 

Small  wood  used  as  fuel 536 

Rites  connected  with  the  metate 536 

Children's  grave 537 

Burial  at  corner  of  Grave  E 538 

Pottery 538 

Fire  bed  at  center  of  circle 540 

Equality  in  ancient  life 540 

Grave  P.,. 541 

The  owl  effigy 541 

House  Circle  No.  84 .,.  542 

A  different  mode  of  burial 543 

Preparation  of  food 544 

House  Circle  No.  42 545 

Stone  mosaic  floor 545 

Child's  grave  and  metate 546 

Fire  bowl 546 

Trowel . 647 

Other  artifacts 547 

House  Circle  No.  20 547 

Cemeteries 548 

Walls  around  Gordon  town 549 

Original  appearance  of  wall 550 

Walls  of  other  southern  Indian  towns 550 

Mau  Vila 551 

Character  of  Gordon  town  buildings 552 

The  roof 552 

Population  of  Gordon  town 553 

Groups  of  clan  dwellings 553 

Deserted  by  its  inhabitants 553 

Probable  relationship  between  Gordon  town  and  MadisonviUe,  Ohio 554 

Similar  food  animals 555 

Wanderings  of  the  Gordon  people 555 

Date  of  the  desertion  of  Gordon  site 557 

The  Fewkes  Group 

Fertile  region  around  Fewkes  group 661 

Mound  No.  2 561 

Stages  in  erection 562 

Building  B ■ 562 

Ash  bed 664 

Discoidal  found  on  floor 564 

Sacred  image  house 564 

Trace  of  an  image 565 

Two  rectangular  piles  of  stones 565 

Maize  and  maize  meal 566 

Buildings  on  first  level 567 

Mound  No.  2  at  second  level 567 

Fire  pit - 567 

Building  A — House  of  the  Mysteries 567 

The  altar 568 

Rooms 570 


myer] 


CONTENTS  489 


Mound  No.  2  at  second  level — Continued. 

Building  A — House  of  the  Mysteries — Continued.  Pago 

Floor 570 

Walls 570 

Destruction  by  fire 571 

Traces  of  cane  matting 571 

Metate  and  muller 572 

Pottery  bowls 573 

Fire  bed  for  domestic  use 573 

Mound  No.  2  at  its  present  level 574 

Objects  found  in  mound  No.  2 ». 575 

Restorations  of  pottery  vessels 675 

Method  of  applying  fire  to  vessels 583 

Mound  No.  3,  a  burial  mound  of  the  flexed-burial  people 586 

Grave  F 587 

Grave  G 588 

Mound  No.  4 . 588 

Mound  No.  1 588 

Alleged  room  within  mound  No.  1 589 

Mound  No.  5 590 

Traces  of  buildings 591 

Circle  No.  6 692 

Stone-slab  box 595 

Other  objects  found 596 

Unusual  depression  at  12 597 

Homes  of  the  flexed-burial  people 597 

Circle  No.  17 ^ 697 

The  central  fire-bowl  and  connecting  grave 598 

Grave  K 600 

Grave  I 601 

Grave  D 601 

Bundle  burial 601 

Who  were  these  flexed-burial  people? 602 

Rectangular  stone  grave  people 603 

Rectangular  stone  graves 603 

Grave  A 603 

Grave  B 604 

Grave  C 605 

Probable  remains  of  rectangular  stone  grave  people 605 

Pottery  of  Gordon  and  Fewkes  sites 606 

Animal  food  of  Gordon  and  Fewkes  people 607 

No  traces  of  bison 608 

Report  on  skeletal  material 612 

Skeletal  material  from  the  Gordon  site  in  the  United  States  National 

Museum 613 

Skeletal  material  from  the  Fewkes  group  in  the  United  States  National 

Museum 613 

Conclusion 613 

Index 615 


ILLUSTRATIONS 


PLATES  Page 

95.  Map  of  Gordon  town  site 494 

96.  Panorama  from  top  of  Williams  Knob 496 

97.  Gordon  town  site 496 

98.  Large  linden___.,| 496 

99.  Mound  A  and  house  circles  Nos.  1,  2,  3 496 

100.  Altar  in  temple,  circle  No.  1 608 

101.  a,  Natchez  temple  (from  Du  Pratz).     b,  Framework  of  lodge 508 

102.  a,  Hourglass-shaped  bead,     b,  Small  stone  discoidal.     c,  Spherical 

object,     d,  Pottery  head,     e,  Leaf -shaped  chert  implement 508 

103.  a,  Grave  No.  7.     b,  Portion  of  house  circle  No.  3 508 

104.  o,  Small  pot  with  stone  cover.     6,  Stone  dagger,     c,  Mortuary  pot 

from  grave  at  1.     d,  Burial  vase  from  grave  at  1 520 

105.  Arrowheads,  pottery,  etc 520 

106.  Potsherds . 524 

107.  a.  Grave  before  removal  of  top.     b,  Grave  after  removal  of  top  and 

intrusive  soil 528 

108.  Reproduction  of  Plate  B,  "Man,"  1907 528 

109.  a,  Fire-bed  and  edge  of  top  of  adjoining  child's  grave,     b,  Grave  of 

fetus  at  2 528 

110.  a,  Top  of  xhild's  grave  at  1.     6,  Child's  grave  at  1  after  removal  of 

intrusive  soil,     c.  Grave  after  removal  of  body,  showing  pottery 
mosaic  floor 528 

111.  a,  Mussel  shell  spoon  from  grave  at  1.     6,  Two  large  beads  from 

grave  at  1.     c,  Small  beads 534 

112.  a,  Restoration  of  equal-arm  world  quarter  center  and  V-rim  bowl 

decoration,     b,    Restoration    of   vessel    with   equal-arm    cross   on 
bottom  and  also  on  rim 534 

113.  a,  Grave  P  before  removal  of  top.     b,  Objects  in  circle  No.  23 634 

114.  a,  Metate  and  two  stones  from  circle  No.  79.     b,  Child's  grave  at  E, 

circle  No.  79 534 

1 15.  a,  Prayer  bowl  from  grave  E.     b,  Vessel  found  upright  on  floor  at  edge 

of  circle  No.  79 538 

116.  Restored  broken  pot  found  inverted  over  bones  at  northeast  corner 

of  grave  E 538 

117.  a,  Fragment  of  red  vessel  with  conventionalized  human  feature  deco- 

ration.    6,  Restored  bowl  from  upper  layer  on  top  of  children's 
double  grave,  circle  No.  79 538 

118.  Beaded-rim  bowls,     a,  Restored  bowl.     6,  Fragments  of  bowl 538 

119.  a.  Pot.     6,  Owl  effigy  vase 542 

120.  a,   Owl  bead  from  grave  P.     b,   Circular  stone  pot  cover  found  in 

circle   No.   84.     c,   Pottery   mushroom-shaped  trowel,     d,   Beads 

and  discoidal  from  circle  No.  42.     e.  Toy  sunflsh  bowl 542 

121.  a,  Interior  of  house  circle  No.  84.     b,  Body  not  in  stone  coffin 642 

122.  a,  Child's  grave  in  circle  No.  20.     b,  Stone  floor  and  surroundings  in 

circle  No.  20 542 

123.  Discoidal  and  two  bowls  found  nested  in  grave,  circle  No.  20 558 

490 


MTERl                                                     ILLUSTRATIONS  491 

Page 

124.  Map  of  Fewkes  group 558 

125.  a,  Photograph  of  west  side  of  Fewkes  group,     h,  Fewkes  group 558 

126.  a,  Post  holes.     6,  Bed  of  maize  and  maize  meal,     c,  Altar  in  House 

of  Mysteries,     d,  Rectangular  cavity  and  two  piles  of  stones 558 

127.  Charred  grains  of  corn  and  ear  of  modern  Cuban  corn 570 

128.  a,  Pottery  bowl,  9  inches  in  diameter.     6,  Pottery  bowl,  7J^  inches 

in  diameter,     c,  Metate  and  muller 570 

129.  Objects  found  scattered  through  the  soil  of  mound  No.  2 570 

130.  a,  Fabric  used  in  modeling  and  handling  vessel.     6,  Restoration  of 

vessel  No.  31,  mound  No.  2 570 

131.  a,  Shell-shaped  vessel  from  mound  No.  2.     6,  Vessel  with  unusual 

rim  from  mound  No.  2.     c.  Cooking  utensil,  drawn  by  John  White 

on  the  coast  of  North  Carolina,  1585 580 

132.  a.  Beads.     6,  Pot  in  Grave  F.     c.  Image  vase 580 

133.  a,  Objects  from  mound  No.  5.     h,  Altar  from  circle  No.  6 580 

134.  a,  Raccoon  vessel  from  Noel  cemetery.     6,  Portion  of  vessel  from  in- 

terior of  circle  No.  6 580 

135.  a.  Restoration  of  vessel   from   fragments.     6,  Objects  from  House 

circle  No.  6 593 

136.  a.  The  two  springs  in  the  Fewkes  group.     6,  Portion  of  floor  in  circle 

No.  17.     c.  Grave  D.     d,  Child  in  grave  E,  with  head  resting  in 

edge  of  fire  bowl 598 

137.  o.  Objects  found  in  Grave  A.     h,  Rare  celt  and  other  objects  from 

Grave  E 598 

TEXT    FIGURES 

123.  Diagram  of  temple 502 

124.  Diagram  of  altar 505 

125.  Vertical  section  of  mound  B 509 

126.  Site  of  the  public  square,  hot  house,  and  chunkey  yard 510 

127.  Diagram  of  the  Kasi'hta  town  square 511 

128.  Diagram  B  of  Bartram's  "Creek  and  Cherokee  Indians" 515 

129.  Diagram  of  circle  No.  3 516 

130.  Diagram  showing  depth  of  the  remains  in  circle  No.  3 517 

131.  Common  form  of  cache 518 

132.  Fire  bowl,  floor  stones,  pot 519 

133.  Child  in  grave  No.  5 521 

134.  Method  of  burning  Catawba  ware 522 

135.  Restoration  of  vessel  from  interior  of  circle  No.  3 523 

136.  Restoration  of  vessel  from  interior  of  circle  No.  3 524 

137.  Restoration  of  vessel  from  interior  of  circle  No.  3 524 

138.  Restoration  of  vessel  from  interior  of  circle  No.  3 525 

139.  Restoration  of  vessel  from  interior  of  circle  No.  3 525 

140.  Large  vessel  from  interior  of  circle  No.  3 526 

141.  Diagram  of  house  circle  No.  23 527 

142.  Stones  H,  I,  K 528 

143.  Method  of  drilling  hole  through  one  of  the  large  beads 529 

144.  Restored  pot  from  fragments  In  mosaic  floor  in  grave  at  1 529 

145.  Restored  pot  from  fragments  in  mosaic  floor  in  grave  at  1 530 

146.  Restoration  of  pot 531 

147.  Large  oval  vessel,  30  by  24  inches 532 

148.  Castalian  Springs  bowl 534 

149.  Undecorated  bowl  from  circle  No.  3 535 


492  PREHISTORIC    VILLAGES   IN   TENNESSEE  |eth.  ann.41 

Page 

150.  Diagram  of  house  circle  No.  79 536 

151.  Restoration  of  pot  from  top  of  grave  E 538 

152.  Restored  handled  pot  from  top  of  grave  E 539 

153.  Restored  unhandled  pot  from  top  of  grave  E 540 

154.  Diagram  of  house  circle  No.  84 543 

155.  Diagram  of  house  circle  No.  42 545 

156.  Vertical  section  of  mound  No.  2 562 

157.  Diagram  of  mound  No.  2  at  first  level 563 

15S.  Diagram  of  cavity 565 

159.  Diagram  of  mound  No.  2  at  second  level 569 

160.  Vertical  section  through  altar 570 

161.  Mat  house,  Carolina  Indians 571 

162.  House  construction,  mound  builders,  plastered  wattled  work 571 

163.  Vertical  section  of  fire  bed 573 

164.  Remains  belonging  to  buildings  on  mound  No.  2    at  the    final  or 

present  stage 574 

165.  Restoration  of  pot  No.  1  from  mound  No.  2 575 

166.  Restoration  of  pot  No.  8  from  mound  No.  2 I"  576 

167.  Restoration  of  vessel  No.  3  from  mound  No.  2 576 

168.  Restoration  of  vessel  No.  28  from  mound  No.  2 577 

169.  Restoration  of  vessel  No.  24  from  mound  No.  2 577 

170.  Restoration  of  vessel  No.  25  from  mound  No.  2 578 

171.  Restoration  of  vessel  No.  34,  mound  No.  2 578 

172.  Doubtful  restoration  of  vessel  No.  31a,  mound  No.  2 578 

173.  Restoration  of  vessel  No.  16,  mound  No.  2 579 

174.  Restoration  of  vessel  No.  17,  mound  No.  2 579 

175.  Restoration  of  vessel  No.  18,  mound  No.  2 580 

176.  Restoration  of  vessel  No.  15,  mound  No.  2 580 

177.  Restoration  of  vessel  No.  13,  mound  No.  2 581 

178.  Restoration  of  vessel  No.  11,  mound  No.  2 581 

179.  Restoration  of  vessel  No.  12,  mound  No.  2 581 

180.  Restoration  of  vessel  No.  7,  mound  No.  2 582 

181.  Restoration  of  vessel  No.  23,  mound  No.  2 582 

182.  Restoration  of  ves.sel  No.  22,  mound  No.  2 583 

183.  Restoration  of  vessel  No.  19,  mound  No.  2 583 

184.  Restoration  of  vessel  No.  21,  mound  No.  2 584 

185.  Restoration  of  vessel  No.  20,  mound  No.  2 584 

186.  Restoration  of  vessel  No.  35,  mound  No.  2 585 

187.  Restoration  of  vessel  No.  30,  mound  No.  2 585 

188.  Restoration  of  vessel  No.  9,  mound  No.  2 585 

189.  Restoration  of  vessel  No.  10,  mound  No.  2 586 

190.  Cooking  pot,  reproduced  from  Schoolcraft  (vol.  1,  pi.  xxii) 586 

191.  Horizontal  pole  method  of  suspension 587 

192.  Skeleton  from  Moore's  "Aboriginal  sites  on  Tennessee  River"  (p.  182)  587 

193.  Diagram  of  coffin  F 588 

194.  Diagram  of  grave  G 588 

195.  Diagram  of  mound  No.  5 590 

196.  Horizontal  and  vertical  section  of  altar  in  circle  No.  6 592 

197.  Restoration  of  large  pot  from  altar  in  circle  No.  6 593 

198.  Restoration  of  sunfish  bowl  from  circle  No.  6 593 

199.  Vessel  from  house  circle  No.  6 594 

200.  Diagram  of  circle  No.  17 598 


TWO  PREHISTORIC  VILLAGES  IN  MIDDLE 
TENNESSEE 


By  WiLUAM  Edwaed  Mter 


INTKODUCTION 

The  author  spent  the  months  of  September  and  October,  1920, 
making  explorations  for  the  Bureau  of  American  Ethnology  in  the 
Cumberland  River  Valley  around  Nashville,  Tenn. 

He  made  excavations  on  sites  which  he  has  named  the  Gordon 
town  site  and  the  Fewkes  group.  The  excavations  on  these  two  sites 
brought  to  light  the  ruins  of  several  buildings  of  the  two  ancient 
towns,  with  their  altars  and  the  remains  of  what  appeared  to  be  their 
sacred  fires.  Many  relics  thromng  liglit  on  the  customs  of  these 
people  were  unearthed.  The  several  hundred  fragments  of  pottery 
found  in  these  excavations  were  all  saved  and  studied.  This  enabled 
him  to  determine  the  size,  shape,  color,  and  material  of  what  was 
probably  nearly  their  complete  hne  of  domestic  pottery^. 

Every  fragment  of  bone  found  was  saved.  A  study  of  these  frag- 
ments by  Mr.  G.  S.  Miller,  curator.  Division  of  Mammals,  United 
States  National  Museum,  enabled  him  to  determine  with  some 
accuracy  their  animal  food  which  contained  bones.  In  all  this 
mass  of  bones  not  a  single  fragment  of  the  bones  of  the  bison  was 
found.  Docs  this  mean  that  the  town  was  deserted  before  the  bison 
came  into  this  region?     They  were  later  found  in  some  numbers  here. 

The  skeletal  material  from  the  graves  was  examined  by  Dr.  A. 
Hrdlicka,  curator,  Division  of  Physical  Anthropology,  United  States 
National  Museum,  wliose  report  appears  at  the  end  of  this  volume. 
He  reports  that  the  skeletons  indicate  rather  a  weak  people,  sub- 
average  for  Indians. 

At  a  few  places  in  this  narrative  the  author  has  inserted  descrip- 
tions recorded  by  early  whites  of  ancient  Indian  life  and  towns  which 
appear  to  very  closely  resemble  those  at  the  Gordon  and  Fewkes  sites. 
These  are  already  well  known  to  all  archeologists.  They  are  given 
here  in  order  that  the  general  reader  who  is  not  an  archeologist  may 
form  a  better  conception  of  the  former  appearance  of  these  towns 
and  the  manner  of  life  of  the  dwellers  therein. 

The  author  has  endeavored  to  determine,  if  possible,  wlio  these 
people  were.  Wliile  here  and  there  some  clues  appear,  on  the  whole 
the  evidence  is  so  hazy  and  apparently  contradictory  that  he  thinks 
it  unsafe  to  venture  an  opinion. 

493 


494  PREHISTORIC   VILLAGES   IN   TENNESSEE  (eth.  ann.  41 

He  gratefully  acknowledges  assistance  from  Dr.  A.  Hrdlicka,  Dr. 
John  R.  Swanton,  Mr.  Francis  La  Flesche,  Mr.  James  Mooney,  Dr. 
Walter  Hough,  Dr.  W.  E.  Safford,  Mr.  G.  S.  Miller,  Mr.  Clarence  B. 
Moore,  Dr.  R.  S.  Bassler,  Mr.  Wilbur  A.  Nelson,  Dr.  Truman 
Michelson,  and  many  others.  Due  recognition  has  been  given  in 
each  instance. 

He  desires  to  thank  Mr.  and  Mrs.  H.  L.  Gordon  and  Mr.  J.  H. 
Womack  for  friendly  cooperation  in  allowing  him  to  excavate  the 
ruins  on  their  respective  estates. 

He  is  under  many  obligations  to  Dr.  J.  Walter  Fewkes,  Chief  of 
the  Bureau  of  American  Ethnology,  for  much  needed  advice  and  for 
many  courtesies. 


BUREAU   OF  AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY 


FORTY-FIRST  ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE  95 


SCALE   or  MAP- 


o  +0  so  120  \bOrECT 


MAP  OF  GORDON  TOWN  SITE 


GORDON  TOWN  SITE 

The  first  site  explored  was  on  the  H.  L.  Gordon  farm,  1  mile  north- 
east of  Brentwood,  in  Davidson  County,  Tenn.  Here  were  discov- 
ered the  remains  of  an  ancient  Indian  walled  town.  These  were  in 
a  woodland  and  had  never  been  disturbed  by  the  plow.  It  had  long 
been  known  that  there  was  a  small  mound  at  tliis  point.  Gen.  G.  P. 
Tliruston  had  partially  explored  tliis  mound,  but  no  one  had  ever 
discovered,  or  at  least  grasped  the  significance  of,  the  very  faint 
saucer-shaped  depressions  wliich  dotted  the  surrounding  surface.  No 
one  suspected  that  here,  a  foot  or  so  below  this  blue-grass  sod,  were 
the  ruins  of  an  ancient  Indian  town  containing  fragmentary  remains 
which  could  bring  to  light  many  new  and  interesting  details  of 
the  vanished  life  of  a  long-gone-by  people.  Faint  traces  of  87  house 
circles  could  be  made  out,  and  some  slight  indications  of  several 
more  could  be  seen. 

This  town  (pi.  95)  covered  11.2  acres  and  was  surrounded  by  an 
earthen  embankment  which  formerly  had  supported  a  palisaded  wall 
equipped  with  semicircular  towers  about  every  55  feet. 

Tlie  inhabitants  for  some  unknown  reason  had  deserted  this  village, 
and  the  site  had  never  afterwards  been  occupied  or  disturbed.  Nearly 
aU  the  structures  had  been  left  standing.  These  had  gradually  fallen 
down,  and  their  floors  were  wholly  buried  beneath  from  14  to  20 
inches  of  rich  black  loam.  In  some  of  these  circles  portions  of 
beautiful,  smooth,  hard-packed,  glossy  black  floors  were  found.  In 
the  centers  were  the  ancient  fire  bowls,  still  filled  with  the  ashes  of 
the  last  fires  kindled  in  these  homes  before  their  owners  left  them. 
Near  these  fu-e  bowls  could  be  seen  the  metates,  mullers,  and  other 
household  utensils  just  as  left  the  last  time  used.  Underneath  the 
floors  were  the  stone-slab  graves  of  their  cliildren. 

Near  the  center  was  a  level  open  space  wliich  was  evidently  the 
to\vn  square,  surrounded  by  important  buildings. 

Within  the  line  of  walls  could  be  distinguished  87  very  faint  earth 
circles  with  shallow  saucer-shaped  interiors.  These  were  the  remains 
of  ancient  dwellings.  There  was  evidence  showing  the  town  had 
originally  contained  about  125  circular  buildings,  ranging  from  15  to 
46  feet  in  diameter.  A  large  proportion  of  these  were  30  feet  in 
diameter. 

All  the  buildings  were  circular  with  the  exception  of  one,  which  was 
probably  used  both  as  a  town  house  and  a  ceremonial  house  or  temple. 
Also  the  building  on  the  mound  adjoining  this  town  house  or  temple 
may  not  have  been  circular. 

495 


496  PREHISTORIC   VILLAGES   IN   TENNESSEE  [eth.  ann.41 

Excavations  showed  the  walls  of  these  buildings  to  have  been  made 
of  small  upright  posts  or  poles,  from  2  to  6  inches  in  diameter,  placed 
firmly  in  the  ground.  In  this  line  of  posts  was  interwoven  a  wattling 
of  cane  stems,  with  leaves  still  attached.  In  some  of  the  houses  the 
wattling  was  plastered  over  with  clay  and  the  surface  smoothed  with 
a  trowel.  The  roofs  of  the  circular  houses  were  probably  either  con- 
ical or  dome  shaped.  The  roofs  of  the  four-sided  structures  were 
probably  round  arched. 

Lack  of  funds  permitted  the  examination  of  only  the  central  mound 
and  6  of  the  87  house  circles.  These  six  yielded  so  much  information 
in  regard  to  the  life  of  these  people  that  it  is  probable  the  thorough 
exploration  of  the  entire  site  would  procure  a  fairly  correct  view  of 
their  everyday  life.  It  would  also  shed  much  light  on  their  religious 
beliefs  and  sacred  rites. 

Beyond  question  the  causes  of  the  selection  of  this  site  were  the 
two  large  bold  springs  indicated  on  the  map  (pi.  95),  the  fertihty  of 
the  soil,  and  the  natural  adaptability  of  the  site  to  fortification. 

INDIAN  REMAINS  IN  CENTRAL  TENNESSEE  BASIN 

This  town  was  situated  in  the  finest  portion  of  the  celebrated  blue- 
grass  region  of  the  central  Tennessee  Basin.  The  soil  owes  its 
extreme  fertility  to  the  weathering  of  its  phosphate-bearing  rocks. 
The  beauty  of  this  region,  which  contains  the  remains  of  the  ancient 
Indian  towns  at  Gordon  farm  and  Traveler's  Rest,  is  brought  out  in 
the  photograph  shown  in  Plate  96.  The  fertihty  and  beauty  of  this 
important  section  of  the  basin  has  appealed  to  all  the  successive 
waves  of  peoples  wliich  have  come  within  the  borders  of  what  is  now 
Tennessee.  It  has  always  been  the  thickest  settled  and  the  richest 
as  well  as  the  dominant  section  of  the  State. 

Probably  more  important  Indian  remains  are  to  be  found  within 
60  miles  of  the  Gordon  site  than  in  any  other  portion  of  the  southern 
United  States.  Witliin  tliis  area  are  located  the  following:  The  great 
mounds  at  the  junction  of  Dog  Creek  and  Harpeth  River,  and  the  for^ 
tress  at  the  junction  of  Harpeth  and  Cumberland  Rivers  in  Cheatham 
County;  the  fortified  Indian  town  at  the  junction  of  Duck  and  Piney 
Rivers  in  Hickman  County;  the  Fewkes  group  and  the  De  Graffen- 
reid  and  Old  Town  ruins  in  Williamson  County;  the  Greenwood 
group,  the  Cottage  Home  group,  and  the  mummy  burial  cave  in 
Wilson  County;  the  fortified  town  at  the  junction  of  Dixons  Creek 
and  Cumberland  River  in  Smith  County;  the  fortified  town  at  Casta- 
Uan  Springs  and  the  Rutherford-Kiser  mounds  in  Sumner  County. 
There  are  over  200  other  more  or  less  important  Indian  sites  within 
this  area. 


< 

15 


>- 
H 

a: 
O 


BUREAU    OF  AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY  FORTY-FIRST  ANNUAL   REPORT      PLATE  98 


LARGE  LINDEN 


MVERl  GORDON   TOWN    SITE  497 

PRESENT  APPEARANCE  OF  GORDON  TOWN  SITE 

The  photograph  reproduced  in  Plate  97  shows  the  present  appear- 
ance of  the  western  half  of  the  Gordon  town  site.  It  is  a  gently 
rolUng,  ahnost  level  woodland,  with  a  small  remainder  of  the  noble 
primeval  forest  which  once  covered  the  Central  Tennessee  Basin. 
The  photograph  does  not  show  the  finest  trees  on  this  site,  which  are 
principally  beech,  ehn,  and  oak.  Many  of  each  of  these  species 
measure  13  feet  in  circumference  3  feet  above  the  ground.  The 
stiunp  of  one  of  these  13-foot  elnas  showed  more  than  300  growth 
rings.  The  central  portion  of  the  stiunp  being  slightly  decayed,  it 
was  impossible  to  determine  the  exact  number.  The  accompanying 
illustrations  show  a  few  of  these  fine  trees.  The  linden  shown  in 
Plate  98  meastu"es  22  3^  feet  in  circumference  5  feet  above  the  ground. 
By  its  side  is  shown  Dr.  Harry  S.  Vaughan,  of  Nashville,  who  indirectly 
caused  the  discovery  of  the  town  by  taking  the  author  to  see  the 
small  mound  on  this  site. 

A  map  of  the  Gordon  town  site  is  shown  in  Plate  95.  Here  are 
shown  the  open  flat  space  which  was  the  town  square,  the  two  low 
mounds  at  the  northwestern  corner,  the  portion  of  the  town  now 
nearly  obhterated  in  the  cultivated  fields  and  garden,  and  the  87 
saucer-shaped  earth  circles  which  can  stdl  be  made  out  in  the  undis- 
turbed grassy  woodland.  In  the  spaces  left  blank  on  the  map,  in  the 
woodland,  there  are  many  faint  indications  of  earth  circles.  Very 
likely  a  thorough  excavation  of  the  town  site  would  show  that  all  the 
space  within  the  walls  was  filled  with  earth  circles,  with  the  exception 
of  the  town  square  and  the  spaces  marked  "  Cemetery"  and  "Scat- 
tered graves."  This  would  give  about  125  buildings  within  the  walls, 
as  excavations  showed  each  earth  circle  to  be  the  remains  of  an 
ancient  building. 

All  of  the  land  around  the  town  is  now  in  cultivation  with  the 
exception  of  an  undisturbed  woodland  on  the  gentle  slope  300  feet 
to  the  east  of  the  walls  of  the  settlement.  In  tliis  woodland,  wliich 
extended  600  feet  along  the  side  of  tlie  town,  were  found  only  tliree 
small  house  circles.  These  were  9,  12,  and  14  feet,  respectively,  in 
diameter  and  were  from  50  to  100  feet  distant  from  each  other.  This 
and  other  evidence  would  indicate  that  a  very  small  number  of  the 
Indians  lived  in  wigwams  outside  the  walls  of  the  town,  and  these 
could  easily  reach  the  protection  of  the  fortifications. 

It  was  not  possible  to  ascertain  whether  any  trace  of  a  cleared  spot, 
indicating  cultivated  fields  belonging  to  this  town,  was  in  evidence 
when  the  region  was  first  visited  by  the  English  about  1770.  It  is 
probable  that  the  old  Indian  cultivated  fields  had  many  centxu-ies 
before  grown  up  into  an  open  forest. 


498  PREHISTORIC    VILLAGES   IN    TENNESSEE  [eth.ann.41 

THE    TOWN   SQUARE 

The  nearly  rectangular  town  square,  near  the  center  of  the  town, 
had  been  made  level  by  cutting  down  the  small  slope  on  the  southern 
side.  Tins  square  was  130  feet  from  north  to  south  and  between 
200  and  250  feet  from  east  to  west.  Cultivation  in  the  garden  pre- 
vented determining  its  exact  eastern  limit.  It  was  probably  sur- 
rounded on  aU  four  sides  by  buildings  or  open  sheds.  The  cultivated 
garden  likewise  made  it  impossible  to  determine  this  point  with  cer- 
tainty. 

In  this  town  square  much  of  the  everyday  social  and  religious  life 
of  the  people  centered.  It  was  a  convenient  place  for  meeting  and 
gossip  and  play  or  work.  Here  visitors  of  note  were  received;  such 
open  air  sacred  ceremonies  as  were  pubhc  were  performed;  persons 
were  tortured;  many  dances,  both  sacred  and  social,  were  held. 

Many  of  the  open-air  games  of  chance  or  dexterity  were  played  on 
this  square,  including  the  chunkey  game,  with  its  polished  stone 
biconcave  disks,  its  smooth  and  level  surface  making  it  admirably 
adapted  to  the  purpose. 

The  Creek  Indians  had  town  squares  very  similar  to  that  of  the 
Gordon  site.  In  the  center  of  the  Creek  Indian  square,  during  the 
celebration  of  the  busk,  was  a  fire  fed  by  four  logs,  one  log  lying 
toward  the  east,  one  toward  the  south,  one  toward  the  north,  and 
one  toward  the  west.  It  is  possible  that  the  Indians  of  the  Gordon 
site  may  have  had  a  similar  fire  during  certain  rites  in  the  center  of 
this  town  square.^ 

COOKING  AND   GRINDING 

On  several  Indian  town  sites  on  the  Cumberland  Plateau  in  middle 
Tennessee  were  found  large,  moderately  flat  rocks,  some  of  them 
fully  20  feet  in  width  by  as  much  in  length,  in  which  many  mortar 
holes  had  been  cut.  On  these  rocks,  near  the  mortar  holes,  were 
several  much-used  fireplaces.  A  fine  example  of  these  clustered 
mortar  holes  and  fireplaces  was  discovered  by  the  author  at  Win- 
ningham  Rock  on  a  cliff  overlooking  Obey  River,  near  the  junction 
with  Eagle  Creek,  in  Pickett  County,  Tenn.  Here  the  women  of  the 
town  gathered  to  grind  and  cook,  to  gossip,  and  play  their  games. 
The  women  at  the  Gordon  site  appear  to  have  done  their  grinding 
and  cooking  in  their  own  homes,  as  excavations  brought  to  light  a 
metate  in  each  of  several  dwellings. 

BURIALS 

The  ancient  inhabitants  of  Gordon  town  site  appar'ently  buried  all 
their  dead  witliin  the  walls  of  the  town.     With  few  exceptions  the 

■  See  diagram  of  square  in  Gatschet's  "Migration  I^egend  of  the  Creelt  Indians,"  vol-  n,  p.  186,  repro- 
duced and  described  in  Fig.  126  and  its  accompanying  test  in  this  volume. 


mtee] 


GORDON   TOWN   SITE  499 


dead  were  placed  in  stone-slab  coffins,  bodies  lying  on  the  back, 
extended  full  length,  arms  by  the  side.  Most  of  the  adults  and 
children  over  12  years  of  age  were  buried  in  the  cemetery  on  the 
gentle  slope  of  the  small  knoll  at  the  northeastern  corner  of  the  town 
and  also  in  that  portion  of  the  south-central  part  marked  "Scattered 
graves"  (pi.  95).  They  buried  a  few  of  their  adults  immediately 
adjoining  the  outer  walls  of  the  dwellings. 

Children  from  5  to  12  years  of  age  were  sometimes  buried  in  the 
cemeteries  and  at  other  times  beneath  the  floors  of  the  buildings. 
The  very  young  children,  less  than  5  years,  and  also  the  fetuses, 
appear  to  have  been  buried  beneath  the  floors  of  the  dwellings.  In 
some  instances  the  little  stone-slab  coffins  were  immediately  adjoining 
the  domestic  hearth.  In  other  cases  the  grave  was  placed  where  the 
food  ground  on  the  metate  would  fall  on  the  stone-slab  top  of  the 
coffin. 

MOUND  A 

Mound  A,  on  the  western  edge  of  the  town  square,  is  the  most 
prominent  of  the  remains  of  the  old  village.  It  is  shown  in  Plate  99. 
The  base  of  this  low,  flat-topped  mound  is  nearly  rectangular,  with 
rounded  corners,  and  measures  44}^  by  39  by  37  by  33^  feet.  The 
mound  is  now  from  43^  to  5J^  feet  in  height.  The  flat  top  measures 
20H  by  18H  by  21 H  by  18^  feet. 

Beginning  at  the  northern  edge  of  the  base  a  space  in  the  mound  32 
feet  in  width  and  30  feet  in  length  was  excavated  through  the  original 
surface  of  the  soil  down  to  the  undisturbed  clay  subsoil.  Over  two- 
thirds  of  the  mound  was  thoroughly  explored. 

Fires  at  Erection  of  Mound 

The  erection  of  mound  A  appears  to  have  been  accompanied  at 
different  times  and  stages  by  various  rites  in  which  fire  played  a 
prominent  part. 

Before  the  raising  of  the  mound  had  begun  a  large  fire  was  built 
on  the  surface  of  the  soil  at  what  was  to  be  the  center  of  the  base  of 
the  future  mound.  This  fire  had  been  allowed  to  burn  itself  out. 
It  left  a  bed  of  pure  white  ashes,  8  by  9  feet,  and  2  inches  thick. 
This  had  been  a  temporary  fire,  as  the  soil  underneath  showed  no 
signs  of  long-continued  burning.  On  the  original  surface  of  the  soil, 
5  feet  southwest  of  the  above  large  central  temporary  fire,  was  a  fire 
of  different  character.  At  this  point  a  layer  of  clay,  3  by  3  feet,  and 
2  inches  in  thickness,  had  been  brought  from  elsewhere  and  spread 
upon  the  surface  of  the  soil.  A  fire  had  then  been  started  and  con- 
tinued sufficiently  long  on  this  fire-bed  or  altar  to  hard-burn  the  clay, 
but  not  long  enough  to  burn  the  black  loam  surface  soil  under- 
neath it.     Neither  of  these  fires  showed  any  signs  of  broken  ani- 


500  PREHISTORIC   VILLAGES   IN   TENNESSEE  (eth.ann.41 

mal  bones  or  of  cooking  or  other  domestic  use.  The  one  built  on  the 
clay  fire-bed  or  altar  probably  was  connected  with  the  rite  of  greater 
importance,  and  was  longer  continued.  A  careful  search  of  these 
fire-beds  showed  no  objects  deposited  either  in  or  below  them. 

Celebrations  at  the  16-inch  Stage 

When  this  mound  had  reached  a  height  of  16  inches  the  builders 
must  have  ceased  work  for  a  time  and  celebrated  with  a  great  feast 
and  different  ceremonies,  some  of  which  must  have  continued  several 
days.  Here  again  fire  played  a  conspicuous  part.  Near  the  center 
of  what  was  then  the  surface  of  the  mound  another  great  clay  fire-bed 
or  altar  had  been  made  which  covered  a  space  10  by  6  feet  and  was  2 
inches  in  thickness.  The  ceremonies  connected  with  this  altar 
differed  from  those  of  the  altar  at  the  bottom  of  the  mound,  and  at 
one  stage  included  a  great  feast;  for  in  the  ashes  were  a  large  number 
of  deer  bones  and  the  fragments  of  a  large  domestic  pot,  evidently 
the  remains  of  a  barbaric  feast.  After  the  feast,  and  while  the  fire 
was  still  well  supplied  with  wood,  earth  was  thrown  on  it  and  the 
burning  wood  smothered  into  a  layer  of  charcoal  4  inches  in  thickness. 

During  this  16-iiich  stage  celebration  there  appear  to  have  been 
several  ceremonies  at  various  dates,  each  with  its  separate  fire.  Some 
of  these  rites  must  have  continued  for  many  days,  as  the  fu'es  con- 
nected with  them  had  been  continued  long  enough  to  make  the  soil 
underneath  show  the  effects  of  heat  for  at  least  2%  inches.  This 
burned  soil  was  especially  noticeable  under  the  central  altar  and  also 
under  another  fire  which  covered  a  circular  space  about  5  feet  in 
diameter.  The  other  fires  at  this  stage  were  also  somewhat  circular 
but  smaller  and  ranged  from  2  to  4  feet  in  diameter.  Some  of  the 
smaller  fires  appeared  to  have  burned  for  a  comparatively  short 
time.  None  of  these  fires  appears  to  have  been  used  for  cooking, 
with  the  exception  of  the  great  central  clay  altar. 

Ceremonies  at  the  SO-inch  Stage 

When  the  further  erection  of  mound  A  had  been  started  and  the 
mound  had  reached  a  height  of  30  inches  another  series  of  cere- 
monies occurred;  but  these  ceremonies  were  quite  different  from  those 
of  any  of  the  previous  stages.  Five  feet  northeast  of  the  center  of 
the  top  of  the  mound  at  the  30-inch  stage  a  great  fire  had  been 
kindled.  When  this  had  burned  down  to  a  bed  of  glowing  embers, 
clay  had  again  been  brought  from  elsewhere;  but  instead  of  being 
used  as  a  fire-bed  or  altar,  as  formerly,  it  was  now  carefully  spread 
out  like  a  blanket  over  this  great  bed  of  glowing  embers,  smothering 
it  into  a  bed  of  ashes  and  charcoal.  This  blanket  of  clay  was  5  by  4 3^ 
feet  in  diameter  and  IJ^  inches  in  thickness. 


myer] 


GORDON   TOWN   SITE  501 


A  somewhat  similar  blanket  of  clay,  covering  a  bed  of  oucg  glowing 
embers,  was  found  4  feet  southwest  of  the  center  of  the  top  of  the 
mound  at  the  30-inch  stage.  No  traces  of  feasts  appear  at  the 
30-inch  celebration. 

Buildings 

The  two-thirds  of  this  mound  explored  contained  no  burials 
While  no  trace  of  a  building  was  found,  it  is  probable  that  its  level 
top,  20J^  by  18J^  by  21}4  by  18K  feet,  supported  some  important 
structure.  The  ruins  of  what  appeared  to  be  the  town  house  or 
temple  immediately  adjoined  this  mound  on  the  west,  and,  as  the 
eastern  and  apparently  only  door  of  this  town  house  opened  onto 
the  top  of  the  mound,  it  is  likely  the  mound  had  on  it  either  the  house 
of  the  chief  or  an  open  shed.  Under  this  shed  public  rites  or  open 
meetings  could  be  held  in  bad  weather.  Many  of  the  buildings  in 
the  Indian  towns  in  the  south  had  such  sheds  or  piazzas  attached  to 
them.^  The  Creek  Indians  had  a  town  arrangement  of  town  square 
and  moimd  sheds  somewhat  resembling  this  at  the  Gordon  site.^  It 
must  not  be  understood  that  any  intimation  of  relationship  between 
the  Gordon  site  people  and  the  Creeks  is  intended. 

Absence  of  Uncharred  Wood 

At  no  point  in  this  town  were  traces  of  wood  or  wooden  structures 
found  except  where  the  wood  had  been  reduced  to  charcoal.  When 
uncharred  and  left  to  natural  decay,  all  trace  of  wood  vanished.  It 
is  well  to  note  that  no  pestholes,  save  those  with  charred  wood,  were 
found.  It  is  therefore  impossible  to  state  with  certainty  that  struc- 
tures existed  where  no  trace  was  found. 

THE  TEMPLE 

House  circle  No.  1  of  the  map  is  on  the  western  side  of  mound  A. 
It  is  shown  in  Plate  99.  This  probably  was  the  ruins  of  a  building 
which  combined  the  functions  of  a  towTi  house  and  a  ceremonial 
building  or  temple;  or  it  may  have  been  used  solely  as  a  temple. 
There  were  examples  of  both  types  of  buildings  found  among  the 
early  Indians  in  the  Southern  States. 

This  building  is  referred  to  as  a  temple  because  the  word  "temple" 
most  nearJy  conveys  a  correct  conception  of  its  use  by  the  ancient 
Indian  worshipper. 

The  Cherokees  and  several  other  southern  tribes  used  such  build- 
ings as  temples  for  both  secret  and  public  rites,  and  also  as  town 
houses  for  public  gatherings.  In  the  town  house  visitors  of  note  were 
sometimes  lodged.     Unfortunately  buildings  of  this  character  became 

*  See  the  various  narratives  of  De  Soto's  journey. 

'  See  Qatschet's  "Migration  Legend  of  the  Creek  Indians,"  vol.  n,  p.  186. 


502 


PREHISTORIC   VILLAGES   IN   TENNESSEE 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


known  to  the  early  whites  as  town  houses,  and  then-  priests  as  medi- 
cine men  or  jugglers.     These  names  are  somewhat  misleading. 

The  Natchez  and  many  other  tribes  of  the  South  used  these 
buildings  solely  as  temples,  with  priestly  attendants  and  solemn, 
though  barbaric,  rites. 

The  building  in  house  circle  No.  1  is  referred  to  as  a  temple  because 
the  preponderance  of  evidence  indicates  it  was  used  solely  as  a  temple 


A 


18 


\7  ^ 


11+ 


•■5.  ■?->=•  v,\5;^'/.  ^ 


■-■-.■•  f.i  v-''^■ 
:;,;-;.■,(^;•.■.■••■. 


i9i  i 

'■■\  ■'  ■ 
■  6 


:?/o;rri?i> 


jt^ 


Fig.  123.— Diagram  of  temple 

A  diagram  of  tliis  temple  is  shown  in  Figure  123.  Its  eastern  wall, 
1,  6,  5,  appears  to  have  been  straight.  Its  northern,  southern,  and 
western  walls  were  somewhat  curved.  It  measm-ed:  1  to  5,  37  feet; 
2  to  4,  46  feet;  3  to  6,  33  feet. 

This  building  appeared  to  have  had  walls  consisting  of  upright 
posts  from  4  to  6  inches  in  diameter,  set  from  2  to  3  feet  apart.  In 
and  out  between  these  posts  a  wattling  of  cane  stems,  with  leaves 
still  attached,  had  been  interwoven.  This  rough  wattled  wall  was 
then  plastered,  within  and  without,  with  a  clay  mortar  which  was 


mtek] 


GORDON   TOWN   SITE  503 


smoothed  vnth  pottery  trowels  resembling  our  modern  flatirons  in 
shape.  The  mortar  was  mixed  with  the  tough  grass  found  in  the 
neighborhood.  The  grass  served  as  a  binder,  similar  to  the  straw 
used  in  the  Egyptian  bricks  and  in  modern  adobe.  The  early  whites 
saw  the  southern  Indians  building  such  houses  and  applying  such 
mortar.  The  Indians  softened  the  clay  with  water  and  then  kneaded 
the  grass  into  the  mass  with  their  bare  feet.  Farther  south  they 
often  used  long  gray  moss  as  a  binder.*  The  combined  action  of  the 
attached  cane  leaves  and  the  binding  grasses  must  have  caused  the 
mortar  to  adhere  closely  to  the  walls.  Nothing  was  found  M'hich 
would  indicate  the  exact  shape  of  the  roof,  its  means  of  support,  or 
the  nature  of  its  covering. 

Tliis  temple  appears  to  have  been  destroyed  by  fire  in  some  un- 
known manner,  at  some  date  after  the  Indians  had  removed  all  their 
belongings.  At  several  points  in  the  interior  of  house  circle  No.  1 
were  found  small  fragments  of  the  fallen-in,  burned,  clay-plastered 
walls.  At  24-2.5  in  Figure  123  a  large  mass  of  tliis  material  was 
found  on  the  floor.  It  had  not  been  disturbed  since  it  had  fallen  in. 
Tliis  fragment  of  the  burned  plastered  wall  showed  the  cane  stem 
wattling  with  the  leaves  still  attached  to  the  stems.  The  casts  of 
the  wild  grass  binding  material  could  also  be  clearly  seen. 

Ceremonies  at  Erection  of  Temple 

A  study  of  this  house  site  and  the  diagram  in  Figure  123  brings 
out  the  following  facts:  TMs  building  was  erected  with  many  cere- 
monies. The  ground  on  which  it  was  to  stand  appears  to  have  been 
cleared  and  the  black  loam  removed  down  to  the  original  clay  subsoil. 
Then,  at  X,  where  the  earthen  rim  and  the  wall  of  the  temple  were  to 
be  erected,  a  cache  pit,  43  by  27  inches,  and  52  inches  in  depth,  was 
dug  in  the  clay  subsoil.  In  this  cache  pit  probably  some  sacred 
object  was  placed,  wliich  contained  no  bone  or  stony  material.  The 
black  earth  which  filled  tliis  pit  retained  no  hint  as  to  the  character 
of  object,  if  any,  placed  therein.  It  evidently  consisted  of  some 
substance  like  fur,  feathers,  or  wood,  wliich  left  no  recognizable  trace 
other  than  the  loose  black  soil.  After  this  cache  pit  had  been  filled, 
a  small  layer  of  clay,  12  by  10  inches,  and  114  inches  in  tluckness, 
was  brought  from  elsewhere  and  spread  on  top  of  the  pit.  A  strong 
fire  was  then  built  and  continued  upon  this  Uttle  clay  cover  sufficiently 
long  to  hard-burn  the  cover  and  make  the  soil  underneath  show  the 
effect  of  fire  to  a  depth  of  2  inches. 

'  See  Swanton's  "Indian  Tribes  of  the  Lower  Mississippi  Valley,"  Bull.  43,  Bur.  Amer.  £tlin.,  p.  59. 
53666°— 28 33 


504  PREHISTORIC    VILLAGES   IN   TENNESSEE  [eth.ann.41 

Cache  Pits 

In  like  manner  another  cache  pit,  27,  with  similar  contents,  was 
dug  and  filled.  This  one  was  20  inches  in  diameter  and  5  feet  in 
depth.  Over  this  pit  the  platform,  A,  B,  C,  D,  of  black  loam  was 
raised.  This  was  covered  with  a  layer  of  clay  brought  from  else- 
where. The  platform  was  built  up  to  a  height  of  about  17  inches 
above  the  surface  of  the  floor.     It  was  used  as  a  fire  bed. 

Another  similar  cache  pit  was  found  at  18,  near  the  doorway  on 
the  eastern  side.  It  was  14  inches  in  diameter  and  4  feet  in  depth 
and  filled  with  the  same  character  of  black  soil  as  the  other  pits  in 
this  circle.  No  recognizable  trace  of  original  contents  could  be  found. 
Tills  last  pit  had  no  clay  cover. 

That  pits  X  and  27  were  receptacles  for  sacred  objects  or  sacrifices 
connected  with  the  building  of  this  edifice,  and  not  intended  for 
domestic  storage  pits,  is  proved  by  the  fact  that  they  had  coverings 
of  clay  upon  which  fire  had  been  long  continued,  and  these  fire- 
hardened  covers  were  never  afterwards  removed.  They  showed  no 
signs  of  disturbance  such  as  would  have  been  necessary  to  get  at 
the  contents  of  domestic  cache  pits  underneath.  It  will  be  interest- 
ing to  compare  these  pit  caches  with  the  somewhat  similar  ones  of 
the  later  Omahas,  reproduced  in  Figure  131. 

At  7,  Figure  123,  on  the  site  of  the  futiu-e  southern  earth  rim  of 
this  temple,  a  ceremonial  fire  was  built  and  continued  long  enough 
to  form  a  deep  layer  of  pure  white  ashes.  Tliis  fire  was  not  for 
domestic  purposes.  It  contained  no  fragments  of  animal  bones  or 
pottery.  After  these  elaborate  rites  had  been  completed  the  level, 
hard-packed,  earthen  floor  was  covered  with  a  layer  of  clay  brought 
from  elsewhere.  This  layer  of  clay  was  then  smoothed  and  hard 
packed  and  also  still  further  hardened  by  fires  being  built  upon  it. 
After  this  hardening  process  a  space  about  3  feet  in  width  and  extend- 
ing from  R  to  S  and  another  space  at  9,  about  3  by  4H  feet,  were 
covered  with  a  coating  of  a  black,  hard,  glossy  substance,  ranging 
from  one-fourth  to  three-eighths  of  an  inch  in  thickness.  This  sub- 
stance was  clay  mixed  with  some  very  black  material  which  took  a 
beautiful  black  glossy  finish,  somewhat  resembling  the  appearance  of 
polished  black  iron  stovepipe.  This  coating  once  extended  over 
much  of  the  space  in  the  center  of  the  temple  and  was  later  worn 
away  by  use.  It  stiU  retained  a  considerable  amount  of  luster  when 
uncovered  but  faded  on  exposure  to  the  air.  It  must  have  presented 
a  very  pleasing  and  appropriate  appearance.  That  this  floor  was 
put  down  before  the  walls  of  the  temple  were  raised  is  proved  by  the 
fact  tliat  it  was  found  extending  underneath  the  wall  from  R  to  S. 
There  is  some  shght  indication  that  an  earthen  platform  or  ban- 
quette, raised  about  9  inches  above  the  floor,  extended  partially 
around  the  room  next  to  the  wall;  the  evidence,  however,  is  not 
conclusive. 


mter] 


GORDON    TOWN    SITE 


505 


Altak 

An  ancient  altar  or  fire  bowl  was  found  3  feet  south  of  the  center  of 
the  house  circle.  This  altar  was  built  on  top  of  the  floor.  It  was 
still  partially  filled  with  the  fine,  firm,  pure  wliite  ashes  of  the  ancient 
fires.  A  photograph  of  this  altar  is  shown  in  Plate  100.  Its  bowl  is 
29  by  27  inches,  outside  measure,  and  the  interior  is  4H  inches  deep. 

The  edge  of  the  rim  was  7  inches  above  the  surface  of  the  floor  on 
which  it  rested.  A  diagram  is  shown  in  Figure  124.  It  appears  to 
have  been  made  by  placing  a  layer  of  ordinary  earth  on  the  floor  at 
this  point.  In  the  layer 
of  earth  a  depression 
was  made,  correspond- 
ing to   the   exterior  of 

the  basin-shaped  altar.  /^5^-':'v  .■.■••<'■.'.•■.•.•."■•.■.■-' ;,^\       i 

This  carefully  shaped 
depression  was  next 
hned  ■with  a  coating  of 
puddled  clay  about  1}4 
inches  m  thickness, 
which  was  then  hard- 
ened by  fire.  The  hard- 
burned  appearance  of 
the  altar  and  the  floor 
imder  it  indicated  its 
long  continued  use. 

That  this  was  an  altar 
and  not  merely  a  fire 
bowl  for  domestic  cook- 
ing is  shown  by  the  fact 
that  the  ashes  in  it  con- 
tained no  animal  bones 

and  no  fragments  of  domestic  or  other  pottery,  such  as  are 
fomid  in  fires  long  used  for  the  latter  purpose.' 

Fire  Bed 

That  tills  fire  bowl  was  an  altar  which  contained  a  ceremonial  fire, 
not  even  to  be  profaned  by  use  in  warming  the  inmates,  is  further 
confirmed  by  the  fire  bed  found  at  A,  B,  C,  D,  Figure  123.  This 
fire  bed  probably  was  used  for  occasional  heating  purposes,  and  pre- 
paring feasts.*  As  already  stated,  it  covered  cache  pit  27.  It 
measured:  Z?  to  C,  9  feet;  A  to  B,  7}4  feet;  B  to  C,  5}4  feet;  A  to  D, 
5  feet. 


^  This  altar  was  incased  in  reinforced  plaster  and  removed  to  the  Bureau  of  American  Ethnology  at 
Washington. 
*  See  Charlevois's  account  of  Natchez  temple,  reproduced  on  p.  508. 


506  PREHISTORIC    VILLAGES    IN    TENNESSEE  [eth.ann.41 

At  the  building  of  tlie  temple,  when  the  black  loam  surface  soil 
was  removed  down  to  the  clay  subsoil  in  order  to  obtain  a  hard  floor, 
after  filling  cache  pit  27,  they  raised  over  it  a  low  platform,  17  inches 
above  the  remainder  of  the  clay  subsoil  floor.  This  is  shown  by  the 
17-inch  layer  of  black  soil  found  under  the  clay  fire  bed.  On  this 
raised  earthen  platform  was  spread  a  layer  of  clay,  brought  from 
elsewhere,  and  mixed  with  cane  stems  with  leaves  attached.  This 
formed  a  fire  bed.  That  this  layer  was  not  part  of  the  plastered 
wattled  wall,  fallen  in  when  the  building  was  burned,  like  that  found 
at  space  24-25,  is  proved  by  the  fact  that  the  surface  of  the  fire  bed 
is  not  sharply  rough  and  uneven  and  lumpy  like  that  on  space  24-25. 
It  shows  signs  of  smoothing  and  wearing  do^\Ti,  caused  by  the  raking 
away  of  ashes  and  the  other  wear  of  long  use  as  a  fire  bed.  It  was 
not  burned  as  hard  as  the  clay  in  the  altar.  Wliat  remained  of  it 
after  its  long  wearing  down  varied  from  one-half  to  2]^  inches  in 
thickness.  The  soil  underneath  it  showed  the  effects  of  fitre  to  a 
depth  of  from  1  to  214  inches.  The  burning  of  the  light,  plastered, 
cane-wattled  wall  would  not  have  been  long  enough  continued  to  have 
affected  the  underlying  soil  to  such  a  depth. 

On  the  dotted  area  24-25  was  found  a  low,  irregular,  rough,  lumpy 
layer  of  hard-burned  clay,  which  contained  the  impressions  of  cane 
stems  with  the  leaves  attached.  This  had  every  appearance  of  being 
a  portion  of  the  old  clay-plastered  wattled  wall,  fallen  inward  when 
the  building  was  destroyed  by  fire. 

Ceremonial  Fires  at  the  Four  World  Quarters 

At  8,  13,  14,  and  15,  Figure  123,  were  found  traces  of  small  fires. 
At  8  was  a  large  fragment  of  log,  12  inches  long  and  4  mches  in 
diameter;  lying  diagonally  across  this  was  the  charred  fragment  of 
another  log,  24  inches  long  and  5  inches  in  diameter. 

At  13  were  found  the  remains  of  a  single  fragment  of  charred  log, 
about  8  inches  long  and  4  inches  in  diameter.  It  was  lying  at  an 
angle  of  about  25  degrees  in  a  large  bed  of  loose  black  earth,  in  which 
was  a  large  number  of  small  fragments  of  charcoal.  Tliis  loose  black 
earth  showed  traces  of  the  action  of  fire. 

At  14  two  fragments  of  charred  logs,  each  about  20  inches  long 
and  5  inches  in  diameter,  were  found,  one  lying  diagonally  across  the 
other. 

Two  similar-sized  charred  logs,  one  lying  across  the  other,  were 
found  at  15. 

There  were  no  large  beds  of  ashes  at  any  of  these  four  points  such 
as  would  arise  from  fires  in  continuous  operation  at  the  same  point 
for  a  long  period  of  time.  Neither  did  the  soil  under  these  piles  of 
charred  logs  show  signs  of  long-continued  heat.     Everything  pointed 


MTEB)  GORDON   TOWN   SITE  507 

to  their  being  the  remains  of  fires  of  no  great  intensity,  probably  not 
often  used,  and  then  for  only  a  few  hours  at  a  time. 

It  will  be  noted  that  these  fires  are  approximately  at  the  four 
cardinal  points  or  four  world  quarters.  Later  in  this  record  it  appears 
that  the  four  cardinal  points  or  four  world  quarters  and  the  spirits 
dwelling  therein  played  an  important  part  in  the  religious  beliefs  of 
this  people.  It  is  therefore  highly  probable  that  these  four  fires 
were  lighted  at  the  celebration  of  rites  in  which  the  four  world 
quarters  played  a  part.  The  appearance  of  the  deeply  burned  soil 
underneath  the  central  altar  indicates  fires  of  long  continuance. 

That  tliis  was  either  a  temple  or  a  town  house  is  further  indicated 
by  finding  tlierein  nothing  wliich  belonged  exclusively  to  domestic 
use.  Only  about  one-fourth  as  many  fragments  of  animal  bones  and 
pottery  were  found  scattered  tlirough  the  accmnulated  black  loam 
which  covered  the  ruins  of  tliis  building  as  were  found  in  that  cover- 
ing the  ruins  of  buildings  unmistakably  for  domestic  purposes.  These 
fragments  of  bones  and  pottery  were  such  as  might  accumulate  from 
occasional  feasts. 

Other  Temples  of  the  Southern  Indians 

A  study  of  some  of  the  temples  seen  by  the  earlier  explorers  in  the 
Gulf  States  will  aid  in  arriving  at  the  probable  use  and  appearance 
of  Gordon  temple.  It  must  be  borne  in  mind  that  the  tribes  were 
different  and  their  structures  probably  more  or  less  dissimilar. 

The  temple  of  the  Taensas  in  Louisiana  was  30  by  12  feet.  The 
well-known  temple  of  the  Natchez,  a  few  miles  from  the  site  of  the 
present  city  of  Natchez,  Miss.,  was  about  30  by  30  feet. 

The  dimensions  of  the  Gordon  temple  are  46  by  33  feet.  It  is 
therefore  larger  than  either  of  the  above  well-known  temples. 

As  an  aid  to  getting  at  least  an  approximate  idea  of  the  use  and 
appearance  of  the  Gordon  temple,  Dr.  John  II.  Swanton's  translation 
of  a  portion  of  the  description  by  Du  Pratz  of  the  Natchez  temple  is 
here  reproduced,  with  the  illustration  accompanying  the  same 
(pi.  101,  a). 

It  must  not  be  supposed  that  the  temple  and  its  uses  would  be 
precisely  the  same  among  tribes  so  far  separated  and  so  different 
from  each  other  as  those  of  the  Gordon  site  and  those  around  Natchez. 

This  temple,  the  front  of  which  looks  toward  the  rising  sun,  is  placed  on  a 
mound  of  earth  brought  thither  which  rises  about  8  feet  above  the  natural  level 
of  the  ground  on  the  bank  of  a  little  river.  *  *  *  This  temple  measures 
about  30  feet  each  way.  The  four  angle  or  corner  posts  are  of  the  inner  part  of 
the  cypress,  which  is  incorruptible.  These  trees  in  their  actual  condition  appear 
to  have  a  diameter  of  a  foot  and  a  half.  They  rise  10  feet  out  of  the  earth  and 
extend  to  the  beginning  of  the  roof.  The  Natchez  state  that  they  are  as  much 
in  the  earth  as  above  it,  a  fact  which  must  make  it  secure  against  the  winds. 
The  other  posts  are  a  foot  in  diameter  and  are  of  the  same  wood,  having  the 


508  PREHISTORIC   VILLAGES  IN  TENNESSEE  (eth.ann.41 

same  length  in  the  earth  as  above  it.  Tlie  wall  is  a  rough  mud  wall  entirely 
smooth  outside  and  a  little  sunken  between  every  (two)  posts  inside  in  such  a 
way  that  it  is  not  more  than  9  inches  thick  in  the  middle. 

The  interior  of  this  temple  is  divided  into  two  unequal  parts  by  a  little  wall 
which  cuts  it  from  the  rising  to  the  setting  sun.  The  part  into  which  one  enters 
may  be  20  feet  wide  and  the  other  may  be  10,  but  in  this  second  part  it  is  extremely 
gloomy,  because  there  is  only  one  opening,  which  is  the  door  of  the  temple  itself, 
which  is  to  the  north,  and  because  the  little  communicating  door  is  not  capable 
of  lighting  the  second  part. 

There  is  nothing  remarkable  in  the  inside  of  the  temple  except  a  table  or  altar 
about  4  feet  high  and  6  long  by  2  broad.  On  this  table  is  a  coffer  made  of  cane 
splints  very  well  worked,  in  which  are  the  bones  of  the  last  great  Sun.  The 
eternal  fire  is  in  this  first  part  of  the  temple.  In  the  other  and  more  secluded 
part  nothing  can  be  distinguished  except  two  planks  worked  by  hand  on  which 
are  many  mirmte  carvings  (plusieurs  minuties)  which  one  is  unable  to  make  out, 
owing  to  the  insufficient  light. 

The  roof  of  this  temple  is  a  long  vault,  the  ridge  pole  of  which  is  not  more  than 

6  feet  long,  on  which  are  placed  representations  of  three  great  birds  (carved)  on 

flat  pieces  of  wood.     They  are  twice  as  large  as  a  goose.     They  have  no  feet. 

The  neck  is  not  as  long  as  that  of  a  goose,  and  the  head  does  not  resemble  it. 

The  wing  feathers  are  large  and  very  distinct.     The  ground  color  is  white  mingled 

with  feathers  of  a  beautiful  red  color.     These  birds  look  toward  the  east.     The 

roof  is  very  neat  outside  and  in.     In  fact,  the  structure  and  roof  appear  of  a 

perfect  solidity. 

******* 

It  is  in  this  temple  that  two  men  tend  the  perpetual  fire  during  each  quarter 
of  the  moon.  There  are  eight  guardians  for  the  four  quarters,  and  a  superior 
who  is  called  chief  of  the  guardians  of  the  fire  to  command  them  and  to  see  that 
they  do  their  duty,  and  to  have  the  wood  brought  for  this  fire.  This  wood  must 
be  clear  wood.  They  employ  for  it  only  clear  white  walnut  (or  hickory)  without 
bark.  The  logs  are  7  to  8  inches  in  diameter  by  8  feet  long.  They  are  placed 
near  the  temple  about  the  trunk  of  a  tree  with  a  rather  short  stem.  This  tree  is 
covered  with  thorns  from  the  earth  to  the  top.  I  have  given  a  description  of  it 
in  the  natural  history  under  the  name  of  passion  thorn.  I  have  never  been  able 
to  find  out  why  they  have  respect  for  this  tree  wherever  they  find  it,  imless  it  be 
on  account  of  the  employment  to  which  it  is  destined.  These  guardians  are 
interested  in  preserving  the  fire,  for  it  costs  their  lives  to  let  it  go  out.  There  is 
besides,  for  the  service  of  the  temple,  a  master  of  ceremonies,  who  is  also  the 
master  of  the  mysteries,  since,  according  to  them,  he  speaks  very  familiarly  to 
the  spirit.  In  the  great  ceremonies  he  wears  a  crown  which  has  feathers  only  in 
front  and  is  thus  a  half  crown.  He  also  has  in  his  hand  a  red  baton  ornamented 
with  red  or  white  feathers  according  to  the  requirements  of  the  feast.  Above 
all  these  persons  is  the  great  Sun,  who  is  at  the  same  time  high  priest  and  sovereign 
of  the  nation.' 

Charlevoix's  Account  of  Natchez  Temple 

Charlevoix's  journal  describing  this  Natchez  temple  says: 

The  temple  is  very  near  the  great  chief's  cabin,  turned  toward  the  east,  and 
at  the  end  of  the  square.  It  is  composed  of  the  same  materials  as  the  cabins, 
but  its  shape  is  different;  it  is  a  long  square,  about  40  feet  by  20  wide,  with  a 
common  roof,  in  shape  like  ours.  At  the  two  ends  there  are  what  appear  to  be 
two  weather  cocks  of  wood,  which  represent  very  indifferently  two  eagles. 

'  Indian  tribes  of  the  Lower  Mississippi  VaUey,  Bull.  43,  Bur.  Amer.  Ethn.,  pp.  162-163. 


BUREAU    OF    AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY  FORTY-FIRST    ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE    100 


ALTAR    IN  TEMPLE,  CIRCLE   NO.   1 


BUREAU    OF    AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY  FORTY-FIRST    ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE    101 


j^lort  ct  Convoi  du   Serpent pitfuc 


Temple  . 


a,  Natchez  temple  {.from  Du  Pratz) 


6,  Framework  of  lodge 


BUREAU    OF    AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY  FORTY-FIRST   ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE    102 


W 


-^SflCf^'* 


V    ■ 


a,  llourgliiss-shaped  bead 

b,  Small  stone  discoidal 

c,  Sphericiil  object 


(I,  Pottery  head 

e.  Leaf-shaped  cheit  implement 


BUREAU    OF  AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY  FORTY-FIRST    ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE    103 


0,  Grave  No. 


b.  Portion  of  house  circle  No.  3 


myeb] 


GORDOX  TOWN   SITE  509 


The  door  is  in  the  midst  of  the  length  of  the  building,  which  has  no  Qther 
opening.  On  each  side  there  are  benches  of  stone.  The  inside  perfectly  corre- 
sponds to  this  rustic  outside.  Three  pieces  of  wood,  which  touch  at  the  ends 
and  which  are  placed  in  a  triangle,  or,  rather,  equally  distant  from  each  other, 
take  up  almost  all  the  middle  of  the  temple.  These  pieces  are  on  fire  and  burn 
slowly.  A  savage,  whom  they  call  the  keeper  of  the  temple,  is  obliged  to 
tend  the  fire  and  prevent  its  going  out.  If  it  is  cold,  he  may  have  his  fire 
apart,,  but  he  is  not  allowed  to  warm  liimself  at  that  which  burns  in  honor  of  the 
sun.  *     *     *  ^ 

Objects  Fotjnd  in  Black  Loam  Covering  Temple 

Scattered  tlirough  the  black  loam  wliich  covered  this  temple  circle 
were  found  the  lower  jaw  of  an  adult  black  bear,  two  teeth  of  a  black 
bear,  an  hourglass  shaped  bead  of  black  pottery  (pi.  102,  a),  and  a 
small  rude  stone  discoidal,  1  Yz  inches  in  diameter  and  five-eighths  of 
an  inch  in  thickness.     This  discoidal  is  shoMii  in  Plate  102,  6. 

THE    TOWN  SQUARE 

Mound  B 

The  low,  oval,  almost  flat  mound  B,  at  the  northwestern  corner 
of  the  town  square,  is  41  feet  across  the  base  from  A  %o  B  and  2}^ 
feet  in  height,  C  to  D.     (See  vertical  section  in  fig.  125.) 


D 

Fig.  125. — Vertical  section  of  mound  B 

Fire  ceremonies  played  a  considerable  part  in  the  erection  of  this 
moimd;  but  its  rites  were  quite  different  from  those  in  the  erection 
of  mound  A,  diagonally  across  the  corner  of  the  square.  The  many 
such  differences  found  in  mounds  whose  contemplated  uses  were  en- 
tirely different  lead  to  the  belief  that  each  tj^e  of  mound  probably 
had  appropriate,  distinctive  sacred  rites  peculiar  to  its  intended  use. 

At  the  center  of  tlie  proposed  mound  an  irregularly  shaped  layer 
of  clay,  approximately  40  inches  in  length  and  27  inches  in  width, 
had  been  spread  to  a  depth  of  4  inches  on  the  original  surface  of  the 
soil.  A  heavy  and  long-continued  fire  had  been  kept  on  this  layer 
of  clay  or  altar  until  it  had  been  hardened  and  the  soil  underneath  it 
more  or  less  burned  to  a  depth  of  4  inches.  This  made  a  total  depth 
of  8  inches  showing  the  effect  of  long-continued  strong  heat  on  this 
clay  altar.  Then,  before  any  earth  was  piled  on  top  of  this  burned 
clay  bed,  aU  the  ashes  and  debris  were  carefully  removed;  but  the 
clay  was  left  undisturbed.  This  removal  of  ashes  was  quite  different 
from  any  rites  used  in  the  construction  of  mound  A.     If  there  was 

!  Swanton,  op.  cit.,  pp.  159-160. 


510 


PREHISTORIC    VILLAGES    IN   TENNESSEE 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


any  feasting  in  connection  with  the  fire,  all  traces  were  removed  wath 
the  aslies. 

The  mound  was  then  raised  to  its  present  height.  Traces  of  two 
or  tliree  small  beds  of  ashes,  in  different  portions  of  the  mound, 
showed  that  ceremonies,  accompanied  by  small  fires,  had  been  per- 
formed at  various  stages  of  its  erection. 

In  the  original  clay  subsoil,  10  feet  east  of  the  center  of  the  mound, 
was  a  rifled  stone-slab  grave.  It  contained  a  few  bones  belonging  to 
an  adult,  and  also  some  belonging  to  a  child  about  10  yeai-s  of  age. 
It  was  impossible  to  determine  whether  or  not  both  had  been  buried 
in  this  one  grave.  If  so,  they  must  have  been  placed  in  it  after  decay 
of  the  flesh,  as  the  coffin,  while  of  the  usual  adult  size,  was  too  small 


I^G.  126.— Site  of  the  public  square,  hothouse,  and  chunkey  yard 

to  have  held  both  bodies  if  buried  at  the  same  time  before  the  decay 
of  the  flesh. 

Use  of  Mound  B 

The  use  to  which  this  mound  was  put  is  not  clear.  If  the  adjoining 
town  square  had  an  arrangement  somewhat  similar  to  the  ancient 
Southern  Creek  town  shown  in  Figure  126  it  is  very  probable  this 
mound  supported  a  building  such  as  the  early  whites  called  a  hot 
house.  This  hot  house  was  used  both  for  ceremonials  and  for  other 
public  purposes,  especially  in  cold  weather.  It  must  not  be  confused 
with  so-called  sweat  houses.'  No  trace  of  this  building,  if  it  ever 
existed,  was  found.  However,  it  must  be  remembered  that  the  age 
of  the  Gordon  town  site  is  such  that  all  wooden  objects  have  dis- 
appeared except  those  that  became  charred. 

^  See  Swan*s  description  of  such  a  hot  house  in  an  Alabama  Creek  town  in  1791,  reproduced  in  this 
volume,  p.  514. 


UTEBl 


GORDON    TOWN    SITE 


511 


The  Town  Square  of  the  Creek  Indians 

The  town  square  of  some  of  the  Creek  towns  will  likely  throw 
some  light  on  the  plan  and  uses  of  the  Gordon  town  square.  Two 
very  good  accounts  of  typical  Creek  town  squares  are  here  given. 

Figure  127  is  a  reproduction  of  a  diagram  '"  representing  the  town 
square  of  Kasi'hta,  a  Creek  town  "on  Deep  Fork  west  and  east  of 
Okmulgee,"  in  what  is  now  Oklahoma,  as  it  appeared  about  1888. 
It  throws  an  interesting  side  light  on  the  appearance  of  the  town 

JVortitern  shed'. 


^ 

y. 

n 

§ 

I 

I 
■I 


2>f 


.00 


for  iallp^  <^<^  all  ^^^ 


(tddsliu  ) 


"/■s, 


°^ 


Fig.  127. — Diagram  of  the  Kasi'hta  towD  square 

square  and  the  uses  of  the  building  thereon,  during  the  celebration 
of  one  of  the  many  different  great  sacred  ceremonies  of  the  Creeks. 

Although  the  diagram  appended  intends  to  represent  the  town-square  of 
Kasi'hta  town  in  particular,  it  may  be  regarded  as  an  average  reproduction  of 
all  of  the  town  houses,  or  tchiiko  'Idko,  as  found  to  exist  at  the  present  time  in 
the  few  settlements  of  the  Creek  Nation,  Indian  Territory,  which  have  preserved 
the  antique  institution  of  the  busk  or  puskita. 

The  four  sheds  are  rather  low  and  of  equal  size  and  construction,  each  facing 
one  of  the  four  points  of  the  compass;  the  roof  rests  on  five  supports,  and  thus 


'"  Oatschet's  "Migration  Legend  of  the  Creek  Indians,"  toI.  n,  p.  186. 


512  PREHISTORIC   VILLAGES  IN   TENNESSEE  [eth.anm.41 

each  shed  is  divided  into  four  parts.  The  front  of  each  measures  about  forty 
feet,  and  open  passages  are  left  between.  Each  shed  stands  upon  ground  sloping 
forward,  is  open  behind,  and  on  its  floor  contains  from  12  to  15  logs  running 
parallel  and  intended  for  seats.  The  sheds  or  tiipa,  lit.  "scaffolds,"  are  entered 
from  behind;  the  space  under  the  seats  is  reserved  for  the  storage  of  objects 
needed  during  the  celebration  of  the  busk,  which  formerly  lasted  eight  days, 
but  is  now  in  several  towns  reduced  to  six  or  even  four  days. 

The  coimcil  house,  rotunda,  or  tchuk6fa  'Idko,  where  meetings  were  held  only 
in  winter  and  during  bad  weather,  is  built  into  the  southern  end  of  the  western 
shed,  and  a  road  leads  from  its  door  to  the  square  and  fireplace,  upon  which  the 
people  often  moved  in  file  or  procession.  South  of  the  southern  shed  is  the 
tidshu  or  area  surrounded  by  an  earth  wall,  where  games  and  dancing  have  fuU 
sway.  In  the  town  of  Tukabatchi  this  area  lies  behind  the  western  shed.  The 
four  logs  which  feed  the  sacred  fire  lie  in  the  center  of  the  square,  and  each  in 
the  direction  toward  one  of  the  points  of  the  compass. 

The  sheds  and  partitions  assigned  to  each  of  the  gentes  and  divisions  of  the 
people  vary  greatly  from  town  to  town.  Tdlua  'Idko,  now  the  only  busking 
town  of  the  Hitchiti  connection,  disposes  them,  according  to  G.  W.  Stidham,  in 
the  following  order:  The  western  shed  is  assigned  to  the  mtkalgi;  the  south  shed 
to  the  tassikdyalgi,  familiarly  called  boijs;  the  east  shed  to  the  women  and  chil- 
dren; the  north  shed  to  the  tastenakdlgi  or  "wirriors."  The  details  of  the 
present  diagram  refer  to  the  square  of  Kasl'hta  town  on  the  Deep  Fork  of  Cana- 
dian River  and  were  obtained  from  chief  Ispahfdshi,  who  is  a  native  of  that 
town  and  well  acquainted  with  its  present  and  earlier  customs. 

Following  his  indications,  the  seats  of  the  Kasi'hta  square  are  occupied  as 
follows  during  the  busk  festival:  The  western  partition  of  the  northern  shed  is 
held  by  the  warriors  or  tustfindkis,  the  three  others  by  the  wild  cat,  fox,  panther, 
and  itamdlgi  gentes.  The  front  seat  in  the  westernmost  corner  is  occupied  by 
the  hu'li  opundya  or  war-speaker  (K),  who  had  to  be  consulted  on  war  questions 
and  military  matters  and  has  been  compared  to  our  "Secretary  of  War."  The 
other  seven  front  seats  next  to  each  partition  pillar  (  +  )  are  held  by  busk  officials 
called  Imd'la,  who  had  to  act  as  masters  of  ceremonies.  Two  pots  filled  with 
mfko-huyanidsha  stand  in  front  of  the  shed  upon  the  area  of  the  square. 

In  the  u'estern  shed  one  of  the  middle  front  seats  is  occupied  by  the  town  chief, 
or  miko  (2/),  who  among  the  Kasf'htas  is  always  selected  from  the  bear  clan, 
or  nokusdlgi.  Immediately  to  the  north  of  him  sits  the  vice  chief  (-I-),  who  is 
elected  from  the  bear  clan  also.  Around  and  behind  these  dignitaries  the  men 
of  the  alligator  and  the  fish  gens  are  occupying  seats.  Three  pots  of  black 
drink,  etc.,  are  placed  in  front  of  this  shed. 

The  western  front  seat  of  the  southern  shed  is  assigned  to  another  dignitary, 
called  K6si  mfko  (©),  selected  from  the  beaver  gens  exclusively.  He  and  the 
tdlua  htniha  'Idko,  or  "grand  hiniha  of  the  town,"  who  sits  in  the  partition 
corner  next  to  him  (  +  ),  had  the  privilege  of  appointing  another  miko  in  case 
of  death  or  incapacity,  provided  the  two  agreed  upon  the  same  person.  They 
tried  by  their  most  suggestive  means  of  oratory  to  persuade  him  to  accept  the 
office;  afterwards  he  was  silently  recognized  as  chief  by  the  whole  community. 
In  the  same  shed  are  sitting,  in  succession  from  west  to  east,  the  men  of  the 
beaver,  wind,  ahalakdlgi,  bird,  and  deer  gens.  Two  pots  stand  in  front  of  the 
southern  shed. 

The  eastern  shed  is  not  occupied  by  any  officials,  but  reserved  to  women,  chil- 
dren, and  strangers.     No  medicine  pots  are  placed  in  front  of  this  shed. 

******* 

After  the  participants  have  arrived  and  made  themselves  ready  on  the  first 
day,  the  second  day  of  the  Kasl'hta  busk  becomes  the  great  joyful  day  for  young 


uyer] 


GORDON   TOWN   SITE  513 


and  old.  Being  a  sort  of  mardi  gras,  it  is  called  by  the  Creeks  the  "day  of  all-day 
eating,"  or  nita  hiimpi  isydfkita.  Since  men  are  detailed  for  almost  every  con- 
ceivable ministration  connected  with  the  busk,  the  chiefs  send  out  on  the  morning 
of  the  second  day  four  men  for  logs  to  kindle  the  "new  fire."  They  cut  them  as 
large  as  each  man  can  carry,  and  deposit  them  on  the  four  corners  of  the  square, 
where  they  have  to  remain  for  that  day.  Then  the  logs  are  brought  together 
with  their  ends  so  close  as  to  allow  the  fire  to  burn  between  them,  and  on  the 
last  day  everybody  has  to  take  home  some  of  the  new  sacred  fire  (called  so 
because  kindled  ceremonially),  and  extinguish  the  old  fire  upon  his  fireplace." 

Swan's  diagram  (fig.  126)  is  here  reproduced  with  his  explanation 
of  a  typical  Alabama  Creek  town  square  in  1791.'^ 

The  public  squares,  placed  near  the  center  of  each  town,  are  formed  by  four 
buildings  of  equal  size,  facing  inward,  and  inclosing  an  area  of  about  30  feet  on 
each  side.  These  houses  are  made  of  the  same  materials  as  their  dwelling  houses, 
but  differ  by  having  the  front  which  faces  the  square  left  entirely  open,  and  the 
walls  of  the  back  sides  have  an  open  space  of  two  feet  or  more  next  to  the  eaves, 
to  admit  a  circulation  of  air.  Each  of  these  houses  is  partitioned  into  three 
apartments,  making  twelve  in  all,  which  are  called  the  cabins;  the  partitions 
which  separate  these  cabins  are  made  of  clay,  and  only  as  high  as  a  man's  shoul- 
ders, when  sitting.  Each  cabin  has  three  seats,  or  rather  platforms,  being  broad 
enough  to  sleep  upon.  The  first  is  raised  about  two  feet  from  the  ground,  the 
second  is  eight  inches  higher,  and  the  third  or  back  seat,  as  much  above  the 
second.  The  whole  of  the  seats  are  joined  together  by  a  covering  of  cane  mats 
as  large  as  carpets.  It  is  a  rule,  to  have  a  new  covering  to  the  seats  every  year, 
previous  to  the  ceremony  of  the  busk;  therefore,  as  the  old  coverings  are  never 
removed,  they  have,  in  most  of  their  squares,  eight,  ten,  and  twelve  coverings, 
laid  one  upon  the  other. 

The  squares  are  generally  made  to  face  the  east,  west,  north,  and  south.  The 
center  cabin,  on  the  east  side,  is  always  allotted  to  the  beloved,  or  first  men  of 
the  town,  and  is  called  the  beloved  seat.  Three  cabins,  on  the  south  side,  belong 
to  the  most  distinguished  warriors;  and  those  on  the  north  side  to  the  second 
men,  etc.  The  west  side  is  appropriated  to  hold  the  lumber  and  apparatus  used 
in  cooking  "black  drink,"  "war  physic,"  etc.  On  the  post,  or  on  a  plank  over 
each  of  the  cabins,  are  painted  the  emblems  of  the  family  to  whom  it  is  allotted, 
to  wit:  The  buffalo  family  have  the  buffalo  painted  on  their  cabin,  the  bear  has 
the  bear,  and  so  on. 

Up  under  the  roofs  of  the  houses  are  suspended  a  heterogeneous  collection  of 
emblems  and  trophies  of  peace  and  war,  viz,  eagles'  feathers,  swans'  wings, 
wooden  scalping  knives,  war  clubs,  red-painted  wands,  bunches  of  hoops  on 
which  to  dry  their  scalps,  remnants  of  scalps,  bundles  of  snake-root  war  physic, 
baskets,  etc. 

Such  posts  and  other  timbers  about  the  square  as  are  smooth  enough  to  admit 
of  it  have  a  variety  of  rude  paintings  of  warriors'  heads  with  horns,  horned 
rattlesnakes,  horned  alligators,  etc. 

Some  of  the  squares  in  the  red  or  war  towns,  which  have  always  been  governed 
by  warriors,  are  called  painted  squares,  having  all  the  posts  and  smooth  timber 
about  them  painted  red,  with  white  or  black  edges.  This  is  considered  a  peculiar 
and  very  honorary  mark  of  distinction.  Some  towns  also  have  the  privilege  of 
a  covered  square,  which  is  nothing  more  than  a  loose  scaffolding  of  canes  laid 
on  poles  over  the  whole  of  the  area  between  the  houses.  Whence  these  privi- 
leges arose,  I  could  never  learn,  and  it  is  a  doubt  with  me  if  they  know  themselves. 

"  Gatsehet,  op.  cit.,  pp.  186-189. 

"  From  Schoolcraft's  "  Information  Respecting  the  Indian  tribes  of  the  United  States,"  vol.  v,  pp.  264-266. 


514  PREHISTORIC    VILLAGES    IN   TENNESSEE  Ieth.ann.41 

Traveling  Indians,  having  no  relations  in  the  town,  often  sleep  in  the  public 
square  as  they  are  passing  on  their  journey.  This  is  one  of  their  ancient  rites 
of  hospitality.  And  poor  old  men  and  women,  suffering  for  want  of  clothes,  are 
entitled  to  .sleep  in  the  hothouses  of  the  town  they  live  in,  if  they  please. 

The  square  is  the  place  for  all  public  meetings  and  the  performance  of  all  their 
principal  warlike  and  religious  ceremonies. 


Each  square,  as  necessary  appendages,  has  a  hothouse  at  the  northwest  corner 
of  it  and  a  May-pole,  with  a  large  circular  beaten  yard  around  it,  at  the  south- 
west corner,  which  is  called  the  "chunkey  yard."  These  two  places  are  chiefly 
appropriated  to  dancing.  The  yard  is  used  in  warm  and  the  hothouse  in  cold 
weather. 

The  hothouse  is  a  perfect  pyramid  of  about  25  feet  high  on  a  circular  base  of 
the  same  diameter.  The  walls  of  it  are  of  clay,  about  6  feet  high,  and  from  thence 
drawn  regularly  to  a  point  at  the  top  and  covered  round  with  tufts  of  bark. 
Inside  of  the  hothouse  is  one  broad  circular  seat  made  of  canes  and  attached  to 
the  walls  all  around.  The  fire  is  kindled  in  the  center,  and  the  house,  having 
no  ventilator,  soon  becomes  intolerably  hot;  yet  the  savages,  amidst  all  the 
smoke  and  dust  raised  from  the  earthen  floor  by  their  violent  manner  of  dancing, 
bear  it  for  hours  together  without  the  least  apparent  inconvenience. 

That  mound  B  most  likely  supported  a  hothouse  or  winter  council 
house  is  also  borne  out  by  Bartram's  description  of  some  of  the  Creek 
towns  seen  by  him  shortly  before  1789.  Referring  to  earth  works  of 
the  ancients  which  shortly  before  1789  were  still  being  used  by  the 
then  existing  Creeks,  he  states: 

B,  a  circular  eminence  at  one  end  of  the  [chunkey]  yard,  commonly  9  or  10 
feet  higher  than  the  ground  round  about.  Upon  this  mound  stands  the  great 
Rotunda,  Hot  House,  or  Winter  Council  House  of  the  present  Creeks.  It  was 
probably  designed  and  used  by  the  ancients  who  constructed  it  for  the  same 
purpose." 

He  also  shows,  on  the  same  page,  that  the  chunkey  yard  had  a 
"chunk"  pole  erected  in  the  center  of  the  yard  and  two  "slave  posts," 
one  at  each  of  two  corners  of  the  chunkey  yard.  His  diagram  of  this 
rotunda  or  hothouse  is  reproduced  in  Figure  128,  with  the  following 
explanation : 

B,  the  rotunda;  A,  the  door  opening  toward  the  square;  the  three  circular  lines 
show  the  two  rows  of  seats,  sofas,  or  cabins,  the  punctures  show  the  poles  or 
columns  which  support  the  building;  C,  the  great  central  piUar  or  column,  sur- 
rounded by  the  spiral  fire,  which  gives  light  to  the  house.'* 

HOUSE  CIRCLE  NO.  3 

Lack  of  funds  prevented  excavation  of  as  many  of  the  87  house 
circles  as  was  desirable.  Circles  Nos.  3,  20,  23,  42,  18,  79,  and  84 
were  therefore  selected.  These  represented  every  section  oi  the  towTi, 
and  probably  many  types  of  occupants,  and  thus  were  likely  to  yield 
widely  difi'crent  information. 

13  Bartram's  Creek  and  Cherokee  Indians,  in  Transactions  of  the  American  Ethnological  Society,  vol. 
ni,  part  1,  p.  62. 
»  Bartram,  ibid.,  p.  54. 


MTEB] 


GORDON   TOWN   SITE 


515 


House  circle  No.  3,  shown  in  Plate  99,  adjoined  mound  A  on  the 
south,  and  also  was  at  the  southwestern  corner  of  the  town  square. 
TJie  large  size  of  this  circle,  its  prominent  position,  and  the  rehcs 
found  therein,  all  indicate  it  was  occupied  by  some  important 
personage. 

There  was  an  earthen  platform  on  the  eastern  side,  overlooking  the 
town  square.  Tliis  platform  is  shown  on  the  map,  Plate  95.  Judging 
from  other  southern  Indian  towns  seen  by  the  early  whites,  this 
building  probably  had  in  front  of  it  a  shed  or  piazza  extending  over 


w/mm, 

1 

A 

\ 

W/mm} 

/. 
^ 

C 

Fig.  128.— Arrangement  of  chunkey  yard  (O,  public  square  (A),  and  rotunda  (B). 
Bartram's  "Creek  and  Cherokee  Indians") 


(From 


a  portion  ot  the  platform.  Under  tliis  shed  important  personages 
and  possibly  others  viewed  the  happenings  in  the  town  square. 

If  this  square  had  an  arrangement  similar  to  that  of  some  of  the 
early  Creek  towns,  as  shown  in  Figure  126,  the  chunkey  yard  was  in 
front  of  this  building  No.  3,  in  the  nook  at  the  southwestern  corner 
of  the  square  and  the  portions  of  the  square  adjacent  thereto. 

Plate  103,  h,  shows  a  photograph  of  the  uncovered  floor  in  the 
central  portion  of  house  circle  No.  3,  and  a  diagram  of  this  circle  is 
shown  in  Figure  129.     There  is  evidence  indicating  the  existence  of 


516 


PREHISTORIC   VILLAGES   IN   TENNESSEE 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


the  line  of  wall  posts  shown  in  the  diagrams  of  circles  Nos.  3,  23,  12^  79, 
and  84,  but  time  and  the  elements  have  destroyed  all  remains  of  them. 
Only  in  rare  instances  where  the  wood  had  become  charred  were  any 
traces  of  wooden  objects  found  on  the  Gordon  site. 

A  diagram  giving  wliat  is  probably  a  correct  vertical  section  of  the 
original  circle,  and  showing  the  relative  depths  of  the  various  graves, 
altar,;  and  other  objects,  is  shown  in  Figure  130. 

A  study  of  the  photograph  (pi.  103,  b)  will  show  that  black  loam 
to  a  depth  of  over  16  inches  had  accumulated  on  the  floor  of  this 


o 
9 
9 
6 


q 
6 


o 

I 

6 


Fig.  129.— Diagram  of  circle  No.  3 

ancient  building  since  it  was  deserted  by  its  last  occupants.     The 
yardstick  in  the  illustration  is  not  resting  upon  the  floor. 

As  this  building  was  similar  in  construction  to  a  large  percentage 
of  the  houses  in  this  town,  the  various  steps  in  its  erection  will  be 
traced.  Excavations  showed  that  strong  poles  for  house-wall  sup- 
ports had  been  firmly  set  around  a  circle  38  feet  in  diameter.  The 
surface  soil  within  this  circle  had  been  removed  do\vn  to  the  firm  clay 
subsoil  over  the  circular  space,  30  feet  in  diameter,  shown  by  the 
dotted  line  1,  2,  3,  12,  13,  and  14  of  the  diagram  in  Figure  129.  The 
soil  from  this  interior  circular  space  was  thrown  against  the  wall  of 
poles,  forming  a  raised  earthen  ring,  which  held  the  poles  more  firmly, 


MTEB]  GORDON   TOWN   SITE  517 

added  to  the  warmth  of  the  interior,  and  aided  in  keeping  out  surface 
water.     Tliis  ring  has  worn  down  with  the  lapse  of  time. 

This  left  a  raised  platform  or  banquette,  4  feet  wide,  around  the 
inside  of  the  wall  of  the  house.  In  this  banquette  upright  posts  had 
probably  been  fixed,  supporting  shelves  or  bunks  of  woven  cane 
stems.  These  supporting  posts  were  about  2  to  2  J/2  feet  in  height, 
and  the  slielves  were  used  as  seats  by  day  and  as  beds  by  niglit.  The 
hairy  liides  of  large  animals,  like  deer  and  bear,  were  spread  on  these 
bmiks  for  mattress  and  covei'.  The  space  underneath  was  used  for 
storage.  At  a  point  where  tlie  banquette  met  tl^e  floor  were  found 
several  objects  which  either  had  been  stored  under  tlie  edge  of  these 
beds  or  had  become  covered  witli  debris. 

Tlie  following  account  of  the  Omaha  structures  of  the  middle  of 
the  nineteenth  century ''  may  throw  some  liglit  on  those  of  Gordon 
site. 

The  earth  lodge  [pi.  101,  b]  was  a  circular  dwelling,  having  walls  about  8  feet 
high  and  a  dome-shaped  roof,  with  a  central  opening  for  the  escape  of  smoke 


WM//////////A 

Fig.  130.— Diagram  showing  depth  of  the  remains  in  circle  No.  3 

and  the  admission  of  light.  The  task  of  building  an  earth  lodge  was  shared  by 
men  and  women.  The  marking  out  of  the  site  and  the  cutting  of  the  heavy  logs 
were  done  by  the  men.  When  the  location  was  chosen,  a  stick  was  thrust  in 
the  spot  where  the  fireplace  was  to  be,  one  end  of  a  rawhide  rope  was  fastened 
to  the  stick  and  a  circle  20  to  60  feet  in  diameter  was  drawn  on  tlie  earth  to  mark 
where  the  wall  was  to  be  erected.  The  sod  within  the  circle  was  removed,  the 
ground  excavated  about  a  foot  in  depth,  and  the  earth  thrown  around  the  circle 
like  an  embankment.  Small  crotched  posts  about  10  feet  high  were  set  8  or  10 
feet  apart  and  V/2  feet  within  the  circle,  and  on  these  were  laid  beams.  Outside 
this  frame  split  posts  were  set  close  together,  having  one  end  braced  against  the 
beams,  thus  forming  a  wall  of  timber.  The  opening  generally,  though  not  always, 
faced  the  east.  Midwaj'  between  the  central  fireplace  and  the  wall  were  planted 
4  to  8  large  crotched  posts  about  10  feet  in  height,  on  which  heavy  beams  rested, 
these  serving  to  support  the  roof.  This  was  made  of  long,  slender,  tapering  trees 
stripped  of  their  Ijark.  These  were  tied  at  their  large  ends  with  cords  (made 
from  the  inner  bark  of  the  linden)  to  the  beams  at  the  top  of  the  stockade  and  at 
the  middle  to  those  resting  in  the  crotches  of  the  large  posts  forming  the  inner 
circle  about  the  fireplace.  The  slender  ends  were  cut  so  as  to  form  the  circular 
opening  for  the  smoke,  the  edges  being  woven  together  with  elm  twine,  so  as  to  be 
firm.  Outside  the  woodwork  of  the  walls  and  roof,  branches  of  willow  were  laid 
crosswise  and  bound  tight  to  each  slab  and  pole.  Over  the  willows  a  heavy 
thatch  of  coarse  grass  was  arranged  so  as  to  shed  water.  On  the  grass  was 
placed  a  thick  coating  of  sod.     The  sods  were  cut  to  lap  and  be  laid  like  shingles. 

1^  Fletcher  and  La  Flesche,  "The  Omaha  Tribe,"  Twenty-seventh  .\nn.  Rept.  Bur.  Amer.  Ethn., 
pp.  97-99,  Washington,  19U. 


518 


PREHISTORIC    VILLAGES    IN    TENNESSEE 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


Finally  they  were  tamped  with  earth  and  made  impervious  to  rain.  The  en- 
trance way,  6  to  10  feet  long,  projected  from  the  door  and  was  built  in  the  same 
manner  as  the  lodge  and  formed  a  part  of  it.  A  curtain  of  skin  hung  at  the  inner 
and  one  at  the  outer  door  of  this  entrance  way.  Much  labor  was  expended  on 
the  floor  of  the  lodge.  The  loose  earth  was  carefully  removed  and  the  ground 
then  tamped.  It  was  next  flooded  with  water,  after  which  dried  grass  was 
spread  over  it  and  set  on  fire.  Then  the  ground  was  tamped  once  again.  This 
wetting  and  heating  was  repeated  two  or  three  times  until  the  floor  became  hard 
and  level  and  could  be  easily  swept  and  kept  clean.  Brooms  were  made  of 
brush  or  twigs  tied  together.  Couches  were  arranged  around  the  wall  in  the 
spaces  between  the  posts  of  the  framework.  These  were  provided  with  skins 
and  pillows  and  served  as  seats  by  day  and  as  beds  by  night.     *     *     * 

Near  each  dwelling,  generally  to  the  left  of  the  entrance,  the  cache  *  *  * 
was  built.  This  consisted  of  a  hole  in  the  ground  about  8  feet  deep,  rounded  at 
the  bottom  and  sides,  provided  with  a  neck  just  large  enough  to  admit  the  body 
of  a  person.     The  whole  was  lined  with  split  posts,  to  which  was  tied  an  inner 

lining  of  bunches  of  dried  grass.  The  opening  was 
protected  by  grass,  over  which  sod  was  placed.  In 
these  caches  the  winter  supply  of  food  was  stored; 
the  shelled  corn  was  put  into  skin  bags,  long  strings 
of  corn  on  the  cob  were  made  by  braiding  the  outer 
husks,  while  the  jerked  meat  was  packed  in  par- 
fleche  cases.  Pelts,  regalia,  and  extra  clothing  were 
generally  kept  in  the  cache;  but  these  were  laid  in 
ornamented  parfleche  cases,  never  used  but  for  this 
purpose. 

When  the  people  left  the  village  for  the  summer 
buffalo  hunt,  all  cumbersome  household  articles — 
as  the  mortars  and  pestles,  extra  hides,  etc. — were 
placed  in  the  caches  and  the  openings  carefully 
concealed.  The  cases  containing  gala  clothing  and  regalia  were  taken  along,  as 
these  garments  were  needed  at  the  great  tribal  ceremonies  which  took  place  during 
that  period. 

Plate  101,  h  (a  reproduction  from  pi.  22  of  the  Twenty-seventh 
Annual  Report  of  the  Bureau  of  ^Vmerican  Ethnology,  which  accom- 
panies the  above  account) ,  shows  how  the  Omahas  remove  the  earth 
from  the  center  and  throw  it  into  a  ring  around  the  walls,  very  much 
as  was  done  on  the  Gordon  site.  The  floors  appear  to  have  been 
prepared  in  a  similar  way. 

Figure  131,  wliich  is  also  a  reproduction  from  the  same  report, 
page  98,  shows  the  common  form  of  the  Omaha  cache.  This  cache 
recalls  the  one  found  under  the  floor  and  walls  of  temple  circle  No.  1 
of  the  Gordon  site. 

In  the  erection  of  the  Gordon  building,  when  the  surface  soil  of 
the  interior  had  been  removed  down  to  the  original  hard  clay  subsoil, 
this  subsoil  was  smoothed  and  hard  packed  and  apparently  hardened 
by  fire  to  form  a  firm  floor.  Many  of  these  clay  floors  showed  traces 
of  the  action  of  fire. 

Fire  Bowl 

A  diagram  of  the  interior  of  circle  No.  3  is  shown  in  Figure  129. 
Resting  on  the  floor,  at  the  exact  center  of  the  circle,  is  the  fire  bowl 
No.  8.     To  the  northeast  of  this  fire  bowl  was  a  beautiful  black, 


Fig.  131. — Common  form  of  cache 


MTERJ 


GORDON   TOWN   SITE 


519 


glossy  floor,  at  9,  the  shape  of  wliich  is  shown  in  the  diagram.  The 
fire  bowl,  floor,  and  other  near-by  remains  are  shown  in  more  detail 
in  Figure  132. 

Nos.  5  and  7  of  Figure  129  are  stone-slab  graves  of  cliildren,  wliich 
were  immediately  beneath  the  floor.  No.  11  is  a  rectangular  struc- 
ture of  small  stones.  Nos.  1,  2,  3,  12,  13,  and  14  are  the  hne  of  the 
edge  of  the  banquette.  The  fire  bowl.  No.  8,  is  shown  in  Plate  103,  b, 
and  in  diagram  in  Figure  129.  It  is  29  by  27  inches  outside  measure; 
25  by  23  inches  inside.  It  rests  upon  the  hard-packed  clay  floor. 
The  rim  is  the  same  size  as  that  of  the  fire  bowl  or  altar  in  temple 
circle  No.  1,  but  the  bowl  is  deeper.     The  depth  of  the  interior  of 


^eCTION 


-3"V"  ----> 


S   o 


N 


Fig  132. — Fire  bowl,  floor  stones,  pot 


this  bowl  is  6J^  inches;  that  of  house  circle  No.  1  is  4J4  inches.  It 
was  made  of  puddled  clay,  later  hard-burned  by  long-continued  use, 
in  the  same  manner  as  the  temple  altar,  as  the  earth  showed  action 
of  heat  to  a  depth  of  6  inches  below  the  bottom  of  the  bowl.  It  was 
about  half  filled  with  fine  white  ashes.  The  remainder  of  the  interior 
of  the  bowl  contained  ashes  mixed  with  minute  fragments  of  charcoal 
and  dark  earth.  No  bones  or  fragments  of  pottery  were  found  in  it. 
The  rim  of  the  bowl  was  8  inches  below  the  present  surface  of  the  soU. 

Rectangular  Structure  of  Small  Stones 

To  the  south  of  this  fire  bowl  was  a  rectangular  structure  of  small 
limestone  rocks,  10  by  14  inches,  height  8  inches.  These  stones 
ranged  from  the  size  of  an  egg  to  the  size  of  the  fist.  They  were 
roughly  but  neatly  fitted  together,  slightly  weather-worn,  and  were 
such  as  were  plentiful  in  the  near-by  brook.  This  structure  is  shown 
in  Figure  132,  No.  11.  There  were  no  signs  of  ashes  or  action  of  fire 
around  it.  Its  use  is  not  known. 
53666°— 28 34 


520  PREHISTORIC    VILLAGES    IN    TENNESSEE  [eth.ann.41 

Polished  Black  Floor 

To  the  northeast  of  the  fire  bowl  (fig.  129)  is  No.  9,  the  black, 
glossy  section  of  floor  shown  on  a  large  scale  in  Figure  132,  No.  9. 
The  floor  at  this  point  had  been  smoothed  and  hardened  to  a  slight 
extent  with  fire;  then  a  one-half  inch  layer  of  a  black  glossy  mate- 
rial was  spread  over  it  and  carefully  smoothed  and  polished.  As  the 
edges  were  clearly  defined  and  no  other  traces  of  it  were  found  in 
this  building,  it  probably  covered  only  the  space  shown. 

Small  Pot  with  Stone  Cover 

A  small  earthen  pot,  shown  in  Plate  104,  a,  was  found  upright  on 
the  surface  of  the  floor,  1  foot  southeast  of  the  fire  bowl,  near  the 
foot  of  the  yardstick  in  Plate  103,  b.  This  pot  is  3J^^  inches  in 
diameter  across  the  rim  and  3  inches  deep.  It  had  a  neatly  fitted 
cover  made  from  two  thin  slabs  of  limestone,  the  edges  of  wliich  had 
been  rounded  to  fit  the  top  of  the  pot.  It  was  filled  with  a  black 
earth  which  contained  no  solid  objects.  This  black  earth  repre- 
sented the  original  contents  and  filled  the  pot  completely,  supporting 
the  still  horizontal  two-piece  stone-slab  top,  which  othei-wise  would 
have  fallen  in.  The  contents  were  submitted  to  chemists  who  report 
that  the  continued  leaching  during  a  long  period  had  removed  all 
recognizable  traces  of  the  original  matter. 

Child's  Grave 

At  5  in  Figure  129  was  found  the  grave  of  a  cliild  about  3  months 
old.  The  stone-slab  coffin  was  12  by  26  inches  and  ran  east  and 
west.  It  was  immediately  below  the  surface,  with  the  stone-slab  top 
flush  with  the  floor.  There  were  no  signs  of  ashes  or  fire  about  this 
grave.  The  sides  had  been  forced  in,  probably  by  pressure  arising 
from  walking  on  the  floor  surrouncUng  it.  The  body  was  extended 
on  its  back,  arms  at  the  sides,  knees  apparently  originally  bent 
upward,  as  sho\vn  in  Figure  133.  Tliis  cliild  had  no  ornaments  or 
artifacts  of  any  kind  with  it. 

Coffin  Containing  Bodies  of  Two  Children 

At  7  in  Figure  129  was  a  stone-slab  coffin  which  contained  the 
skeletons  of  two  little  cliildren.  Plate  103,  a,  shows  this  grave  after 
aU  the  intrusive  soil  had  been  carefully  removed,  and  before  the  bones 
had  been  cUsturbed.  The  top  of  the  grave  was  flush  with  the  hard- 
packed  clay  floor.  The  stone-slab  coffin  was  3  feet  9  inches  long  and 
12  inches  wide  at  the  north  end,  14  inches  wide  at  the  south  end. 
Its  depth  was  10  inches.     The  grave  ran  N.  10°  E. 

The  position  of  the  imdisturbed  bones  clearly  estabUshcd  the  fact 
that  these  children  had  been  buried  after  decay  of  the  flesh.     The 


BUREAU   OF  AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY  FORTY-FIRST   ANNUAL   REPORT      PLATE   105 


ARROWHEADS,  POTTERY.  ETC. 


mteb] 


GORDON    TOWN    SITE  521 


skeleton  in  the  southern  end  of  the  coffin  is  now  in  the  United  States 
National  Museum,  Division  of  Anthropology,  No.  316086.  This 
cliild  was  about  2  years  of  age.  The  one  in  the  northern  end  (United 
States  National  Museum,  Division  of  Antlu-opology,  No.  316087)  was 
that  of  a  child  about  7  years  of  age.  No  ornaments  were  found  with 
these  bodies.  The  stone  slabs  of  the  coffins  were  neatly  fitted  and 
some  of  the  edges  had  been  straightened  by  rude  cliipping  with  stone 
hammers.  After  the  bones  of  these  children  had  been  placed  on  the 
bottom  of  the  coSin  it  had  been  filled  with  surface  soil.  This  soil 
contained  fragments  of  domestic  pottery  and  a  few  periwinkle  shells, 
which  probably  had  been  scattered  tlu-ough  the  soil  when  it  was 
placed  in  the  coffin,  as  the  surface  soil  contained  few,  if  any,  such 
shells.  These  periwinkles  probably  represented  food  for  the  journey 
of  the  children  on  their  way  to  the  darkening  land  of  the  West. 

Other  Objects 

At  1  in  the  diagram  (fig.  129)  the  beautiful  yellow  flint  dagger 
shown  in  Plate  104,  i,  was  foimd.  This  dagger  was  on  the  original 
surface  of  the  floor,  against  the  edge  of  the  banquette  (fig.  130). 
It  had  evidently  been 
hidden  underneath  the 
bed  or  accidental!}' 
covered  with  refuse 
swept  back  against  the 
raised  embankment. 

Plate  102,  c,  is  a  photograph  of  a  spherical  object  of  pottery,  three- 
fourths  of  an  inch  in  diameter.  Its  use  is  imknown.  It  was  found 
on  the  floor  at  3,  on  the  edge  of  the  banquette  (fig.  130),  and  was 
probably  lost  in  the  same  manner  as  the  dagger. 

The  little  broken  pottery  head  sho\\Ti  in  Plate  102,  <i!,  was  foimd  at  2. 
It  probably  came  from  a  human-figure  vase  or  bowl,  and  was  dis- 
covered on  the  clay  floor,  against  the  banquette. 

Plate  102,  e,  represents  a  leaf-shaped  implement,  6  inches  in  length, 
made  of  yellow  chert.  Like  the  others,  it  was  found  on  the  floor, 
on  the  east  side  of  the  wigwam,  near  the  banquette. 

A  fragment  of  a  grayish-black  bowl  with  beaded  rim  was  found 
among  the  fragments  of  pottery  scattered  through  the  black  loam 
which  filled  the  interior  of  circle  No.  3. 

A  small  portion  of  the  interior  of  circle  No.  3  was  purposely  left 
unexcavated,  and  a  portion  of  the  black,  glossy  floor  was  preserved 
in  situ  for  the  benefit  of  future  students. 

Plate  105  shows  arrow  heads,  fragments  of  pottery,  an  implement 
made  from  the  tip  of  an  antler,  a  bear's  tooth,  and  an  ear  plug  or 
bead  of  black  pottery.  These  were  found  scattered  through  tbe 
black  loam  wliich  had  accumulated  in  ttie  interior  of  house  circle 


Fig.  133.— Child  in  grave  No,  5 


522 


PREHISTORIC    VILLAGES   IN    TENNESSEE 


[ETB.  ANN.  41 


No.  3.  Mingled  with  these  objects  were  several  hundred  other  frag- 
ments of  domestic  pottery  and  many  animal  bones.  All  the  marrow 
bones  had  been  broken  in  order  to  obtain  the  marrow.  The  bead  or 
ear  plug  still  retained  a  considerable  portion  of  its  original  polished, 
glossy  black  surface,  which  had  been  worn  away  in  some  spots  by  use. 

About  one-half  of  the  black,  hourglass-shaped  beads  found  on  the 
Gordon  and  Fewkes  sites,  and  several  fragments  ot  fine  suufish- 
shaped  bowls  and  small,  fine-beaded-rim  bowls,  were  originally  pol- 
ished and  colored. 

These  fine  specimens  of  the  potter's  art  resemble  in  pohsh  and 
color  a  black  ware  made  by  the  modern  Catawbas,  Cherokees,  and 
the  Santa  Clara,  New  Mexico,  Indians.  Mr.  James  Mooney,  of  the 
Bureau  of  American  Ethnology,  described  to  the  author  the  following 
method  which  he  had  seen  the  Catawbas  use  in  making  their  finest 
black  ware : 

After  the  vessel  or  other  object  has  received  its  final  shape,  and 
before  it  is  baked,  it  is  given  a  high  polish  by  much  rubbing  with 


Fig.  134.— Method  of  burning  Catawba  ware 

certain  very  hard  and  smooth  stones  or  mussel  shells  with  edges 
properly  shaped  by  grinding.  Over  these  unbaked,  highly  polished 
objects  selected  fragments  ot  oak  bark  are  piled,  and  the  heap  is  then 
carefully  and  closely  covered  with  a  large  inverted  imbaked  pottery 
vessel,  as  shown  in  Figure  134.  Over  this  unbaked  pot  a  large 
amount  of  oak  bark  is  piled  and  then  set  on  fire.  This  produces  con- 
siderable heat  and  bakes  the  large  inverted  vessel.  The  penetrating 
heat  finally  sets  fire  to  the  oak  bark  fragments  underneath  it,  which, 
being  shut  off  from  a  full  supply  of  air,  burn  after  the  manner  of 
charcoal  and  produce  a  strong,  penetrating  black,  which  reaches  to 
a  great  depth  into  the  ware,  thus  producing  the  beautiful  color. 
The  glossiness  arises  from  polishing. 

The  modern  Cherokee  produce  a  black  which  is  much  inferior  to 
the  above  by  burning  ground  corncobs  in  a  small  excavation  in  the 
soil,  over  which  the  vessel  to  be  blackened  is  inverted.  They  also 
produce  an  inferior  black  by  burning  corncob  meal  within  the  vessel, 
which,  in  this  case,  is  covered  to  prevent  too  rapid  burning  of  the 
meal  and  the  escape  of  the  smoke. 


myerl  gordon  town  site  523 

Grave  of  Adult  on  Exterior  of  Wall 

A  stone-slab  grave  of  an  adult  male  was  found  at  6,  Figures  129 
and  130.  It  was  witliin  the  earth  circle  but  a  foot  outside  of  the 
wall  of  the  building.  Plate  107,  a,  shows  this  grave  before  the 
removal  of  the  top.  The  top  was  from  6  to  10  inches  below  the 
present  surface  of  the  raised  earth  circle  at  that  point. 

Plate  107,  h,  snows  the  grave  after  the  removal  of  the  top  and  of 
the  earth  wliich  filled  all  the  interior  but  before  disturbing  any  of 
the  bones.  The  body  was  buried  extended  full  length,  on  its  back, 
with  arms  at  side.  It  rested  on  the  surface  of  the  original  clay  sub- 
soil. No  ornaments  or  artifacts  were  found  with  the  skeleton.  The 
grave  had  been  entered  at  the  lower  corner,  near  the  feet,  by  some 
prowling  animal,  whicu  had  distm'bed  some  of  the  leg  and  neck 
bones.  Tne  soil  which  filled  this  grave  contained  periwinkles  and 
fragments  of  domestic  pottery  scattered  through  it.  The  grave  ran 
N.  10°  E.    with  the  head  at  the  north  end.     The  tibiae  of  this  male 

(National    Museum,    Division   of        „      , ,. 

Physical    x\n thropology ,    No.        /       )  ( 

316101)  showed  patches  of  mod-     /     /  \ 

erate  periostitis.  /       /  \ 

Dual  Functions  of  Building  I  I 

There    were    some    indications              \  / 

that  the  building  on  circle  No.  3               \  / 

had  a  dual  function.     It  appears                    N„^^  yf 

to  have  been  occupied  partly  as  a  ■ •""'^ 

dwelling  and  partly  as  a  ceremonial       ^'°-  ISS.— Restoration  of  vessel  from  interior  of 
XT      .  r    1  J  •  1  circle  No.  3 

room.  No  trace  ot  domestic  cook- 
ing appears  in  this  circle.  The  ashes  in  the  fire-bowl  or  altar  contain 
no  fragments  of  bone  or  pottery,  such  as  would  likely  arise  from 
domestic  cookery.  Did  the  chief,  or  subchief,  or  other  important 
personage  who  occupied  this  building  also  occupy  the  building  on 
house  circle  No.  2,  which  closely  adjoins  No.  3  on  the  west?  Was 
the  building  on  No.  3  used  for  some  of  the  purposes  of  a  dwelling 
and  also  for  certain  public  rites  which  required  an  altar  free  from 
the  profanement  of  domestic  cooking?  Were  the  cooking  and  some 
of  the  other  domestic  affairs  carried  on  in  the  adjoining  No.  2  build- 
ing?    Possibly  the  excavation  of  No.  2  may  give  an  answer. 

Domestic  Vessels 

Many  pottery  fragments  were  found  in  the  black  loam  which  filled 
the  interior  of  circle  No.  3.  By  a  careful  study  of  these  fragments 
fairly  accurate  outlines  of  several  were  obtained. 

In  Figure  135  is  shown  a  restored  vessel,  10  inches  in  depth  and  10 
inches  in  diameter  at  the  rim.  Both  its  exterior  and  interior  were 
Indian  red,  with  small  white  shell  mottling  (pi.  106,  e). 


524 


PREHISTORIC    VILLAGES   IN    TENNESSEE 


[ETn.  ANN.  41 


Another  restored  vessel,  5  inches  in  depth  and  4  inches  in  diameter 
at  the  rim,  is  shown  in  Figure  136.  Both  its  exterior  and  interior 
were  black  (pi.  106,  i). 

Fragments  of  several  vessels  similar  in  shape  to  that  in  Figure  137 
were  found.  Three  of  these  were  10  inches  in  diameter  at  the  rim 
and  10  inches  in  depth.  The  exteriors  of  all  three  were  light  red 
(pi.  106,/);  their  interiors  were  Indian  red  (pi.  106,  e). 


Fig.  136. — Restoration  of  vessel  from  interior  of  circle  No.  3 

Another  vessel,  similar  in  shape  to  that  in  Figure  137,  was  7  inches 
in  diameter  at  the  rim  and  7  inches  in  depth.  Both  its  exterior  and 
interior  were  yellowish  gray  (pi.  106,(7). 

A  similar  vessel  was  12  inches  in  diameter  at  rim  and  12  inches 
deep.     Both  its  exterior  and  interior  were  dark  gray  (pi.  106,  a). 

Another  vessel  of  fine, 
hard-burned,  polished 
ware,  similar  to  that  shown 
in  Plate  115,  b,  was  about 
5  inches  in  diameter  at  the 
rim.  Exterior  and  interior 
were  Indian  red  (pi.  106,  e), 
with  large  splotches  of 
black  mottling. 

Figure  138  shows  the 
type  of  several  bowls. 
All  these  were  well  burned 
and  polished.  They  were 
beyond  question  much  prized  by  the  ancient  women  who  lived  in  this 
circle.  One  bowl  was  8  inches  in  diameter  at  the  rim,  exterior  and 
interior  light  gray  (pi.  106,  h).  Two  were  8  inches  in  diameter,  exte- 
rior and  interior  Indian  red  (pi.  106,  e).  Another  was  8  inches  in 
diameter;  and  two  others,  similar  in  shape,  were  10  inches  in  diameter. 
The  paste  of  these  three  bowls  was  a  dark  gray.  This  had  been 
coated,  both  on  the  exterior  and  interior,  with  an  Indian  red  slip,  and 


Fig.  137. — Restoration  of  vessel  from  interior  of  circle  No.  3 


BUREAU  OF  AMERICAN  ETHNOLOGY 


FORTY-FIRST  ANNUAL  REPORT    PLATE  106 


POTSHERDS 


A  HOCNft  CO  a«LTIMO»E 


HYEB] 


GORDON   TOWN   SITE 


525 


this  slip  had  then  been  stained  black,  probably  after  the  manner 
shown  in  Figure  134.  Another  was  12  inches  In  diameter,  exterior 
and  interior  warm  gray  (pi.  106,  b). 

Figure  139  represents  a  vessel  8  inches  in  diameter  at  the  rim. 
It  is  very  hard  burned,  and  contains  an  unusual  amount  of  ground 


Fig.  138. — Restoration  of  vessel  from  interior  of  circle  No.  3 

mussel  shell  material.  Both  exterior  and  interior  are  gray  (pi.  106,  h). 
This  vessel  would  have  stood  nearly  as  much  hard  usage  as  the  modern 
white  man's  pottery. 

Figure  140  shows  a  restoration  of  a  large  oval-bottom  vessel,  to 
which  has  been  given  a  probable  diameter  of  only  28  inches,  although 
the  curve  of  the  rim  fragment  indicates  a  diameter  of  about  32  inches. 


Fig.  139. — Restoration  of  vessel  from  interior  of  circle  No.  3 

The  wall  of  this  vessel  is  only  three-eighths  of  an  inch  and  the  rim 
one-half  inch  in  thickness.  It  was  probably  10  inches  in  depth. 
This  vessel  was  made  of  fairly  well  burned  clay,  mingled  with  pow- 
dered mussel  shell.  Its  exterior  and  interior  have  a  thin,  smooth 
coating  of  fine  buff-colored  clay,  closely  resembling  Plate  106,  h. 

This  vessel  very  closely  resembles  four  large  salt  boiling  vessels 
discovered  at  a  salt  spring  near  the  village  of  Kimmswick,  Jefferson 
County,   Missom-i,   by  Mr.    Da\ad  I.   Bushnell,  jr.     One  of  these 


526  PREHISTORIC    VILLAGES   IN   TENNESSEE  [eth.  ann.41 

vessels  found  by  Mr.  Bushnell  is  shown  in  Plate  108.'"  In  order  to 
show  the  method  of  using  such  large,  thin,  easily  broken,  bowl-like 
vessels  which  had  no  handles,  we  quote  from  Mr.  Buslinell's  text, 
which  accompanied  this  plate." 

In  the  main  excavation  more  than  8,000  square  feet  of  the  original  clay  surface 
were  exposed  to  view.  On  this  surface  were  discovered  four  large  earthen  pans 
placed  as  they  had  been  when  last  used,  fragments  of  four  similar  pans,  probably 
broken  while  in  use,  and  28  fire  beds. 

*  *  *  The  pan  designated  as  II  is  25J^  inches  in  diameter,  9  inches  deep, 
and  less  than  three-quarters  of  an  inch  thick.  It  was  set  in  the  clay,  allowing 
the  rim  to  extend  less  than  2  inches  above  the  surface.  To  make  this  pan  more 
substantial,  large  fragments  of  a  similar  vessel  had  been  placed  under  the  bottom 
and  around  it  at  a  distance  varying  from  a  half  to  IJ^  inches,  the  intervening 
space  having  been  filled  with  blue  clay  from  the  bed  of  the  creek. 

The  next  example.  III,  is  the  smallest  of  the  four.  *  *  *  it  was  set  in  the 
clay,  the  rim  extending  about  2  inches  above  the  surface.  Fragments  of  pottery 
and  a  mass  of  blue  clay  surrounded  it,  similar  to  II.  A  photograph  of  this  vessel 
before  it  was  removed  from  the  clay  is  reproduced,  Plate  B.     The  fragments  of 


Fin.  140. — Large  vessel  from  interior  of  circle  No.  3 

pottery  surrounding  the  pan  are  visible.  The  largest  pan  discovered  (I)  was 
not  set  in  the  yellow  clay  as  were  all  the  others  but  rested  upon  a  mass  of  ashes 
and  earth  a  few  inches  above  the  clay  surface — probably  it  had  never  been  used. 
The  dimensions  of  this  large  vessel  are:  diameter  31  inches,  depth  12  inches. 
This,  although  of  the  greatest  capacity,  is  the  thinnest  of  the  four;  in  many 
places  it  is  not  more  than  half  an  inch  in  thickness.  Pan  IV  was  set  into  the 
clay  with  its  rim  extending  2  inches  above  the  surface.  Dimensions:  diameter, 
24  inches;  depth,  9  inches.  Although  neither  the  blue  clay  nor  sherds  surrounded 
this  vessel,  it  was  found  to  be  in  an  excellent  state  of  preservation.  A  photo- 
graph of  this  plate  as  it  was  discovered  is  shown  in  Plate  B.  AU  were  made  of 
clay,  to  which  a  large  quantity  of  pulverized  shell  was  added.  The  surfaces, 
both  inside  and  outside,  are  smooth  and  without  decoration  of  any  sort. 

The  fire  beds,  28  in  number,  averaged  more  than  2  feet  in  diameter,  and 
beneath  many  the  heat  had  reddened  the  clay  to  a  depth  of  from  6  to  9  inches, 
while,  of  course,  the  surfaces  had  become  quite  hard.  In  pan  II  a  piece  of  stone 
about  8  inches  in  diameter  was  found  which  showed  the  effect  of  fire;  similar 
stones  were  discovered  either  near  or  resting  upon  different  fire  beds,  all  showing 
unmistakable  evidence  of  having  been  heated.  And  so  we  may  conclude  that 
the  stones  were  heated  and  placed  in  the  pan  containing  the  water  from  the 
spring,  the  water  would  soon  evaporate,  leaving  the  salt  in  the  bottom  of  the 
vessel. 

The  Gordon  site  people  had  no  salt  water.  The  closest  source  of 
salt  water  was  the  salt  and  sulphur  spring  in  Sulphur  Spring  Bottom, 
on  the  present  site  of  Nashville,  about  8  miles  to  the  north.     Boiling 

••  Primitive  salt-making  in  the  Mississippi  Valley.    Man,  No.  13,  1907.    PI.  B. 
"  Ibid.,  pp.  17-19. 


uteb] 


GORDON   TOWN   SITE 


527 


was  probably  by  the  well-known  method  of  heated  stones  placed  in 
the  vessel.  Fragments  of  several  similar  large  bowl-shaped  vessels 
were  found  both  on  the  Gordon  site  and  in  the  Fewkes  group. 

Many  other  vessels  were  represented  in  these  fragments  found  in 
circle  No.  3,  but  the  fragments  were  not  of  sufficient  size  to  enable 
us  to  determine  their  size  or  appearance. 

Colors  of  Pottery 

One  hundred  and  thirty-two  pottery  fragments  were  found  in  the 
black  loam  which  filled  the  interior  of  circle  No.  3.     Of  these  20  were 


y-O-O-o-.., 


0-. 


..o-^'f-v.. 


"0», 


.o' 


o 
6 
6 
6 


/ 


H  I    K 


a€3o 

E      F     C 


s 

"q 


o 
6 


,o' 


~o.. 


■0-. 


-o- 


-o-o- 


..■0-' 


..O' 


Fig.  141. — DiJiBram  nf  hou.se  circle  No.  23 

various  shades  of  gray  (pi.  106,  a,b),i  were  black  (pi.  106,  i),  5  were 
dark  cream  (pi.  106,  c),  63  were  yellowish  gray  (pi.  106,  g),  and  40 
were  various  shades  of  red  (pi.  106,  c). 

HOUSE  CIRCLE  NO.  23 

The  walls  of  house  circle  No.  23  (fig.  141)  were  circular  and  30 
feet  in  diameter.  The  earthen  rim  is  now  level  witli  the  exterior 
soil.  The  saucer-shaped  central  depression  appears  somewhat  raised 
at  the  center,  as  will  be  seen  by  reference  to  the  vertical  section,  due 
to  soil  being  thrown  in  when  the  farm  road  which  skirts  tliis  circle 
on  the  west  was  built. 


528 


PREHISTORIC    VILLAGES   IN    TENNESSEE 


[eTH.  ANN.  41 


This  building  had  a  raised  bank  of  earth,  or  banquette,  about  4  feet 
wide  and  12  inches  in  height,  around  the  walls  on  the  interior,  similar 
to  that  in  some  of  the  other  circles.  Only  a  jjortion  of  the  banquette 
was  utilized  for  beds  or  seats.  Part  of  the  eastern  side  was  occupied 
by  the  domestic  fire  bed  and  a  child's  grave.  The  floor  was  the 
surface  of  the  original  clay  subsoil. 

Figure  142,  E,  /,  K,  was  a  line  of  three  upright  thin  limestone 
slabs.  These  slabs  had  nothing  under  or  around  them  to  indicate 
their  character  or  use,  and  showed  no  signs  of  action  of  fire.  Beyond 
question  they  belonged  to  the  everyday  domestic  life  of  the  wigwam; 
but  their  use  is  unknown. 

The  sections  marked  "  Unexcavated "  and  also  a  portion  of  the 
other  interesting  fire  bed.  A,  B,  C,  D,  Figure  141,  were  left  unexca- 
vated for  the  benefit  of  future  explorers.  A  child's  grave  was  found 
beyond  the  walls,  on  the  west,  at  2,  and  the  stone-slab  grave  of  a 
child  was  also  found  at  1,  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  circle.  This 
grave  adjoined  the  domestic  fire  bed  or  hearth.  A,  B,  C,  D. 

Three  interesting 
stones  were  found  about 
8  inches  above  the  floor, 
at  points  E,  F,  G  on  the 
diagram  (fig.  141). 
They  are  clearly  shown 
in  the  photograph,  Plate 
109,  a.  One  measured 
12  by  10  inches,  another  10  by  8  inches,  and  another  10  by  6  inches. 
They  were  from  three-fourths  of  an  inch  to  2  inches  in  tliickness. 
Nothing  was  buried  under  these  stones,  and  no  trace  of  fire  or  ashes 
or  any  signs  of  use  found  around  them.  The  central  one,  F,  had  a 
slightly  worn  appearance,  as  if  it  had  been  a  very  small  metate ;  but  it 
was  too  small  to  have  been  of  much  service  as  such.  This  arrange- 
ment of  three  stones  for  some  domestic  purpose  was  customary  in  tliis 
town.  Three  larger  stones,  similarly  arranged,  were  found  in  house 
circle  No.  79.  They  are  shown  in  Plate  114,  a.  One  of  these  was 
a  metate. 

Child's  Grave 


Fig.  142.— Stones  H.  I.  K 


Plate  109,  a,  shows  at  B  the  fire  bed,  A,  B,  C,  D  (fig.  141).  At  C 
is  shown  the  adjoining  stone-slab  top  of  the  child's  grave  at  1  (fig. 
141). 

Plate  110,  a,  shows  the  grave  before  removal  uf  the  stone-slab  top 
or  cover.  The  top  of  tins  stone-slab  cover  was  15  inches  below  the 
present  surface  of  the  soil. 

Plate  110,  6,  shows  tlie  grave  after  removal  of  the  interior  soil  and 
before  any  of  the  bones  or  relics  were  distmbed.     This  stone-slab 


BUREAU   OF  AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY  FORTY-FIRST   ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE   1C 


-*-      -,«  ■it'- 


^-.uxmiyi^rrm^..^  ^  --w^^^  ^ 


a,  Grave  after  removal  of  top  and  intrus 


usive  soil  b,  Grave  before  removal  of  top 


BURTAII    nr    AMFRICAN    ETHNOIOGY  FnRTY-riRST    ANNUAL    RTrORT       RIATE    1  n8 


SALT-BOILING   VESSEL   FOUND   NEAR    KIMMSWICK,    MO. 

Hepioduftlon  or  Plate  B,  "Man,"  1907 


v^^^^^^H 

H 

■ 

^ 

^^I^B^  wHtiii 

1 

^^^^HT^^^T^ 

" 

^- 

^^ 

1  J^ ).'       '  ^H 

mterJ 


GORDON   TOWN    SITE 


529 


Fig.  143.— Mtthod  of  drilling  hole 
through  one  of  the  large  beads 


grave  was  40  inches  in  length,  12  inches  wide  at  the  eastern  end,  and 
14  inches  wide  at  the  western  end,  and  was  12  inches  in  depth,  inside 
measurement.  The  grave  ran  W.  20°  N.  The  pottery-fragment 
bottom  of  the  coffin  rested  on  the  clay  subsoil  floor  of  the  wagwam, 
with  body  lying  on  back,  extended  full  length,  head  to  the  west. 
This  child  (U.  S.  National  Museum,  Division  of  Physical  Anthro- 
pology, No.  316089)  was  about  5  years  of  age.  It  had  been  wrapped 
in  a  matting  woven  from  the  outer  portion 
of  cane  stems.  To  the  right  of  the  head 
was  the  fine  burial  vase  shown  in  Plate 
104,  d,  made  of  black  clay  with  minute 
flecks  of  finely  powdered  mussel  shells. 
It  had  been  polished  with  great  care  and 
then  weU  burned.  To  the  left  of  the  head 
was  the  mortuary  pot  shown  in  Plate  104,  c. 
Both  the  vase  and  the  mortuary  pot  had 
been  placed  upright  in  the  grave.  The  pot  was  entirely,  and  the  vase 
partly,  filled  with  earth,  apparently  similar  to  that  which  filled  the 
remainder  of  the  grave.  While  they  doubtless  had  at  one  time  con- 
tained food,  aU  traces  of  it  had  been  leached  out  by  the  rains  of 
many  centuries.  The  chemists  of  the  Department  of  Agriculture 
were  unable  to  find  any  traces  of  animal  or  vegetal  matter  in  the 

contents  of  these  vessels. 

By  the  side  of  the  pot  was 
the  spoon  made  from  the  sheU 
of  a  mussel  (unio),  shown  in 
Plate  111,  a. 

Plate  111,  6,  shows  two  large 
beads  from  the  column  of  the 
conch.  They  are  1  %  inches  in 
length.  One  of  these  was  found 
under  each  hinge  of  the  lower 
jaw  of  the  child.  Their  posi- 
tion indicated  that  they  were 
probably  either  attached  to  the 
lobe  of  each  ear  or  to  a  leather 
Figure  143  shows  the  method  of  drilling 


Fig.  144.- 


-Restored  pot  from  fragments  in  mosaic 
floor  in  grave  at  1 


thong  around  the  neck. 

the  holes  through  these  long  beads. 

The  small  beads  shown  in  Plate  1 1 1 ,  c,  were  found  aroimd  the  neck 
of  the  child,  as  though  worn  as  a  necklace.  One  of  these  beads  was 
within  the  cavity  of  the  dropped-down  lower  jaw  in  such  position 
that  it  could  not  have  been  on  the  necklace.  It  was  probably 
attached  to  the  hair  or  the  ear,  and  had  f  aUen  into  the  place  where  it 
was  found  after  decay  of  the  flesh  and  the  dropping  down  of  the  jaw. 


530 


PREHISTORIC    VILLAGES   IN   TENNESSEE 


[EIH    ANN.  41 


Extremely  faint  traces  of  what  was  probably  a  cane  mat  could  be 
seen  near  the  breast  and  arms  and  underneath  the  body.  The  body, 
bedecked  with  its  best  ornaments  and  its  best  garments,  had  been 
wrapped  in  this  cane  matting  and  placed  in  the  grave  Lmmediately 
adjoining  the  domestic  hearth. 

The  grave  was  dug  after  the  adjoining  hearth  had  been  in  use. 
Tliis  is  proved  by  the  fact  that  several  lumps  of  burned  clay  wliich 
came  from  the  hearth  were  found  scattered  through  the  earth  which 
entirely  filled  the  interior  of  the  grave.  These  evidently  got  into  the 
coffin  by  accident  when  they  were  filling  the  interior. 

After  the  body,  wrapped  in  the  cane  matting,  had  been  placed  in 
the  grave,  the  shell  spoon  and  the  mortuary  vessels,  probably  con- 
taining food  and  drink,  were  placed  at  its  head.     Then  the  coffin 


Fig.  145. — Restored  pot  from  fragments  in  mosaic  floor  in  grave  at  1 

was  filled  with  earth.  Periwinkles,  for  food  on  the  long  journey, 
were  scattered  in  this  earth  as  it  was  placed  in  the  grave. 

A  grooved  pendant,  made  from  the  tooth  of  a  small  bear,  was  with 
the  body.  It  probably  had  been  attached  to  some  portion  of  the 
clothing,  as  it  was  not  in  such  position  as  would  indicate  its  being 
worn  as  a  pendant  to  a  necklace. 

Plate  110,  c,  shows  tliis  small  grave  after  the  body  had  been  re- 
moved. It  will  be  seen  that  the  bottom  of  the  coffin  had  been 
covered  with  a  mosaic  of  fragments  of  domestic  pottery,  which  rested 
on  the  clay  subsoil  floor  of  the  wigwam.  These  fragments  appeared 
to  belong  to  a  few  vessels  which  had  been  broken  in  course  of  domestic 
use.  Among  them  were  three  small  pieces  of  a  fine  image  vessel 
representing  a  raccoon,  similar  to  the  raccoon  vessel  reproduced  in 
Plate  134,  a.  The  grave  was  situated  in  the  banquette  which  ran 
around  the  waU. 


myek] 


GORDON   TOWN   SITE 


531 


A  vessel,  fragments  of  which  were  found  amid  the  sherds  com- 
posing the  mosaic  floor  of  this  small  grave,  is  shown  in  Figure  144. 
Both  its  exterior  and  interior  were  light  red,  showing  mottled  flecks 
of  powdered  mussel  shell  (pi.  106,/). 

Figure  145  shows  another  large-sized  vessel  restored  from  frag- 
ments found  in  the  mosaic  floor  of  grave  at  1  (fig.  141).  It  was  about 
17  inches  in  diameter  across  the  top  and  15  inches  in  depth.  Ex- 
terior and  interior  of  this  vessel  were  a  light  red,  with  flecks  of 
powdered  shell,  somewhat  lighter  red  than  Plate  106,/.  This  vessel 
probably  held  about  10  or  12  gallons.  The  material  was  strong  and 
well  burned. 

Fire  Bed 

The  fire  bed,  Figure  141,  A,  B,  C,  D,  which  adjoined  this  grave, 
was  also  situated  in  the  banquette  which  extended  around  the  rim. 


Fig.  146. — Restoration  of  domestic  pottery 

This  fire  bed  was  9  feet  from  A  to  B  and  3J4  feet  from  B  to  D.  It 
was  about  8  inches  in  depth  and  rested  on  the  original  clay  subsoil, 
on  a  level  with  the  floor.  The  sides  and  edges  were  fairly  well  defined 
and  it  showed  signs  of  much  use.  It  is  shown  in  Plate  109,  a.  The 
construction  of  this  fire  bed  was  as  foUows:  On  the  original  clay 
subsoil,  level  with  the  floor,  was  first  a  layer  of  wliitish-brown  ashes, 
2  inches  tliick;  then  a  layer  of  brownish  ashes  mixed  with  burned 
clay,  1  inch  thick;  then  a  layer  of  mingled  clay,  ashes,  and  charcoal, 
1^2  inches  thick.  This  last  layer  yielded  a  fragment  of  domestic 
pottery  (fig.  146)  and  some  small  animal  bones.  The  charcoal  con- 
tained some  charred  cane  stems.  Then  came  a  2-inch  layer  of  very 
hard-burned  red  clay,  which  contained  some  impressions  of  cane 
leaves.  On  top  of  tliis  was  a  layer  of  mingled  black  earth  and  ashes, 
from  one-half  to  1}-^  inches  in  thickness.  This  top  layer  appeared 
to  be  the  remains  of  the  last  fire  upon  this  hearth. 


532  PREHISTORIC    VILLAGES   IN   TENNESSEE  [eth.  ann.41 

The  placing  of  tliis  fire  bed  in  the  banquette,  only  a  few  inches 
from  the  wall,  is  so  unusual  and  so  dangerous  that  it  might  cause 
some  to  doubt  its  being  a  fire  bed.  A  portion  of  it  was  left  undis- 
turbed, so  that  it  might  be  studied  by  others,  if  necessary.  Speci- 
mens of  the  various  layers  were  also  preserved.  The  near-by  wall 
was  doubtless  heavily  plastered  with  clay  as  a  protection  against  the 
fire. 

It  will  be  noted  that  the  stone  slabs  of  the  adjoining  cliild's  grave, 
though  immediately  against  this  fire  bed,  showed  no  signs  of  action 
of  fire.  Was  the  burial  made  and  the  house  abandoned  immediately 
thereafter?  It  is  more  probable  the  grave  was  kept  well  covered  by 
the  soil  of  the  banquette  in  which  it  was  situated.  There  was  no 
other  fire  bed  in  the  wigwam. 

A  circular  pit,  18  inches  in  depth  and  12  inches  in  diameter,  was 
found  adjoining  the  southwestern  corner  of  the  fire  bed.     It  was 


Fig.  147. — Large  oval  vessel,  30  by  24  inches 

filled  with  loose  ashes  and  charcoal  and  appeared  to  be  a  receptacle 
for  ashes  from  the  adjoining  fire  bed;  or  it  may  have  been  used  in 
pit  cooking 

A  small  stone-slab  double  grave  was  found  at  2,  on  the  western 
edge  of  tlus  house  rim,  but  beyond  the  line  of  the  wall.  The  un- 
opened grave  is  shown  in  Plate  109,  6.  This  grave  was  24  inches  in 
length  and  10  inches  in  width,  and  it  was  10  inches  to  the  mosaic 
floor  of  domestic  pottery  fragments,  inside  measurement.  It  ran 
W.  30°  N.  This  coflSn  had  contained  two  bodies.  One  was  a  fetus 
(U.  S.  National  Musetun,  Division  of  Physical  Anthropology, 
No.  316090)  and  the  other  (U.  S.  National  Museum,  Division  of 
Physical  Anthropology,  No.  316091),  a  child  less  than  six  months  old. 
The  grave  had  been  so  disturbed  by  marauding  animals  that  it  was 
impossible  to  tell  the  original  arrangement  of  the  bodies.  The  head 
of  one  was  in  the  northwestern  end  and  the  other  head  in  the  opposite 
end.     No  ornaments  or  other  artifacts  were  found  in  this  grave. 

Objects  Scattered  Through  the  Soil 

Scattered  through  the  black  loam  which  filled  the  interior  of  circle 
No.  23  was  found  a  large  amount  of  fragments  of  domestic  pottery. 
Some  fragments  were  distinguished  which  belonged  to  the  following 
vessels : 


mterI 


GORDON    TOWN   SITE  533 


A  large  oval  vessel,  30  by  24  inches,  shown  in  Figure  147.  It  had 
no  fabric  impressions  on  its  exterior. 

Three  pots  resembling  the  one  shown  in  Figure  145  and  similar  to 
each  other  in  size  and  shape,  12  inches  in  diameter  at  rim. 

Two  beaded-rim  bowls,  identical  in  shape,  color,  and  ornamenta- 
tion, one  10  inches  and  the  other  8  inches  in  diameter.  They  are 
similar  to  the  restored  bowl  in  Plate  118,  a.  They  were  both  of 
dark  gray  ware,  showing  a  large  number  of  powdered  shell  flecks, 
similar  to  Plate  106,  a. 

One  small,  hght  red  pot  (pi.  lOG,/).  It  was  5  inches  in  diameter 
at  rim  and  similar  in  shape  to  pot  shown  in  Figure  135. 

Two  fragments  of  flint. 

Bowls   ^\^TH    Decorations   Showing    Probable    Siouan    Rela- 
tionship 

Small  fragments  of  three  bowls  bearing  the  equal-arm  cross  and 
the  encircling  sun  symbol  were  found  scattered  through  the  black 
loam  in  circles  Nos.  1,  3,  and  23.  The  design  on  the  interior  of  two 
of  these  bowls  is  shown  in  Plate  112,  a;  that  of  the  tliird  in  Plate  1 12,  b. 

Two  of  these  bowls  had  similar  designs.  On  the  interior  they  were 
ornamented  with  equal-arm  crosses  with  encircling  sun  symbol  on 
the  bottom  and  Avith  V-shape  decorations  on  the  side.  Plate  112,  a, 
shows  the  design  on  the  interior  of  both  of  these  bowls.  The  frag- 
ment of  one  of  these  bowls  was  found  in  circle  No.  1 ;  the  fragment  of 
the  other  in  circle  No.  23.  At  first  glance  these  fragments  may 
appear  too  small  to  form  a  basis  for  the  restoration  of  this  elaborate 
design.  As  a  matter  of  fact,  the  restoration  has  a  much  larger  foun- 
dation; it  is  in  reality  based  on  several  similarly  decorated  bowls 
found  on  various  sites  in  Tennessee,  Arkansas,  and  southeastern 
Missouri,  whose  culture  closely  resembles  that  of  the  Gordon  site. 
If  space  permitted  illustrations  of  these  similar  bowls,  the  reader 
would  see  that  the  restorations  have  reasonable  foundation. 

In  Plate  112,  h,  is  shown  a  restoration  of  the  third  vessel  with 
decoration  somewhat  similar  to  that  in  Plate  112,  a,  except  that  the 
four  world-cjuarter  and  sun  symbols  replace  the  V-shaped  decorations 
on  the  rim.     These  fragments  were  from  circle  No.  3. 

The  exterior  of  one  of  the  bowls  reproduced  in  Plate  112,  a,  was  a 
brownish  Indian  red  somewhat  browner  than  Plate  106,  e.  The 
decorations  were  white  on  a  black  ground. 

The  other  bowl  represented  by  the  same  illustration  was  a  whitish 
cream  color,  both  on  its  exterior  and  interior.  The  decorations  were 
cream  on  a  black  ground. 

The  vessel  shown  in  Plate  112,  h,  was  black  on  its  exterior  and 
cream  on  its  interior.  The  decorations  were  black  on  a  cream  back- 
ground. 


534 


PREHISTORIC   VILLAGES   IN   TENNESSEE 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


The  decorations  on  all  three  of  these  bowls  were  confined  to  the 
interior.  The  material  and  polish  of  these  thi-ee  fine  vessels  repre- 
sented the  highest  development  of  the  potter's  art  in  the  Middle 
South.     They  are  hard  and  firm  and  have  a  fine  polish. 

These  equal-arm  cross  or  four-world-quarter  symbols  with  the 
inclosing  sun  circles  are  connected  with  the  most  sacred  fundamental 
religious  concepts  of  the  people  who  once  inhabited  this  town.  They 
are  shown  on  the  hair  of  a  figure  representing  Kicking  Bear,  a  Sioux 
warrior,  in  one  of  the  exhibition  cases  of  the  United  States  National 
Museum,  and  the  modern  Sioux  use  them  at  the  present  day. 


Fir,.  148.— Castalian  Springs  bowl 

The  significance  of  the  V-shaped  decorations  on  these  bowls  is 
unknown.  It  is  certain  they  had  a  meaning  and  are  not  mere  crea- 
tions of  the  artist's  fancy.  The  author  unearthed  a  fine  bowl  with 
somewhat  similar  V-shaped  decorations  in  the  culturally  related 
town  at  Castalian  Springs,  about  30  miles  northeast  of  the  Gordon 
town  site.     This  Castalian  Springs  bowl  is  shown  in  Figure  148. 

A  fragment  of  a  water-bottle-shaped  vase  with  the  four  world- 
quarter  and  sun  symbols  was  found  in  circle  No.  23.  Similar  deco- 
rated water-bottle  vases  were  found  at  Castalian  Springs  and  else- 
where in  middle  Tennessee. 

There  is  a  bowl  with  somewhat  similar  V-shaped  decorations  illus- 
trated in  Thruston's  "Antiquities  of  Tennessee,"  Figure  41.     It  was 


BUREAU   OF   AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY  FORTY-FIRST   ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE   111 


a,  Mussel  shell  spuon  b,  Two  large  beads  from  grave  at  1  c.  Small  beads 


BUREAU    OF   AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY  FORTY-FIRST    ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE    112 


(1,  Restoration  of  equal-arm  world  quarter  center  and  V-rim  bowl  decora- 
tion 
b,  Restoration  of  vessel  with  equal-arm  cross  on  bottom  and  also  on  rim 


BUREAU    OF    AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY  FORTY-FIRST    ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE    113 


a,  Grave  P  before  removal  of  top 


b,  Objects  in  circle  No.  23 


BUREAU   OF  AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY         FORTY-FIRST   ANNUAL   REPORT      PLATE    114 


a,  Metate  and  two  stones  from  circle  No.  79  b,  Child's  grave  at  E,  circle  No.  79 


myer] 


GORDON    TOWN    SITE  535 


found  in  the  Noel  Indian  cemetery  about  4  miles  north  of  the  Gordon 
site. 

Figure  149  shows  a  restoration  of  a  fine  red  undecorated  bowl  from 
circle  No.  3.  Both  its  exterior  and  interior  are  similar  to  Plate  106,  /. 
It  is  hard-burned,  but  not  as  highly  polished  as  the  decorated  bowls 
to  which  we  have  just  referred. 

Other  Objects 

Some  of  the  other  artifacts  found  in  circle  23  are  shown  in  Plate 
113,  b.  Among  these  are  a  rude  discoidal,  1}^  inches  in  diameter, 
three  arrowheads,  an  hourglass-shaped  bead  of  black  pottery,  and 
a  grooved  whetstone  of  fine-grained  sandstone. 

HOUSE  CIRCLE  NO.  79 

A  family  of  the  plain  common  people  lived  in  house  circle  No.  79, 
in  the  nortlieastorn  section  of  the  town.     A  diagram  of  this  typical 


Fig.  149. — Undecorated  bowl  from  circle  No.  3 

house  of  the  ordinary  man  of  the  ancient  Gordon  town  is  shown  in 
Figure  150. 

The  low  earthen  rim  of  this  house  circle  denotes  walls  not  so  thick 
as  some  of  the  more  important  buildings.  There  was  no  elaborate 
fire  bowl  in  the  center.  The  fire  had  been  built  on  the  floor  of  the 
wigwaxn.  There  was  no  evidence  denoting  especial  importance  any- 
where in  the  building. 

Not  far  from  the  open  fire  in  the  center  were  the  charred  remains 
of  an  ancient  wooden  nietate,  an  ancient  grinding  stone,  and  some 
other  stones  for  domestic  purposes.  In  the  floor  of  the  wigwam,  to 
the  west  of  the  central  fire  bed,  was  the  stone  slab  covering  of  the 
grave  of  three  children. 

The  Metate 

About  18  inches  south  of  the  edge  of  the  central  fire  bed  were 
found  the  metate  (A)  and  the  other  two  stones  {B  and  C)  shown  in 
Plate  114,  a.  The  metate  is  14  by  11  inches  and  about  3  inches  in 
thickness.  It  sloped  at  an  angle  of  about  25  degrees.  It  is  now  in  the 
National  Museum.  The  other  two  stones  were  8  by  10  inches  and  16 
by  10  inches,  respectively.  These  last  two  were  rough  unworked 
stones,  and  were  probably  for  some  unknown  domestic  use.  Similar 
arrangements  of  three  stones  were  probably  in  many  of  the  other 
dwellings.  (See  smaller  ones  resembling  these,  in  circle  No.  23,  shown 
53666°— 28 35 


536 


PREHISTORIC   VILLAGES   IN   TENNESSEE 


IETH.  ANN.  41 


in  pi.  109,  a.)  These  stones  were  probably  placed  near  the  fire  for 
the  convenience  of  the  women,  who  could  thus  grind  and  easily  look 
after  the  fire  and  what  might  be  cooking  thereon. 

Small  Wood  Used  as  Fitel 

In  considering  these  domestic  fires,  it  must  be  steadily  borne  in 
mind  that  they  were  comparatively  small.  The  Indian  was  frugal 
in  regard  to  his  fires  as  well  as  in  many  other  things.  The  charred 
wood  of  domestic  fires  unearthed  by  us  in  many  places  in  central 
Tennessee  indicates  that  small  limbs,  ranging  from  1  to  3  inches  in 


,.,0-0-0-0-.., 


.o; 


o 


•.    2    '^ 


p 


o... 


o.. 


"O, 


o. 


9 
o 

6-,. 


A     B 


■  .<^^ 


.1^ 


fs'> 


■y' 


,e^-     . 


6 


o 


'O.. 


"O. 


'0..,;i<VfXf/lV/lTfP    ,.':.. -O'' 


DEPRESSION  or 

ADJ0/NM6  W/OWAr^ 


.O' 


a 


a 


,0' 


Fig.  150. — Diagram  of  house  circle  No.  79 

diameter,  constituted  nearly  the  entire  fuel  supply.  These  sizes 
were  such  as  could  often  be  picked  up  in  the  surrounding  forest. 
The  enormous  labor  of  cutting  with  their  rude  stone  implements 
prevented  the  use  of  wood  of  large  diameter  for  fuel. 

Rites  Connected  amth  the  Metate 

Explorations  showed  these  three  stones  for  domestic  use  in  circle 
No.  79  had  been  placed  in  position  with  due  and  proper  rites.  First 
a  small  fire  had  been  kindled  on  the  spot  where  they  were  later  to 
stand.     Then  a  layer  of  clay,  1  inch  in  thickness,  had  been  spread 


MYER]  GORDON  TOWN   SITE  537 

over  this  ceremonial  fire.  Upon  this  layer  of  clay  these  stones  were 
placed  with  a  single  mussel  shell  (unio)  under  each.  This  unio  shell 
doubtless  had  a  mystical  connection  with  food  and  life. 

Children's  Grave 

At  E,  Figure  150,  8  feet  west  of  the  center  of  the  building,  was 
found  the  top  cover  of  a  stone-slab  coffin,  protruding  slightly  above 
the  level  of  the  clay  subsoil  floor.  This  proved  to  be  the  grave  of 
two  children. 

The  coffin  was  32  inches  in  length,  9 3^  inches  in  width  at  the  south 
end,  and  63^2  inches  at  the  north  end,  inside  measurement.  It  ran 
N.  10°  E.  It  had  been  covered  with  a  single  stone  slab,  33  inches  in 
length  and  24  inches  in  width,  on  top  of  wliich,  completely  covering 
the  coffin,  other  stones  were  placed.  Several  fragments  of  pottery 
had  been  used  to  level  these  added  stone  slabs.  This  grave,  shown 
in  Plate  114,  h,  had  a  floor  covered  with  a  mosaic  of  pottery  frag- 
ments. It  contained  the  bones  of  two  cliiklren,  one  between  2  and  3 
years  of  age,  the  other  a  little  less  than  1  year  old,  buried  after  the 
decay  of  the  flesh.  The  bones  were  intermingled,  the  skuU  of  one 
at  the  northern  end,  the  skuU  of  the  other  at  the  southern  end  of 
the  coffin.  With  the  bones  were  found  a  little  prayer  bowl  '"  (pi. 
115,  a),  probably  filled  with  food  at  the  time  of  burial.  Tliis  bowl, 
decorated  with  four  human  heads,  was  found  so  placed  that  each 
head  faced  approximately  one  of  the  four  quarters  of  the  earth  and  sky. 

Tliis  little  grave  sheds  light  on  some  of  the  most  sacred  beliefs  of 
these  ancient  people.  It  shows  they  had  certain  concepts  pertaining 
to  the  present  and  future  life  which  continued  down  to  the  time  of 
contact  with  the  wliite  missionaries  and  later.  The  ancient  inhabi- 
tants of  the  Gordon  site  probably  held  the  fundamental  ideas  of  the 
sun  as  the  giver  of  life  and  of  the  four  world  quarters  and  the  powerful 
spirits  wliich  dwell  in  them.  This  is  borne  out  by  numbers  of  frag- 
ments of  ware  found  on  tliis  site,  wliich  were  decorated  with  the 
cross  representing  the  four  world  quarters,  and  one  or  more  inclosing 
concentric  circles  representing  the  sun  or  the  horizon.  Several  of 
these  are  illustrated  in  this  volume.  The  four-headed  prayer  bowl 
found  in  this  grave  is  connected  with  this  same  religious  concept. 

Many  later  Indians  held  similar  concepts  at  the  time  of  the  coming 
of  the  whites.  For  example,  four  is  one  of  the  sacred  numbers  of 
the  Cherokees.  The  placement  of  many  objects  in  ceremonial  per- 
formances and  the  construction  of  many  of  their  prayer  formulas 
have  reference  to  the  four  cardinal  points — the  four  quarters  of  the 
world  and  sky. 

18  Many  similar  bowls  and  vases,  which  I  have  designated  as  prayer  bowls  and  prayer  vases,  have  been 
found  OQ  related  sites  in  middle  Tennessee  and  Arkansas.  Typical  Tennessee  examples  of  such  four- 
headed  prayer  bowls  and  water-bottle-shaped  mortuary  vases  are  shown  in  Thruston's  "Antiquities  of 
Tennessee,"  pi.  vrn,  and  also  in  Holmes'  "Aboriginal  Pottery  of  the  Eastern  United  States,"  Twentieth 
Ann.  Rept.  Bur.  Amer.  Ethn.,  pi.  xus.  Plate  xiv  of  the  latter  paper  shows  a  similar  four-headed  prayer 
vase  from  a  related  site  in  Arkansas. 


538  PREHISTORIC    VILLAGES    IN    TENNESSEE  [ETn.ANK.41 

At  many  points  in  Tennessee,  Georgia,  Alabama,  Missouri,  and 
Arlvansas,  wherever  the  people  probably  kindred  to  those  of  the  Gor- 
don site  in  Tennessee  have  dwelt,  objects  of  stone,  copper,  shell,  and 
pottery,  decorated  with  these  sacred  four  world-quarter  crosses  and 
sun  symbols,  have  been  found. 

A  Cherokee  doctor  in  some  of  the  treatments  of  a  patient  makes 
a  circle  around  him,  halting  at  the  east,  south,  north,  and  west  in 
this  exact  order.  At  the  east  he  prays  to  the  red  spirits  who  dwell 
on  high  in  the  east — the  land  of  the  dawn.  At  the  south  he  prays 
to  the  white  spirits  who  dwell  on  high  in  the  gentle  south.  At  the 
north  he  prays  to  the  blue  spirits  who  dwell  on  high  in  the  cold  and 
forbidding  north.     And  then  he  turns  to  the  west  and  prays  to  the 

black  spirits    dweU- 
\IIZ7//  //    /  \  ii^g  on  high  in   the 

west,  the  mysterious, 
darkening  land  of  the 
sunset  and  night. 

Burial  at  Corner 
OF  Grave  E 

On  the  exterior  of 
the  stone-slab  grave, 

Fig.  151.— Restoration  of  pot  from  top  of  grave  E  p     Tfimirp     ^ ''lO      but 

adjoining  the  northeast  corner  of  it,  was  a  compact  mass  of  small 
human  bones,  occupying  a  space  of  about  6  by  5  inches,  which  had 
been  buried  after  decay  of  the  flesh.  Many  of  the  bones  had  been 
placed  within  the  brain  cavity  in  order  to  make  the  heap  as  small  as 
possible.     This  child  was  between  2  and  3  years  of  age. 

This  small  heap  was  covered  by  the  fragments  of  a  little  vessel 
3%  inches  in  height  and  4I/4  inches  in  diameter  at  its  widest  part 
(pi.  116).  About  one-fourth  of  it  was  missing.  Tliis  vessel  had 
probably  been  "killed"  in  order  that  its  soul  might  be  for  the  child's 
use  in  the  land  of  spirits.  The  decorations  on  this  pot  represent  a 
highly  conventionalized  human  mouth,  nostrils,  eyes,  ears,  and  other 
body  openings. 

Pottery 

In  the  layer  of  pottery  fragments  between  the  stone  slabs  forming 
the  top  of  the  grave,  Figure  150,  E,  were  found  portions  of  a  line, 
large,  red  domestic  vessel  with  conventionalized  human  features 
shown  in  Plate  117,  a.  It  is  7  inches  in  diameter  at  the  rim,  11 
inches  in  diameter  at  its  widest  point,  and  83^^  inches  in  height. 

The  incised  decoration  on  this  pot  is  not  very  common.  It  appears 
on  the  rims  of  possibly  three  or  four  vessels  found  on  this  site.  A 
few  specimens  with  similar  incised  rim  decorations  have  been  found 
on  other  sites  within  a  radius  of  15  miles  from  Nashville.     Thruston's 


BUREAU    OF    AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY  FORTY-FIRST    ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE    115 


MH^^^b^^ ''^^^^^^^^^^^^1 

J/K/ttf^. 

''  hoit^iji^ 

j^^f^^  '^jU^H 

■/^i 

-| 

I'liiini'iiiiiiBiill^B^^^M'' 

^^■^^' 

0,  Prayer  bowl  from  grave  E  6,  Vessel  found  upright  on  floor  at  edge  of  circle  No.  79 


BUREAU    OF   AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY  FORTY-FIRST    ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE    116 


RESTORED    BROKEN     POT    FOUND     INVERTED    OVER    BONES    AT 
NORTHEAST  CORNER  OF  GRAVE  E 


BUREAU    OF    AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY  FORTY-FIRST    ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE    117 


mm^ 


a.  Fragment  of  red  vessel  with  conventionalized  human  feature  decoration 

6,  Restored  bowl  from  upper  layer  on  top  of  children's  double  grave,  circle  No  79 


BUREAU    OF   AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY  FORTY-FIRST   ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE   118 


BEADED-RIM    BOWLS 

a,  Restored  bowl  b,  Fragments  of  bowl 


MYER) 


GORDON    TOWN    SITE  539 


Fig,  152. — Restored  handled  pot  from  top  of  grave  E 


"Antiquities  of  Tennessee"  shows,  in  Plate  6,  a  vessel  with  a  conven- 
tionaUzed  animal  feature  decoration  and  incised  border  on  rim. 
There  is  some  reason  to  believe  that  it  probably  came  from  the 
Gordon  site.     Thruston  left  no  record. 

In  the  probably  kindred  cultural  region  of  Arkansas  vessels  have 
been  found  which  show  related  conventionaUzed  animal  designs. 
Some  of  these  are  shown  in  the  Twentieth  Annual  Report  of  the 
Bureau  of  iVmerican  Ethnology,  Plate  23. 

There  are  a  few  vessels  with  somewhat  similar  conventionalized 
decorations  in  the  United  States  National  Museum.  These  came 
from  Tennessee,  and  probably  represent  raccoons. 

Several  large  fragments  of  each  of  the  domestic  vessels  shown  in 
Plate  117,6,  and  Figures 

151,   152,   153,   and  the     t\"~"£\       /fj  ^ 

entire   vessel,    in    frag-    |  1-       $\     y  \ 

ments,  shown  in  Plate    \_J_    ^^_/   /  \ 

118, 6,  were  found  in  the  /  \ 

stratimi  of  pottery  cov-  I  / 

ering  grave  E,  in  circle  \  / 

No.  79.     Plate  117. 6,  is  \^  / 

a  restoration  of  a  bowl  ^^„.^  ^_^^ 

of  black  and  gray  mot- 
tled pottery,  6  inches 
in  diameter.  It  is  ornamented  with  four  knoblike  protuberances. 
Figure  151  is  a  restoration  of  a  pot,  of  light  Indian  red  material,  10 
inches  in  diameter  across  the  top  and  10  inches  in  depth. 

Plate  118,  a,  shows  a  beautiful,  slightly  oval,  beaded-rim  bowl, 
9' 2  by  103^2  inches  in  diameter.  Both  its  exterior  and  interior  are 
dark  cream  color,  somewhat  darker  than  Plate  106,  c.  This  vessel 
was  made  of  clay  mLxed  with  finely  powdered  mussel  shell,  and  both 
the  interior  and  exterior  then  coated  with  a  dark  cream-colored  clay 
slip.  The  vessel  was  later  highly  polished  by  rubbing  with  some 
polishing  instrument.     The  bowl  is  well  burned  and  hard. 

Figiu-e  152  represents  a  handled  pot  of  dark  cream-colored  ware, 
somewhat  darker  than  Plate  106,  c.  It  was  10  inches  in  diameter 
across  the  top. 

In  this  layer  of  pottery  fragments  were  also  found  portions  of  a 
vessel  similar  in  shape  and  character  to  Figure  152.  It  was  12  inches 
across  the  top,  made  of  firm  hard-bimied  bluish-gray  ware,  and  was 
a  very  serviceable  vessel. 

Figure  153  shows  a  restoration  of  an  unhandled  pot  of  hard-burned 
ware.  Its  exterior  and  interior  were  a  light  red,  resembling  Plate 
106,/.     It  was  8  inches  across  the  top. 

A  small  pottery  vessel  with  incised  decorations,  shown  in  Plate 
115,  6,  was  found  on  the  original  clay  subsoil  surface  of  the  floor  of 


540  PREHISTORIC    VILLAGES    IN    TENNESSEE  [eth.  ann.41 

the  wigwam,  at  F,  Figure  150,  near  the  eastern  wall.  This  vessel 
was  upright  and  contained  black  earth  mingled  with  some  very  small 
portions  of  a  lumpy  black  substance.  These  were  examined  by  Dr. 
W.  E.  Safford,  economic  botanist,  Department  of  Agriculture.  He 
reports  these  lumps  "Evidently  of  organic  origin,  which  may  possibly 
have  been  finely  ground  maize  made  into  a  kind  of  mush,"  because 
this  substance  had  the  appearance  of  having  run  together  as  would 
a  maize  material  of  the  character  of  mush.  He  thinks,  if  the  original 
contents  had  been  maize  meal,  and  not  mush,  the  remains  would 
have  been  granular.  This  little  vessel,  about  4  inches  in  height,  had 
been  filled  with  this  prepared  maize  material  and  placed  upon  the 
floor  against  the  wall.  The  head  shown  on  this  vessel  was  missing. 
The  vessel  doubtless  originally  had  such  a  head.     A  somewhat  similar 

vessel,  with  a  head,  is  shown 
in  Figure  50,  page  144,  of 
Thruston's  "Antiquities  of 
Tennessee."  This  related 
vessel  was  found  in  the 
vicinity  of  the  Gordon  town. 
He  does  not  give  the  exact 
site.  Other  slightly  similar 
vessels  from  the  related  cul- 
tm-al  region  of  southeastern 
Missoiui  and  Arkansas  are 

Fig.  153.— Restored  unhandled  pot  from  top  of  grave  E         ghown      On     Plates      ''O      and 

25  of  the  Twentieth  iVnnual  Report  of  the  Bureau  of  American 
Ethnology. 

Fire  Bed  at  Center  of  Circle 

At  the  center  of  circle  No.  79  was  found  an  ancient  fire  bed  which 
contained  only  a  very  few  ashes.  It  was  3  feet  in  diameter  and 
showed  little  signs  of  use.  Apparently  this  wigwam  was  not  built 
until  a  short  time  before  the  town  was  abandoned  or  the  wigwam 
was,  for  some  reason,  deserted  after  it  had  been  used  only  a  short 
time.  But  it  was  occupied  at  least  long  enough  for  the  three  chil- 
dren, already  described,  to  be  born  to  the  dwellers  therein. 

Equality  in  Ancient  Life 

A  comparison  of  the  ruins  of  house  circle  No.  79  with  those  of 
house  circle  No.  3  will  bring  out  clearly  the  near  equaUty  in  the 
material  belongings  of  these  ancient  people.  No.  3  was  one  of  the 
most  important  in  the  town.  There  is  no  very  great  difference 
between  No.  3  and  No.  79.  No.  3  is  38  feet  in  diameter  and  No.  79  is 
only  30  feet.  No.  3  had  a  fire  bowl  and  No.  79  had  only  a  plain  fire 
bed.  No.  3  had  a  portion  of  its  floor  black  and  glossy,  while  that  of 
No.  79  was  hard-packed  clay,  like  the  remainder  of  the  floor  of  No.  3. 


mterI 


GORDON    TOWN    SITE  541 


The  labor  of  the  six  people  who  probably  occupied  No.  79  could 
have  made  it  similar  to  No.  3  in  every  respect  m  two  days'  time. 
In  other  words,  the  extreme  difference  between  the  dwellings  and  the 
positions  of  the  highest  and  lowest  in  this  town  of  the  younger  days 
was  the  difference  between  two  cottages  belonging  to  laboring  men, 
on  the  same  street,  in  some  modem  industrial  town,  where  the  men 
work  side  by  side  and  earn  about  the  same  wage.  There  was  no 
great  place  on  the  hill,  neither  was  there  the  hovel  in  the  hollow 
below. 

GRAVE   P 

In  probing  portions  of  this  town  site  not  covered  with  house  cir- 
cles an  adult  stone-slab  grave  was  found  near  house  circle  No.  62, 
20  feet  west  of  the  large  hackberry  tree  shown  at  the  most  eastern 
point  on  the  wall.  This  grave  is  shown  in  Plate  113,  a.  Its  top 
was  from  1  to  6  inches  below  the  present  surface  of  the  soil. 

The  body  was  that  of  an  adult  male  lying  on  its  back."  The  grave 
ran  W.  10°  N.,  head  at  east  end.  An  earthenware  pot,  shown  in 
Plate  119,  a,  was  lying  on  its  side,  to  the  right  of  the  head.  This  pot 
was  filled  with  earth  containing  traces  of  organic  matter.  Dr.  W.  E. 
Safford  examined  this  material.  He  reported,  "  Evidently  of  organic 
origin,  which  may  perhaps  have  been  finely  ground  maize  made  into 
a  kind  of  mush."  Therefore  it  is  probable  tliat  this  vessel  contained 
ground  maize  made  into  mush  for  food  on  the  journey  to  the  other 
world. 

In  the  grave  there  was  a  small  cylindrical  bone  bead  near  the 
tliroat  of  the  body  three-fourths  of  an  inch  long  and  three-eighths 
of  an  inch  in  diameter.  The  coffin  was  filled  with  earth  taken  from 
the  surrounding  surface  soil,  which  at  that  time  contained  a  few 
scattered  fragments  of  domestic  pottery.  Here,  as  elsewhere  in  this 
town,  a  few  periwinkles  had  been  distributed  through  tlie  earth  as 
it  was  placed  in  the  grave.  No  periwinkles  were  found  in  the  sur- 
rounding surface  soil. 

The  Owl  Effigy 

The  unique  owl  efiigy  pottery  bead,  shown  in  Plate  120.  a,  was 
found  resting  on  the  man's  forehead  in  grave  P.  It  had  probably 
been  attached  to  a  bandeau  or  some  other  headdress  or  to  the  hair. 

The  pottery  owl-effigy  vase  shown  in  Plate  119,  h,  was  found  by 
Mr.  H.  L.  Gordon  in  cutting  a  road  along  the  outer  western  edge  of 
circle  No.  23.  It  was  presented  by  him  to  Doctor  Fewkes.  It  is 
4  inches  m  height.  Two  pottery  owl  images,  very  similar  to  the 
Gordon  vase,  were  found  in  stone-slab  graves  in  the  Noel  Indian 

1"  U.  S.  National  Museum,  Division  of  Physical  Anthropology,  No.  316099.    See  Dr.  Hrdli^ka's  report 
on  this  interesting  skeleton,  p.  612. 


542  PREHISTORIC   VILLAGES   IN   TENNESSEE  [eth.ann.^i 

cemetery,  3  J^  miles  to  the  northwest.^"  Another  owl  image,  probably 
made  of  dark  cream  pottery  tliough  said  to  have  been  carved  out  of 
a  stone,  was  foimd  near  the  ancient  town  on  the  Rutherford-Kiser 
farm,  near  Henderson ville,  Sumner  County,  Tenn.,  about  20  miles  to 
the  north.  This  town  had  fortifications  and  house  circles  somewhat 
resembling  the  Gordon  site. 

The  owl  played  a  part  in  the  sacred  behefs  of  many  of  oiu"  Indian 
tribes.  The  early  accounts  of  the  Natchez  temple,  wherein  the 
perpetual  fire  was  maintained,  related  that  stuffed  owls  were  seen  in 
this  temple,  along  with  other  sacred  objects  and  images. 

The  ancient  Sioux  held  tlie  owl  in  great  respect.  They  regarded 
him  as  the  warrior  of  the  night.  The  Otos,  who  belong  to  the  Siouan 
family,  have  an  owl  (Makache)  gens.^' 

Tlie  standing  of  the  owl  varied  among  the  different  tribes.  Some 
of  them  regarded  him  as  a  witch.  Even  the  possession  of  owl 
feathers  was  considered  proof  of  being  a  wizard,  and  was  punishable 

with  death. 

HOUSE  CIRCLE  NO.  84 

A  diagram  of  house  circle  No.  84  is  shown  in  Figure  154.  This 
building  stood  not  far  from  the  southeastern  corner  of  the  old  town 
square.  The  circle  is  30  feet  in  diameter  and  the  center  of  its  saucer- 
like depression,  at  the  time  is  was  excavated,  was  a  foot  lower  than 
the  wall  rim.  In  this  circle  was  found  a  fire  bowl,  B,  near  the  center. 
Northwest  of  the  center  was  found  a  portion  of  the  floor  raised  6 
inches  higher  than  the  remainder.  On  this  raised  portion  were  found 
the  stones  C,  D,  E,  a  broken  muUer,  F,  and  the  badly  charred  remains 
of  a  small  mortar,  K.  This  portion  of  the  circle  is  shown  in  Plate 
121,  a.  Adjoining  tliis  arrangement  of  stones  was  a  kitchen  refuse 
heap,  H.  Near  the  center  of  the  wigwam  on  the  south  was  the  fire 
bowl  shown  in  Plate  121,  a.  It  was  similar  in  appearance  and  ma- 
terial to  the  fire  bowl  in  the  town  house  or  temple,  but  it  was  an  inch 
or  so  larger.  This  fire  bowl  was  30  by  29  inches,  and  8  inches  deep, 
outside  measurements.  It  rested  on  the  hard-packed  clay  subsoil 
floor.  The  rim  of  the  fire  bowl  was  6  inches  under  the  present  surface 
of  the  soil  The  fire  bowl  was  filled  to  the  brim  with  compact  piu-e 
white  ashes,  containing  little,  if  any,  charcoal.  These  ashes  con- 
tained a  very  small  number  of  periwinkle  shells  and  two  fragments 
of  the  femur  of  a  small  animal,  which  Dr.  O.  P.  Hay,  research  asso- 
ciate of  the  Carnegie  Institution  of  Washington,  thinks  was  likely 
a  red  squirrel,  tliough  it  might  have  been  a  weasel  or  a  skunk;  the 
fragments  were  too  small  to  determine  with  certainty.     No  fragments 

'»  One  of  these  is  shown  in  Thmston's  "Antiquities  of  Tennessee,"  second  edition,  Plate  III. 
"  Handbook  of  American  Indians,  Bureau  of  American  Ethnology,  Bull.  30,  pt.  2,  p.  106. 


BUREAU    OF  AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY         FORTY-FIRST   ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE   IK 


6,  Owl  effigy  vase 


BUREAU    OF  AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY  FORTY-FIRST   ANNUAL   REPORT      PLATE   120 


a,  Owl  bead  from  grave  P 

b,  Circular  stone  pot  cover  found  in  circle  No.  84 

c,  Pottery  mushroom-shaped  trowel 


d,  Beads  and  discoidal  from  circle  No.  42 
€,  Toy  sunflsh  bowl 


BUREAU   OF  AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY         FORTY-FIRST   ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE  121 


a.  Interior  of  houye  circle  No.  84 


b,  Body  not  in  stone  coffin 


BUREAU    OF   AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY  FORTY-FIRST    ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE    122 


a,  fluid's  grave  in  ciicle  No.  42  b,  Stoue  floor  and  sinroundings  in  circle  No.  42 


mtee] 


GORDON  TOWN   SITE 


543 


of  pottery  and  no  other  bones  were  found  in  the  fire  bowl.  This 
fire  bowl  must  have  been  in  use  for  a  long  period,  because  the  floor 
underneath  it  showed  the  effects  of  long-continued  hre. 

A  Different  Mode  of  Burial 

At  1,  Figure  154,  in  the  southern  part  of  house  circle  No.  84,  was 
a  burial  different  from  any  other  found  in  this  town.  It  was  the 
body  of  an  adult  male,  buried  after  decay  of  the  flesh.^^  This  was 
the  only  adult  found  interred  within  a  house  circle,  and  the  only  adult 
not  placed  in  a  stone-slab  cofiin,  on  the  Gordon  site.  The  bones  had 
been  buried  in  a  shallow  grave  beneath  the  clay  floor,  and  originally 


.0-' 


■0-, 


-o— o— o-.. 


o-. 


•o. 


""o. 


9 
6 

I 

o 

6' 


#, 


--9 
6 

o 

o 


'o. 


-o. 


-o-.. 


■o- 


..-o- 


FiG.  154. — Diagram  of  house  circle  No.  84 

had  only  2  inches  of  the  floor  covering  them.  The  bones  had  been 
placed  in  an  elongated  pile  which  ran  approximately  W.  10°  N. 
Some  of  the  large  leg  bones  appeared  to  have  been  broken  before 
burial.  These  can  be  seen  in  Plate  121,  h.  The  ribs  and  lower  jaw 
and  some  other  bones  were  not  present.  The  body  had  no  ornaments 
or  other  artifacts.  Three  periwinkle  shells  were  found  among  the 
bones.  Very  little  dark  earth,  such  as  would  result  from  decay  of 
flesh  or  wrappings,  was  found  in  this  grave.  Some  of  the  vertebrae 
had  been  placed  approximately  as  in  life. 

"  Now  in  U.  S.  National  Museum,  Division  of  Physical  Anthropology,  No  316102. 


544  PREHISTORIC   VILLAGES   IN   TENNESSEE  [eth.ann.41 

Wlio  was  this  man  buried  in  such  an  unusual  manner?  Why  had 
the  leg  bones  been  broken?     Wliy  were  important  bones  missing? 

Our  southern  Indians  and  many  others  believed  that  when  a 
warrior  was  slain  in  battle  his  soul  wandered  in  disquiet  until  some 
enemy  was  slain  in  reparation  or  until  some  captive  was  adopted  in 
his  place.  A  captive  so  adopted  took  the  place  of  the  slain  warrior 
in  the  family  and  received  the  care  and  affection  which  was  the  due 
of  the  deceased.  A  captive,  on  reaching  the  village  of  his  captors, 
might  be  put  to  death  with  the  cruelest  torture,  or  he  might  be 
adopted  into  a  place  of  honor  and  affection  in  the  tribe. 

Was  this  man,  whose  bones  we  found,  a  captive  from  some  other 
tribe,  adopted  in  place  of  some  dead  warrior  into  the  family  occupying 
circle  No.  84?  Had  his  bones  been  buried  just  underneath  the  floor 
after  the  manner  of  his  former  tribe  instead  of  that  of  his  adoption? 
Is  there  any  significance  in  the  fact  that  no  children  were  found 
buried  under  the  floor  of  this  dwelling  wherein  we  discovered  the 
bones  of  this  adult  male?  His  skeleton  resembles  those  of  the 
remainder  of  Gordon  town. 

Preparation  of  Food 

We  came  upon  the  remains  of  the  food  department  at  C,  D,  E,  F, 
G,  n,  E,  in  Figure  154.  Cis  a  stone  slab,  9  inches  long  and  4  inches 
in  width  by  2  inches  in  thickness.  Stone  Z>  is  6  by  6  inches,  by  6 
inches  thick;  stone  £■  is  6  by  8  inches,  by  4  inches  thick.  C  showed 
some  very  slight  traces  of  having  been  used  as  a  metate,  but  it  is  so 
small  that  such  use  must  be  regarded  as  doubtful.  E  is  the  charred 
remains  of  a  small  wooden  mortar  9  inches  in  diameter  and  3  inches 
in  depth,  inside  measurement.  This  mortar  was  5  Jo  inches  in  height. 
Underneath  C,  D,  E,  and  E  was  a  layer  of  black  soil  containing 
decayed  mussel  (unio)  shells.  This  layer  was  2J^  feet  in  diameter 
and  about  3  inches  in  thickness.  H  is  &  pile  of  kitchen  refuse.  In 
this  refuse  was  a  circular  stone-pot  cover,  3)^  inches  in  diameter  and 
one-fourth  inch  thick,  shown  in  Plate  120,  i. 

The  broken  muller,  F,  was  found  near  the  slab,  E.  Tliis  muller 
can  be  seen  in  situ  in  Plate  121,  a. 

The  women  of  circle  84  were  the  most  slovenly  housekeepers  in 
the  town.  No  such  untidy  layers  of  refuse  were  foimd  in  any  of 
the  other  circles  excavated. 

The  floor  of  the  west  and  northwest  sides  of  the  wigwam  was  6 
inches  liigher  than  the  remainder  of  the  floor  in  the  central  part  of 
the  circle.     Tliis  is  shown  in  Plate  121,  a. 

The  spaces  L,  M,  0,  P,  Figure  154,  were  left  unexcavated  for  the 
benefit  of  future  explorers. 


mteeI 


GORDON  TOWN   SITE 


545 


HOUSE    CIRCLE   NO.  42 

House  circle  No.  42  is  33  feet  in  diameter.  The  center  of  its 
saucerlike  depression  is  18  inches  below  the  rim  of  the  circle.  Tliis 
rim  does  not  rise  above  the  surface  of  the  surroimding  soil.  A  dia- 
gram of  this  circle  is  shown  in  Figure  155. 

Near  the  center  of  the  circle  was  a  fire  bowl  which  was  somewhat 
smaller  than  those  found  elsewhere  in  the  town.  Near  the  fire 
bowl  and  occupying  the  south  central  portion  of  the  circle  was  an 


,o- 


,o-'. 


o-o-°-o-o-. 


-o.. 


'Q 


I 


p 

§ 

o 

r 

6 

I 
I 

o 

I 

6 
6 

I 

I 

9 

V 


'a 


o. 


"O, 


o 

f 

o 


"-°-o-.o-o-o-°" 


Fig.  155. — Diagram  of  house  circle  No.  42 

imeven  stone  mosaic  floor  composed  of  irregular,  rough  stone  slabs 
rudely  fitted  together.  Adjoining  this  floor,  on  the  south,  was  a 
child's  grave,  at  the  south  side  of  wMch  and  only  2  inches  above  it 
was  a  small  metate.  By  the  side  of  the  grave  and  near  the  metate 
was  found  a  rude  limestone  muUer. 

Stone  Mosaic  Floor 

A  photograph  of  a  portion  of  tlus  stone  mosaic  floor  and  the  grave 
is  shown  in  Plate  122,  a.  The  floor  was  composed  of  irregular  thin 
limestone  slabs,  probably  picked  up  on  the  hillside  haK  a  mile  to 


546  PREHISTORIC   VILLAGES   IN   TENNESSEE  [eth.  ann.41 

the  west.     These  slabs  were  from  6  by  10  inches  to  10  by  10  inches 

and  were  about  an  inch  thick.     Tliey  were  laid  on  the  original  clay 

subsoU  and  had  been  rudely  fitted  together.     The  sui-f  ace  of  tlijs  floor 

was  very  wavy  and  uneven,  as  can  be  seen  in  the  illustration. 

Tliis  floor  probably  was  originally  laid  level  and  became  uneven 

because  the  soil  under  it  had  not  been  hard-packed  or  from  some  other 

cause.     This  rough,  bmnpy  floor,  which  could  have  been  taken  up 

and  relaid  in  two  hours'  time,  tells  in  a  grapliic  manner  the  untidiness 

of  tliis  ancient  home.     The  floor  was  removed  and  a  careful  search 

was  made  in  the  clay  subsoil  supporting  it.     Notliing  was  found 

under  it. 

Child's  Grave  and  Metate 

At  the  southern  edge  of  this  floor,  at  E  in  Figure  155,  and  Plate 
122,  a,  was  the  stone-slab  grave  of  a  cliild.  The  grave  had  been 
rifled  by  relic  hunters,  but  luckily  they  had  not  disturbed  its  sur- 
roundings. The  coffin  was  .32  inches  in  length  and  10  inches  in 
width.  Its  top  was  level  with  the  surface  of  the  stone  floor.  Adjoin- 
ing the  southern  side  of  the  coffin,  and  only  2  inches  above  it,  was  a 
small  ancient  metate  in  situ.  A  small  corner  of  tliis  metate  can  be 
seen  at  D  in  Figure  155  or  at  D  in  Plate  122,  h.  This  metate  was  10 
by  12  inches  and  2)4.  inches  tliick.  On  the  floor  by  the  side  of  the 
coffin  and  near  the  metate  was  a  rude  stone  muller. 

Some  of  the  Siouan  tribes,  notably  the  Omahas  and  Otos,  had  a 
custom  which  was  connected  with  a  class  of  actions  pertaining  to 
"  the  lowest  or  oldest  stratmn  of  tribal  rites."  It  is  part  of  the  old 
and  sacred  ceremony  of  introducing  a  cliild  into  its  recognized  place 
in  the  tribe.^' 

The  baby's  first  moccasins  were  made  with  a  little  hole  in  one  of 
the  toes,  in  order  that  it  might  perhaps  prevail  on  the  dread  mes- 
senger of  death  to  allow  it  to  remain  on  earth. 

When  moccasins  are  made  for  a  little  baby,  a  small  hole  is  cut  in  the  sole  of 
one.  This  is  done  in  order  that  "if  a  messenger  from  the  spirit  world  should 
come  and  say  to  the  child,  'I  have  come  for  you,'  the  child  could  answer,  'I  can 
not  go  on  a  journey — my  moccasins  are  worn  out!' "  A  similar  custom  obtains 
in  the  Oto  tribe.  A  little  hole  is  cut  in  the  first  pair  of  moccasins  made  for  a 
child.  When  the  relatives  come  to  see  the  little  one,  they  examine  the  moccasins, 
and,  seeing  the  hole,  they  say:  "Why  he  (or  she)  has  worn  out  his  moccasins; 
he  has  traveled  over  the  earth!"  This  is  an  indirect  prayer  that  the  child  may 
live  long.2' 

Fire  Bowl 

At  A  in  Figure  155,  about  2  feet  north  of  the  center  of  the  \\igwam 
and  15  inches  under  the  present  surface  of  the  soil,  was  found  part  of 
an  old  fire  bowl.     At  some  time  in  the  past  it  had  been  broken  and 

23  "It  is  directly  related  to  the  cosmic  forces — the  wind,  the  earth,  and  the  fire." — La  Flesche. 
a*  Fletcher  and  La  Flesche  in  27th  Ann.  Rept.  Bur.  Amer.  Ethn.,  p.  117. 


MVERJ 


GORDON   TOWN   SITE  547 


a  portion  removed,  probably  by  relic  hunters.  This  fire  bowl  was 
smaller  than  any  of  the  others  fovmd  on  the  Gordon  site.  It  was, 
as  nearly  as  could  be  detennined,  20  by  24  inches,  and  was  filled  to 
the  brim  with  ashes.  Some  of  these  ashes  can  be  seen  near  the 
shovel  in  Plate  122,  h. 

Trowel 

A  musliroom-shaped  trowel,  made  of  hard-burned  pottery,  was 
found  at  F,  Figure  155.  Tliis  trowel  is  shown  in  Plate  120,  c.  It 
was  not  on  the  floor,  but  about  8  inches  above  the  floor,  in  the  loose 
rich  black  loam  wliich  filled  the  circle.  Nothing  else  was  with  it. 
This  trowel  was  probably  used  in  smoothing  domestic  pottery.  Its 
stem  or  handle  has  a  small  hole,  one-eighth  inch  in  diameter,  which 
extends  through  its  entire  length,  as  shown  by  the  dotted  lines. 
When  tliis  trowel  was  fasluoned  a  small  cane  apparently  had  been 
placed  in  the  center  of  the  still  moist  and  soft  stem,  so  that  tliis  cane 
would  burn  out  in  the  fire  and  leave  this  cavity,  which  would  aid  in 
the  more  thorough  burning  of  the  thick  stem. 

Other  Artifacts 

Two  beads  and  a  small  discoidal  were  also  foimd  scattered  through 
the  black  loam  fflling  the  circle.     They  are  shown  in  Plate  120,  d. 

At  E,  Figiu-e  155,  4  inches  above  the  surface  of  the  floor,  in  the  loose 
black  loam,  was  a  broken  celt  made  of  diorite.  After  tliis  celt  had 
been  broken  the  fragment  found  had  been  used  as  a  hammer  stone. 

It  has  been  puzzling  to  find  in  Gordon  town  heavy  objects  like  the 
pottery  trowel  and  the  diorite  celt  in  the  black  loam  some  distance 
above  the  floor  and  also  to  find  pottery  fragments  scattered  all 
through  this  loam,  with  more  fragments  at  the  top,  just  beneath  the 
grass  roots,  than  elsewhere.  These  objects  must  have  been  left 
Ipng  on  the  surface  of  the  original  floor.  They  probably  were 
gradually  forced  upward  by  the  upward  pushing  freezing  water  as 
the  black  loam  slowly  accmnulated.  This  freezing  water  often 
appears  on  the  surface  of  the  soil  as  minute  upward-forced  columns 
of  ice. 

HOUSE  CIRCLE  NO.  20 

House  circle  No.  20  is  28  feet  in  diameter.  It  was  not  explored 
beyond  opening  the  stone-slab  grave  of  a  child,  which  was  discovered 
by  means  of  a  sounchng  rod.  The  coffin  was  38  inches  long  and  11 
inches  wide,  inside  measure,  and  ran  W.  25°  N.  It  contained  the 
body  of  a  cliild  6  years  of  age,  lying  on  its  back,  extended  fuU  length, 
head  at  the  west  end.-^  To  the  left  of  the  head  was  an  upright 
nest  of  two  small  bowls  and  a  biconvex  discoidal.     The  discoidal  was 

»  U.  S.  National  Museum,  Division  of  Physical  Anthropology,  No.  31608S. 


548  PREHISTORIC    VILLAGES   IN   TENNESSEE  [eth.  ann.41 

on  top  of  and  formed  a  cover  for  the  smaller  bowl,  which  was  witliin 
the  larger  one.  Neither  of  the  bowls  appeared  to  have  ever  had  any 
solid  contents.  The  discoidal  fitted  into  the  rim  of  the  bowl  so  closely 
that  no  solid  substance  had  been  able  to  filter  into  it.  The  larger 
bowl  was  not  well  baked  and  crimibled  into  very  small  fragments, 
which  have  been  placed  back  in  proper  position.  Its  rim  is  oval, 
5  by  4  inches.  It  originally  had  four  knobs  at  each  end.  These  two 
bowls  and  the  discoidal,  wliich  were  found  nested,  are  shown  sepa- 
rately in  Plate  123. 

Cemeteeies 

In  addition  to  the  children's  graves  found  in  the  wigwam  floors 
there  were  two  well-defined  cemeteries.  These  are  shown  on  the 
map  (pi.  95).  One  is  in  the  southeastern  portion  of  the  town  in  the 
dotted  area  marked  "Scattered  graves."  Here  apparently  the  graves 
were  widely  scattered.  They  have  nearly  all  been  destroyed  by 
cultivation.  The  other  cemetery  is  on  a  small  knoll  at  the  northeastern 
corner  of  the  town.  Here  the  graves  have  not  been  disturbed  by 
the  plow,  but  they  have  been  subjected  to  some  erosion.  The 
graves  here  are  fairly  close  together,  ranging  from  1  to  3  feet  in  dis- 
tance each  from  the  other.  These  graves  lie  at  all  angles,  with  no 
definite  rule  as  to  direction.  There  had  probably  been  25  graves  in 
this  cemetery,  mostly  of  adults.  These  were  all  typical  middle 
Tennessee  stone-slab  graves,  with  the  bodies  lying  on  back,  extended 
full  length,  with  arms  at  side.  Judging  from  similar  graves  in  that 
portion  of  the  Gordon  site  not  subjected  to  so  much  erosion,  the 
stone-slab  tops  of  the  graves  in  all  the  cemeteries  in  this  town  had 
been  placed  from  16  to  25  inches  beneath  tlie  surface  of  the  soil  at 
the  time  of  burial.  Erosion  in  this  northeastern  cemetery  has 
brought  the  tops  of  the  graves  to  the  level  of  the  soil  and  in  some 
instances  1  or  2  inches  above  it.  They  had  aU  been  disturbed  by 
rehc  hunters. 

In  a  corner  of  a  rifled  child's  grave,  about  38  inches  long,  inside 
measure,  was  found  the  unusual  toy  pottery  sunfish  bowl  sliown  in 
Plate  120,  e.  It  is  1%  inches  in  length.  A  similar  toy  sunfish  bowl 
was  found  by  Mr.  John  Early  Jackson  in  an  adjoining  child's  grave. 
This  bowl  was  2i/2  inches  in  lengtli  and  was  in  tlie  chUd's  riglit  hand. 
The  sunfish-shaped  bowl  is  one  of  the  types  of  mortuary  vessels 
found  in  some  of  the  stone-slab  graves  of  middle  Tennessee.  It 
appears  not  to  have  been  much  used  for  domestic  purposes.  Out  of 
thousands  of  fragments  of  domestic  pottery  found  by  the  author  in 
middle  Tennessee  only  three  or  four  were  fragments  of  sunfish  vessels. 
The  sunfish,  possibly  from  its  very  remote  resemblance  to  the  sun's 
disk,  especially  when  first  removed  from  the  water,  may  have  been 
connected  with  the  sacred  sun  rites  of  these  people. 


MVERl  GORDON   TOWN    SITE  549 

So  far  as  could  be  discovered  by  inquiry  and  search  and  by  testing 
with  a  sounding  rod  there  were  no  burials  outside  the  walls  of  the 
town. 

The  stone-slab  graves  were  made  as  follows:  A  pit  was  dug  to  a 
depth  of  from  30  to  50  inches.  This  pit  was  the  length  and  width 
of  the  stone  coffin  desired.  Then  the  unworked  limestone  slabs  were 
set  up  around  the  sides.  In  a  few  cases  the  bottom  was  lined  with 
fragments  of  domestic  pottery.  The  body  was  placed  in  the  coffin, 
on  its  back,  and  usually  extended  fuU  length,  with  arms  at  sides. 
The  mortuary  vessels  were  placed  in  the  coffin,  usually  near  the  liead, 
and  the  coffin  filled  with  earth  containing  scattering  periwinkles  and 
the  stone-slab  top  placed  on  tlie  coffin.  After  this  top  was  in  place 
the  earth  was  thrown  back  in  tlie  grave  in  the  same  manner  as  a 
modern  wliite  would  fill  up  a  shallow  grave  after  the  coffin  had  been 
placed  therein. 

In  many  of  the  stone-slab  burials  in  other  portions  of  middle  Ten- 
nessee no  earth  was  placed  in  tlie  coffin.  The  author  has  often  found 
them  with  joints  so  carefully  constructed  and  protected  that  little  or 
no  earth  succeeded  in  filtering  into  the  interior.  When  the  top  of 
the  coffin  was  removed  the  skeleton  and  mortuary  vessels  would  be 
as  fi'ee  from  earth  as  on  the  day  they  had  been  placed  therein. 

WALLS  AEOUND  GORDON  TOWN 

It  was  hoped  that  some  faint  trace  would  be  found  of  the  decayed 
ancient  wooden  palisades  which  doubtless  had  been  embedded  in 
and  surmounted  the  earthen  embankment  which  now  encircles  this 
town. 

Search  was  begim  in  the  eastern  wall,  at  the  point  where  house 
circle  No.  58  touches  the  wall.  Four  test  trenches  were  dug,  extend- 
ing along  the  lines  of  tlie  wall  embankment,  5,  7,  4,  and  5  feet,  respec- 
tively, in  length.  They  extended  down  into  the  original  clay  subsoil. 
The  7-foot  trench  was  dug  in  the  first  bastion  in  the  embankment, 
to  the  north  of  circle  No.  58.  This  bastion  trench  was  7  feet  north 
to  south  and  15  feet  east  to  west.  In  none  of  these  trenches  was  there 
the  slightest  trace  of  the  ancient  palisades  or  their  postholes.  Here, 
as  everywhere  in  this  old  town,  all  traces  of  the  original  wooden  con- 
struction had  chsappeared,  save  in  the  cases  where  the  wood  had 
been  charred. 

The  test  trenches  revealed  that  tliis  site  probably  had  been  in- 
habited for  a  considerable  time  before  the  wall  was  raised.  The  soil 
contained  very  few  fragments  of  pottery — about  one-fourth  the  pro- 
portion found  in  the  soil  filling  the  interior  of  the  house  circles.  The 
son  around  the  spots  where  the  test  trenches  were  dug  in  the  wall 
could  not  be  expected  to  have  as  rapid  an  accmnulation  of  pottery 
fragments  as  in  the  house  interiors  or  in  the  central  portions  of  the 


550  PREHISTORIC    VILLAGES   IN   TENNESSEE  [eth.  ann.41 

town.  It  is  also  probable  that  some  of  this  earth  in  the  wall  came 
from  the  surface  on  the  outer  side  of  the  wall,  where  there  would  be 
extremely  little,  if  any,  accumulation  of  pottery  fragments.  There- 
fore these  few  pottery  fragments  in  the  wall  embankment  render  it 
likely  that  the  walls  were  raised  at  a  time  not  far  from  the  central 
period  of  the  to%VTi's  occupation. 

In  some  of  the  walled  towns  in  middle  Tennessee,  notably  the  one 
on  the  Lindsey  farm,  4  miles  east  of  Lebanon,  Tenn.,  there  was  a 
ditch  along  the  inside  of  the  entire  length  of  the  wall.  No  trace  of 
such  a  ditch  was  found  at  the  Gordon  town. 

Original  Appearance  of  Wall 

Judging  from  the  description  of  the  many  fortified  towns  found  by 
De  Soto  and  other  early  visitors  in  the  southern  United  States,  it  is 
probable  that  tliis  town  was  surrounded  by  a  wall  of  wooden  palisades 
firmly  placed  in  the  earthen  embankment.  Tliis  line  of  palisades  was 
made  of  smaU  tree  trunks,  from  3  to  10  inches  in  diameter,  set  prob- 
ably about  4  or  5  feet  into  the  earthen  embankment  and  rising  about 
10  or  12  feet  above  it.  These  tree  trunks  were  placed  toucliing  each 
other.  The  crack  between  them  was  protected  by  another  tree 
trunk  placed  beliind  them,  on  the  inside  of  the  wall.  As  will  be  seen 
from  the  map  (pi.  95),  earthen  bastions  were  placed  about  every 
55  feet.  Upon  these  bastions  semicircular  towers,  projecting  beyond 
the  line  of  the  wall,  were  raised.  These  towers  were  about  17  feet 
in  height.  They  were  fitted  with  a  platform,  on  the  inside,  about  8 
feet  above  the  ground,  wliich,  with  the  surface  of  the  earthen  bastion, 
gave  them  two  platforms  for  supporting  warriors.  From  three  to 
five  warriors  could  stand  on  each  platform.  The  towers  projected 
beyond  the  line  of  the  wall,  and  thus  more  effectively  commanded 
its  outer  surface. 

These  palisades  were  braced  by  long,  slender  poles  extending  along 
the  inside  of  the  wall,  bound  to  the  palisade  trunks  by  wild  vines  or 
split  cane  stems.  The  outer  smface  of  the  wall  and  of  the  towers 
was  plastered  with  a  thick  coating  of  mortar  made  of  clay  with  inter- 
mingled tough  wild  grasses  as  a  binder,  and  smoothed  -with  a  trowel, 
rendering  the  scaling  more  difficult.  The  walls  and  the  towers  were 
pierced  with  a  large  number  of  small  loopholes,  to  allow  the  defenders 
to  discharge  arrows  at  the  enemy. 

Walls  of  Other  Southern  Indian  Towns 

The  Gordon  walls  had  an  entrance  like  that  of  old  Mauvila, 
destroyed  by  De  Soto,  but  otherwise  were  somewhat  similar  to  the 
Natchez  forts,  a  description  of  wliich  follows: 

I  can  not  describe  these  forts  better  than  by  comparing  them  to  a  barrel  hoop 
from  which  the  withes  have  been  cut.     This  circle  is  rela.xed  and  the  outside 


myer] 


GORDON    TOWN    SITE  551 


end  is  at  some  distance  from  the  inside  end,  so  that  to  enter  the  circle  without 
passing  over  it,  it  is  necessary  to  malce  a  turn.  It  is  by  this  opening  that  one 
enters  tlie  fort,  the  inner  side  of  which  is  protected  by  a  half  tower  and  the  outer 
side  in  the  same  way.  Besides,  if  they  are  in  great  fear,  this  opening  or  passage 
is  filled  with  brambles  and  thorns.  *  *  *  The  walls  of  these  forts  are  com- 
posed of  great  posts,  which  are  made  of  the  trunks  of  trees  a  span  in  circumfer- 
ence, buried  5  to  6  feet  in  the  earth  and  extending  10  above  it,  and  pointed  above. 
The  lines  of  contact  of  these  posts,  however  round,  are  covered  inside  with  other 
posts  a  foot  in  diameter.  This  wall  is  provided  outside  with  half  towers  40 
paces  apart.  They  make  them  doubtless  to  prevent  scaling.  The  lower  ends 
of  the  posts  are  supported  inside  by  a  banquette  .3  feet  wide  by  as  much  in  height, 
which  is  itself  supported  by  stakes  Ijound  together  with  green  branches  in  order 
to  retain  the  earth  which  is  in  this  banquette.^^ 

Mauvila 

Mauvila  was  a  strongly  fortified  Indian  town  destroyed  by  De 
Soto.  It  was  probably  located  near  the  junction  of  the  Tombigbee 
and  Black  Wanior  Rivers  in  Greene  County,  Ala.  Its  walls  closely 
resembled  those  of  Gordon  site.  They  are  described  as  follows  in 
Irving's  "  Conquest  of  Florida,"  vol.  n,  pp.  37-38: 

It  stood  in  a  fine  plain,  surrounded  by  a  high  wall  formed  of  huge  trunks  of 
trees  driven  into  the  ground,  side  by  side,  and  wedged  together.  These  were 
crossed  within  and  without  by  others  smaller  and  longer,  bound  to  them  bj' 
bands  made  of  spUt  reeds  and  wild  vines.  The  whole  was  thickly  plastered 
over  with  a  kind  of  moitar,  made  of  clay  and  straw  trampled  together,  which 
filled  up  every  chink  and  crevice  of  the  woodwork,  appearing  as  if  smoothed 
with  a  trowel.  Throughout  its  whole  circuit  the  wall  was  pierced  with  loop- 
holes, from  whence  arrows  might  be  discharged  at  an  enemy,  and  at  every  fifty 
paces  it  was  surrounded  by  a  tower,  capable  of  holding  seven  or  eight  fighting 
men.  Numbers  of  the  trees  which  had  been  driven  into  the  ground  had  taken 
root  and  flourished,  springing  up  out  of  the  rampart  and  spreading  their  branches 
above  it,  so  as  to  form  a  circle  of  foliage  round  the  village.  There  were  but  two 
gates  to  the  place,  one  to  the  east,  the  other  to  the  west.  In  the  center  was  a 
large  square,  around  which  the  principal  dwellings  were  erected. 

Referring  to  these  walls,  in  describing  the  Spanish  attack,  Irving 
says,  on  pages  45-46: 

They  then  charged  the  enemy  with  a  fury,  inspired  by  their  recent  maltreat- 
ment, and  drove  them  back  into  the  village,  whither  they  would  have  followed 
them,  but  were  assailed  with  such  showers  of  stones  and  arrows  from  the  wall 
and  loopholes  that  they  were  compelled  to  draw  back. 

A  further  description  of  the  part  these  walls  played  in  the  attack 
is  given  on  page  49: 

In  an  instant  a  band  of  two  hundred  resolute  cavaliers  dashed  forward  to  the 
assault.  The  savages  received  them  valiantly  and  beat  them  back  several  times. 
The  gate,  however,  was  soon  broken  open  and  the  Spaniards  rushed  in,  pell- 
mell,  amidst  a  shower  of  darts  and  stones.  The  opening  being  too  narrow  to 
admit  them  all  readily,  some  attacked  the  wall  with  their  axes;  quickly  demol- 
ished the  frail  facing  of  clay  and  straw,  and  laying  bare  the  cross-beams  and  their 
fastenings,  assisted  each  other  to  scramble  up  by  them,  and  thus  got  into  the 
village  to  the  aid  of  their  comrades. 

28  Du  Pratz,  quoted  by  Swanton  in  Bull.  43,  Bureau  of  American  Ethnology,  p.  133. 
53666°— 28 36 


552  PREHISTORIC    VILLAGES   IN   TENNESSEE  [eth.  ann.41 

The  walls  of  this  fortified  Gordon  town,  like  those  of  the  other 
Indian  fortified  places  in  middle  Tennessee,  did  not  take  in  the 
springs  or  other  sources  of  water  supply.  The  Gordon  fortifications 
could  easily  have  extended  to  inclose  the  fine  spring  at  the  northern 
end  of  the  town,  only  about  50  feet  from  the  line  of  wall.  This  brings 
out  the  well-known  fact  that  Indian  warfare  and  fortifications  did 
not  contemplate  long  sieges. 

CHAKACTEK  OF  GORDON  TOWN  BUILDINGS 

In  1 700  Father  Gravier  visited  the  wigwams  of  the  Tunica  on  the 
lower  Yazoo  River.  As  these  Tunica  wigwams  somewhat  resembled 
those  on  the  Gordon  site,  his  description  will  give  some  idea  of  the 
probable  appearance  of  the  Gordon  wigwams. 

Their  cabins  are  round  and  vaulted.  They  are  latlied  with  canes  and  plastered 
with  mud  from  bottom  to  top,  within  and  without,  with  a  good  covering  of  straw. 
There  is  no  light  except  by  the  door;  it  is  as  hot  as  a  vapor  bath.  At  night  a 
lighted  torch  of  dried  canes  serves  as  a  candle  and  keeps  all  the  cabin  warm. 
Their  bed  is  of  round  canes,  raised  on  four  posts,  3  feet  high,  and  a  cane  mat 
serves  as  a  mattress.  Nothing  is  neater  than  their  cabins.  *  *  *  Their 
granaries  are  near  their  cabins,  made  like  dovecotes,  built  on  four  large  posts, 
15  or  16  feet  high,  well  put  together  and  well  polished,  so  that  the  mice  can  not 
climb  up,  and  in  this  way  they  protect  their  corn  and  squashes.^' 

The  Roof 

The  roof  of  the  wigwam  was  sometimes  covered  with  a  tliick 
thatch  of  cornstalks,  tied  in  place  to  the  roof  framework,  and  still 
further  held  in  place  and  made  more  rain  resistant  by  a  layer  of 
smooth,  close-woven  cane  matting,  which  was  also  tied  to  the  roof 
framework.  This  cane  matting  was  woven  from  narrow  strips  of  the 
outer  portion  of  the  cane  stems. 

Early  explorers  stated  that  these  roofs  turned  the  rain  very  well, 
and  in  some  instances  lasted  from  10  to  20  years.  In  other  cases 
long  marsh  grasses  took  the  place  of  cornstalks.  The  roofs  were  also 
often  made  of  long,  wide  strips  of  bark,  laid  on  the  roof  framework 
with  the  inner  side  of  the  bark  turned  upward.  The  joints  between 
these  strips  of  bark  were  covered  with  other  strips,  with  the  iimer 
side  of  the  bark  turned  downward.  This  gave  a  roof  construction 
resembling  the  white  man's  tile  roof. 

The  author  found  shingles,  made  of  the  bark  of  the  Cottonwood, 
covering  a  grave  in  a  rock  shelter  on  the  Cumberland  Plateau,  about 
80  miles  east  of  the  Gordon  site.  They  were  shaped  like  our  house 
shingles  of  the  present  day.  They  were  about  11  inches  long  antl 
from  5  to  8  inches  wide.  The  bark  strips  for  the  bark  roof  of  tlie 
old  wigwams  were  probably  several  feet  in  length. 

The  Gordon  site  people  do  not  appear  to  have  used  conical-shaped 
tipis  covered  with  the  skins  of  the  bison  or  other  large  animals. 

"  Swanton's  "-Indian  Tribes  of  the  Lower  Mississippi  Valley,"  Bull.  43,  Bur.  Amer.  Ethn.,  p.  316. 


MYER)  GORDON   TOWN   SITE  553 

POPULATION  OF  GORDON  TOWN 

There  is  no  means  of  determining  with  precision  the  exact  nuraber 
of  people  wlio  lived  in  Gordon  town. 

Judging  by  the  many  accounts  given  by  early  travelers  among  the 
Indians  of  the  soutliern  United  States,  it  is  conservative  to  count 
three  warriors,  or  a  total  of  10  men,  women,  and  children,  to  a  wig- 
wam, in  touTis  with  Iiabitations  similar  in  size  to  those  on  the  Gordon 
site.  The  Gordon  wigwams  have  only  one  fireplace,  and  appear  to 
have  been  occupied  by  only  one  blood  family.  According  to  the 
customs  of  other  southern  Indians,  a  typical  family  in  one  of  these 
wigwams  probably  consisted  of  the  father  and  mother  and  their 
immarried  children,  and  also  one  or  two  sons-in-law  with  their  wives. 
These  sons-in-law  lived  with  the  wife's  parents  for  a  year  or  so. 
There  was  also  in  many  cases  an  aged  and  infirm  parent,  and  some- 
times adopted  children;  and  in  some  rare  instances  a  slave  or  a 
captive  warrior,  adopted  in  place  of  some  deceased  member  of  the 
family.-^ 

As  stated  heretofore,  there  are  evidences  that  there  were  about 
125  wigwams  in  Gordon  town.  Considering  the  facts  just  brought 
out,  it  is  quite  probable  that  these  125  wigwams  contained  about  375 
warriors,  or  a  total  of  about  1,250  men,  women,  and  children. 

Groups  of  Clan  Dwellings 

A  study  of  the  map  of  Gordon  town  in  Plate  95  shows  the  house 
circles  to  be  gathered  more  or  less  into  groups.  This  may  be  more 
apparent  than  real,  as  what  appeared  to  be  some  extremely  faint 
traces  of  cu'cles  were  found  in  the  space  shown  as  vacant  on  the  map. 
These  traces  were  not  sufhciently  distinct  to  justify  recording  them 
mthout  confirming  their  existence  by  the  spade.  Should  this  group- 
ing prove  true,  it  possibly  means  that  each  of  the  groups  was  inhabited 
by  members  of  a  clan,  as  among  the  Creeks,  where  ''  The  towns  were 
composed  of  irregidar  clusters  of  four  to  eight  houses,  each  cluster 
being  occupied  by  the  representatives  of  a  clan."  ^' 

Deserted  by  its  Inhabitants 

As  previously  stated,  the  ancient  inhabitants  for  some  unknown 
reason  deserted  this  town  site. 

They  evidently  were  in  no  unincdiate  danger  of  attack  by  an 
enemy  because  they  had  time  to  take  with  them  their  domestic 
pottery  and  other  utensils.  Probably  hoping  to  return,  they  left  all 
the  buildings  standing  except  the  ceremonial  house  or  temple  and 

*8  Reference  is  made  to  the  articles  Family,  Marriage,  Women,  Slavery,  and  the  references  therewith, 
in  "Handbook  of  American  Indians,"  Bull.  30,  Bur.  Amer.  Ethn. 
-'  Article  "Creeks,"  HLindbook  of  American  Indians,  Bull.  30,  Bur.  Amer.  Ethn.,  pt.  1,  p.  364. 


554  PREHISTORIC   VILLAGES   IN    TENNESSEE  [eth.ann.41 

one  or  two  wigwams.  These  were  burned  either  at  the  time  the 
inhabitants  left  or  later.  If  they  had  fled  hurriedly  before  an  attack, 
they  would  probably  have  burned  all  the  buildings  to  prevent  their 
falling  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy.  If  the  town  had  been  taken 
and  not  inhabited  by  the  enemy,  the  enemy  would  have  burned  it 
if  they  expected  the  old  inhabitants  to  return. 

Everything  points  to  an  orderly  desertion  of  the  site  and  a  slow 
and  gradual  decay  and  covering  up  of  the  deserted  village  with  black 
loam. 

PROBABLE     RELATIONSHIP     BETWT5EN     THE     GORDON 
TOWN   AND   MADISONVILLE,  OHIO 

There  is  evidence  to  show  some  probable  relationship  between  the 
Gordon  people  and  those  at  Madisonville,  Ohio,  in  the  outsku-ts  of 
Cincinnati.  The  little  Gordon  skeletal  material  that  has  been 
unearthed  appears  to  resemble  that  of  Madisonville.^"  The  culture 
of  Gordon  also  somewhat  resembles  that  of  MadisonviUe. 

The  similarity  of  some  of  the  artifacts  of  the  Gordon  region  to 
those  of  MadisonviUe  is  very  noticeal)le.^' 

The  people  on  both  the  Gordon  and  Madisonville  sites  buried  their 
dead  extended  at  full  length  and  on  the  back.  Both  sometimes 
buried  the  skeleton  after  decay  of  the  flesh.  Gordon  used  stone-slab 
coffins;  MadisonvUle  did  not.  At  Gordon  the  slabs  could  be  easily 
obtained,  being  found  Iving  loose  in  the  bed  of  the  neighboring  brook. 
At  Madisonville  slabs  coidd  be  obtained  only  by  quarrj-ing  them 
Avith  very  great  labor  from  horizontally  bedded  stone.  This  was  a 
work  of  almost  prohibitive  difficulty  to  men  of  the  stone  age. 

The  use  of  the  cache  pits  uncovered  at  Gordon  site  appears  to  have 
been  somewhat  different  from  that  of  those  found  by  Doctor  Swan  ton 
and  others  at  Madisonville.  The  Gordon  pits  contained  no  bones 
or  pottery  fragments  and  were  fdlcd  solely  with  loose  black  soil. 
They  were  in  the  floors  of  buildings  which  had  apparently  been  used 
for  sacred  purposes.  Those  at  Madisonville  probably  were  used  as 
domestic  storage  pits  and  for  similar  purposes.  Possibly  the  future 
excavation  of  some  of  the  spaces  between  house  circles  at  Gordon 
may  show  similar  domestic  storage  pits. 

The  owl  was  represented  in  the  cultures  of  both  towns.  (Pis.  119, 
i;  120,  a.) 

Several  svmbols  found  at  Madisonville  resemble  similar  ones  found 
on  sites  in  middle  Tennessee  which  are  related  to  Gordon.  These 
furnish  indirect  evidence  of  relationship  between  Gordon  and  Madi- 
sonville. 

»  See  Doctor  Hrdlieka's  report,  p.  612. 

"  See  pis.  1,  Ib;  17,  18,  20,  23,  and  24  and  figs.  2  and  5,  Hooton  and  Willoiighhy,  "Indian  Village  Site  and 
Cemetery  near  Madisonville,  Ohio,"  Papers  Peabody  Museum,  Harvard  Univ.,  vol.  8,  no.  1. 


uyer] 


GORDON  TOWN   SITE 


555 


Similar  Food  Animals 

Their  favorite  food  animals  changed  very  httle  after  the  Madison- 
ville  people  left  their  Tennessee  kin.  The  Madisonville  people  had 
learned  to  eat  the  dog.  Some  other  changes  wall  be  seen.  A  com- 
parison of  the  following  table  of  food  bones  from  cache  pit  III  on  the 
Madisonville  site  with  the  table  of  the  food  bones  of  the  Gordon  and 
Fewkes  sites,  near  the  end  of  this  vohime,  will  be  instructive. 


Cache  Pit  III,  6  ^' 


Per  cent 

Deer 80.  0 

Turkey 8.  0 

Bear 2.5 

Elk 2.5 

Dog 2.5 

Turtle  (2  species) 2.  5 


Raccoon 

Beaver 

Opossum,  puma,  fish,  fox,  otter 
woodchuck,  badger 


Per  cent 

0.  5 

.5 

1.0 


Total 100.0 


A  study  of  the  Gordon  and  Madisonville  sites  throws  some  light 
on  the  comparatively  late  arrival  of  the  bison  in  the  region  east  of 
the  MississipjDi  and  south  of  the  Ohio. 

As  stated  elsewhere  in  this  vohune,  the  bison  had  probably  not 
arrived  in  Tennessee  at  the  time  the  Gordon  site  was  udiabited ;  but 
the  Madisonville  people  apjiear  to  have  come  in  contact  with  it  after 
they  left  their  Gordon  Idn.  This  is  shown  by  the  fact  that  not  a 
trace  of  the  bison  was  foimd  on  the  Gordon  site,  while  at  Madison- 
ville it  aj^peai-s  to  have  been  eaten,  but  sparingly. 

WANDERINGS  OF  THE  GORDON  PEOPLE 

The  possible  relationship  between  Gordon  town  and  some  of  the 
other  ancient  peoples  who  have  hved  in  the  central  basin  of  Tennes- 
see has  already  been  indicated  in  this  work.  There  is  some  extremely 
hazy  evidence  of  the  migration  of  these  ancient  Gordon  kindred 
peoples  from  the  Northwest  down  into  the  moimtainous  regions  of 
southeastern  West  Vu-ginia  and  southwestern  Virginia.  There  are 
some  faint  archeological  evidences  that  they  remained  for  a  long 
period  of  time  ui  this  portion  of  the  Virginias. 

The  author  has  found  apparent  traces  of  them  after  they  reached 
the  Jasper  Allen  mound  region  in  Scott  County,  Va.,  about  30  miles 
northwest  of  Bristol,  Tenn.  These  traces  are  sho'RTi  by  relics  found 
by  Mr.  Valentine  in  the  Jasper  Allen  moimd,  and  now  in  the  Valen- 
tine Museimi,  Richmond,  Va.  One  is  a  water-bottle-shaped  vase 
with  four  world-quarter  human  ])rayer  heads.  Another  is  a  few 
fragments  of  a  water-bottle-shaped  vase  with  equal  arm  cross  or  four 
world-c[uarter  sjonbols  with  encircling  sun  ring.  There  are  also  other 
traces  in  these  Allen  mound  relics. 


"  Hooton  and  WiUoughby,  op.  cit.,  p.  32. 


556  PREHISTORIC   VILLAGES   IN   TENNESSEE  [eth.  ann.  41 

Somewhere  in  southeastern  West  Virginia  and  southwestern  Vir- 
ginia the  Gordon  peoi^le  appear  to  have  been  struck,  possibly  by  the 
Cherokees,  who  had  hitherto  been  living  in  their  former  northern 
homes  on  the  extreme  headwaters  of  the  Ohio  River  or  were  gradually 
working  southward  therefrom.  The  invading  Cherokees  appear  to 
have  driven  out  the  Gordon  bands,  and  advanced  down  the  Allegheny 
range  untU  they  reached  the  region  in  eastern  Tennessee  and  western 
North  Carolina  where  they  were  later  fomid  by  the  early  whites. 

The  driving  out  of  the  ancient  Gordon  bands  was  several  h^mdred 
years  before  1540,  the  time  at  which  De  Soto  foimd  the  Cherokees 
in  this  region,  firmly  fixed  in  these  seats,  which  even  then  appeared 
to  have  been  16ng  occupied  by  them. 

The  advancing  Cherokees  drove  the  apparently  kindred  Gordon 
bands  to  the  south  and  southwest.  Traces  of  them  are  found  near 
Augusta,  Ga. ;  Moimdsville,  Ala. ;  Chattanooga,  Tenn. ;  Henry's  Island, 
in  Tennessee  River,  near  Guntersville,  Marshall  Coimty,  Ala.;  Cas- 
talian  Springs,  Simmer  County,  Tenn.;  near  Labanon,  Wilson  County, 
Tenn.;  near  Hendersonville,  Sumner  County,  Tenn.;  at  Nashville, 
and  on  the  Gordon  site  and  at  many  other  places  in  the  Cumberland 
Valley. 

Wlien  the  Gordon  bands  reached  the  Central  Basin  of  Tennessee 
they  established  many  large  settlements  within  a  radius  of  75  miles 
of  Nashville.  Their  seats  were  towns  of  large  size  and  strongly 
fortified.  The  immense  number  of  graves  showing  traces  of  rela- 
tionship indicate  they  hved  in  this  region  for  many  hundreds  of  years. 
There  are  also  many  otiier  evidences  corroborating  this.  They 
appear  to  have  been  gradually  driven  out  of  this  fertile  basin  at  some 
unkno^^^l  time  before  the  year  1000  A.  D.  Wlien  they  were  driven 
out  they  went  slowly,  in  scattered  bands  and  at  difl^erent  times,  down 
the  Cumberland  and  out  the  Ohio  River,  forming  scattered  settle- 
ments at  many  points  in  their  slow  removal.  Traces  of  a  very  few 
of  these  settlements  have  been  found  near  the  mouth  of  the  Cumber- 
land and  along  the  banks  of  the  lower  Ohio  River  from  Shawneetown 
to  the  mouth  of  the  Ohio. 

At  the  mouth  of  the  Ohio  River  some  of  these  bands  or  tribes  went 
downstream,  where  traces  of  them  have  been  found  in  southeastern 
Missouri,  around  New  Madrid;  in  northeastern  Arkansas;  on  the 
Wliite  and  St.  Francis  Rivers;  and  also  around  the  mouths  of  the 
Arkansas  and  Yazoo  Rivers. 

At  the  mouth  of  the  Ohio  other  bands  or  tribes  appear  to  have 
gone  up  the  Mississippi.  Possible  traces  of  some  of  their  settlements 
in  Illinois,  near  the  Mississippi,  between  the  mouth  of  the  Ohio  and 
the  Missouri,  are  to  be  found  at  the  following  points  described  in  the 
Twelfth  Annual  Report  of  the  Biu-eau  of  Ethnology: 


uter] 


GORDON^  TOWN  SITE  557 


Randolph  County. — Mill  tract;  De  Frenne  place;  Bluff  Ferry,  1  mile  below 
Rockwood;  Rockwood  and  several  points  in  its  immediate  vicinity;  Sparta. 

Jackson  County. — On  Big  Muddy  River  in  sec.  22,  T.  10  S.,  R.  3  W. 

Alexander  County. — Hale's  place. 

Union  County.— Linn's  place:  NW.  M  sec.  16,  T.  13,  R.  2  W.;  NW.  }4  sec.  16, 
T.  10  S.,  R.  2  W 

They  also  appear  to  have  hved  at  several  points  along  the  Illinois 
River  and  elsewhere  in  Illinois  and  adjoining  States.  The  remains 
left  by  the  ancient  Gordon  peoples  in  their  long  wanderings  through 
the  southern  United  States  mark  the  higliest  degree  of  cidture  reached 
by  stone  age  man  east  of  the  Mississippi  River  and  south  of  tlie  Ohio. 

DATE  OF   DESERTION  OF  GORDON  SITE 

All  the  facts  indicate  that  the  Gordon  people  came  into  the  Central 
Basin  of  Tennessee  at  some  miknown  time  prior  to  A.  D.  1000  and 
that  their  arrival  may  have  been  hundreds  or  even  a  thousand  or 
more  years  before  A.  D.  1000.  They  probably  arrived  in  different 
bands  at  widely  separated  intervals.  Their  settlement  of  the  region 
was  probably  gradual.  They  appear  to  have  buUt  many  important 
towns  and  small  settlements.  Somewhere  in  nearly  every  rich  bot- 
tom of  the  Ctunberland  River  in  middle  Tennessee  traces  of  one  or 
more  of  their  homes  can  be  found.  They  probably  remained  in  the 
Central  Basin  of  Tennessee  for  at  least  450  years. 

It  is  impossible  to  state  what  peoples  hved  in  middle  Tennessee 
before  the  Gordon  people.  Beyond  cjuestion  many  wandering  bands 
of  savages  drifted  into  this  region  before  the  Gordons,  and  these 
bands  gradually  went  out  or  were  forced  out  later.  The  Gordon 
people  appear  to  have  built  some  of  the  larger  towns  in  middle  Ten- 
nessee. Probably  one-third  of  the  known  Indian  remains  in  this 
region  of  Tennessee  belongs  to  the  Gordon  kin. 

The  Gordon  site  furnishes  some  facts  which  wiU  throw  additional 
light  on  the  probable  date  of  its  desertion.     These  facts  are  as  follows : 

There  is  an  accumulation  of  from  14  to  20  inches  of  black  loam 
covering  the  floors  of  tlie  ruins.     It  will  average  about  16  inches. 

The  present  depth  of  rich  black  loam  on  top  of  the  original  clay 
subsoil  on  this  site,  on  the  exterior  of  the  house  circles,  immediately 
under  the  following  letters  on  map  (pi.  95),  is: 

Inches 

Under  C,  between  circles  Nos.  1  and  3 31 

Under  D,  between  circles  Nos.  3,  5,  and  6 243^ 

Under  F,  to  the  east  of  circle  No.  24 22 

Under  H,  between  circles  Nos.  17  and  18 21 

There  are  a  number  of  very  large  trees  standing  on  top  of  these 
ruins. 


558  PREHISTORIC  Vn.T.AGES   IX   TEXXiSSEE  lTiE.iss.S. 

A  beedi.  13  feet  in  circumference  at  3  feet  above  the  ground,  stands 
upon  the  line  of  the  earthen  \rall  embankment  on  the  west  side  of 
the  to'wTi. 

Several  dms.  meaenring  from  13  to  13  H  feet  in  eLrcumference  at 
3  feet  above  the  ground,  stand  upon  the  \ngw"am  circles. 

An  elm,  12  feet  in  diameter  at  3  feet  above  the  ground,  stands  upon 
the  line  of  the  earthen  \rall  embankment  on  the  eastern  side  of  the 
town. 

On  the  rim  of  circle  Xo.  31  there  is  an  ehn  stump  which  measures 
17  feet  in  circumference  at  20  inches  above  the  ground,  which  corre- 
sponds to  a  circumference  of  13  feet  at  3  feet  above  the  groimd.  This 
stump  has  somewhere  between  300  and  32-5  annual  growth  rings. 
About  S  inches  at  the  center  is  somewhat  decayed,  and  thir,  prevents 
an  accurate  count  of  that  portion.  Two  himdred  and  eighty-five 
rings  could  be  plainly  seen,  and  there  were  enough  indications  in  the 
partially  decayed  portion  to  render  a  total  of  300  to  32-5  rings  a  con- 
servative estimate.  This  elm  had  reached  a  ripe  old  age  and  died  a 
natural  death.     The  life  of  an  American  elm  is  about  300  years. 

In  short,  in  the  year  1920  there  was  an  average  accumulation  of 
about  16  inches  of  black  loam  covering  the  floors  of  these  ruins,  and 
iqxHi  the  ruins  were  hving  trees  at  least  300  years  old. 

This  means  that  the  abandonment  of  Gordon  town  was  some  time 
prior  to  1620.  sufficiently  long  to  allow  an  accumulation,  up  to  the 
year  192"3,  of  at  least  16  inches  of  black  loam  on  the  deserted  dwelling 
floois. 

Xo  one  has  yet  made  accurate  records  of  the  rate  of  accumulation 
of  black  loam  c«i  sites  and  tmder  conditions  similar  to  Gordon. 

The  Gtwdon  site  is  a  key  site.  Determining  its  approximate  age 
win  give  probable  dates  to  a  large  number  of  contemporary  related 
sites  in  middle  Teimessee  and  relative  dates  to  its  pcesibly  kindred 
ates:  the  probably  earher  ones  in  West  Mrginia.  Virginia,  east 
Teimessee.  Georgia,  and  Alabama,  and  the  probably  later  ones  in 
Ohio,  Illinois,  South  Carolina,  ilissouri,  and  Arkansas. 


BUSEA'J   0=^   AMERICAN    ETHN0LCX3Y  =0R" 


-=  123 


DISCOIDAL   AND  TWO   BOWLS   FOUND   NE 

NO.  20 


N   GRAVE.   CIRCLE 


BUREAU    OF   AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY        FORTY-FIRST    ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE   124 


HEIGHT, ije.  oiAi^.n^ 


b        10  II  


n/OS 

V     p.v^R  jn..,.m 

'        ~i  ...-^imiiiimfi' sec riON  L-L- 


^pAit<Ci 


SPRINO 


^Iy;%?y 


wijjmyfvo.  2 


-p. 


lil'^ivo.4 


/oo 


Zoo- FT- 


■ sc^ie 


H£IC,HT.3'8"Olflt-1-2.00' 

H H 

HEIbHT.Z'&'Olfiit^.iao' 

oifit-i.e-E.  Id' 

O/AJ-l.r-F.  113' 
HEIGHT.  3'B  " 


MAP  OF   FEWKES  GROUP 


BUREAU    OF   AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY  FORTY-FIRST   ANNUAL   REPORT      PLATE  126 


i          ■■  ■•   i-''^«>^i-/ 

<. 

1 

?*?^^h< 

I       •  .■  -■*  <  &^ 

l_-.ii*»#»*9r*''WN^ 

1  I^^^^^^H^^^^Ef^^'^'S^Hi^H 

B 

E 

a,  Post  holes 

6,  Bed  of  maize  and  maize  meal 


c,  AII,ar  in  House  of  Mysteries 

d,  Rectangular  cavity  and  two  piles  of  stones 


THE  FEWKES  GROUP 

During  October,  1920,  an  unnamed  Indian  village  group  was  par- 
tially excavated  at  Boiling  Spring  Academy,  about  1  mile  nortli  of 
Moran  Station  on  the  Louisville  &  Nashville  Railroad  and  6  miles 
northeast  of  Franldin,  on  the  Little  Harpeth  River,  in  Williamson 
County,  Tennessee.  At  the  request  of  many  citizens  of  Tennessee 
this  site  was  named  the  Fewkes  group  in  honor  of  Dr.  J.  Walter 
Fewkes,  Chief  of  the  Bureau  of  American  Ethnology,  who  had 
visited  it  and  recognized  its  possibilities  a  few  months  before. 

At  least  two  different  peoples  had  lived  on  this  site.  The  earlier 
people,  whom  I  have  designated  the  flexcd-burial  people,  on  account 
of  their  mode  of  burial,  built  the  mounds  and  most  of  the  other 
remains.  The  traces  of  these  flexcd-burial  people  cover  14.6  acres. 
At  a  later  date  a  smaller  band  of  some  other  tribe  located  here.  The 
flexed-burial  people  buried  the  bodies  closely  flexed  in  either  hexagonal 
or  almost  circular  stone-slab  coffins.  The  later  band  buried  in  rec- 
tangular stone-slab  graves,  with  body  extended  full  length,  on  its  back. 

The  Fewkes  group  consists  of  five  mounds,  one  on  each  of  the  four 
sides  of  a  level  town  square  and  another  on  the  edge  of  the  river 
bank.  There  are  also  traces  of  about  a  dozen  house  circles  and  a 
small  renmant  of  what  was  once  a  considerable  stone-slab  cemetery. 

As  far  as  can  now  be  determined  the  circular  buildings  of  the 
common  people  were  scattered  about  the  outer  edges  of  the  group 
of  fom-  mounds  inclosing  the  town  square. 

Most  of  these  habitations  were  to  the  west  of  mounds  Nos.  2  and  3 
and  to  the  north  of  mounds  Nos.  1  and  2,  east  of  mound  No.  1  and 
near  mound  No.  5  and  possibly  to  the  south  of  mound  No.  3.  These 
sites  are  inclosed  by  dotted  lines  on  the  map.  Some  houses  of  more 
than  usual  importance  adjoined  moimd  No.  1  on  the  northeast  side. 

Moimd  No.  2  on  the  map  (pi.  124)  is  a  low,  oval  mound  situated 
on  the  western  side  of  the  town  square.  It  is  also  shown  in  the 
photograph,  Plate  125,  6.  The  site  of  this  mound  had  been  lived 
upon  for  a  time  before  the  mound  was  raised.  The  moimd  was  com- 
menced and  raised  to  a  height  of  3  feet  and  a  building  or  buildings, 
for  imknown  purposes,  erected  thereon.  This  building  was  later 
torn  douii,  and  then  the  mound  was  raised  3  feet  higher  and  again 
used  for  xmknoAvn  purposes  for  a  period.  Then  the  town  house  or 
ceremonial  house  was  built  upon  it.  This  building  had  a  rare, 
beautiful  floor  made  of  clay,  smoothed,  and  then  hardened  by  fire, 
and  later  covered  with  a  thin  black  coating  which  was  then  poUshed. 
This  coating  was  black  and  glossy  when  uncovered. 

659 


560  PREHISTORIC    VILLAGES    IN    TENNESSEE  [eth.  ann.41 

In  the  center  of  the  biiikling  on  this  polished  floor  was  found  an 
altar  which  was  similar  to  the  altar  shown  in  Plate  100. 

The  walls  of  the  building  were  made  of  cane  stems,  with  the  leaves 
still  attached,  which  had  been  woven  in  and  out  between  the  upright 
posts  supijorting  the  roof  and  plastered  with  earth.  Traces  were 
found  of  the  fine  cane  matting  which  had  been  himg  as  a  decorative 
wall  covering  on  the  interior.  In  some  way  this  building  was 
destroyed  by  fire.  Earth  was  thi'own  on  the  remains  in  time  to 
smother  its  still  glowing  embers.  This  produced  a  large  amount  of 
powdery  charcoal  containing  fragments  of  cane  stems  with  the  leaves 
attaclied.  It  also  contained  minute  portions  of  the  charred  cane- 
matting  wall  covering. 

After  this  building  was  bmned  the  mound  was  again  raised  l}4 
feet  or  more  m  height.  All  traces  of  its  last  use  had  been  destroyed 
by  85  years  of  cultivation. 

The  low  mound.  No.  3,  on  the  south  side  of  the  town  square,  was 
used  for  burial  by  these  flexed-bm-ial  jseople. 

The  tall  oval  mound,  No.  1,  on  the  north  side  of  the  town  square, 
is  180  feet  across  the  base  and  25  feet  in  height.  It  is  the  most 
conspicuous  mound  in  the  group.  Lack  of  funds  prevented  its  exca- 
vation. 

House  circle  No.  6  was  one  of  the  group  of  buildings,  Nos.  6,  10,  11, 
whose  functions  were  closely  interwoven.  No.  6  contained  in  its 
center  a  fine  altar  or  fire-bowl. 

There  was  evidence  that  this  town  had  either  been  taken  by  an 
enemy  who  burned  it,  or  the  ancient  inhabitants,  forced  to  flee,  had 
burned  their  homes  to  prevent  their  falling  into  the  hands  of  the 
invader. 

House  circle  No.  17  (showTi  in  pi.  136,  I)  was  probably  a  typical 
dwelling.  Its  floor  was  of  hard-packed  clay.  The  fire-bowl  was 
sunk  in  the  center  of  the  floor,  and  not  raised  above  the  floor,  as  was 
customary  at  Gordon  town  and  in  several  other  middle  Tennessee 
towns.  At  this  fire  bowl  a  puzzling  burial  was  miearthed.  A  child, 
about  12  years  of  age,  was  buried  by  the  side  of  the  upright  stone 
slab  seen  in  Plate  136,  6,  with  its  head  resting  just  within  the  edge  of 
the  fire  bowl,  whose  rim  had  been  cut  away  at  this  point  to  admit 
the  top  of  the  child's  head.  The  fire  bowl  was  found  still  filled  with 
ashes.  These  ashes  covered  the  top  of  the  child's  head,  which 
showed  not  the  faintest  trace  of  the  action  of  fire. 

The  graves  of  two  other  children  were  also  foimd  in  the  floor  of 
this  house.  The  highest  of  the  upright  stone  slabs  of  one  of  the 
coffins  can  be  seen  to  the  right  of  the  feet  of  the  woman. 

At  both  the  Gordon  and  the  Fewkes  groups,  every  piece  of  bone 
and  every  fragment  of  pottery  was  carefully  saved  and  location 
within  certain  limits  noted.     These  thousands  of  fragments  have 


mtee] 


THE    FEWKES   GROUP  561 


given  a  reliable  record  of  the  food  animals  and  a  fairly  complete  list 
of  all  the  sizes  and  shapes  of  their  domestic  pottery. 

Both  of  these  sites,  when  partial  excavations  were  completed,  were 
accurately  restored  to  their  original  shape,  for  the  benefit  of  future 
explorers.  The  interesting  altars,  fire  bowls,  building  postholes,  and 
vestiges  of  domestic  Ufe  were  carefully  preserved  and  again  covered 
up  so  as  to  allow  their  future  study.  The  citizens  of  Tennessee 
strongly  urge  that  the  Fewkes  group  be  made  a  national  monument. 

FERTILE  REGION  AROUND  FEWKES  GROUP 

The  Fewkes  group  was  in  the  midst  of  one  of  the  most  tliickly 
settled  ancient  Indian  regions  in  Tennessee.  A  large  number  of 
Indian  villages  and  smaller  settlements  existed  along  both  the  Little 
Harpeth  and  the  Big  Harpeth  Rivers  in  Williamson  County.  These 
two  streams  drain  the  most  fertile  portion  of  the  blue-grass  region  of 
Tennessee.  It  attracted  ancient  man  as  well  as  modern  man. 
Traces  of  Indian  habitations  are  to  be  found  around  each  of  the  many 
large  bold  springs  for  wliich  this  region  is  celebrated. 

There  are  signs  of  a  small  settlement  of  apparently  only  three  or 
four  houses  around  the  bold  spring  1  Yi  miles  from  Fewkes  group  up 
the  Little  Harpeth  River.  One  mile  farther  upstream,  at  another 
big  spring,  on  the  Crocket  farm,  are  traces  of  a  considerable  settle- 
ment and  of  a  large  stone  cemetery.  This  cemetery  has  been  de- 
stroyed by  cultivation. 

One  and  one-half  miles  to  the  southwest  of  the  Fewkes  group, 
aromid  a  big  spring,  was  another  small  village.  Two  miles  do^^'n  the 
Little  Harpeth  from  Fewkes  group  is  a  village  site  and  moimd. 
Thus  it  continues  all  along  the  two  Harpeth  rivers  in  WUliamson 
County.  It  is  not  probable  that  all  of  these  sites  were  inhabited  at 
the  same  time,  but  everything  points  to  a  large  Indian  population  in 
this  region. 

There  are  records  of  29  ancient  inhabited  sites  reported  in  Wil- 
liamson County.  A  careful  survey  of  this  coimty  wotdd  reveal  pos- 
sibly as  many  more  small  sites.  Most  of  these  sites  appear  to  have 
belonged  to  a  jjeoi^le  like  the  last  comers  to  Fewkes  group,  who  buried 
in  rectangular  stone-slab  coffins,  \\ath  bodies  on  the  back,  extended 
full  length. 

MOUND    NO.  2 

Moimd  No.  2  is  a  low,  oval  mound  on  the  west  side  of  the  town 
square.  It  measures  235  feet  north  and  south  across  the  top  and 
160  feet  east  and  west  and  is  at  present  73^  feet  high. 

Plate  125,  a,  shows  a  view  of  the  Fewkes  group  taken  from  the  hill- 
side to  the  west  of  the  group.  The  laborers  are  standing  on  mound 
No.  2,  which  they  are  excavating. 


562 


PREHISTORIC    VILLAGES   IN   TENNESSEE 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


The  town  had  been  inhabited  for  only  a  short  time  before  this 
mound  was  raised.     This  is  proved  by  the  following  facts : 

In  this  mound  was  an  ancient  dwelling  fire  bed  on  the  original 
sm-face  of  the  soil.     This  fire  bed  was  a  shallow  circular  depression, 
2)4,  feet  in  diameter,  and  was  filled  with  ashes  and 
broken  animal  bones,  such  as  are  found  on  domestic 
hearths.     It  resembled  in  shape  that  found  in  house 
circle  No.  17  but  was  not  so  well  made.     It  is  showTi 
in  Figure  156  as  ash  bed  27.     This  fire  bed  belonged 
to  a  dwelling  which  had  stood  on  this  site  before  the 
mound  was  raised.     In  other  words,  the  town  had  been 
inhabited   before  mound  No.  2  was  raised.     This  is 
fm'ther  indicated   by  the  animal   bones  ia  the  ashes 
of  this  early  wigwam  showing  more  signs  of  age  than 
those  in  mound  No.  2,  which  was  later  raised  over  them. 
This  moimd,  as  will  be  seen  later,  was  raised  in 
■^   different  stages.     The  soil  in  the  lowest  layer,  belong- 
z   ing  to  its  first  stage,  contained   about   one-third   as 
§   many  fragments  of  animal  bones  and  pottery  as  the 
s   soil  in  the  upper  layers.     This  shows  its  erection  was 
r5  g  begim  at  a  time  when  only  one-third  as  many  evidences 
I  I   of  hmnan   occupancy  had    accumidated    in    the  sur- 
S.  g  rounding  surface  soU  from  which  the  mound  was  taken 
—  '-^^      ^   as  were  in  the  soil  when  the  later  stages  were  added. 

T        There  has  been  nothing  unearthed  on  this  site  to 

2    enable  us  to  detei'mine  with  any  degree  of  certainty 

£   the  approximate  date  of  the  flexed-burial  people  who 

first  occupied  it,  who   they  were,  or  how  long  they 

remained. 

Stages  ix  Erection 

After  the  site  had  been  occupied  for  some  unknown 
length  of  time  the  dwelling  or  dwellings  were  cleared 
away  and  the  mound  was  raised  to  a  height  of  about 
3  feet.  Its  shape  at  that  first  stage  is  shown  by  the 
dotted  line  marked  "First  level,"  in  vertical  section 
shown  in  Figure  156. 

Building  B 

On  the  mound  at  this  stage — the  first  level — one  or 
more  buildings  were  erected.  This  has  been  designated  "Building  B." 
The  momid  was  not  sufRciently  explored  to  determine  the  extent  or 
precise  character  of  building  B  and  its  possible  neighbors.  Figure  157 
shows  a  diagram  of  the  moimd  at  the  firet  level.  The  portion  exca- 
vated is  shown  by  the  dotted  lines.     The  large  round  dots  represent 


MVF"^| 


THE   FEWKES  GROUP 


563 


pestholes  belonging  to  buildings.     The  number  of  postholes,  con- 
sidering the  small  space  uncovered,  leads  us   to  hope  for  a  fairly 


V  Rectanoularholk      .\   "—--J 


Ashbed^ 
\  Plies  or  stones 


Fig.  157. — Diagram  of  mound  No.  2  at  first  level 


accurate  groimd  plan  of  all  the  structures  when  the  mound  shall  have 
been  thoroughly  explored. 

A  photograph  of  some  of  the  postholes  of  building  B  and  its  neigh- 
bors is  shown  m  Plate  126,  a.     This  building  had  a  fairly  level  floor. 


564  PREHISTORIC   VILLAGES    IN   TENNESSEE  [eth.  ann.41 

The  soil  of  the  floor  apparently  had  only  such  packing  down  as 
would  arise  from  use.  It  had  not  been  made  smooth;  neither  had  it 
been  hardened  by  fire.  On  the  floor  was  a  pavementlike  arrange- 
ment of  stone  slabs,  marked  "Stone  slabs"  in  Figure  157.  These 
slabs  were,  respectively,  32  by  26  by  3  J^  inches,  28  by  26  by  33^ 
inches,  and  12  by  12  by  2  inches.  Nothing  was  found  under  them. 
Further  excavation  will  be  required  to  bring  out  complete  details  of 
this  pavement. 

Ash  Bed 

In  the  northwestern  portion  a  fire  bed  or  ash  bed,  No.  12,  was 
found.  It  was  6  by  5H  feet,  and  was  not  bowl  shaped,  but  shaped 
as  shown  in  Figvu^es  156  and  157.  It  was  made  of  clay  and  was 
covered  with  a  layer  of  white  ashes  from  1  to  2  inches  ia  thickness, 
wliicli  contained  no  bones  or  pottery  fragments.  The  fire  bed  did 
not  appear  to  have  been  long  in  use,  because  the  clay  was  not  burned 
hard. 

Adjoining  the  southeast  corner  of  this  fire  bed  was  the  hole,  No.  32, 
Figure  157.  It  was  6  inches  in  diameter  and  12  inches  deep.  It  did 
not  appear  to  be  a  postliole,  as  tlie  loose  black  earth  winch  fUled  it 
was  more  fluffy  and  powdery  than  that  in  the  postholes.  It  con- 
tained no  ashes  or  pottery,  but  on  the  clay  bottom  we  found  four 
unworked  fragments  of  deer  bones.  It  evidently  had  a  definite,  but 
now  unknown,  use. 

DiscoiDAL  Found  on  Floor 

At  11  the  beautiful  small  biconcave  discoidal  shown  in  Plate  129,  a, 
was  foimd.  It  is  1%  inches  in  diameter  and  was  made  of  a  fine- 
grained, dark  red,  compact,  slightly  clayish  sandstone,  which  con- 
tains a  few  specks  of  mica.  It  was  found  on  what  was  about  the 
level  of  the  floor  of  Building  B,  where  it  probably  had  become  covered 
up  in  the  rubbish  and  lost. 

Sacred  Image  House 

In  the  southwestern  portion  of  the  mound  we  came  upon  the  ruins 
of  a  structure  to  which  we  have  given  the  name  of  Sacred  Image 
House.  This  was  a  very  small  building,  and  apparently  of  great 
sanctity.  Here  were  found  traces  of  what  was  probably  an  ancient 
sacred  image  or  idol,  the  remains  of  their  sacred  maize  and  maize 
meal,  a  pecuhar  arrangement  of  rectangular  piles  of  stones  probably 
belonging  to  a  shrine,  and  traces  of  some  of  their  ancient  fire  cere- 
monies. 

This  building  was  lighter  in  construction  than  the  others  on  this 
mound  at  this  stage.  Its  postholes  are  closer  together,  many  being 
smaller  than  those  of  the  other  buildings,  and  only  from  9  to  10 
inches  apart. 


myer] 


THE  FEWKES  GROUP 


565 


On  the  interior  of  this  Sacred  Image  House,  at  the  doorway,  was  a 
pecuhar  arrangement  of  two  posts.  A  somewhat  similar  arrange- 
ment appeareil  in  a  later  building,  the  House  of  Mysteries.  The  use 
of  these  two  posts  inside  the  door  is  not  known. 

Trace  of  an  Image 

In  what  appeared  to  be  the  north  wall  of  this  structure  was  a 
rectangular  cavity,  a  diagram  of  wliich  is  shown  in  Figiire  158.  It 
measured  10  inches  across  the  top,  14  mches  in  height,  10  inches 
across  the  bottom,  and  was  33^  inches  deep.  The  diagram  in  Figure 
158  and  the  photograph  in  Plate  126,  r^,  both  show  there  was  a  layer 
of  mingled  aslies,  cliarcoal,  and  earth  immediately  below  this  cavity, 
and  also  undisturbed  layers  of  ashes  just  above  the  top  of  the  cavity. 
The  photograph  (pi.  126,  d)  shows  faint  traces  of  these  undisturbed 
layers  of  ashes  immediately  over  this  cavity,  showing  clearly  that 
the  wooden  object  which  caused  the  formation  of  this  cavity  was 
placed  in  the  wall  before  the  stratified 
and  undisturbed  ash  beds  were  formetl 
above  it.  Therefore  it  is  not  of  white- 
man  origin.  It  belongs  to  the  first 
stage  of  the  moimd.  Both  the  diagram 
and  the  photograph  show  very  clearly 
that  this  wooden  object  was  in  the  line 
of  wall.  It  was,  beyond  question,  an 
object  of  importance,  and  was  placed 
in  a  prominent  place.  Wood  was  cUf- 
ficult  for  a  stone  age  Indian  to  work. 
A  wooden  object  so  placed  in  the 
wall  would  probably  be  of  some  real  importance.  A  plaster  cast 
was  made  of  a  portion  of  the  cavity  and  the  decayed  wood  found 
therein,  which  proved  to  be  red  cedar,  was  saved.  The  size  and 
shape  faintly  suggest  an  image  or  idol  with  a  rectangular  base,  some- 
wliat  similar  to  the  wooden  image  found  in  Bell  County,  Ky.,  formerly 
in  the  collection  of  Col.  Bennett  H.  Young,  and  now  in  the  Museum 
of  the  American  Indian.  From  the  accounts  of  early  white  visitors 
to  the  southern  tribes  of  the  Mississippi  Valley  it  is  known  that  such 
images  were  often  placed  in  somewhat  similar  positions  on  the  sides 
of  the  walls  of  sacred  structures. 

Two  Rectangular  Piles  of  Stones 

Within  this  room  were  found  two  piles  of  stones.  These  are  shown 
in  the  photograph  (pi.  126,  d)  and  in  the  diagram  (fig.  157).  These 
piles  are  somewhat  irregularly  rectangular  and  were  about  15  by  14 
inches  and  6  inches  in  height.  The  stones  comprising  the  piles 
varied  from  the  size  of  the  fist  to  five  times  that  large.     The  indi- 


Fig.  158. — Diagram  of  cavity 


566  PREHISTORIC   VILLAGES   IN   TENNESSEE  [eth.ann.41 

vidual  stones  were  unusually  rectangular  for  stone-age  man.  They 
showed  no  signs  of  having  been  shaped  by  man  and  evidently  had 
been  selected  with  care.  Botn  of  these  piles  of  stone  rested  on  the 
same  bed  of  gray  ashes.  The  ashes  also  were  mingled  through  the 
bottom  layer  of  the  stones.  They  contained  no  fragments  of  pottery 
or  bones  and  showed  no  signs  of  being  used  for  domestic  purposes. 
The  soil  under  one  of  the  piles  of  stones  was  burned  red,  showing 
strong  action  of  fire;  the  soil  under  the  other  showed  no  effect  of 
fire.  None  of  the  stones  in  either  pile  showed  any  signs  of  strong 
heat.  These  two  piles  appear  to  have  been  placed  in  position  after 
the  fire  had  been  discontinued  at  these  points  but  before  the  ash  bed 
had  been  removed.  They  were  probably  used  in  some  of  the  sacred 
rites.  Their  location  on  the  floor  and  their  general  appearance 
suggest  their  being  portions  of  an  ancient  sJarine. 

Maize  and  Maize  Meal 

Immediately  south  of  the  piles  of  stones  was  found  what  was 
probably  the  remains  of  a  store  of  maize  and  maize  meal,  shown  in 
Plate  126,  h.  There  was  about  one  peck  of  this  material.  It  was 
found  upon  an  earthen  platform  about  30  inches  above  the  floor. 
The  maize  had  been  shelled.  The  grains  were  well  preserved  on 
accoimt  of  having  been  charred.  This  ancient  maize  was  submitted 
to  Dr.  W.  E.  Safford,  who  reported: 

This  maize  owes  its  preservation  to  the  fact  that  it  is  charred  and,  like  charcoal, 
will  last  indefinitely.  The  grains  have  been  removed  from  the  cob,  but  they 
are  so  well  preserved  that  their  size  and  shape  can  easily  be  seen,  showing  that 
the  variety  to  which  they  belong  is  that  known  as  the  many-rowed  tropical  flint, 
about  halfway  between  a  true  flint  and  a  popcorn.  Corn  of  this  variety  occurs 
in  the  West  Indies.  *  *  *  Associated  with  it  were  pieces  of  charred  wood 
and  lumps  of  a  substance,  evidently  of  organic  origin,  which  may  possibly  have 
been  finely  ground  maize  made  into  a  kind  of  mush. 

Maize  and  maize  meal  are  intimately  connected  with  many  of  the 
rites  of  our  IncHans. 

A  photograph  of  some  of  the  grains  of  this  corn  is  shown  in  Plate 
127.  Through  the  courtesy  of  Dr.  \Y.  E.  Safford  there  is  reproduced 
alongside  this  ancient  corn  a  typical  ear  of  its  nearest  modern  kin, 
the  many-rowed  tropical  flint  corn  from  Cuba.  Tlus  ear  of  Cuban 
corn  is  6J^  inches  long  and  IJ2  inches  in  largest  diameter.  The 
grains  of  the  Fewkes  corn  are  somewhat  similar  both  in  size  and  tex- 
ture to  those  of  the  Cuban  corn.  An  ear  of  this  ancient  corn  M^ould 
probably  yield  about  one-third  as  much  as  an  average  modern  ear. 
The  Cuban  corn  is  yellow.  The  ear  shown  in  the  illustration  has 
four  red-tingod  purple  grains  scattered  over  it. 

While  sacred  corn  might  vary  from  tribe  to  tribe,  each  tribe  com- 
monly had  some  one  variety  which  they  held  for  sacred  uses  only. 
This  was  planted  so  as  to  be  in  proper  condition  lor  use  when  the 


MTEH]  THE    FEWKES   GROUP  567 

time  arrived  for  celebration  of  certain  rites.  The  sacred  variety  was 
not,  as  a  rule,  different  in  size  of  ear  from  the  cori^  cultivated  for 
food.  It  is*  therefore  probable  that  the  ear  of  Cuban  corn  fairly 
represents  in  size,  at  least,  one  of  the  varieties  of  corn  used  for  food 
by  the  Fewkes  people. 

Buildings  on  First  Level 

Not  more  than  one-fifth  of  the  area  of  this  large  mound  was  exca- 
vated. From  the  limited  space  uncovered  it  is  impossible  to  discover 
the  extent  of  the  buildings  or  theii'  number.  Judging  from  the  post- 
holes  found  in  all  three  of  the  sections  of  the  mound  excavated,  it  is 
probable  that  the  mound  at  this  stage  had  upon  it  one  or  more  large 
buildings,  some  of  which  were  subdivided  into  two  or  more  rooms, 
or  there  may  have  been  two  or  more  isolated  buildings  upon  it. 
Mounds  with  both  characters  of  buildings  have  been  known  in  the 
South. 

MOUND  NO.  2  AT  SECOND  LEVEL 

After  the  buildings  on  the  first  level  had  been  used  for  some  un- 
known length  of  time  the  structures  appeared  to  have  been  torn 
down.  At  least  there  was  no  trace  of  their  having  been  burned. 
The  moimd  was  then  raised  about  3  feet  higher,  to  its  second  level. 

Before  it  had  quite  reached  its  second  level  it  appears  that  a  portion 
of  it  had  been  used  for  a  short  time  for  domestic  purposes,  as  the 
remains  of  a  large  domestic  ash  bed  were  found  at  8,  Figure  156. 
This  ash  bed  contained  a  large  amount  of  fragments  of  domestic 
pottery  and  broken  animal  bones,  but  the  soil  under  it  did  not  show 
signs  of  long  continued  action  of  fire.  Ash  bed  8  also  yielded  two 
bone  awls. 

After  this  period  of  domestic  use  the  mound  was  raised  or  leveled 
a  few  inches,  and  reached  its  second  stage. 

Fire  Pit 

At  24,  Figure  156,  was  found  a  large  fire  pit.  No  fragments  of 
pottery  or  animal  bones  were  found  in  it.  From  the  large  amount 
of  ashes  in  this  bed  and  the  appearance  of  the  surrounding  soil,  a  fire 
must  have  been  maintained  here  for  a  long  period  of  time. 

Building  A — House  of  the  Mysteries 

After  long  use  of  the  fire  pit  at  24  the  ancient  inhabitants  decided 
to  erect  an  important  town  house  or  House  of  the  Mysteries.  They 
smothered  the  fire  with  earth,  and  over  the  former  fire  pit,  which 
they  had  left  filled  with  ashes,  they  laid  a  floor  of  black,  glossy  earth, 
erected  a  building,  and  established  an  altar  therein.  This  altar  is 
shown  in  vertical  section  in  Figure  156.  A  study  of  the  vertical 
53666°— 28 37 


568  PREHISTORIC    VILLAGES   IN   TENNESSEE  [eth.  ann.  41 

section,  coupled  with  the  following  facts,  will  establish  the  details 
of  erection  of  Builduig  A. 

The  top  portion  of  the  discarded  fire  pit,  24,  contained  a  pile  of 
four  large  pieces  of  charcoal,  about  6  inches  in  diameter  and  from  6 
to  10  inches  in  length.  These  were  covered  with  a  layer  of  mingled 
earth  and  ashes,  as  though  they  had  been  smothered  with  earth. 
Then  the  floor  was  smoothed  and  packed  down,  but  not  made  level. 
After  that  a  black  glossy  floor  coating  was  applied,  covering  the  old 
sacred  fire  pit,  and  also  a  considerable  space  in  addition  thereto. 
This  floor  can  be  seen  in  Figure  156. 

The  floor  belonged  to  Building  A,  the  town  house,  or,  more  properly, 
House  of  the  Mysteries.  The  postholes  belonging  to  Building  A  are 
shown  in  Figure  159,  which  is  a  diagram  of  mound  No.  2  at  its  second 
level,  when  it  was  supporting  this  House  of  the  Mysteries.  There 
probably  were  also  one  or  two  other  buildings  on  the  moimd  at  this 
stage. 

Judging  from  its  large  size,  as  seen  from  a  stone-age  viewpoint,  it 
is  probable  that  Building  A  was  used  both  for  sacred  rites  and  for 
pubhc  gatherings  of  many  kinds.  The  House  of  the  Mysteries  most 
clearly  conveys  its  meaning. 

As  far  as  the  trenches  uncovered  this  House  of  the  Mysteries,  it 
stood  slightly  to  the  westward  of  the  central  north  and  south  line  of 
the  mound,  though  it  may  prove  to  have  covered  more  space  when 
all  of  it  is  unearthed.  There  are  indications  that  it  may  have  been 
divided  into  two  rooms. 

The  building  appears  to  have  had  upright  posts  set  about  18  inches 
apart.  The  postholes  were  similar  to  those  showm  in  Plate  126,  a. 
The  walls  were  made  of  cane  stems  woven  in  and  out  between  the 
upright  posts.  The  wattling  was  plastered  with  earth  and  the  wall 
was  hujig  with  a  layer  of  woven  cane  matting. 

The  dooi-way  of  the  main  room  of  the  House  of  the  Mysteries 
faced  the  east  and  looked  out  over  the  town  square.  On  the  interior, 
at  the  dooiTvay,  is  an  interesting  curved  arrangement  of  three  posts. 
A  similar  arrangement  of  posts  was  found  at  the  dooi-way  of  the 
Sacred  Image  House,  on  the  first  level.  The  use  of  these  inner  posts 
at  the  door  is  imknown. 

THE    ALTAR 

Within  the  House  of  the  Mysteries  was  an  ancient  altar  at  35, 
Figure  159.  Figure  160  shows  a  vertical  section  through  this  altar, 
and  Plate  126,  c,  shows  a  photograph  of  it.  The  altar  bowl  was  oval, 
32  by  29  inches  outside  measure,  and  28  by  25  inches,  and  4  inches 
deep,  inside  measure.  It  was  composed  of  hard-burned  puddled  red 
clay,  and  was  filled  with  clean,  white  powdery  ashes,  which  contained 
no  charcoal  or  fragments  of  pottery  or  bones.     The  sacred  fire  had 


myer] 


THE  FEWKES  GROUP 


569 


been  allowed  to  bum  out  without  being  smothered.  The  smooth, 
black  glossy  floor  did  not  continue  underneath  the  altar.  Adjoining 
the  altar  on  the  south  and  level  with  its  rim  was  a  hai'd-i:)acked  clay 


Fig.  159. — Diagram  of  mound  No.  2  at  second  level 


platform,  out  of  which  a  cavity  had  originally  been  scooped  and 
lined  with  puddled  clay,  thus  forming  an  altar  bowl. 

Adjoining  the  altar  on  the  north  was  a  bed  of  mingled  ashes,  earth, 
and  charcoal,  as  if  the  ashes  of  the  altar  had  been  raked  out  on  this 


570  PREHISTORIC    VILLAGES    IN   TENNESSEE  [eth.  ann.  41 

side.  While  some  of  the  ashes  had  been  removed  from  this  ash  heap 
from  time  to  time,  an  untidy  remnant  was  left.  The  rim  of  the  altar 
was  only  8  inches  beneath  the  present  surface  of  the  soil.  The  altar 
was  not  removed,  but  was  carefully  covered  up.  Mr.  J.  H.  Womack, 
the  owner  of  the  site,  promised  to  see  that  it  was  not  disturbed. 

ROOMS 

This  House  of  the  Mysteries  probably  had  two  rooms.  The  por- 
tion which  contains  the  altar  appears  likely  to  be  the  western  room. 
This  western  room  was  probably  56  feet  north  and  south  by  22  feet 
east  and  west. 

FLOOR 

The  eastern  portion  of  the  altar  room  appears  to  have  had  a  beau- 
tiful, smooth,  black  glossy  floor,  like  that  in  the  temple  of  the  Gordon 
site,  and  to  have  been  composed  in  some  places  of  clay  and  in  others 
of  the  hard-packed  soil  of  the  mound,  carefully  smoothed  and  packed 
down,  and  hardened  by  a  heavy  fire  built  upon  it.  This  fire  was 
sufficient  to  more  or  less  bui-n  the  floor  to  a  depth  of  from  2  to  4 


mTopScd.  ="'•'    '"    '="  ^AilM.charcoalt  earth. 

t^BZa^A.,  qlogey  Clocr.  \jjA  Hard  cL^,  here  aruithere  fS3  Hardbaked  chzy . 

Bilii)  Smooth,hardbumeai  clay  shomrysiansofax:ltonofiire  UI^  Fowdery  cha,rooal. 

Fig.  160. — Vertical  section  through  altar 

inches.  Then  the  ashes  of  the  fire  were  thoroughly  removed  and  a 
half-inch  layer  of  clay,  rendered  black  with  some  substance,  was 
spread  over  it  and  given  a  fine  polish  by  rubbing.  The  floor  must 
have  presented  a  most  pleasing  appearance. 

WALLS 

The  walls  of  this  buUding  were  comjiosed  of  poles  from  3  to  7 
inches  in  diameter  and  from  12  to  24  inches  distant  from  each  other, 
a  large  proportion  being  about  18  inches  apart.  These  poles  were 
doubtless  bent  over  and  tied  together  at  the  top,  thus  forming  an 
arclied  roof,  like  those  of  many  of  the  soiithern  Indian  buddings. 
One  with  this  type  of  roof  is  shown  in  Figiu-e  161.  The  walls  had 
then  been  made  by  weaving  canes  in  and  out  between  the  poles,  thus 
forming  a  wattling,  which  was  covered  with  a  coating  of  clay  plaster, 
both  withm  and  without.  Traces  of  plastered  walls  of  this  type  were 
foimd  on  the  Gordon  site  and  also  in  the  building  on  circle  No.  6  of 
Fewkes  group.  The  method  of  construction  is  shown  in  Figm-e  162.^^ 
This  clay-j)lastered  wattled  wall,  when  completed,  was  sometimes 
hung,  both  within  and  without,  with  a  layer  of  woven  cane  matting 
covering  on  the  inner  wall. 

•'  Reproduced  (rem  article,  Habitations,  Bur.  Amer.  Ethn.,  Bull.  30,  pt.  1,  p.  517. 


BUREAU    OF    AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY  FORTY-FIRST    ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE    127 


CHARRED  GRAINS  OF  CORN  AND  EAR  OF  MODERN  CUBAN  CORN 


BUREAU   OF  AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY  FORTY-FIRST   ANNUAL   REPORT      PLATE   128 


*i^ 

1^^ 

^^t 

^ 

^* 

" 

r 

a,  Pottery  bowl,  9  inches  in  diameter 
6,  Pottery  bowl,  7>2  inches  in  diameter 


c,  Metate  and  muller 


BUREAU    OF  AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY  FORTY-FIRST   ANNUAL   REPORT     PLATE   129 


OBJECTS    FOUND    SCATTERED    THROUGH    THE    SOIL    OF    MOUND 

NO.  2 


\j^- 


o 

_l 

o 

2 
X 


myeb] 


THE    FEWKES    GROUP 


571 


Fig.  161.— Mat  house,  Carolina  Indians 


DESTRUCTION    BY    FIRE 

The  House  of  the  Mysteries  was  later  destroyed  by  fire.  There 
were  evidences  of  the  fallen-in  plastered  wall  on  top  of  the  black, 
glossy  floor  iii  the  layer  of  powdery  charcoal  near  the  line  of  the 
wall  south  of  the  hard-packed  clay  platform,  as  shown  in  Figure  1 60. 

TRACES   OF   CANE    MATTING 

In  the  layer  of  charcoal  near  the  door  were  very  faint  traces  of  the 
woven  cane  mattuig  which  appeared  to  belong  to  the  interior  wall 
covering.     Apparently  the  wall  had 
fallen  in  on  the  floor  and  the  burning 
matting  had  been  smothered. 

Early  white  explorei-s  in  the  south- 
em  United  States'  saw  similar  cane 
matting  wall  coverings. 

In  181 1  two  mummified  bodies  were 
found  in  a  "copperas  cave"  15  miles 
southwest  of  SjDarta,  White  County, 
Tenn.  They  were  buried  in  woven 
cane  baskets  very  curioiLsly  wrought. 

There  is  a  specimen  of  beautiful  ancient  Tennessee  woven  cane 
matting  preserved  in  the  United  States  National  Museiun.  This  was 
found  in  a  rock  shelter  on  Clifty,  near  Harriman,  Tenn.  The  author 
has    several    specimens    which    were    foimd    in    rock    shelters    in 

Smith  and  Pickett  Coimties,  Tenn. 
Judging  from  this  Clifty  specimen, 
the  weaver  of  the  wall  covering  of 
the  House  of  Mysteries  in  Fewkes 
group  had  introduced  elaborate 
patterns  in  the  woven  designs. 
This  natural  dark  cream-tinted 
cane  mattmg  •was  then  fiu"ther  decorated  with  harmonious  color 
designs,  usually  in  black.  This  structure,  with  its  polished  black 
floor  and  beautiful  cane  matting  wall  decorations,  indicates  a  high 
type  of  barbaric  buildings. 

The  following  extracts  from  Swan  ton's  Indian  Tribes  of  the  Lower 
Mississippi  Valley  (Bull.  43,  Bm-eau  of  American  Ethnology,  pp.  59 
and  60)  will  throw  light  on  the  method  of  construction  and  appearance 
of  this  building.  These  extracts  were  taken  by  Doctor  Swanton  from 
several  of  the  accounts  of  the  early  explorers. 

The  cabins  of  the  great  vDlage  of  the  Natchez,  the  only  one  I  saw,  are  in  the 
shape  of  a  square  pavilion,  very  low,  and  without  windows.  The  top  is  rounded 
much  like  an  oven.     The  majority  are  covered  with  the  leaves  and  stalks  of  corn; 


Fig.  162. — House  construction,  mound 
builders,  plastered  wattled  worl; 


572  PREHISTORIC   VILLAGES    IN   TENNESSEE  [eth.  ann.41 

some  are  built  of  clay  mixed  with  cut  straw,  which  seemed  to  me  to  be  tolerably 
strong,  and  which  were  covered  within  and  without  with  very  thin  mats.  That 
of  the  great  chief  is  very  neatly  plastered  on  the  inside.  It  is  also  larger  and 
higher  than  the  rest,  placed  on  a  somewhat  elevated  spot,  and  stands  alone,  no 
other  building  adjoining  it  on  any  side.  It  fronts  the  north  and  has  a  large 
open  space  in  front,  not  of  the  most  regular  outline. 

if  *  *  *  *  *  * 

The  natives  go  into  the  young  woods  in  search  of  young  walnut  (hickory) 
trees  4  inches  in  diameter  by  18  to  20  feet  long.  They  plant  the  largest  at  the 
four  corners  to  determine  the  dimensions  and  the  size  of  the  dome.  But  before 
planting  the  others  they  prepare  the  scaffold  (rafters).  This  is  composed  of 
four  poles  fastened  together  above,  the  ends  below  resting  at  the  four  corners. 
On  these  four  poles  they  fasten  others  crosswise  1  foot  apart,  all  making  a  four- 
sided  ladder  or  four  ladders  joined  together. 

That  done  they  plant  the  other  poles  in  the  earth  in  straight  lines  between  those 
at  the  corners.  When  they  are  thus  planted  they  are  bound  firmly  to  a  cross  pole 
on  the  inside  of  each  face  (or  side).  For  this  purpose  they  use  great  cane  splints 
to  bind  them,  at  the  height  of  5  or  6  feet,  according  to'  the  size  of  the  cabin. 
This  is  what  forms  the  walls.  These  erect  poles  are  not  more  than  15  inches 
apart.  A  young  man  then  mounts  to  the  top  of  a  corner  post  with  a  cord  between 
his  teeth.  He  fastens  the  cord  to  the  pole,  and  as  he  mounts  inward  the  pole 
bends  because  those  who  are  below  draw  the  cord  to  make  the  pole  curve  as  much 
as  is  needed.  At  the  same  time  another  young  man  does  the  same  to  the  pole 
forming  the  angle  opposite.  Then  the  two  poles,  bent  to  a  suitable  height,  are 
firmly  and  smoothly  bound  together.  The  same  is  done  to  the  poles  of  the  two 
remaining  corners  which  are  made  to  cross  the  first.  Finally  all  the  other  poles 
are  joined  to  the  top,  giving  the  whole  the  appearance  of  a  bower  in  a  greenhouse 
such  as  we  have  in  France.  After  this  work  canes  are  fastened  to  the  lower  sides 
or  walls  crosswise  about  8  inches  apart,  as  high  up  as  the  pole  which  I  have 
spoken  of  as  determining  the  height  of  the  walls. 

These  canes  being  fastened  in  this  manner,  they  make  mud  walls  of  earth 
mortar  (mortier  de  terre)  in  which  they  put  a  certain  amount  of  Spanish  beard. 
These  walls  are  not  more  than  4  inches  tliick.  No  opening  is  left  except  the 
door,  which  is  but  2  feet  wide  at  most  by  4  in  height,  and  some  are  very  much 
smaller.  Finally  they  cover  the  framework  I  have  just  described  with  cane 
mats,  placing  the  smoothest  on  the  inside  of  the  cabin,  and  they  fasten  them  to 
each  other  carefully  so  that  they  join  well. 

After  this  they  make  many  bundles  of  grass,  of  the  tallest  they  can  find  in  the 
low  grounds,  which  are  4  or  5  feet  long.  It  is  laid  down  in  the  same  manner  as 
the  straw  with  which  cottages  are  covered.  They  fasten  this  grass  by  means  of 
large  canes  and  splints  also  made  of  cane.  After  the  cabin  has  been  covered  with 
grass  they  cover  all  with  cane  mats  well  bound  together,  and  below  they  make  a 
circle  of  lianas  all  the  way  around  the  cabin.  Then  the  grass  is  clipped  uniformly, 
and  in  this  way,  however  high  the  wind  may  be,  it  can  do  nothing  against  the 
cabin.     These  coverings  last  20  years  without  repairing. 

METATE    AND    MULLER 

Near  the  line  of  four  pestholes  which  probably  constituted  a  portion 
of  the  northwest  corner  of  this  Building  A  or  House  of  the  Mysteries 
were  found  at  34,  Figure  159,  a  metate,  and  near  it  a  muUer,  now  in 
the  National  Museum  (pi.  128,  c).  The  metate  immediately  ad- 
joined a  bed  of  mingled  ashes,  charcoal,  and  earth.  It  was  15  by  16 
inches,  by  3H  inches  in  thickness.  The  muUer  was  found  at  Si}4, 
4  feet  south  of  the  metate.     The  soil  under  the  bed  of  ashes  did  not 


MYER]  THE   FEWKES  GROUP  573 

show  evidences  of  long,  heavy  firing,  and  was  not  burned  red.  It 
was  impossible  to  determine  whether  this  metate  and  fire  bed  were 
in  the  House  of  the  Mysteries  or  a  room  adjoining  it,  or  just  outside 
the  house  wall. 

POTTERY    BOWLS 

Near  40  were  found  the  two  pottery  bowls  shown  in  Plate  128,  a,  h. 
One  is  9  inches  and  the  other  7)4  inches  in  diameter.  They  are  of 
the  Tisual  baked  clay  mixed  with  pulverized  shell  and  still  retain 
traces  of  their  original  rich,  lustrous  black  color.  These  vessels  were 
upright,  near  the  wall,  and  6  inches  distant  from  each  other.  They 
appeared  to  have  been  placed  on  a  platform  of  earth  or  banquette 
which  raised  them  about  6  inches  above  the  level  of  the  floor  and 
were  surrounded  by  a  layer  of  mingled  clay,  ashes,  and  fine  char- 
coal— probably  the  remains  of  the  adjoining  burned  clay-plastered 
wall.     The  soil  immediately  aroimd  these  two  bowls  was  black  and 

Top  S u rf ace_Sol j ^ ^:g?:r-:r— ^= ~-      ^  =r^ 

Ea 


rbh  ^i^^^^^^SM^ 


^Ash 


es 


Original  Sur+^  Soil 


6  FEET. 

Fig.  163. — Vertical  section  of  fire  bed 


full  of  humus.     It  is  doubtful  if  this  arose  from  the  original  contents 
of  the  vessel. 

FIRE    BED    FOR   DOMESTIC    USE 

At  the  southwest  corner  of  the  movmd,  at  4,  Figure  156,  was  a 
large  fire  bed,  11  by  14  feet,  which  yielded  a  large  amoimt  of  broken 
pottery  and  animal  bones.  It  appeared  to  have  been  used  for 
domestic  cooking  during  all  the  various  stages  of  the  mound.  A 
vertical  section  of  this  fire  bed  is  shovra  in  Figm-e  163,  from  which  it 
will  be  seen  that  the  old  inhabitants  began  cooking  at  this  point  on  the 
original  surface  of  the  soil.  Then  when  the  moimd  was  raised  to  its 
first  level  this  cooking  bed  was  covered  with  a  layer  of  earth.  A  bed 
of  charcoal  was  formed  upon  this  earthen  layer  by  the  smothering 
out  of  a  fire  thereon  with  another  layer  of  soil.  This  brought  the 
bed  up  to  the  second  level,  to  which  the  House  of  the  Mysteries 
belonged. 

When  the  moimd  was  raised  to  its  last  or  present  level  this  domestic 
cooking  bed  was  covered  up  with  earth.  It  was  then  probably  con- 
tinued in  use  as  a  domestic  fire  bed;  but  all  traces  of  the  last  uses 
have  long  since  been  destroyed  by  cultivation. 


574  PREHISTORIC   VILLAGES   IN   TENNESSEE  [eth.ann.41 

MOUND  NO.  2  AT  ITS  PRESENT  LEVEL 

Mound  No.  2  has  been  in  continuous  cultivation  for  at  least  85 
years.  Some  of  the  old  citizens,  who  have  known  this  mound  con- 
tinuously for  from  50  to  65  years,  say  that  the  erosion  has  not  been 
appreciable.  They  think  the  moimd  has  not  decreased  more  than 
12  or  15  inches  in  height  during  the  last  65  years. 

A  reference  to  Figure  164,  which  shows  the  remains  belonging  to 
the  buildings  on  mound  No.  2  at  its  final  or  present  stage,  will  show 
only  a  very  small  amount  of  evidence  of  structures  on  the  last  or 
present  level.  However,  enough  pestholes  were  found  to  establish 
the  fact  that  a  building  was  on  it.  The  +  on  the  south  point  of  the 
compass  represents  the  center  of  the  present  surface  of  the  moimd. 
While  not  enough  of  these  postholes  were  foimd  to  throw  any  definite 

Ught  on  the  plan  or  character  of 
Cojf  Bed  B^         this  building,  it  is  extremely  prob- 

C.J  Burned^SO    able  that  the  mound  continued  to 

y  have  the  same  character  of  build- 

ings as  at  the  previous  levels. 

A   bed   of   about    one   peck  of 

decayed  unworked  mussel    (imio) 

jPosh  Vt  I  shells  was  foimd  at  36,  about  18 

•  feet  northwest  of  the  center  of  the 

moimd,   and    7   inches  below   the 
^Mussels        ^         present  surface  of  the  soil.     At  50, 
,  L         about  38  feet  north  of  the  center 
and    6   inches   below  the  present 
siu-face  of  the  moimd,  a  fire  bed  of 
hard-burned  clay,  4  by  2)4.  feet, 
10  inches  in  thickness,  was  uncov- 
S.         ered.     This  fire  bed  was  underlaid 

Fig.  164— Remains  belonging   to   buildings        with    a    Ij-a-inch    Stratum    of   light, 
on  mound  Xo.  2  at  the  final  or  present  stage  powdery   charCOal,    SUch    aS    WOuld 

arise  from  burning  light,  chaffy  materials,  which  probably  represented 
a  ceremonial  fire  at  the  establishment  of  this  fire  bed. 

The  similarity  of  the  cultures  of  its  various  stages  makes  it  appear 
that  the  mound  was  in  continuous  use  by  the  same  people.  It  does 
not  appear  to  have  been  left  deserted  for  any  considerable  period 
during  all  tliis  time.  This  is  brought  out  by  the  fact  tliat  no  surface- 
soil  line  was  found  in  the  interior  of  this  mound,  such  as  would  arise 
from  its  being  deserted  and  allowed  to  form  a  liumus  soil  line.  Such 
lines  would  have  shown  clearly  in  the  mound. 

Some  burials  of  a  later  and  different  people  are  reported  by  Hon. 
P.  E.  Cox,  of  Franklin,  Tenn.,  to  have  been  found  by  him  near  the 
present  surface  of  the  soil  on  mound  No.  2,  at  the  point  marked 
"  Cox"  on  Figure  164.     These  will  be  described  later. 


:Po5b  holes 


myer] 


THE    FEWKES    GROUP 


Objects  Found  in  Mound  No.  2 


575 


Among  other  things  found  scattered  through  the  soil  of  momid 
No.  2  were  the  artifacts  shown  in  Plate  129.  The  barbed  arrow 
point,  b,  was  made  from  the  tip  of  an  antler.  It  has  a  projecting 
barb  which  would  hold  the  point  within  a  wound  when  the  sliaft 
was  withdrawn. 

The  bone  awl,  c,  shown  in  Plate  129,  was  made  from  the  ulna  of  a 
Virginia  deer;  the  whetstone,  d,  is  of  fine-grained  red  sandstone; 
and  the  bone  awl,  e,  is  from  the  tibia  of  a  deer. 

Especial  attention  is  called  to  the  unnotched  triangular  arrow 
point,/,  shown  in  Plate  129. 

One  or  two  arrow  heads  are  not  enough  upon  which  to  build  con- 
jectures; but  it  is  proper  to  note  that  a  few  archeologists  think  it 
probable  that  the  majority  of  arrow  heads  of  tliis  type  belonged  to 
Iroquoian  people. 


Fig.  165.— Restoration  of  pot  No.  1  from  mound  No.  2 

Only  two  flint  arrowheads  were  foimd  in  mound  No.  2.  The  other 
one,  in  Plate  129,  g,  is  of  the  stone  drill  type.  This  drill  type  was 
used  by  nearly  all  the  tribes. 

The  fact  that  only  two  flint  arrow  points  were  found  in  this  im- 
portant mound,  which  was  occupied  for  such  a  long  period  of  time, 
shows  how  careful  and  frugal  were  the  ancient  dwellers  thereon.  In 
all  that  time  they  let  only  these  two  become  lost  in  tlie  spaces  exca- 
vated. 

A  disk,  234  inclies  in  diameter,  made  from  a  fragment  of  pottery, 
is  shown  in  Plate  129,  h.  It  may  have  been  the  stone  cover  of  a 
very  small  pot.  A  small  pot  with  a  similar  stone  cover,  about  3 
inches  in  diameter,  was  found  on  the  Gordon  site. 

Restorations  of  Pottery  Vessels 

Every  fragment  of  pottery  found  in  mound  No.  2  was  saved.  A 
careful  study  of  these  fragments  has  enabled  us  to  make  fairly 
accm"ate  restorations  of  a  large  number  of  vessels  for  domestic  use, 
belonging  to  the  people  who  raised  this  mound.  Typical  examples 
of  these  are  shown  in  Figures  165  to  189,  inclusive.     Not  aU  the 


576 


PREHISTORIC   VILLAGES   IN    TENNESSEE 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


Fig.  166.— Restoration  of  pot  No.  8  from  mound  No.  2 


sherds  belonging  to  any  one  of  these  vessels  were  identified  in  this 
larce  mass  of  fragments ;  but  enougli  were  f oimd  to  allow  reasonable 
accuracy  in  restorations.  These  restorations  probably  illustrate 
nearly  all  the  sizes,  shapes,  and  colors  of  the  domestic  vessels  of  this 
flexed-burial  people  of  mound  No.  2.  A  few  sherds  were  found 
belonging  to  vessels  with  shapes  entirely  different  from  any  repro- 
duced here.  Unfortunately  there  was  not  a  sufficient  number  of  rec- 
ognizable fragments 
of  these  to  allow 
reasonably  accurate 
restorations. 

Figure  165  shows 
a  restoration  of 
domestic  vessel  No. 
1,  10  inches  across 
rim  and  SJ^  inches 
in  depth.  Exterior 
dark  yellowish  gray, 
somewhat  darker 
than  g,  Plate  106. 
Interior  dark  gray,  with  flecks  of  powdered  shell  like  a,  Plate  106. 
Figure  166  illustrates  a  domestic  vessel,  No.  8,  10  inches  across 
rim  and  10  inches  in  depth.  Both  exterior  and  interior  are  very 
dark  gi-ay  with  coarse  flecks  of  powdered  shell,  similar  to  a,  Plate  106. 
Fragments  were  foimd  of  another  vessel  of  similar  shape  and  size. 
Its  exterior  was  light  red,  like  /,  Plate 
106.  Its  interior  was  dark  gray,  like  a, 
Plate  106. 

Figure  167,  restoration  of  vessel  No.  3, 
5)4  inches  in  height.     Both  exterior  and 
interior  very  dark  cream,  much  darker 
than  c,  Plate  106.     This  vessel  was  of   / 
excellent  material,  finely  polished,  and  [ 
well  bm-ned.  \ 

Figure  168,  restoration  of  vessel  No.  28,     \ 
10  inches  across  rim  and  9J4  inches  in 
depth.     Exterior  and  interior  dark  flesh 
color,  intermediate  between  d  and  c,  Plate    ^^°- 
106.     Excellent  material,  well  burned. 

Figure  169,  restoration  of  vessel  No.  24,  26  inches  across  rim  and 
8  inches  in  depth.  Walls  one-half  inch  thick.  This  vessel  shows 
very  distinct  impressions  of  an  ancient  woven  fabric  on  its  exterior. 
Both  its  exterior  and  interior  are  light  red,  like/,  Plate  106.  The 
material  is  excellent  and  well  burned.  The  interior  had  been  finely 
polished. 


\ 


Restoration  of  vessel  No.  3 
from  moimd  No.  2 


THE   FEWKES   GROUP 


577 


Figure  170,  restoration  of  vessel  No.  25.  It  was  24  inches  across 
rini  and  8  inches  in  depth.  Wall  was  five-eighths  of  an  inch  thick 
at  rim  and  tapered  to  three-eighths  of  an  inch  in  thickness  near  the 
bottom.  It  had  been  made  of  a  moderately  good  light  red  paste 
(pi.  106,/).  It  had  a  very  thin  coating  of  black  spread  over  its 
exterior.  The  interior  had  been  nicely  polished,  but  not  so  well 
polished  as  No.  24.  The  exterior  showed  very  distinct  impressions 
of  a  woven  fabric, 
which  was  of  a 
coarser  texture  than 
that  on  the  exterior 
of  vessel  No.  24. 
Woven  fabrics  were 
tised  to  hold  in 
shape,  during  the 
modeling  process 
and  while  being 
handled,  such  large 
flat-bottom  vessels 
as  are  shown  in  Figures  169,  170,  and  Plate  130,  h,  while  they  were 
in  the  plastic  stage. 

Plate  130,  a,  shows  the  fabric  used  in  the  modeling  and  handling 
of  the  vessel  in  Figure  170. 

Plate  130,  h,  restoration  of  vessel  No.  31,  32  inches  across  rim, 
8  inches  in  depth.  Walls  were  seven-eighths  of  an  inch  in  thickness 
near  rim  and  tapered  to  one-half  inch  near  the  bottom.  The  paste 
of  this  vessel  was  a  light  red.     Its  material  is  excellent  and  contains 


Fig.  168. — Restoration  of  vessel  No.  28  from  mound  No.  2 


Fig.  169. — Restoration  of  vessel  No.  24  from  mound  No.  2 

a  large  amoimt  of  very  finely  powdered  shell.  Its  interior  is  highly 
polished ;  its  exterior  shows  impressions  of  a  fine  woven  fabric. 

Fragments  of  another  vessel,  similar  in  size  to  that  shoA\Ti  in  Plate 
130,  h,  were  foimd.  It  had  a  dark  gray  paste,  covered  with  a  thick 
coating  of  fine  clay,  yellowish  salmon,  somewhat  similar  to  ?i,  Plate 
106.  The  interior  was  finely  polished;  the  exterior  showed  impres- 
sions of  a  fine  woven  fabric,  similar  to  that  of  vessel  No.  24  (Fig.  169), 

Figm-e  171,  restoration  of  vessel  No.  34,  30  inches  across  rim, 
11  inches  in  depth.  The  paste  was  dark  gray.  It  contained  about 
equal  quantities  of  clay  and  finely  powdered  shell.     Its  exterior  was 


578 


PREHISTORIC   VILLAGES   IN   TENNESSEE 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


coated  with  a  thin  layer  of  reddish  buff  color,  somewhat  similar  to  d, 
Plate  106.  The  interior  was  not  polished.  Somewhat  similar  ves- 
sels were  foimd  at  the  Gordon  site  (see  fig.  147).  These  large, 
round-bottomed  vessels  show  no   trace  of  woven  fabrics  on  their 


Fig.  170. — Restoration  of  vessel  No.  25  from  mound  No.  2 

exteriors  and  do  not  show  a  care  and  polish  equal  to  that  of  the  large 
flat-bottomed  vessels. 

Figure  172,  doubtful  restoration  of  vessel  No.  31-A.     Not  enough 
fragments  of  this  vessel  were  foimd  to  restore  it  with  certainty.     One 


Fig.  171.— Restoration  of  vessel  No.  34,  mound  No.  2 

or  two  somewhat  similar  vessels  found  in  the  southern  Ignited  States 
justify  the  form  given.  It  was  about  5  uiches  in  height.  The  ware 
was  well  bm-ned  and  hard.  Exterior  and  interior  Indian  red  (pi. 
106,  e),  mottled  with  black,  probably  from  use  in  domestic  cooking. 

Figiu-e  173,  restoration  of  vessel  No.  16. 
Not  certain  about  handles,  as  none  were 
found.  It  was  10  inches  across  rim.  and  10 
inches  in  height.  Exterior  and  interior  a 
dark  reddish  flesh  color,  intermediate  between 
d  and/,  Plate  106. 

Figure  174,  restoration  of  vessel  No.  17. 
Not  certain  as  to  the  handles.  None  were 
found.  It  was  10  inches  across  rim  and  9 
inches  in  depth 


Fig.  172. — Doubtful  restoration 
of  vessel  No.  31a,  mound  No.  2 


dark  cream,  darker  than  c,  Plate  106. 
from  domestic  fire. 

Figure  175,  restoration  of  vessel  No. 
dies.     None  were  foimd.     It  was  12  inches  across  rim  and  10  inches 


Exterior  and  interior  a  very 
Exterior  was  stained  black 

18.     Not  certain  as  to  han- 


MYEBl  THE    FEWKES    GROUP  579 

in  deiJtli.     Exterior  light  Indian  red,  with  a  slight  admixture  of 
yellow,  somewhat  like  e,  Plate  106.     Its  interior  was  dark  cream. 

Figiu'e  176,  restoration  of  large  vessel  No.  15.     Very  hard-burned 
ware.     It  w^as  IS  inches  across  rim  and  13  inches  in  depth.     Prob- 


FiG.  173.— Restoration  of  vessel  No.  16,  mound  No.  2 

ably  held  about  7  gallons.  Exterior  and  interior  light  red,  with 
large  flecks  of  powdered  shell  (PI.  106,/).  Another  vessel  was  found 
similar  in  shape  and  color  to  that  in  Figure  176.  It  was  12  inches  in 
diameter  at  the  rim. 


Fig,  174. — Restoration  of  vessel  No,  17,  mound  No.  2 

Figui-e  177,  restoration  of  vessel  No.  13.  It  was  13  inches  across 
rim  and  11  inches  in  dej^th.  It  probably  held  about  4  gallons. 
Exterior  and  interior  light  red,  with  large  flecks  of  powdered  shell 
(PL  106,/). 


580 


PREHISTORIC    VILLAGES    IN    TENNESSEE 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


Figxire  178,  restoration  of  vessel  No.  11.     Very  hard-burned  ware. 

Thirteen  inches  across  rina  and  11  inches  in  depth.     Exterior  sraoke- 

stained  light  red  (pi.  106,/).     Interior  very  dark  cream.     Probably 

held  about  4  gallons. 

Figure  179,  restoration  of  hard-burned  vessel  No.  12.     Fourteen 

inches  across  rim  and  12  inches  in  depth.  It  probably  held  about  5  gal- 
lons. Exterior  light 
red  with  large  flecks 
of  powdered  shell 
(pi.  106,  /).  Inte- 
rior dark  cream. 

Figure  180,  res- 
toration of  vessel 
No.  7.  The  paste 
of  this  vessel  was 
imusual.  It  was 
black  with  a  few 
very  minute  specks 
of  finely  powdered 

Fig.  175.— Restoration  of  vessel  No.  18,  mound  No.  2  csVipll  TVii*    tp««p1 

was  coated   both  on   exterior  and   interior  with  a  thin  slip  of  dark 
cream  color.     The  exterior  was  badly  smoke  stained.      It   was   9 


Fig.  176.— Restoration  of  vessel  No.  15,  mound  No.  2 

inches  across  rim  and  8f^  inches  in  depth.     It  probably  held  about 
6  quarts. 

Figure  181,  restoration  of  vessel  No.  23.  Hard-biu-ned  ware,  6% 
inches  across  rim  and  8  inches  in  depth.  No  handles  were  found. 
It  probably  had  none.  Exterior  and  interior  very  dark  cream, 
darker  than  Plate  106,  c.     It  had  large  flecks  of  powdered  shell. 


BUREAUOFAMERICAN  ETHNOLOGY  FORTY-FI  RST  ANNUAL  REPORT     PLATE  131 


a.  Shell-shaped  vessel  from  mound  No.  2 

b.  Vessel  with  unusual  rim  from  mound  No.  2 

c.  Cooking  utensil,  drawn  by  John  White,  on  the  coast  of  North  Carolina,  15S5 


BUREAU    OF   AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY  FORTY-FIRST    ANNUAL    REPORT       PLATE   132 


a,  Beads  I,  Pot  in  grave  F  e,  Image  vase 


BUREAU   OF  AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY  FORTY-FIRST  ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE  133 


a,  Objects  from  mound  No.  5 


b,  Altar  from  circle  No. 


BUREAU    OF  AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY  FORTY-FIRST   ANNUAL   REPORT      PLATE  134 


o,  Raccoon  vessel  from  Noel  cemetery 

b,  Portion  of  vessel  from  interior  of  circle  No.  6 


MVEB] 


THE    FEWKES   GROUP 


581 


Fio.  177.— Restoration  of  vessel  No.  13,  mound  No.  2 


Fig.  178. — Restoration  of  vessel  No.  11,  mound  No.  2 


Fig.  179.— Restoration  of  vessel  No.  12,  mound  No.  2 


582 


PREHISTORIC    VILLAGES    IN    TENNESSEE 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


Figure  182,  restoration  of  vessel  No.  22.  Eleven  inches  across  rim 
and  10)^  inches  in  depth.  Exterior  and  interior  very  dark  cream. 
Interior  cream  coating  had  large  mottles  of  black. 

Figm"e  183,  restoration  of  vessel  No.  19.  Twelve  inches  across  rim 
and  10  inches  in  depth.  Exterior  and  interior  very  dark  cream. 
The  paste  is  black  and  has  no  powdered  shell  except  at  the  rim.     The 


Fig.  180.— Restoration  of  vessel  No.  7,  mound  No.  2 

black  paste  had  been  covered  with  a  very  thin  coating  of  dark  cream- 
colored  clay,  both  on  exterior  and  interior.  This  material  made  a 
vessel  which  would  not  stand  rough  usage. 

Figure  184,  restoration  of  vessel   No.  21.     Eleven  and  one-half 
inches  across  rim,  10  inches  in  depth.     No  handles  found.     Exterior 

light  red,  with  flecks  of  powdered 
shell  (pi.  106,/).  Interior  very 
dark  cream,  darker  than  Plate 
106,  c. 

Figure  185,  restoration  of  vessel 
No.  20.  Twelve  inches  across  rim, 
10  inches  in  depth.  Exterior  and 
interior  Indian  red.  A  few  faint 
black  mottlings. 

Figure  186,  restoration  of  vessel 
No.  35.     Nine  inches  across  rim, 

F,G.  181.-Restoration  of  vessel  No.  23,  mound  No.  2      g  jj^^j^^g   -^  jgp^j^_       Exterior  and 

interior  light  red,  somewhat  lighter  than  Plate  106,/,  with  flecks  of 
powdered  shell.  The  interior  had  a  slight  staining  of  black.  Attention 
is  called  to  its  unusual  handle. 

Figure  187,  restoration  of  vessel  No.  30.     Eighteen  inches  across 
12  inches  in  depth.     Exterior  and  interior  dark  gray,  mottled 


rim, 


with  dull  red,  with  large  flecks  of  powdered  shell, 
about  6  gallons. 


It  probably  held 


THE    FEWKES   GROUP 


583 


'=C:C? 


Figure  188,  restoration  of  vessel  No.  9.  Eight  and  one-half  inches 
across  rim,  8  inches  in  depth.  Both  exterior  and  interior  light  red, 
somewhat  hghter  than  Plate  106,  /,  with  flecks  of  powdered  shell. 
Strong,  well-burned  material. 

Figure  189,  restoration  of  vessel  No.  10.  Ten  inches  across  rim, 
9H  inches  in  depth. 
Exterior  and  inte- 
rior light  red, 
lighter  than  Plate 
106,  /,  with  flecks 
of  powdered  shell. 
Strong,  well-burned 
material. 

Plate  131,  ffl,  pho- 
tograph of  a  rare 
shell-shaped  vessel, 
of  wliich  a  sufficient 

number     of     frag-  Fig.  I82.— Restoratlonof  vesselNo.  22,  mound  No.  2 

ments  were  found  in  the  great  ash  bed  at  4  in  mound  No.  2  to 
restore  it  with  considerable  accuracy.  It  is  8^  inches  in  diameter 
and  43/2  inches  in  height.     The  ware  is  dark  gray.     It  is  the  hardest 

burned  vessel  so  far 
found  by  the  writer 
in  Tennessee  and  is 
fuUy  as  well  burned 
as  modern  ordinary 
pottery. 

Plate  131,  b,  pho- 
tograph of  a  vessel 
with  a  most  unu- 
sual rim.  It  is  10  J^ 
inches  across  rim 
and  10  inches  in 
depth.  Its  exterior 
and  interior  are 
light  gray.  A  considerable  number  of  the  fragments  which  had  con- 
stituted the  original  vessel  were  found. 

Method  of  Applying  Fire  to  Vessels 

The  pot,  in  cooking,  was  generally  set  directly  on  the  fire  and  kept 
in  position  by  the  fuel  or  other  supports  placed  about  its  sides.  This 
method  is  illustrated  in  Plate  131,  c,  which  is  from  a  drawing  made 
by  Jolin  Wliite  at  Roanoke  in  1585.'^     White,  who  was  one  of  the 

>'  Hariot's  Briefe  and  true  report  of  the  new  found  land  of  Virginia,  PI.  16,  Franlifort,  1590. 
53666°— 28 38 


Fig.  183.— Restoration  of  vessel  No.  19,  mound  No.  2 


584 


PREHISTORIC   VILLAGES  IN   TENNESSEE 


[eTH.  ANN.  41 


party  which  founded  the  celebrated  settlemeuit  of  Sir  Water  Raleigh 
at  Roanoke  Island,  made  a  large  number  of  drawings  showing  the 
everyday  life  of  the  Indians.  The  originals  are  now  preserved  in  the 
British  Museum.     Thomas  Hariot  was  also  at  Roanoke  ia  1585. 


Fig.  184. — Restoration  of  vessel  No.  21.  mound  No.  2 

Hariot  was  a  man  of  talent  and  well  informed  in  many  departments 
of  learning  and  was  an  astronomer  of  some  note.  White's  drawings 
and  Hariot's  report  are  mines  of  information  in  regard  to  the  life  of 
the  Indians  before  they  were  changed  by  contact  with  the  whites. 

In  many  cases  the 
vessels  were  support- 
ed over  tlie  fire  by  a 
tripod  made  of  poles 
or  by  a  horizontal 
pole  which  rested  in 
tlie  forks  of  two  up- 
right stakes,  the  ves- 
sels being  suspended 
by  means  of  vines, 
cords,  or  thongs. 

The  tripod  suspen- 
sion is  shown  in  Fig- 
ure 190;''°  the  horizontal  pole  method  of  suspension  is  shown  in 
Figure  191.  This  method  of  suspension  was  made  possible  by  the 
strong  ears  or  handles  or  the  outcurving  of  the  upper  margin. 


Fig,  185. — Restoration  of  vessel  No.  20,  mound  No.  2 


'i  Reproduced  from  Schoolcraft,  H.  R.,  Historical  and  Statistical  Information  Respecting  the  Indian 
Tribes  of  the  United  States,  pt.  1,  PI.  22. 


MTEK] 


THE   FEWKES   GROUP 


585 


Fig,  186.— Restoration  of  vessel  No.  35,  mound  No.  2 


Fig.  187.— Restoration  of  vessel  No.  30,  mound  No.  2 


Fig.  188.— Restoration  of  vessel  No.  9,  mound  No.  2 


586 


PREHISTORIC    VILLAGES    IN   TENNESSEE 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


Boiling  by  means  of  heated  stones  placed  within  the  vessel  was 
also  sometimes  practiced.  This  stone  boiling  was  a  survival  of  the 
preceramic  usage,  when  the  boiling  was  done  in  baskets  or  vessels  of 
skins. 


Fig.  189.— Restoration  of  vessel  No.  10,  mound  N'o.  2 

MOUND  NO.  3,  A  BURLVL  MOUND  OF  THE  FLEXED- 
BURIAL  PEOPLE 


The  low  oval  mound,  No 
square,  was  a  burial  mound. 


3,  on  the  southwest  corner  of  the  town 
It  is  shown  in  Plates  124  and  125,  «.  If 
this  mound  had  at  any  time 
supported  a  building  or  had 
ever  been  used  for  any  pur- 
pose other  than  burial,  all 
traces  had  been  removed  by 
long  erosion  and  85  years  of 
continuous  cultivation. 

At  the  present  time  this 
mound  measures  about  100 
by  110  feet  across  the  top. 
It  slopes  so  gradually  into 
the  adjoining  soil  that  it  is 
impossible  to  determine  its 
exact  limits.  It  had  origi- 
nally been  built  on  the 
summit  of  a  very  low  knoll. 
The  center  of  the  mound 
at  the  present  time  is  about 
3  feet  above  what  was  for- 
merly the  liigh  point  of  the 
knoll. 

It  had  originally  probably  contained  10  or  15  stone-slab  graves. 
All  but  two  of  these  had  been  destroyed  by  the  relic  hunter  or  the 
plow.  These  graves  had  been  made  on  the  original  surface  of  the 
low  knoll  and  the  mound  raised  around  and  over  them. 


Fig.  190.— Cooking 


pot    (reproduced 
vol.  1,  pi.  xxii) 


from   Schoolcraft, 


mter] 


THE    FEWKES    GROUP 


587 


Fl'.:.  191.— Horizontal  pole  method  of  suspeusion 


The  bodies  buried  in  this  mound  were  those  of  some  of  the  first 
inhabitants  of  the  site.  They  are  the  ones  who  raised  the  mounds 
of  the  Fewkes  group.  These  first  inhabitants  have  been  designated 
the  flexed-burial  people  because  of  their  unusual  method  of  burial. 

The  two  graves  re- 
maining in  mound  No. 
3  were  very  different 
from  the  usual  rectan- 
gular stone-slab  graves 
of  middle  Tennessee,  in 
which  the  bodies  were 
buried  on  the  back, 
extended  full  length. 
The  graves  in  mound 
No.  3  were  either  hex- 
agonal or  octagonal  or 
nearly  round.  The 
stone-slab  coffins  were  about  32  inches  in  diameter  and  about  18 
inches  in  depth.  The  bodies  were  closely  flexed.  They  had  appar- 
ently been  buried  on  the  back,  with  the  limbs  very  closely  flexed,  as 
shown  in  Figure  192.  The  graves  had  been  more  or  less  disturbed  by 
relic  hunters. 

Grave  F 

Grave  F  was  the  first  opened  in  this  mound.  If  it  ever  had  a  top 
it  had  already  been  removed  and  the  bones  slightly  disturbed.  The 
stone-slab  coffin  was  shaped  as  shown  in  Figure  193,  with  a  floor  of 
limestone  slabs,  and  was  32  indies  in  diameter  and  18  inches  in  depth. 

As  near  as  could  be  determined,  the 
body  had  been  buried  on  the  back, 
with  limbs  closely  flexed,  as  shown  in 
Figure  192.  Around  the  lower  end  of 
the  humerus  the  five  large  shell  beads 
shown  in  Plate  132,  a,  were  found. 

The  pot  shown  in  Plate  132,  b,  was 

found  upright  at  the  left  of  the  head. 

Skeleton  showing  flexed  burial   The  photograph  Correctly  portrays  its 

i're^rer'^'.'fs'r'"^"'"''"^™-  unsymmetrical  shape  when  found  in 

the  grave.  It  is  now  impossible  to 
determine  whether  this  arose  from  some  pressure  from  above,  while 
it  was  in  the  grave,  which  had  no  stone-slab  top,  or  whether  it  got 
into  this  shape  while  being  fired.  The  pot  was  filled  with  earth, 
which  was  examined  by  Dr.  W.  E.  Safford,  but  the  leaching  of  the 
years  had  removed  all  trace  of  its  original  contents.  It  was  6  inches 
across  the  rim  and  6  inches  in  depth. 


Fig 


588  PREHISTORIC    VILLAGES   IN   TENNESSEE  [eth.ann.41 

Grave  G 

Somewhat  similar  in  shape  and  size  to  Grave  F,  and  immediately- 
adjoining  it  on  the  west,  was  Grave  G.     It  is  shown  in  Figure  194. 
This  grave  is  36  inches  in  diameter  and  has  six  sides.     It  had  been 
entered  by  relic  hunters,  who  overlooked  a  little  image  burial  vase 
which  was  sitting  upright  in  the  open  space  in  the  wall 
at  A.     This  vase  is  shown  in  Plate  132,  c.     Joseph 
Jones,  in  Smithsonian    Contributions  to  Knowledge, 
volume  22,  page  132,  shows  an  image  vase,  B,  in  his 
Figure  71,  which  came  from  this  site  and  is  very  much 

Fig.   193— Diagram    like  tllis  onC. 

of  coffin  F  ^  badly  decayed  mussel  shell,  whicli  was  probably 

a  spoon,  was  found  where  the  head  had  likely  rested. 

The  body  had  been  disturbed,  but  enough  bones  remained  in  place 
to  show  that  it  had  probably  been  buried  somewhat  in  the  position 
shown  in  Figure  192.     Not  enough  were  in  place,  how- 
ever, to  determine  this  with  certainty.  >7^^^ 

Under  the  stone-slab  floor  of  grave  G  was  a  small    //  ^ 

amount  of  ashes  containing  a  few  scattered  mussel  shells     "^.^^         JJ 
and  fragments  of  domestic  pottery.     There  was  no  indi-  vlt:^^-^^ 

cation  of  strong  action  of  fire.     This  evidently  repre-  fig.  194.— Diagram 
sented  a   temporary  domestic    cooking   place    on    the        °  ^*™ 
surface  of  the  original  knoll  before  the  placing  of  the  grave  or  the 
erection  of  the  mound  around  it. 

MOUND  NO.  4 

Mound  No.  4,  on  the  east  side  of  the  town  square  (pi.  125,  h),  is 
a  low,  oblong  mound,  200  feet  north  and  south  and  180  feet  east  and 
west,  and  about  4  feet  in  height.  A  test  pit  was  sunk,  3  by  2  feet, 
to  a  depth  of  3  feet.  The  soil  appeared  similar  to  the  poor  soil  on 
all  the  other  natural  knolls  in  the  field.  No  pottery  or  ashes  were 
found.  The  mound  was  apparently  a  natural  knoll  which  liad  been 
given  its  present  shape  by  the  removal  of  soil,  which  went  into  the 
large  mound.  No.  1,  to  the  north.  No  traces  of  graves  could  be 
fomid  in  mound  No.  4.  Those  who  have  plowed  this  mound  for  many- 
years  state  that  they  have  never  seen  any  evidences  of  graves  in  it. 
This  mound  may  possibly  have  supported  some  important  building. 
If  so,  aU  trace  has  been  destroyed  by  erosion  and  long  cultivation. 

MOUND  NO.  1 

The  principal  mound  of  the  Fewkes  group  is  No.  1.  It  is  the  large 
central  mound  -with  the  tall,  slender  tree,  sho-wn  in  Plate  125,  b. 
Dr.  Harry  S.  Vaughn,  ornithologist,  at  the  left,  is  standing  on  mound 


myer] 


THE    FEWKES    GROUP  589 


No.  2;  John  Trot\yood  Moore,  poet,  is  in  the  center  on  mound  No.  3; 
John  H.  DeWitt,  president  of  the  Tennessee  Historical  Society,  is  at 
the  right  on  mound  No.  2. 

Mound  No.  1  measures  185  feet  north  and  south  and  160  feet  east 
and  west  across  the  base.  It  is  25  feet  in  height.  Lack  of  funds 
prevented  its  exploration.  A  test  shaft  was  sunk  about  25  feet 
from  the  southern  edge.  This  shaft  was  3  by  7  feet  and  had  a  depth 
of  8  feet.  At  a  depth  of  5^  feet  the  original  black  surface  soil  was 
found,  which  here  had  a  depth  of  24  inches.  Digging  continued  to 
a  depth  of  10  inches  in  the  clay  subsoil  beneath  this  layer  of  black  soil. 

Judging  from  the  outline  of  the  surface  soU  exposed  in  this  test, 
there  had  been  a  natural  Icnoll  at  this  point.  It  was  probably  6  or  8 
feet  in  height.  The  mound  had  been  raised  on  the  top  of  it.  Several 
similar  knoUs  are  to  be  found  in  the  surrounding  field.  The  clay 
subsoil  contained  no  bones  or  pottery.  The  24-inch  layer  of  original 
black  surface  soil  contained  a  few  animal  bones  and  fragments  of 
pottery.  The  soil  for  mound  No.  1  had  evidently  been  largely  taken 
from  the  town  square  and  from  the  natural  knoU  which  formed 
mound  No.  4.  The  character  of  the  soil  and  the  amount  of  broken 
bones  and  pottery  fragments  in  this  pit  in  No.  1  are  similar  to  that  in 
mound  No.  2. 

Everything  pointed  to  mounds  Nos.  1  and  2  having  been  built 
near  the  same  time  and  the  earth  composing  them  having  been  taken 
from  the  same  locahty. 

There  had  been  a  small  shaft,  about  8  by  8  feet,  sunk  by  relic 
hunters  to  a  depth  of  possibly  5  or  6  feet  on  the  summit  of  this 
mound.  This  shaft  is  now  nearly  filled  with  earth.  They  found  no 
rehcs  as  far  as  could  be  learned. 

Mound  No.  1  was  probably  surmounted  by  the  house  of  the  chief, 
as  the  remains  of  the  House  of  the  Mysteries  were  found  on  mound 
No.  2. 

Alleged  Room  Within  Mound  No.  1 

About  haKway  up  the  north  side  of  mound  No.  1  is  a  hole  about  6 
inches  in  diameter  which  is  said  to  lead  to  an  old  animal  den.  The 
older  inhabitants  state  that  it  has  been  used  almost  continually  by 
various  animals  as  a  den  for  the  last  50  years.  It  is  now,  and  has 
been  for  some  years,  the  home  of  a  family  of  foxes.  Some  beheve 
this  entrance  hole  leads  to  a  cellarlike  room  in  the  interior  of  the 
mound.  Several  claim  to  have  seen  and  been  in  this  room.  They 
claim  that  40  years  ago  its  entrance  was  about  4  by  4  feet,  extending 
back  a  few  feet  into  the  mound,  where  it  opened  into  a  room  about 
10  feet  wide,  6  feet  high,  and  20  feet  in  length.  They  claim  this 
room  was  entirely  empty.     Rehable  people  who  have  known  the 


590 


PREHISTORIC    VILLAGES    IN    TENNESSEE 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


mound  for  60  years  have  no  recollection  of  any  such  room  or  entrance, 
and  they  do  not  beheve  it  ever  existed.  There  was  no  exterior 
evidence  of  such  a  room.     The  probe  showed  no  indications  of  it. 

MOUND    NO.  5 

Mound  No.  5  is  a  small,  low,  oval  mound,  100  feet  north  of  the 
Boiling  Spring  Academy  building.  It  overlooks  the  beautiful  Little 
Harpeth  River,  being  on  the  edge  of  its  steep  bank,  which  is  20  feet 
high  at  this  point.  The  river  and  mound  are  shown  in  Plate  124. 
Mound  No.  5  measm"es  32  feet  across  the  base  and  is  314  feet  in 
height.  The  irregular  rectangle  within  the  circle,  Figure  195,  was 
excavated.  No  traces  of  burials  or  buildings  were  found.  Small 
amounts  of  broken  animal  bones   and  fragments  of  pottery  were 


Fig.  195. — Diagram  of  mound  No.  5 

scattered  through  the  soU  in  this  mound.  The  proportion  was  about 
the  same  as  that  in  mound  No.  2.  In  the  space  F,  G,  H,  on  the 
original  siu^ace  of  the  soil  was  a  large  bed  of  wliite  ashes  from  3  to  6 
inches  in  thickness.  The  bed  ceased  along  line  H-F.  The  ashes 
contained  a  considerable  amount  of  animal  bones  and  broken  pottery 
and  had  every  appearance  of  ha^-ing  been  a  domestic  fire  bed.  A  bone 
implement  and  a  fragment  of  antler,  shown  in  Plate  133,  a,  were 
found  in  this  bed.  In  the  space  K,  F,  D,  at  a  depth  of  2  feet,  was  a 
considerable  amount  of  small,  irregular,  natiu-al-shape  limestone 
rocks,  from  the  size  of  a  fist  to  double  that  size.  They  showed  no 
order,  design,  or  pm-pose,  and  no  action  of  fire.  No  ashes  were  near 
them. 

The  objects  shown  in  Plate  133,  a,  were  found  scattered  through 
the  soil  of  mound  No.  5. 


MYER)  THE    FEWKES    GROUP  591 

TRACES   OF  BUILDINGS 

To  the  north  of  mound  No.  1,  in  the  undisturbed  grassy  lawn  of 
Boiling  Spring  Academy  and  in  the  adjoining  pasture  land,  were 
found  many  more  or  less  faint  saucerlike  depressions,  which  previous 
experience  in  Tennessee  explorations  indicated  were  traces  of  ancient 
buildings.  The  large  space  on  Plate  124  to  the  east  and  north  of 
mound  No.  1  is  crowded  with  these  evidences  of  structures.  There 
were  also  indications  that  the  portion  of  the  town  west  of  mounds 
Nos.  2  and  3  had  a  large  number  of  buildings. 

Limited  funds  did  not  admit  of  a  full  exploration  of  these  interesting 
remains.  Only  nine  of  the  most  discernible  depressions  in  this  part 
of  the  town  have  been  placed  on  the  map.  Structures  Nos.  6,  7, 
10,  11,  and  12  appear  to  have  been  the  most  important.  No.  6  was 
explored  in  order  to  secure  proof  as  to  the  character  of  these  saucer- 
like depressions.  A  glance  at  the  map  and  also  at  the  vertical  section 
in  upper  right  corner  will  bring  out  the  fact  that  Nos.  6,  10,  and  11 
were  closely  related  buildings  whose  functions  were  probably  inter- 
woven. Building  No.  7  may  possibly  belong  to  the  same  group.  No. 
11  was  on  the  edge  of  the  steep  river  bank,  overlooking  the  Little 
Harpeth,  as  can  be  seen  in  the  vertical  section. 

No  one  who  truly  lays  hold  upon  the  soul  of  the  gentle  quietudes 
can  stand  on  the  site  of  mound  No.  5,  overlooking  this  gently  flowing 
river,  without  feehng  the  calm  and  the  charm  which  beyond  doubt 
was  one  of  the  reasons  which  led  the  ancient  Indian  to  choose  this  site. 
This  deeply  reverential  spirit  of  mystical  contemplation  of  nature  is 
well  brought  out  by  Mr.  Francis  La  Flesche.  Describing  the  Indian's 
keen  perception  of  the  beautiful  and  changing  colors  of  the  dawn, 
and  his  division  of  these  into  three  weU-defined  phases,  for  each  of 
which  he  has  a  name  which  conveys  its  mystical  meaning,  Mr.  La 
Flesche  relates  the  following  of  the  Osages : 

There  are  three  phases  of  the  dawn  that  with  their  mysterious  movements  and 
changes  in  color  have  ever  stirred  tlie  imagination  of  tlie  ancient  Non'-hon- 
zhin-ga,  the  sages  of  the  Osage  people.  These  beautiful  colors  that  subtly  suc- 
ceed one  another  as  the  day  approaches,  stole  into  the  thoughts  of  those  ancient 
men  who  continually  sought  within  all  nature  for  the  source  of  life.  Each  of 
these  colors  they  deified  as  an  abiding  place  of  Wa-kon'-da.  These  dawn  colors 
the  ancient  Non'-hon-zhin-ga  embodied  in  some  of  the  tribal  rites  that  have  for 
their  themes  the  mysteries  of  life,  and  they  are  spoken  of,  in  some  of  the  rituals, 
in  the  following  order: 

1.  Wa-kon'-da  U-ga'-gi-hi  Kshe:  The  god  that  lies  as  though  stricken  with  a 
yellowish  hue. 

2.  Wa-kon'-da  U-ga'-gon-hon  Kshe:  The  god  that  lies  as  though  stricken  with 
a  pale,  whitish  hue. 

3.  Wa-kon'-da  U-ga'-zhi-hi  Kshe :  The  god  that  lies  as  though  stricken  with  a 
crimson  hue. 


592 


PREHISTORIC    VILLAGES    IN    TENNESSEE 

CIRCLE   NO.  6 


[eTH.  ANN.  41 


The  saucerlike  depression,  No.  6,  is  28  feet  in  diameter.  The  rim 
rises  5  inches  above  the  surrounding  sod.  The  center  of  the  present 
interior  was  9  inches  lower  than  the  top  of  the  rim.  This  budding 
is  a  member  of  the  important  group  Nos.  6,  10,  and  11.     On  removing 


X 


iJS^Charcoal 


Wi6vf»^ 


Fig,  196. — Horizontal  and  vertical  section  of  altar  in  circle  No.  6 

the  soil  from  the  interior  of  No.  6,  the  beautiful  fire  bowl  or  altar 
shown  in  Plate  133,  h,  was  found  at  its  center.  This  altar  was  upon 
a  low  platform  which  was  from  2  to  3  inches  above  the  surface  of  the 
surrounding  floor  of  the  building  and  extended  from  24  to  30  inches 
around  the  altar  on  aU  sides.  The  altar  measures  40  by  38  inches 
outside  and  26  by  25  inches  inside  and  is  7  inches  in  depth  inside.     A 


myer] 


THE   FEWKES   GROUP 


593 


vertical  and  horizontal  section  of  the  altar  and  surrounding  platform 
and  a  small  portion  of  the  adjoining  floor  is  shoMTi  in  Figure  196. 
The  altar  ran  nearly  northeast  and  southwest.  On  the  southwestern 
side  the  adjoining  phUform  was  of  very  hard-bumed  red  clay  for  a 
distance  of  14  inches.  Its  extent  is  shown  by  the  fine  dotted  lines. 
The  remainder  of  the  platform  was  of  the  same  subsoil  clay  as  the 
surrounding  floor.     Neither  this  unbaked  portion  of  the  platform 


Fig.  197.— Restoration  of  large  pot  from  altar  in  circle  No.  6 


Its  surface 


nor  the  adjoining  floor  was  hard  packed  or  smoothed, 
could  be  detected  with  very  great  difficulty. 

The  altar  apparently  was  formed  of  a  hard-packed  puddled-clay 
core.  This  core  was  covered  with  a  layer  of  very  hard-bumed  red- 
dish-yellow puddled  clay.  The  outer  layer  was  about  as  hard  as  a 
modern  soft-biu-ned  red  clay  brick.  The  altar  was  half  filled  with 
clean  wliite  ashes  which  contained  no  animal  bones  or  pottery  frag- 
ments. Lying  on  top  of  these  ashes 
was  a  pile  of  pottery  fragments; 
others  were  found  on  the  outer  edge 
of  the  altar  at  the  north  comer,  some 
of  which  were  lying  upon  and  par- 
tially covering  the  adjoining  smaU 
open  stone-slab  box  but  did  not  ap- 
pear to  have  been  intended  as  a  top 
covering  for  it.  These  piles  of  frag- 
ments appeared  to  be  the  remains  of  large  vessels  intentionally 
broken  against  the  hard  rim  of  the  fire  bowl,  either  by  the  owners  at 
the  time  the  building  was  deserted  or  by  the  enemy. 

A  study  of  these  fragments  showed  that  if  the  vessels  had  been 
pvirposely  broken  some  of  the  sherds  had  been  removed  at  some 
later  time.  Considerable  portions  of  several  vessels  were  found,  but 
no  fragments  constituting  an  entire  one.  The  vessels  shown  in 
Figures  197,  198,  199,  and  Plate  134,  h,  ai-e  restorations  from  some 
of  these  sherds. 


Fig.  198. — Restoration  of  sunfish  bowl  from 
circle  No.  G 


594 


PREHISTORIC   VILLAGES    IN   TENNESSEE 


[ETH.  ANN.  41 


The  restoration  of  the  vessel  shown  in  Figure  197  indicates  it  to 
have  been  16  inches  across  the  rim  and  16  inches  in  depth.  Both 
its  exterior  and  interior  were  yellowisli  gray  (pi.  106,  g).  Fragments 
were  also  found  of  another  vessel  similar  in  siee,  shape,  and  color  to 
that  showTi  in  Figure  197. 

Figure  198  shows  a  restoration  of  a  fine  sunfish  bowl  about  7  inches 
in  length.  The  material  is  hard-burned  clay  mixed  with  powdered 
shell.     Both  interior  and  exterior  are  black. 

Plate  134,  a,  shows  a  black  vessel  which  represents  a  raccoon.  At 
some  places  the  black  is  worn  away  and  the  very  dark  gray  paste 
with  flecks  of  powdered  shell  can  be  seen.  It  is  in  the  author's  col- 
lection, and  was  found  in  the  Noel  stone-slab  cemetery  about  9  miles 
northwest  of  the  Fewkes  group.     A  fragment  of  a  similar  vessel  was 


Fig.  199. — Vessel  from  house  circle  N'o, 


among  the  sherds  in  circle  No.  6.  The  Fewkes  raccoon  vessel  was  a 
dark  sahnon  color,  somewhat  similar  to  Plate  106,  Ti.  The  bowl  of 
the  Fewkes  vase  was  about  7  inclies  in  diameter  at  its  widest  point. 
The  bowl  of  the  Noel  vase  was  4  inches  in  diameter. 

The  vessel  shown  in  Figiu-e  199  is  5J/2  inches  across  the  rim  and 
6  inches  in  depth.  It  is  not  highly  polished,  but  has  a  close,  firm 
texture,  and  is  much  better  burned  than  was  customary  with  the 
Indians.  It  is  composed  of  fine  clay,  well  mixed  with  powdered  shell, 
and  coated  both  on  exterior  and  interior  with  a  thin  layer  of  buff- 
colored  clay,  somewhat  darker  than  Plate  106,  It.  Tliis  vessel  wiU 
compare  favorably  in  hardness  and  general  usefulness  with  the 
pottery  of  the  modern  wliites. 

Fragments  of  another  vessel,  similar  in  shape  to  that  shown  in 
Figure  199,  were  found  in  circle  No.  6.     It  was  10  inches  across  rim 


MTER]  THE    FEWKES    GROUP  595 

and  10  inches  in  depth.  Both  its  exterior  and  interior  were  light 
gray,  with  mottHngs  of  black  near  the  rim.  The  bottom  was  fire- 
smoked. 

The  portion  of  a  very  rare  vessel  of  unknown  design,  slioAvn  in 
Plate  134,  h,  comprises  all  its  fragments  left  witliin  the  building.  It 
is  to  be  regretted  that  the  ancient  inliabitants  did  not  leave  enough 
to  enable  its  original  form  to  be  determined  with  reasonable  certainty. 

The  shape  of  two  vessels  with  somewhat  similar  flat  bottoms  and 
full  rounded  bodies,  shown  in  Plate  V,  Thruston's  Antiquities  of 
Tennessee,  gives  some  faint  reason  for  the  shape  of  the  rim  in  the 
restoration.  Thruston's  two  vessels  were  found  in  a  village  of 
related  culture,  about  10  miles  from  Fewkes  group. 

One  portion  of  the  bottom  and  its  adjoining  body  bulge  of  tliis 
vessel  in  Plate  134,  i,  shows  far  more  effects  of  prolonged  fire  action 
than  the  other  side.  It  has  the  appearance  of  not  having  been  sus- 
pended, but  of  having  rested  on  its  bottom,  with  the  fire  placed 
against  only  one  side.  Tliis  further  tends  to  show  it  probably  had 
no  handles  for  suspension. 

The  paste  of  this  is  different  from  that  of  the  usual  domestic  vessel 
found  in  the  Fewkes  group.  It  is  of  a  fine  buff-colored  clay  mingled 
with  sand  containing  a  very  few  finely  pulverized  fragments  of  shell. 
The  building  in  which  it  was  found  does  not  appear  to  have  been  a 
dwelling  and  was  probably  used  for  sacred  ceremonial  purposes. 

These  two  fine,  unusual  vessels,  shown  in  Figure  199  and  Plate 
134,  6,  were  probably  ceremonial  and  of  a  material  not  allowed  in 
domestic  vessels.  The  paste  in  that  sho\vn  in  Plate  134,  6,  resembles 
the  buff-colored  clay  and  sand  material  used  in  making  the  altar  in 
this  building,  the  only  difference  being  the  admixture  of  the  small 
amount  of  finely  powdered  shell. 

The  fine  altar  was  not  disturbed.  The  interior  of  this  circle  was 
again  filled  with  earth  and  left  for  future  investigators. 

Stone-Slab  Box 

The  stone-slab  box  near  the  north  corner  of  the  altar  was  9  by  14 
inches  and  12  inches  in  depth.  It  was  dug  in  the  floor  of  the  wigwam 
and  had  no  stone  cover  or  bottom.  This  box  was  filled  with  loose 
black  earth  very  similar  to  the  accumulated  black  loam  which  filled 
the  remainder  of  the  interior  of  the  house  circle.  It  possibly  was 
slightly  more  fluffy  and  powdery.  Through  this  soil  in  the  stone 
box  were  found  scattered  a  very  few  minute  fragments  of  charcoal. 
It  contained  no  ashes,  broken  bones,  or  pottery  fragments,  and 
showed  no  action  of  fire.  This  box  was  carefully  made  and  may 
have  been  a  receptacle  for  some  sacred  ceremonial  object.  Its  use, 
however,  is  problematical. 


596  PREHISTORIC    VILLAGES    IN   TENNESSEE  [eth.  Aira.41 

Other  Objects  Found 

Scattered  through  the  black  loam  which  filled  the  interior  of  house 
circle  No.  6  were  found  a  bear's  tooth,  some  fragments  of  charred 
cane  stems,  a  very  few  broken  animal  bones,  and  a  few  fragments  of 
hard-burned  clay  containing  casts  of  cane  stems  and  grasses.  These 
latter  were  probably  remains  of  the  ancient  plastered  walls.  The 
rim  of  this  circle  was  not  examined  for  traces  of  these  walls. 

The  two  small  stone  disks  (20,  21)  shown  in  Plate  137,  6,  were  also 
found  in  the  accumulated  loam.  They  are,  respectively,  1%  inches 
and  1  }4  inches  in  diameter.  Both  are  of  limestone  which  has  weath- 
ered into  what  is  known  locally  as  phosphate  rock.  This  rock  is 
mined  within  sight  of  the  Fewkes  group. 

There  was  an  upright  cylindrical  fragment  of  charcoal  near  the 
northeast  corner  or  altar,  at  the  point  marked  "Charcoal"  in  Figure 
196.  It  was  5  inches  in  diameter  and  4  inches  in  height.  It  did  not 
enter  the  floor  but  rested  upon  it. 

■Scattered  through  the  soil  in  the  interior  of  house  circle  No.  6 
were  other  objects  shown  in  Plate  135,  b.  No.  1  is  a  fragment  of  a 
ground  gray  flint  celt.  No.  2  is  a  broken  arrowhead  of  gray  flint. 
There  was  also  a  flint  flake  found  in  this  circle  which  showed  along 
its  edge  slight  traces  of  having  been  used  as  a  saw.  No.  3,  the  cup- 
shaped  half  of  a  natural  concretion,  probably  was  used  as  a  paint 
cup.  Still  adhering  to  the  interior  of  the  cup  is  some  of  the  yellow 
ochre  which  was  used  by  these  people  as  a  paint.  This  cup  was  not 
a  mortar  in  which  to  grind  the  paint  but  only  a  receptacle  for  it. 
These  concretions  are  sometimes  found  on  the  surface  of  the  soil 
around  the  Fewkes  group.  Many  of  them,  when  broken  open,  are 
found  to  contain  a  fine  cjuality  of  yellow  ochre.  This  ochre  had 
good  adhesive  qualities,  as  is  shown  by  that  which  still  adheres  to 
the  interior  of  this  cup  after  the  lapse  of  untold  centuries.  This 
adhesive  quality  made  it  especially  adapted  to  painting  the  body. 
The  fact  that  it  was  found  in  the  interior  of  the  circle  also  points 
to  its  use  for  that  purpose.  No.  4  is  a  whetstone  of  fine-grained  red 
sandstone  from  the  Carboniferous  rocks  in  the  adjoining  hills.  This 
was  a  material  largely  used  for  such  purposes  by  all  the  ancient 
Indian  inhabitants  whose  successive  migrations  have  drifted  through 
the  Cumberland  Valley. 

Mr.  James  Mooney  states  that  the  Kiowas  and  other  tribes  still 
use  yellow  ochre  as  a  paint  for  their  bodies,  and  also  for  ornamenting 
objects  made  of  buckskin  and  other  materials.  Yellow  oclire  was  a 
favorite  color  with  the  Indians  on  the  Fewkes  site.  This  is  shown 
by  the  fact  that  over  one-fourth  of  the  hundreds  of  fragments  of 
domestic  pottery  on  this  site  had  a  shp  or  coating  of  some  of  the 
various  shades  of  yellow  ochre,  either  on  the  exterior  or  interior. 

The  modern  Kiowas  and  some  of  the  other  tribes  use  the  muci- 
laginous juice  of  the  prickly  pear  as  a  mordant  for  yellow  ochre  when 


mter] 


THE    FEWKES    GROUP  597 


applied  to  the  body  or  to  buckskin  or  similar  materials.  Tliis 
mucilaginous  juice  spread  over  the  paint  causes  it  to  adhere  where 
otherwise  it  would  quickly  fall  away  when  it  had  become  dry.  The 
prickly  pear  is  plentiful  on  the  hills  around  the  Fewkes  group. 

Unusual  Depression  at  12 

Especial  attention  is  called  to  the  depression,  No.  12,  shown  on 
the  map  of  Fewkes  group,  Plate  124.  It  has  an  unusual  shape  and 
probably  is  not  of  Indian  origin.  It  will  require  excavating  to 
determine. 

HOMES  OF  THE  FLEXED-BURIAL  PEOPLE 

It  is  reasonably  certain  that  traces  of  ancient  habitations  of  the 
flexed-burial  people  will  be  found  in  all  those  areas  on  the  map  which 
are  included  within  the  dotted  lines.  This  conclusion  was  reached 
from  observation  and  from  some  faint  evidences  struck  by  the  men 
who  have  tilled  the  cultivated  portion  of  the  site. 

Circle  No.  17 

Local  tradition  says  ashes  and  other  evidences  of  wigwams  have 
been  struck  by  the  plow  all  along  the  dotted  line  area  west  of  mound 
No.  2.  This  is  partially  confirmed  by  exploration  in  that  area.  Ex- 
cavation brought  to  light  house  circle  No.  17  in  the  cultivated  land 
where  aU  traces  of  house  circles  had  long  since  been  destroyed  by  the 
plow.  The  floor  of  this  building  was  at  a  depth  of  from  6  to  1 7 
inches  below  the  present  surface  of  the  soil.  A  small  portion  of  this 
floor,  on  the  north  and  west,  had  already  been  destroyed  by  culti- 
vation.    The  remainder  would  soon  have  been  reached  by  the  plow. 

On  removing  the  soil  a  hard-packed,  moderately  smooth  earthen 
floor  was  found.  It  was  not  made  of  clay  and  had  not  been  hardened 
by  fire.  What  remained  was  21  feet  in  cUameter  east  and  west  and 
18  feet  north  and  south.  The  building  had  probably  originally  been 
circular.  The  floor  was  level  and  did  not  follow  the  slight  natural 
slope  of  the  surface  soil.  A  diagram  and  vertical  section  are  shown 
in  Figure  200. 

To  the  north  of  and  immediately  adjoining  what  was  probably  the 
original  center  of  the  floor  was  a  fire  bowl.  A  child  had  been  buried 
by  the  side  of  the  upright  stone  slab,  with  its  head  resting  within  the 
edge  of  the  fire  bowl.  Two  other  graves  of  children  could  be  seen. 
The  edges  of  their  stone-slab  coffins  rose  an  inch  above  the  floor.  On 
the  west  portion  of  the  floor  there  was  a  small,  irregular  pile  of  stones. 
Two  postholes,  one  5  inches  in  diameter  and  12  inches  deep,  the 
other  3  inches  in  cUameter  and  6  inches  deep,  could  be  seen  on  the 
eastern  edge  of  the  circle. 

The  woman  who  lived  in  this  dwelling  was  frugal.  Slie  was  also 
the  neatest  housekeeper  found  in  the  village.  Wlien  she  abandoned 
her  home  she  removed  aU  her  belongings,  including  Iier  domestic 
pottery.     She  then  swept  the  floor.     It  was  not  a  very  smooth  floor, 


598 


PREHISTORIC   VILLAGES   IN   TENNESSEE 


[eTH.  ANN.  41 


but  she  left  it  clean.  No  untidy  pottery  fragments  or  broken  animal 
bones  or  ashes  were  left  scattered  over  the  floor.  Tliis  is  clearly  seen 
in  the  portion  of  the  floor  sho'mi  in  Plate  136,  I.  This  photograph 
shows  the  floor  just  as  she  left  it  and  brings  out  vividly  one  very 
common  featiu-e  of  this  ancient  family  life — the  burial  of  the  bodies 
of  young  children  beneath  the  floor  of  the  mother's  wigwam.  The 
projecting  stone-slab  sides  of  one  of  the  coffins  are  seen  to  rise  from 
1  to  2  inches  above  the  floor  near  the  upright  pick.  The  stone-slab 
top  of  these  graves  had  presumably  been  removed  by  the  plow.  The 
sides  of  the  other  grave  (I)  in  this  circle  projected  above  the  floor 


m 


Vf. 


le  shones 


M 


Post*  \e. 
holes  ,1 


CZD 


Vertical  section  ot'  sovL  cov' 


vervna. 

Fig.  200.— Diagram  of  circle  No.  17 

in  the  same  way.  When  the  wigwam  was  inliabited  the  stone-slab 
tops  of  these  little  graves  must  have  risen  above  the  floor  to  a  height 
of  3  or  4  inches. 

THE  CENTRAL  FIRE  BOWL  AND  CONNECTING  GRAVE 

The  fire  bowl,  near  the  center  of  the  floor,  was  22  inches  in  diameter 
and  7  inches  deep.  It  was  shaped  very  much  like  a  modern  wash- 
basin. A  hole  of  this  shape  had  been  made  in  the  earthen  floor  and 
the  cavity  and  a  little  of  the  adjoining  floor  had  been  covered  and 
smootlily  plastered  with  puddled  clay,  forming  a  rounded,  plastered 
bowl  almost  as  smooth  in  the  interior  as  our  modern  earthenware 
washbowls. 

One  side  of  the  fire  bowl  had  been  cut  away  in  order  to  allow  an 
upright  stone  slab  to  be  placed  as  shown  in  Plate  136,  &.  The  body 
of  a  chikl  about  12  years  of  age  liad  then  been  buried  against  the 
eastern  side  of  the  slab  with  the  head  resting  witliin  the  edge  of  the 


BUREAU    OF   AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY  FORTY-FIRST    ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE    135 


^'^^H^ 

1  2  3  1 

6 

a,  Restoration  of  vessel  from  fragments  b,  Objects  from  house  circle  No.  6 


BUREAU    OF   AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY  FORTY-FIRST    ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE    136 


n.  The  two  springs  in  the  Fewkes  group 
b,  Portion  of  floor  in  circle  No.  17 


f,  Grave  D 

d,  Child  in  grave  E,  with  heart  renting  in  edge  of  fire  bowl 


BUREAU    OF  AMERICAN    ETHNOLOGY  FORTY-FIRST   ANNUAL    REPORT      PLATE   137 


a,  Objects  found  in  tirave  A       b,  Rare  celt  from  grave  E,  and  other  objects 


MTER)  THE   FEWKES   GROUP  599 

fire  bowl.  Tliis  burial  is  called  grave  E.  The  body  is  No.  316094, 
United  States  National  Museum,  Division  of  Physical  ^inthropology. 
The  fii-e  bowl,  when  uncovered,  was  entirely  filled  with  pure  white 
ashes,  free  from  broken  bones  or  fragments  of  pottery.  They  cov- 
ered the  back  and  the  top  of  the  head  of  the  child,  as  can  be  seen  in 
Plate  136,  d,  a  photograph  taken  before  any  of  the  bones  had  been 
disturbed  or  ashes  removed  from  around  the  child's  head.  The  top 
of  the  skull  was  only  6  inches  beneath  the  surface  of  the  soil  and 
had  been  broken  by  the  plow.  The  ashes  can  be  seen  around  tlie  top 
of  the  skull,  which,  although  within  the  edge  of  the  fire  bowl  and  sur- 
rounded by  ashes,  showed  not  the  slightest  trace  of  the  action  of  fire. 

The  body  had  been  buried  by  the  side  of  tlie  upright  slab,  which 
can  be  seen  in  Plate  136,  h  and  d.  Tliis  slab  ran  N.  25°  E.  The 
head  was  at  the  south  end  of  the  slab. 

The  body  had  been  tightly  flexed  and  made  into  a  compact  bundle. 
It  must  of  necessity  have  been  closely  tied  with  some  kind  of  cord 
in  order  to  hold  it  in  this  compact  bundle  form.  From  what  is 
kno^Ti  of  such  burials  it  is  probable  tlie  body  was  WTapped  in  some 
kind  of  skin  or  cane  matting  and  then  the  bundle  bound  with  cord. 
If  this  skin  or  matting  wrapping  had  ever  existed,  aU  trace  of  it  had 
disajipeared.  The  nearness  to  tlie  surface  would  have  hastened  its 
disappearance.  The  little  body,  as  can  be  seen  in  the  photograph, 
was  lying  on  its  back  and  turned  very  slightly  on  its  left  side.  Its 
slioulders  had  been  twisted  to  the  left  until  the  right  humerus  was 
parallel  to  and  rested  nearly  on  the  center  of  the  breast.  The  arms 
ha<l  been  folded  across  the  breast  and  the  legs  bent  to  the  left  and 
then  brought  closely  against  the  left  breast.  This  was  done  wliile 
in  the  flesh,  for  all  the  bones  were  in  proper  place.  The  position  of 
the  bones  is  shown  in  Plate   136,  d. 

This  fire  bowl  filled  with  ashes  and  the  child's  unburned  head 
resting  within  its  edge  are  mysteries.  Did  the  parents  bury  their 
child  with  its  head  within  the  cavity  of  the  fire  bowl  and  the  fire 
bowl  continue  in  use?  If  so,  how  was  it  possible  to  prevent  at  least 
some  slight  burning  of  the  head?  There  was  no  evidence  of  their 
abandoning  this  fire  bowl  and  starting  another  fire  elsewhere  in  the 
circle.  It  is  more  probable  this  burial  was  made  after  the  wigwam 
had  been  abandoned,  or  that  the  wigwam  was  abandoned  at  the  time 
the  burial  was  made. 

The  decayed  remnants  of  what  was  probably  a  mussel-shell  spoon 
were  under  the  right  ear  of  the  child. 

The  rare  celt  (£)  shown  in  Plate  137,  6,  was  found  at  the  left  side 
of  the  bodj^,  near  the  hips.  Especial  attention  is  called  to  the  unusual 
beveling  on  the  sides,  and  to  the  shape  of  the  cutting  edge.  So  far 
53666°— 28 39 


600  PREHISTORIC   VILLAGES    IN   TENNESSEE  [eth.ann.41 

as  known,  this  is  the  only  celt  of  this  shape  ever  found  in  Tennessee. 
The  material  is  a  fine-grained  argillaceous  limestone. 

GRAVE    K 

The  stone-slab  grave,  K,  in  circle  No.  17  measured  12  inches  at 
each  end  and  22  inches  in  width  at  the  center  and  was  40  inches  in 
length.  The  sides  curved,  as  is  shown  in  Figure  200.  The  edges  of 
some  of  the  upright  slabs  of  this  cofTm  projected  from  1  to  2  inches 
above  the  surface  of  the  floor  of  the  wigwam.  The  top  had  probably 
been  removed  by  the  plow.  This  grave  contained  the  bones  of  a 
cliild  about  2  years  old  (United  States  National  Museum,  Depart- 
ment of  Physical  Anthropology,  No.  316092).  Two  large,  useless 
fragments  of  pottery  were  found  with  the  body  in  this  grave. 
These  liad  been  placed  apparently  with  the  same  care  that  would 
have  been  used  with  unbroken,  entire  vessels.  One  of  these  frag- 
ments was  placed  at  the  right  of  the  head.  Both  the  exterior  and 
interior  of  this  vessel  were  light  salmon  tinged  with  buff,  somewhat 
darker  than  Plate  106,  h. 

A  large  fragment  of  another  old,  broken  pot  had  been  placed  at 
the  southwest  corner  of  the  grave.  A  restoration  of  tlie  domestic 
vessel  to  which  it  once  belonged  is  also  shown  in  Plate  135,  a.  Its 
exterior  and  interior  were  buff  colored,  somewhat  between  the  sliades 
of  c  and  A,  Plate  106. 

Does  the  jilacing  of  only  fragments  of  old,  broken  vessels  in  this 
grave,  in  place  of  entire  vessels,  indicate  a  belief  that  a  fragment 
of  an  old,  broken  or  "dead"  vessel  would  become  whole  and  useful 
to  the  dead  with  whom  it  was  buried? 

There  was  a  well-known  practice  of  breaking  or  puncturing  or 
otherwise  "killing"  entire  vessels  and  placing  all  their  fragments  in 
the  grave.  But  in  grave  K  evidently  no  vessel  was  "killed."  Only 
the  fragment  of  some  old,  broken  vessel  was  picked  up  and  placed 
with  the  dead. 

Near  the  center  of  grave  K  was  found  the  fragment  of  coral  ( K) 
sliown  in  Plate  137,  &.  These  corals  can  be  found  in  the  rotten  lime- 
stone on  the  sm-rounding  hills.  Its  burial  with  the  little  body  had 
some  significance.  Indians  often  chose  for  sacred  purposes  stones  that 
were  unusual  on  account  of  their  beauty  or  oddity  or  fancied  resem- 
blances. These  were  sometimes  placed  in  their  sacred  bundles. 
Sometimes  they  were  kept  in  their  House  of  Mysteries.  Gravier 
relates,  among  other  things,  in  regard  to  the  Natchez  temple:  "All 
that  I  saw  somewhat  rare  was  a  piece  of  rock  crystal,  which  I  found 
in  a  little  basket."  ^^ 

A  small  whetstone  of  firm,  close-grained,  red  Carboniferous  sand- 
stone was  also  found  m  this  grave.     It  is  No.  56  in  Plate  137,  h. 

M  "Jesuit  Relations"  Ixv,  pp.  138-141. 


MTERl  THE   FEWKES   GROUP  601 

No.  49,  Plate  137,  b,  shows  the  frugahty  of  the  Indian.  This  is  a 
broken  celt  made  of  diorite.  The  ou-ner  had  begun  to  work  this 
fragment  into  another  and  smaller  implement  when  it  developed 
other  fractures  which  rendered  it  worthless. 

GRAVE    I 

Grave  I  is  a  very  unusual  shaped  stone-slab  grave  16  by  12  inches 
and  19  inches  in  depth.  Its  top  edges  were  level  with  the  floor  of 
the  wigwam.  This  stone-slab  box  contained  the  badly  decayed  bones 
of  a  child  about  12  years  old  buried  after  decay  of  the  flesh  (United 
States  National  Museum,  Division  of  Physical  Anthropology,  No. 
316093).     This  box  contained  no  artifacts  of  any  kind. 

Near  the  western  side  of  circle  No.  17  a  small,  irregular  pile  of 
unworked  stones  was  found.  This  pile  was  12  by  6  inches  and  6 
inches  in  height.     Their  use  is  unknown. 

The  only  pestholes  found  in  this  circle  were  the  two  at  the  eastern 
side.  If  there  had  been  others,  they  had  been  destroyed  by  the  plow 
or  by  time.     They  probably  belonged  to  the  wall  of  the  building. 

GRAVE    D 

Grave  D  was  a  stone-slab  grave  100  feet  southeast  of  the  center 
of  mound  No.  3.  It  is  shown  in  Plate  136,  c.  The  coSin  was  4  feet 
long  and  16  inches  deep,  inside  measure.  The  grave  ran  W.  10°  S. 
Body  of  adult,  buried  in  the  flesh,  head  at  west  end  of  grave.  This 
body  had  been  loosely  flexed  and  was  lying  on  its  right  side.  No 
ornaments  or  artifacts  of  any  kind  were  with  it,  and  the  top  of  the 
grave  had  been  removed  by  the  plow.  Only  the  light-colored  tip  of 
the  large  slab  projected  above  the  present  surface  of  the  soil.  This 
was  the  body  of  a  female.  (United  States  National  Museum,  Divi- 
sion of  Physical  Anthropology,  No.  316000.) 

Was  evidently  of  a  different  type,  dolichocephalic,  and  may  have  belonged  to 
a  different  tribe  *  *  »  -pjig  skeleton  shows  extensive  pathological  (posterior 
periostitis)  involvement  of  bones.  As  the  skull  and  jaw  were  evidently  not 
involved,  the  nature  of  the  pathological  process  is  uncertain.'' 

This  woman  had  likely  come  into  the  tribe  of  her  own  accord  by 
marriage,  or  she  may  have  been  taken  captive  and  held  there  as  a 
slave,  or,  more  probably,  taken  as  a  wife  by  one  of  her  captors. 

Bundle  Burial 

On  the  exterior  of  grave  D,  at  its  western  end,  was  found  a  pile  or 
bundle  of  bones  belonging  to  an  adult.  These  had  been  buried  after 
decay  of  the  flesh.     No  ornaments  or  artifacts  were  found  with  this 

3'  See  Dr.  HrdlWka's  report,  p.  612. 


602  PREHISTORIC    VILLAGES    IN    TENNESSEE  [eth.  ann.41 

bundle  of  bones.  Did  this  person,  for  wliom  no  one  appears  to  have 
cared  enough  to  even  make  a  rude  coffin,  have  any  connection  with 
this  woman  of  an  ahen  race,  by  the  side  of  whose  coffin  liis  bones 
had  been  buried?     Was  it  the  body  of  some  captive? 

Who  Were  These  Flexed-Burial  People? 

This  concludes  the  record  of  the  remains  of  the  flexed-burial  people 
who  built  the  mounds  and  the  first  village  at  the  Fewkes  group. 
Who  were  these  flexed-burial  people? 

Their  method  of  biurial,  the  bodies  more  or  less  closely  flexed,  the 
stone  coffins  hexagonal  or  octagonal  or  tending  to  circular,  is  different 
from  that  of  the  other  stone-grave  peoples  who  have  lived  at  various 
times  in  the  surrounding  region  in  middle  Tennessee.  This  method 
of  burial  resembles  that  found  by  the  author  in  the  Sequatchie  Valley, 
in  the  Kelley  gi'oup,  S  miles  south  of  Dunlap,  on  the  Sequatchie 
River,  a  small  tributary  of  the  Tennessee  River,  in  east  Tennessee. 
It  also  resembles  some  of  the  flexed  burials  found  by  others  in  east 
Tennessee,  north  Georgia,  and  north  Alabama,  principally  along  the 
waters  of  the  Tennessee  River.  However,  at  some  points  along  the 
Tennessee  River,  for  example,  at  Bennett  Place  in  Marion  County, 
Tenn.,  about  25  miles  south  of  the  Kelley  group,  in  a  mound  exca- 
vated by  Mr.  Clarence  B.  Moore  and  described  in  his  "Aboriginal 
Sites  on  Tennessee  River,"  pages  338  to  352,  both  the  flexed  burials 
and  extended-full-length  burials  are  found  in  the  same  mound.  Some 
other  comminglings  have  been  found.  A  study  of  the  small  number 
of  these  commingled  burials  does  not  settle  the  question  as  to  whether 
the  same  people  practiced  both  forms  of  burial,  or  whether  the  unlike 
forms  of  burial  belonged  to  two  different  peoples  who  had  occupied 
the  site  at  separate  times.  More  information  is  necessary  in  order 
to  establish  the  truth  of  the  matter.  It  is  to  be  regretted  that  the 
Fewkes  excavations  did  not  bring  to  light  sufficient  skeletal  material 
to  greatly  aid  in  this  determination.  The  type  of  buildings  found  in 
mound  No.  2  and  in  circle  No.  6,  including  the  altars,  and  also  some 
of  the  artifacts  found  vnih  these  flexed-burial  people,  indicate  contact 
with  the  surrounding  rectangular-stone-slab  people,  such  as  those 
found  on  the  Gordon  site  and  elsewhere  in  the  Cumberland  Valley 
in  middle  Tennessee. 

These  first  or  flexed-burial  inhabitants  of  the  Fewkes  group,  for 
some  unknown  reason,  deserted  the  site.  There  may  be  some  very 
slight  indications  in  the  large  amount  of  broken  pottery  on  the  floor 
of  circle  6  that  they  were  forced  to  leave  hurriedly,  and  such  of  their 
belongings  as  they  could  not  carry  wath  them  tney  destroyed.  This 
important  site,  which  contains  the  remains  of  two  waves  of  ancient 
migrations,  should  be  thoroughly  explored. 


MTER]  THE    FEWKES    GROUP  603 

RECTANGULAR   STONE   GRAVE   PEOPLE 

A  few  graves  of  a  later  and  different  people  were  found  on  the 
adjoining  hillside,  to  the  west  of  the  Fewkes  group,  in  a  cultivated 
field  west  of  the  garden  and  dwelling  of  the  present  owner,  Mr.  J.  H. 
Womack.  These  people  were  dra%\Ti  to  this  site  by  the  fine  springs 
of  the  old  Fewkes  group;  but  they  chose  the  hillside  to  the  west  of 
the  springs  rather  than  the  site  formerly  occupied  by  the  flexed-burial 
people.  These  two  springs  are  shown  in  Plate  136,  a.  The  one 
known  as  Boiling  Spring,  because  its  clear  waters  formerly  bubbled 
up  through  a  layer  of  sand,  causing  a  boiling  appearance,  gave  its 
name  to  Boiling  Spring  Academy,  which  is  on  this  ancient  flexed- 
burial  site.  The  other  bold  and  cold,  clear  spring,  in  the  cool  shadows 
of  the  stone  and  white  lattice  spring  house,  has  dark  rocks  covered 
with  moss  all  around  its  deep  basin.  The  water  comes  from  crevices 
in  these  moss-covered  stones. 

The  Cherokees  have  a  beautiful  behef  in  regard  to  springs.  The 
ancient  inhabitants  have  no  doubt  sat  by  this  spring  flowing  out  of 
the  mysterious  crevices  of  the  rocks  and  Ustened  to  the  story  of  the 
other  world  to  which  such  springs  as  this  are  the  gateways.  The 
version  here  given  is  from  Mr.  James  Mooney's  "Myths  of  the 
Cherokee,"  Nineteenth  Annual  Report  of  the  Bureau  of  American 
Ethnology,  page  240. 

There  is  another  world  under  this,  and  it  is  like  ours  in  everything — animals, 
plants,  and  people — save  that  the  seasons  are  different.  The  streams  that  come 
down  from  the  moutitains  are  the  trails  by  which  we  reach  this  underworld,  and 
the  springs  at  their  heads  are  the  doorways  by  which  we  enter  it,  but  to  do  this 
one  must  fast  and  go  to  water  and  have  one  of  the  underground  people  for  a 
guide.  We  know  that  the  seasons  in  the  underworld  are  different  from  ours, 
because  the  water  in  the  springs  is.always  warmer  in  winter  and  cooler  in  summer 
than  the  outer  air. 

Rectangular  Stone  Graves 

Only  three  graves  belonging  tcf  this  later  band  of  the  rectangular- 
stone-grave  people  were  found  in  the  aforementioned  cultivated  field 
to  the  west  of  Mr.  Womack's  barn  and  garden.  There  is  evidence 
to  show  that  a  few  other  similar  graves  have  been  destroyed  by  the 
plow  in  this  field.  Erosion  and  cultivation  have  caused  these  graves 
to  be  brought  so  near  the  surface  that  they  are  now  struck  by  the 
plow. 

GRAVE    A 

The  first  of  these  graves  uncovered  was  grave  A.  It  was  90  feet 
west  of  the  Womack  barn,  since  burned.  It  was  a  rectangular  stone- 
slab  grave,  40  inches  long,  13  inches  wide  at  east  end,  and  14  inches 
at  west  end.  It  ran  W.  10°  S.  Top  of  coffin  was  7  inches  under 
present  surface  of  the  soil.  The  bottom  of  this  coffin  was  lined  with 
fragments  of  domestic  pottery,  neatly  fitted  together  into  a  mosaic 


604  PREHISTORIC    VILLAGES    IN    TENNESSEE  [eth.  ann.  41 

floor.  It  contained  the  body  of  a  child  about  4  years  old.  (U.  S. 
National  Museum,  Division  of  Physical  Anthropology,  No.  316088.) 
The  body  had  been  buried  in  the  flesh,  extended  full  length,  on  its 
back,  arms  at  side,  head  at  west  end  c)f  grave. 

The  two  bone  dice  shown  in  Plate  137,  a,  were  found  buried  with 
this  child.  One  was  at  the  child's  right  ankle,  the  other  at  its  right 
knee.  These  dice  were  both  made  from  the  astragalus  bone  of  a 
Virginia  deer.  As  will  be  seen  from  the  illustration,  these  bones  had 
been  carefully  worked  down,  apparently  by  rubbing,  until  they  had 
somewhat  rectangular  faces.  It  will  also  be  observed  that  each  face 
is  different,  and,  like  our  modern  dotted-face  dice,  each  face  probably 
had  a  different  coimting  value. 

Astragalus  bones  of  the  deer,  sheep,  bison,  and  many  other  animals 
have  been  used  by  savage  man  as  dice  from  the  earliest  times,  in 
every  quarter  of  the  globe.  The  early  Greeks  and  Romans  so  used 
them.  In  the  Corcoran  Art  Gallery,  in  Wasliington,  there  is  a 
plaster  cast  of  "The  Bone  Player,"  catalogue  number  1045,  the 
original  of  which  is  in  the  Louvre.  It  represents  a  young  maiden 
playing  with  four  deer  astragalus  dicfe,  and  was  unearthed  in  Rome 
in  1730.  Modern  incised  dotted  dice  are  descended  from  the  ancient 
astragalus  dice.  Astragalus  bones  were  used  as  chce  by  many  of  our 
Indian  tribes.  Such  dice  have  been  found  in  many  of  the  stone-slab 
graves  in  the  region  around  the  Fewkes  group,  and  also  in  Kentucky, 
Arkansas,  Mississippi,  and  elsewhere.  They  have  been  found  in  the 
graves  of  adults  as  well  as  of  children.  The  dice  from  these  graves 
show  that  both  the  young  and  the  old  of  the  middle  Tennessee  stone- 
grave  people  played  with  them.^' 

At  the  right  of  the  child's  neck  was  the  miniature  pot  shown  in 
Plate  137,  a.  This  small  pot  measured  only  134  inches  in  diameter. 
It  was  inverted,  which  proves  it  was  not  intended  to  contain  food  or 
drink. 

GRAVE    B 

The  stone-slab  grave  B  was  125  feet  north  of  grave  A.  It  was  so 
near  the  surface  that  the  top  had  been  removed  and  the  bones  broken 
by  the  plow.  It  contained  the  badly  decayed  bones  of  an  adult 
male  (U.  S.  National  Museum,  Division  of  Physical  Anthropology, 
No.  316098),  lying  on  its  back,  extended  full  length,  arms  at  sides. 
The  skull  shows  signs  of  occipital  compression.  The  coffin  was  5  feet 
6  inches  in  length  and  14  inches  in  width.  The  bottom  was  lined  with 
thin  stone  slabs.  The  grave  ran  W.  5°  N.,  and  no  ornaments  or 
artifacts  of  any  kind  were  found  in  it. 

'« Consult  Stewart  Culin's  "  Oames  of  the  North  American  Indians,"  Twenty-fourth  Ann.  Kept.  Bur. 
Amer.  Ethn.,  I9U7. 


mter) 


THE    FEWKES    GROUP  605 


GRAVE    C 

Limestone-slab  grave  C  adjoined  grave  B  on  the  east.  Length  of 
cofRn  5  feet  10  inches.  Width  14  inches  at  east  end  and  15  inches 
at  west  end.  Ran  N.  40°  W.  Bottom  lined  with  thin  limestone 
slabs.  Body  of  adult  male.  (U.  S.  National  Museum,  Division  of 
Physical  Antliropology,  No.  316103.)  It  was  extended  full  length, 
on  back,  arms  at  sides.  No  ornaments  or  artifacts  with  the  body. 
Cranium  had  been  broken  by  the  plow.  Dr.  HrcUicka's  report, 
page  612  of  tliis  paper,  says  tliis  skull  was  undeformed  and  shows 
"a  mildly  brachycephalic  form,  wliich  would  seem  to  indicate  a  con- 
nection of  these  people  with  those  of  the  moimd  region  of  Ohio  and 
parts  of  Kentucky." 

PROBABLE    REMAINS    OF    RECTANGULAR    STONE    GRAVE    PEOPLE 

Hon.  p.  E.  Cox,  of  Franklin,  Tenn.,  did  a  small  amount  of  digging 
at  Fewkes  group  about  1895.  He  made  no  written  record  at  the 
time.  The  information  given  herewith  depends  on  his  recollection 
after  a  period  of  25  years. 

He  opened  a  stone-slab  grave  about  100  feet  southwest  of  house 
circle  No.  17,  in  the  region  marked  "Scattered  graves."  Body  was 
on  back,  and  probably  at  full  length.     Head  rested  in  conch-shell  cup. 

In  the  region  to  the  north  and  south  of  house  circle  No.  17  he  found 
five  or  six  beds  of  ashes  containing  pottery  fragments  and  broken 
bones.  These  beds  were  about  23^  feet  in  diameter  and  about  2  feet 
beneath  the  surface  of  the  soil.  He  tliinks  this  line  of  beds  ran  north 
and  south,  and  that  they  were  about  7  feet  distant  from  each  other. 
Some  limestone  slabs  were  lying  between  them.  He  found  nothing 
under  the  slabs.  It  will  be  recalled  that  somewhat  similar  slabs 
were  found  on  the  original  surface  under  mound  No.  2. 

Between  the  two  large  oak  trees  between  mound  No.  5  and  house 
remains  No.  12  he  found  what  appeared  to  be  a  kitchen  refuse  dump. 

On  the  northwest  portion  of  mound  No.  2,  marked  "Cox"  in 
Figure  164,  he  found  the  following  burials:  The  first  was  a  stone- 
slab  coffin,  the  top  of  wliich  was  sufficiently  near  the  surface  to  have 
been  removed  by  the  plow.  It  contained  the  body  of  an  adult, 
extended  full  length,  with  no  relics.  Ten  inches  immediately  below 
the  coffin  was  the  body  of  another  adult,  not  in  a  stone  coffin.  He 
tliinks  he  found  about  three  more  skeletons  buried  immediately 
beneath  the  two  bodies  mentioned.  None  of  these  were  in  coffins. 
In  other  words,  at  this  point  he  thinks  he  found  about  five  bodies 
buried,  extended  full  length,  each  below  the  other.  What  he  prob- 
ably found  was  a  stone-slab  coffin  containing  two  or  three  bodies 
each  on  top  of  the  other.  The  author  found  similar  stone-slab  graves 
at  Castalian  Springs,  in  Sumner  County,  Tenn. 

Mr.  Cox  was  not  positive  as  to  whether  these  bodies  were  extended 
full  length  or  flexed  but  thought  probably  they  were  full  length. 


606 


PREHISTORIC    VILLAGES    IN    TENNESSEE 


[ETH.    ANN.  41 


With  one  of  the  lower  bodies  he  found  a  nest  of  four  upright  pottery- 
bowls,  similar  to  the  one  shown  in  Plate  118,  a.  The  largest  was 
about  10  inches  in  diameter  and  the  others  in  decreasing  sizes.  Near 
the  pelvis  of  one  of  the  bodies  he  found  a  fine  8-inch  flint  spearhead. 
He  did  not  remember  what  he  did  with  the  stone  slabs  of  the  coffin 
or  with  the  bones.  Digging  at  the  point  indicated  by  Mr.  Cox  as 
the  location  of  the  above-described  burials  in  mound  No.  2  revealed 
no  trace  of  the  bones  or  the  stone  slabs  of  the  coffin. 

This  burial  of  several  bodies  in  one  coffin  on  the  present  surface  of 
mound  No.  2  was  an  intrusive  burial  made  by  the  later  rectangular 
stone-slab  grave  band  on  the  mound,  which  had  been  built  by  the 
earlier  flexed-burial  people. 

These  later  rectangular  stone-slab  grave  people  appear  to  be  closely 
related  to  the  similar  rectangular  stone-slab  grave  people  whose  re- 
mains were  found  at  Gordon  town  site  and  elsewhere  in  the  Central 
Tennessee  Basin.  As  has  already  been  stated,  thousands  of  graves 
of  a  similar  people  have  been  found  scattered  through  the  Cumber- 
land Valley  in  middle  Tennessee. 

POTTEEY  OF   GORDON  AND  EEWKES  SITES 

A  careful  study  of  the  many  hundreds  of  pottery  fragments 
unearthed  on  the  Gordon  and  Fewkes  sites  brings  out  some  needed 
infonnation  in  regard  to  the  size,  material,  and  colors  of  their  domestic 
pottery. 

There  were  some  staple  domestic  pots  whose  use  was  common 
to  all  of  the  tribes.  These  had  much  the  same  shape  in  all  the  south- 
ern tribes,  but  the  materials  differed  with  the  resources  of  the  locali- 
ties. A  comparison  of  the  pottery  shown  in  tlie  preceding  pages  will 
bring  out  an  apparent  difference  in  some,  but  not  all,  of  the  vessels. 
The  follou'ing  table  is  based  on  a  study  of  all  the  recovered  fragments 
and  will  show  some  of  the  differences  in  materials  and  colors. 


Per  cent 

Colors  and  materials 

Gordon 

Fewkes 

Various  shades  of  black  and  gray  clay  mixed  with  powdered 
mussel  shells;  hard  burned                .                          

30 

16 

40 

5 

5 
5 

25 

Various  shades  of  cream  and  buff-colored  slips  on  a  gray  paste 
mixed  with  powdered  mussel  shells:  hard  burned 

15 

Various  shades  of  cream  and  buff -colored  slips  on  buff-colored 
clay  paste  mixed  with  powdered  mussel  shells;  well  burned. 
Various  shades  of  red  slips  on  gray  paste  mixed  with  powdered 

25 
20 

Various  shades  of  cream  and  buff -colored  slips  on  a  yellowish 
light   gray    paste   containing   no   mussel   shells;  not   well 
burned                                                                                  

10 

Other  colors  than  above  -_   -_ 

5 

Total   -   -     - ...   . 

100 

100 

MTER]  THE    FEWKES    GROUP  607 

About  half  of  these  domestic  pots  hekl  from  2  to  3  gallons.  Frag- 
ments of  several  pots  were  found  which  held  from  4  to  7  gallons  and 
some  larger  vessels  which  held  from  10  to  15  gallons. 

Fully  two-tliirds  of  the  domestic  vessels  found  on  these  two  sites 
showed  black  smoke  discolorations  arising  from  fires  over  which  they 
had  been  either  suspended  in  some  manner  or  supported  by  stones. 
These  stones  thus  took  the  place  of  the  modern  pot  leg.  The  frag- 
ments showed  conclusively  that  the  coolcing  in  fully  two-thirds  of 
the  round-bottom  vessels  was  done  by  fires  built  underneath  them. 
In  a  very  few  of  the  other  round-bottom  vessels  the  cooking  may 
have  been  done  by  means  of  heated  stones  placed  within. 

The  large  fiat-bottom  vessels  showed  no  signs  of  fire-smoking  under- 
neath, and  all  these  were  beyond  doubt  used  in  stone-boiling;  that 
is,  heated  stones  were  placed  in  their  contents.  This  heated  them 
very  rapidly  but  did  not  add  to  the  cleanly  appearance  of  the  cooked 
contents. 

The  writer  recalls  a  stone-boiling,  probably  derived  from  the 
Indians,  which  continued  in  Tennessee  as  late  as  1876,  in  the  annual 
fall  hog  killings.  Water  was  placed  in  a  large  inclined  wooden  barrel 
or  hogshead,  or  sometimes  in  wooden  troughs.  The  stones,  having 
been  heated  in  great  blazing  piles  of  commingled  wood  and  stones, 
were  then  taken  singly,  with  an  iron  shovel,  and  placed  in  the  water, 
which  rapidly  came  to  the  boiling  point.  As  the  water  became 
cooled,  other  heated  stones  were  added  and  the  cold  ones  removed. 

ANIMAL  FOOD  OF   GORDON  AND  FEWKES  PEOPLE 

Every  fragment  of  bone  found  on  the  Gordon  and  Fewkes  sites 
was  preserved.  These  were  examined  by  Dr.  G.  S.  Miller,  Curator 
of  the  Division  of  Mammals,  United  States  National  Museum.  He 
found  the  proportions  of  animal  food  represented  by  these  bones  to 
be  about  as  follows: 


Animal 


Per  cent 


Virginia  deer  (no  bones  of  elk,  moose,  or  bison) 

Wild  turkey 

Box  turtle,  snapping  turtle,  black  bear,  raccoon,  skunk,  gray  fox,  fox 
squirrel,  cottontail  rabbit,  small  birds,  fish 

Total 


85 
10 


100 


Only  one  fresh-water  drum  fish,  two  fresh-water  suckers,  and  one 
other  fish  were  fotmd  in  the  two  groups.  A  very  few  mussel  shells 
and  not  over  a  dozen  periwinkle  sheUs  were  found  on  both  sites, 
outside  of  the  graves. 

The  proportion  and  character  of  the  animal  food  was  practically 
the  same  in  both  the  Gordon  site  and  the  Fewkes  group. 


608  PREHISTORIC   VILLAGES    IN    TENNESSEE  [eth.  ann.41 

These  bones  showed  that  the  staple  food  of  both  these  groups  was 
the  Virginia  deer.  It  constituted  fully  85  per  cent  of  all  their  animal 
food  which  contained  bones.  Wild  turkeys  came  next,  with  about 
10  per  cent.  Not  much  of  other  animal  food  was  used.  Very  rarely 
indeed  a  black  bear,  raccoon,  skunk,  fox  squirrel,  or  some  other  of 
the  small  animals  noted  above  was  used  for  food.  These  people  did 
not  eat  dogs. 

There  was  a  reason  for  not  using  some  animals  which  probably 
were  plentiful  and  easy  to  obtain.  Only  one  or  two  rabbits  were 
found.  This  probably  arose  from  the  well-known  belief  of  the 
southern  Indian  that  the  rabbit,  being  timorous,  would  impart  this 
characteristic  to  those  who  ate  its  flesh.  The  Cherokees  make  a 
rabbit  soup  and  endeavor  to  poiu"  it  in  the  pathway  of  the  competing 
team  in  their  ball  play,  in  order  to  render  their  competitors  less 
daring. 

No  bones  of  the  red  squirrel  were  found.  The  flesh  of  the  red 
squiiTel  was  supposed  by  some  of  the  Indians  to  induce  rheumatism, 
because  the  squirrel  runs  or  sits  with  his  back  in  an  apparently 
uncomfortable  curve,  as  though  rheumatic. 

Deer  were  plentiful  and  easy  to  kill.  One  deer  produced  a  large 
amount  of  food — so  why  worry  with  small  animals? 

The  Indian  did  not  kill,  as  we  do,  for  sport,  i.  e.,  for  the  pleasure 
of  killing.  He  killed  only  to  supjdy  his  necessities  and  much  of  this 
killing  was  carried  out  with  due  and  proper  rites  of  propitiation  to 
the  spirit  of  the  animal  slain. 

Apjjarently  land  or  water  birds  were  rarely  eaten. 

It  is  not  unexpected  that  the  remains  of  only  four  individual  fish 
were  foimd.  The  Indian  was  very  poorly  equipped  for  catching  fish; 
though  in  some  of  the  mountain  streams  of  Tennessee  the  author 
discovered  evidences  of  several  very  ingenious,  though  simple,  fish 
traps  which  must  have  caught  a  considerable  number  of  fish.  Hei  e,  in 
the  moimtains,  he  found  more  evidences  of  the  use  of  fish  for  food. 

A  very  few  mussels  {unio)  were  eaten.  Periwinkles  were  found 
scattered  through  the  soU  which  filled  some  of  the  graves  at  the 
Gordon  site,  where  they  appear  to  have  been  used  only  as  food  for 
the  journey  to  the  other  world.  On  some  other  Indian  village  sites 
in  middle  Tennessee  the  author  has  found  large  numbers  of  peri- 
winkle shells  on  the  surface,  indicating  that  they  were  used  as  every- 
day food  in  those  villages. 

No  Traces  of  Bison 

The  Indians  on  both  the  Gordon  and  Fewkes  sites,  as  well  as  on 
many  other  sites  in  middle  Tennessee,  do  not  appear  to  have  made 
use  of  the  wood  bison  or  buffalo.  The  author  has  explored  several 
himdred  ancient  village  sites  in  Tennessee  and  has  never  found  even 


MTER)  THE    FEWKES    GROUP  609 

a  fragment  of  bison  bone,  and  only  one  thing  which  naay  possibly, 
but  not  probably,  indicate  the  existence  of  bison  in  this  region.  In 
a  reproduction  of  an  ancient  Indian  engraved  stone  slab,  found  near 
Castalian  Springs,  in  Sumner  Comity,  Tenn.,  and  now  in  the  collec- 
tion of  the  Tennessee  Historical  Society,  appears  a  very  faint  design 
in  the  upper  right-hand  corner  which  may  possibly  represent  a  bison. 
This  design  is  too  weathered  and  vague  to  allow  of  anything  more 
definite  than  a  guess  as  to  the  animal  represented. 

It  is  a  well-known  fact  that  when  the  early  English  hunters  began 
coming  into  middle  Tennessee  about  1770  they  foimd  large  numbers 
of  buffaloes.  Refen-ing  to  these  1770  hunters,  Haywood,  in  his 
"  Civil  and  Political  History  of  Tennessee,"  page  90,  says  that  on 
the  present  site  of  Nashville  "they  saw  an  immense  nmnber  of 
buffaloes  and  wild  game,  more  than  they  had  ever  seen  at  any  one 
place.  The  lick  and  all  the  adjoining  lands  were  crowded  with  them. 
Their  bellowings  resoimded  from  the  hills  and  forests."  On  page  94 
of  the  same  book  he  states  that  De  Mumbnme  saw  "  immense  niun- 
bers  of  buffalo  and  other  game"  around  Nashville  in  1775;  and  that 
he  met  a  party  of  himters  who  had  descended  the  Cumberland 
River.  These  reported  they  "had  found  an  incredible  nmnber  of 
biiffaloes;  that  one  of  the  party  *  *  *  J^ad  been  killed  by  a 
buffalo." 

It  is  known  that  the  wood  bison  was  a  comparatively  late  arrival 
in  the  country  east  of  the  Mississippi  River  and  south  of  the  Ohio. 
It  may  be  possible  that  he  had  not  come  into  the  region  at  the  time 
the  Fewkes  and  Gordon  groups  were  inliabited.  However,  the  fol- 
lowing must  be  considered:  The  buffalo  was  harder  to  kiU  than  the 
deer  and  more  dangerous  when  wounded.  The  absence  of  buffalo 
bones  on  the  Indian  village  sites  may  not  be  absolute  proof  of  the 
nonexistence  of  the  bison  in  this  region  at  that  time.  Mr.  Francis 
La  Flesche  relates  that  many  of  the  western  tribes  who  lived  largely 
upon  the  buffalo  did  not  carry  the  bones  to  camp  when  it  was  some 
distance  away.  They  removed  what  flesh  was  desired  and  left  the 
bones.  The  Tennessee  Indians  may  have  done  the  same.  Very  few 
bison  bones  have  been  reported  as  surface  finds  anywhere  in  Tennes- 
see. This  probably  arises  from  no  careful  search  having  been  made 
for  them  and  theu'  close  resemblance  to  the  bones  of  domestic  cattle. 

The  first  printed  reference  to  bison  is  foimd  in  the  "  Narrative  of 
Cabeza  de  Vaca"  (1528-1536),  in  wliich  it  is  stated: 

Inland  are  many  deer,  birds,  and  beasts  other  than  those  I  have  spoken  of. 
Cattle  come  as  far  as  here.  Three  times  I  have  seen  them  and  eaten  of  their 
meat.  I  think  they  are  about  the  size  of  those  in  Spain.  They  have  small 
horns  hke  the  cows  of  Morocco;  the  hair  is  very  long  and  flocky  like  the  merino's. 
Some  are  tawny,  others  black.  To  my  judgment  the  flesh  is  finer  and  fatter 
than  that  of  this  country.  Of  the  skins  of  those  not  full  grown  the  Indians 
make  blankets,  and  of  the  larger  they  make  shoes  and  bucklers.  They  come  as 
far  as  the  seacoast  of  Florida  from  a  northerly  direction,  ranging  through  a  tract 


610  PREHISTORIC   VILLAGES   IN    TENNESSEE  [eth.  ann.  41 

of  more  than  four  hundred  leagues,  and  throughout  the  whole  region  over  which 
they  run  the  people  who  inhabit  near  descend  and  live  upon  them,  distributing 
a  vast  many  hides  into  the  interior  country .'' 

By  "cattle"  he  undoubtedly  means  bison.  The  portion  of 
"Florida"  here  referred  to  is  most  probably  somewhere  on  the 
present  coast  of  Texas  in  the  neighborhood  of  Galveston  Island.  His 
narrative  does  not  make  the  exact  location  clear. 

Very  few  bison  appear  to  have  been  in  the  southern  part  of  the 
United  States  east  of  the  Mississipj)i  River  at  the  time  of  De  Soto's 
memorable  journey  in  1540.  In  all  liis  long  wanderings  over  what  is 
now  Florida,  Georgia,  North  Carolina,  Termessee,  Alabama,  and 
Mississippi,  his  chroniclers  make  no  record  of  bison  having  been 
actually  seen  or  eaten  by  the  Spaniards. 

Curiously  enough,  the  only  two  references  to  bison  made  by  these 
clironiclers  in  this  portion  of  the  southern  United  States  locate  them 
in  what  is  now  middle  Tennessee.  These  two  references  are  foimd 
in  the  account  of  De  Soto's  two  attempts  to  reach  the  town  of  Chisca, 
which  he  thought  might  be  rich  in  gold.  The  author  has  unearthed 
a  considerable  amoimt  of  evidence  wliich  tends  to  show  that  the  site 
of  Chisca  was  very  probably  the  well-known  ruin.  Old  Stone  Fort, 
on  Duck  River  near  Manchester,  Coffee  County,  Tenn. 

The  first  mention  of  bison  is  in  the  account  of  the  "  two  Cliristians  " 
sent  out  from  Chiaha  (probably  at  the  present  junction  of  the  Little 
Tennessee  River  and  the  Tennessee  River  in  Loudon  County,  Tenn.) 
to  make  an  attempt  to  reach  Chisca. 

In  three  days  they  went  to  Chisca,  got  back,  and  related  that  they  had  been 
taken  through  a  country  so  scant  of  maize  and  with  such  high  mountains  that 
it  was  impossible  the  army  should  march  in  that  direction;  and  finding  the  dis- 
tance was  becoming  long,  and  that  they  should  be  back  late,  upon  consultation 
they  agreed  to  return,  coming  from  a  poor  Uttle  town  wliere  there  was  nothing 
of  value,  bringing  a  cowhide  as  delicate  as  a  calfskin  the  people  had  given  them, 
the  hair  being  like  the  soft  wool  on  the  cross  of  the  merino  with  the  common 
sheep.'" 

The  other  mention  is  in  the  narrative  of  the  men  sent  out  from 
the  Province  of  Chicapa  in  nortlieastern  Mississippi  near  the  Ten- 
nessee River.  From  this  point  De  Soto  again  sent  out  men  to 
attempt  to  reach  Chisca  at  the  Old  Stone  Fort. 

They  traveled  seven  days  through  desert,  and  returned  in  great  extremity, 
eating  green  plums  (persimmons)  and  maize  stalks,  which  they  had  found  in  a 
poor  town  of  seven  or  eight  houses.  The  Indians  stated  that  thence  toward  the 
north,  the  country,  being  very  cold,  was  very  thinly  populated;  that  cattle  were 
in  such  plenty,  no  maize  field  could  be  protected  from  them,  and  the  inhabitants 
lived  upon  the  meat.'" 

"5  Narrative  of  Cabeza  de  Vaca,  edited  by  F.  W.  Hodge,  in  "  Spanish  Explorers  in  the  Southern  United 
States,"  New  York,  1907,  p.  68. 

<»  Narrative  of  the  Expedition  of  Hernando  De  Soto,  by  the  Gentleman  of  Elvas,  edited  by  Theodore 
H.  Lewis  in  Spanish  Explorers  in  the  Southern  United  States,  New  York,  1907,  p.  182. 

"Ibid,  pp.  212-213. 


MYEK]  THE    FEWKES    GROUP  611 

On  page  263,  "Myths  of  the  Cherokee"  (Nineteenth  Annual 
Report,  Bureau  of  American  Ethnology,  pt.  1),  Mr.  James  Mooney 
states: 

The  buffalo,  the  largest  game  animal  of  America,  was  hunted  in  the  southern 
Allegheny  region  until  almost  the  close  of  the  last  century,  the  particular  species 
being  probably  that  known  in  the  West  as  the  wood  or  mountain  buffalo.  The 
name  in  use  among  the  principal  gulf  tribes  was  practically  the  same  and  can  not 
be  anal.vzed,  viz,  Cherokee,  yunsiX' ;  Hichitee,  ya'nasi;  Creek,  ySna'sa;  Choctaw, 
yanash.  Although  the  flesh  of  the  buffalo  was  eaten,  its  skin  dressed  for  blan- 
kets and  bed  coverings,  its  long  hair  woven  into  belts,  and  its  horns  carved  into 
spoons,  it  is  yet  strangely  absent  from  Cherokee  folklore.  So  far  as  is  known  it 
is  mentioned  in  but  a  single  one  of  the  sacred  formulas,  in  which  a  person 
under  treatment  for  rheumatism  is  forbidden  to  eat  the  meat,  touch  the  skin, 
or  use  a  spoon  made  from  the  horn  of  the  buffalo,  upon  the  ground  of  an  occult 
connection  between  the  habitual  cramped  attitude  of  a  rheumatic  and  the 
natural  "hump"  of  that  animal. 

Mr.  Mooney  in  the  volume  quoted  only  gives  three  or  four  instances 
of  the  mention  of  bison  in  the  folklore  of  the  Cherokees. 

It  will  be  found  by  a  study  of  the  accounts  of  the  early  wliites  in 
middle  Tennessee  that  they  also  killed  very  few  of  these  "immense 
numbers  of  buffaloes."  Wliile  many  were  sometimes  seen  to  gather 
around  the  salt  licks,  as  at  the  lick  at  Nashville  and  at  Castalian 
Springs,  it  is  very  probable  their  ntmibers  were  small  over  the  terri- 
tory as  a  whole.  Granting  this  to  be  so,  it  is  astonishing  how  rapidly 
they  disappeared  on  the  advent  of  the  Enghsh  settlers.  One  finds 
scarcely  a  mention  of  them  five  years  after  the  first  permanent 
English  settlers  arrived.     They  vanished  almost  in  a  night. 

On  the  other  hand,  it  is  also  well  to  remember  that  the  bison  for 
some  reason  does  not  enter  to  any  appreciable  extent  into  the  myths 
or  rituals  of  any  of  the  Indian  tribes  east  of  the  Mississippi  River. 
However,  Swan's  description  of  an  Alabama  Creek  town  in  1791 
(p.  513  of  tliis  volume),  says  the  Creeks  had  a  "buffalo  family"  at 
that  time.  The  bison  figures  to  a  very  considerable  extent  in  the 
religious  life  of  the  plains  Indians. 

The  preponderance  of  the  evidence  at  present  indicates  it  is  prob- 
able the  bison  had  not  yet  come  into  the  Cumberland  Valley  in 
middle  Tennessee  at  the  time  the  Gordon  and  Fewkes  groups  were 
inliabited. 

As  was  to  be  expected,  no  trace  of  vegetal  food  was  found,  save 
the  charred  maize  and  maize  meal  discovered  in  the  Sacred  Image 
House  on  mound  No.  2,  Fewkes  group. 


REPORT  ON  SKELETAL  MATERIAL  FROM  FEWKES 
GROUP  AND  GORDON  SITE,  BY  DR.  A.  HRDLICKA, 
CURATOR  OF  PHYSICAL  ANTHROPOLOGY,  UNITED 
STATES   NATIONAL   MUSEUM 

The  collection  consists  of  parts  of  about  25  persons,  the  majority 
of  whom  are  children  or  young. 

The  whole  material  indicates  rather  a  weak  people,  subaverage  for 
Indians. 

Tlie  remains  of  the  children  and  fetuses  are  approximately  of  the 
following  ages : 


Catalogue 

No. 

Limit  of  variation 

Approximate  age 

316090 

Fetus _. 

Fetus 

316091 

Fetus  to  6  months. 

316086 
316092 
316088 
316089 

1  to  3  vears 

do" 

3  to  6  years 

do 

2  vears 

...do 

4  years 

5  years 

31 6085 
316087 
316095 

6  to  10  years 

do 

do 

6  years 

7  years 

9  years 

316093 
316094 

10  to  14  years 

do 

12  years 

do 

Locality 


Circle   No.   23,  child's  double  grave, 
west  rim  of  house,  Gordon. 
Do. 

Circle  No.  3,  double  grave,  Gordon. 

Circle  No.  17,  grave  K,  Fewkes. 

Grave  A,  Fewkes. 

Circle  No.  23,  grave  1,  east  side  of 
house,  Gordon. 

Circle  No.  20,  Gordon. 

Circle  No.  3,  double  grave,  Gordon. 

McGavock    site,    mouth    of    Stones 
River. 

Circle  No.  17,  grave  I,  wigwam  floor. 

Circle  No.  17,  grave  E,  Fewkes. 


Of  the  adults  there  are  only  five  skulls  in  a  sufficient  state  of  pres- 
ervation to  permit  of  any  comment.  Two  of  these  (316099,  grave  P, 
Gordon  site,  and  316103,  grave  C,  Fewkes  group),  both  males,  are 
undeformed  and  show  a  mildly  brachycephalic  form,  which  would 
seem  to  indicate  a  connection  of  these  people  with  those  of  the  mound 
region  of  Ohio  and  parts  of  Kentucky.  A  female  skull  (316100, 
grave  D,  Fewkes  group)  was  evidently  of  a  different  type,  dolicho- 
cephalic, and  may  have  belonged  to  a  different  tribe.  The  two 
remaining  crania  show  moderate  occipital  flattening,  and  but  little 
can  be  said  about  their  original  tyjie. 

Of  the  skeletons  only  that  of  316099,  grave  P,  Gordon  site, 
approaches  in  strength,  but  without  equaling,  an  average  male  Indian. 

The   skeleton    316100,    grave    D,    Fewkes   group,   female,    shows 
extensive  pathological  (posterior  periostitis)  involvement  of  bones. 
As  the  skull  and  jaws  were  evidently  not  involved,  the  nature  of  the 
pathological  process  is  tincertain. 
612 


MYERl 


THE   FEWKES   GROUP  613 


The  rest  of  the  skeletal  material  is  normal  with  the  exception  of 
the  tibiie  of  316101,  adult,  grave  on  west  side  of  circle  No.  3,  Gordon 
site,  which  shows  patches  of  moderate  periostitis. 

A.  Hrdlicka. 

Skeletal  Material  From  the  Gordon  Site  in  the  United  States  National 

Museum 

316099.  Adult  male;  grave  P. 
3160S5.   Child;  circle  No.  20. 

316086.  Child;  double  grave;  circle  No.  3. 

316087.  Child;  double  grave;  circle  No.  3. 

316089.  Child;  grave  1  on  east  side  of  circle  No.  23. 

316090.  Fetus;  child's  double  grave  on  western  rim  of  circle  No.  23. 

316091.  Fetus  to  six  months;  child's  double  grave  on  western  rim  of  circle  No.  23. 

316099.  Adult  male;  grave  P. 

316101.  Adult  male;  grave  in  west  side  of  circle  No.  3. 

316102.  Adult  male,  not  in  a  stone  coffin,  at  7;  circle  No.  84. 

Skeletal  M.\terial  From  Fewkes  Group  in  the  United  States  National 

Museum 

316088.  Small  child;  grave  A. 

316092.  Part  of  lower  jaw  and  femur  only;  grave  K. 

316093.  Child;  grave  I  in  circle  No.  17. 

316094.  Child;  grave  E. 

316098.  Adult  male;  occipital  compression;  grave  B. 

316100.  Adult  female;  grave  D. 
316104.   Adult  male;  grave  F. 

CONCLUSION 

The  skeletal  material  from  the  Gordon  and  Fewkes  sites  brought 
to  light  a  most  puzzling  set  of  apparent  facts,  and  strongly  emjiha- 
sizes  the  great  necessity  for  further  explorations  in  this  region.  A 
considerable  amoimt  of  the  adult  skeletal  material  found  was  so 
deformed  by  the  occipital  flattening  practiced  by  these  ancient 
people  as  to  be  of  little  value  in  certain  lines  of  research.  Only  one 
undeformed  adult  skull  was  obtained  from  the  Gordon  site  and  only 
one  from  the  Fewkes  site. 

The  ornaments,  implements,  and  other  artifacts,  and  the  modes  of 
burial — the  entire  culture  of  the  Fewkes  flexed-burial  people — appear 
to  have  been  somewhat  different  from  that  of  the  Gordon  extended- 
full-length  people,  and  it  also  was  slightly  different  from  the  other 
extended-full-length  sites  in  middle  Tennessee. 

The  culture  of  the  Gordon  site  people  apj^ears  to  have  been  closely 
related  to  that  of  many,  but  not  all,  of  the  suiToundmg  ancient 
Indian  towns  in  middle  Tennessee. 

The  one  undeformed  skidl  from  the  Fewkes  gi-oup  and  the  one 
from  the  Gordon  grou]),  and  the  other  small  amount  of  usable  skeletal 
material  from  these  two  sites,  appear  to  tend  to  show  that  the  later 


614  PREHISTORIC    VILLAGES    IN    TENNESSEE  [eth.  ann.  41 

Fewkes    extended-full-length    rectangular-stone-grave    people    were  ' 

probably  related  to  the  Gordon  extended-full-length  rectangidar- 
stone-grave  people.     This  skeletal  material  also  tends  to  show  that  l 

the  Gordon  site  people  do  not  closely  resemble  physically  those  who  j 

lived  in  the  near-by  towns  whose  cultiu-e  appears  to  be  related  to  that 
of  the  Gordon  town. 

This  small  amount  of  skeletal  material  from   the  Fewkes   and  i 

Gordon  sites  appears  to  resemble  that  found  by  Mr.  Clarence  B.  j 

Moore  at  IncUan  Knoll,  on  Green  River,  in  Oliio  County,  southern  i 

Kentucky.      It  also  resembles  that  found  by  the  Peabody  Museimi  I 

expeditions  at  Madisonville,  in  the  outskirts  of   Cincinnati,  Ohio.  ■ 

Yet  the  artifacts  found  at  Indian  Knoll  are  entirely  different  from  \ 

those  of  either  the  Gordon  or  Fewkes  site.     Indeed  it  would  be  fc 

difficult  to  find  sites  whose  entire  cultures  are  as  different  as  that  of 
the  Gordon  town  and  Indian  Knoll.  The  Indian  Knoll  people 
buried  flexed.  The  Gordon  and  the  later  rectangular-stone-grave 
Fewkes  group  people  buried  extended  full  length.  Though  Indian 
Knoll  is  in  a  stone-slab  region,  they  did  not  use  stone-slab  coffins, 
while  those  of  the  Gordon  and  Fewkes  groups  did.  The  artifacts 
found  at  Gordon  and  Fewkes  are  entirely  different  from  those  at 
Inchan  KnoU. 

There  appears  to  be  some  very  slight  trace  of  resemblance  between 
the  culture  of  Madisonville  and  that  of  the  Gordon  site.  These  two 
sites  are  profjably  related. 

Beyond  all  question,  the  rich  valley  of  the  Cumberland  has  been 
occupied  by  wave  after  wave  of  succeeding  Indian  tribes.  Many  of 
these  were  unrelated.  The  Gordon  kindred  people  left  more  remains 
in  the  valley  than  any  other.  Further  needed  explorations  will 
probably  show  many  more. 


INDEX 


Page 
Abram,  Charles,  infonnation  furnished  by  8 

Acknowledgments 494 

Alaska,  investigations  in 49, 63 

Alder,  red,  used  in  basketry 145 

Algonoltin  Indians,  researches  among 58, 84 

Alkali  grass,  used  in  basketry 145 

All-over  designs 233, 240, 271-273 

Altar— 

described _ _,      505 

in  house  circle.. 592 

in  House  of  the  Mysteries 568-569 

Alvarado,  Cipriano,  assistance  rendered  by       85 
American  Museum  or  Natural  History, 

reference  to... 223 

Angles  in  design,  interpretation  of 313-315 

Animal  features,  as  decoration. 539 

Animal  food,  of  Tennessee  Indians...  555,607-711 

Animal  FORMS,  in  designs  on  basketry 379- 

381, 382, 429-J30 
Archeology,  American — 

interest  in 25-26 

researches  in 3 

Arrowhead,  found  in  mound 575 

Arrowhead  designs 317,321,343-344,422^24 

Arrowheads,  application  of  the  term 317,321 

Artifacts — 

conclusion  drawn  from.. 613 

from  mound 575 

AsHCROFT  BANDS,  as  basket  makers 144 

Athapascans,  basketry  of. 134 

Atkins,  Miss  Julia  S.— 

appointment  of... 73 

work  of 71,106, 116 

Awl— 

Indian  term  for... 392 

manner  of  using 160 

Babies,  manner  of  carrying.  _ 211 

Baby  carriers — 

beaded  work  on.- 211 

coils  of 165 

decoration  of._ 210-211 

described.. 210-211 

shape  of. 211 

structure  of 174 

term  for 397 

Baer,  John  L.— 

collections  made  by... 95, 116 

investigations  made  by 68-69 

work  of... 92 

Bags- 

designs  on.. 360 

ornamentation  of... 362-363 

technique  of  weaving 138-139 

woven,  described... 354 

woven,  general  use  of. 138 

Balsam,  used  in  basketry 145 

53666°— 28 40 


Page 

Band,  horizontal,  discussion  of. 263-273 

Banner  stones,  discovery  of 69 

Banquette— 

in  house  circle 528 

indication  of 504 

Bark— 

baskets  of.. 353 

gathering  of 150 

preparation  of,  for  basketry 153-154 

use  of,  in  basketry 146 

Bark  baskets,  beading  on 384-385 

Bark  receptacles,  common  use  of 138 

Barrel-shaped  baskets,  coils  of 164 

Barrett,  S.  A.,  reference  to 378 

Basin-shaped  baskets,  terms  for 396 

Basketry— 

difficulties  encountered  in 258-261, 263 

diffusion  of  the  art  of 133-139 

imperfections  in 262 

ingenuity  shown  in 261 

time  required  for 412-413 

water-tight 135,201-502 

Bassler,  R.  S.,  acknowledgment  to 494 

Bathing,  baskets  used  for 199.396 

Bath-tub  baskets,  terms  for 396 

Bead,  application  of  the  term 322 

Beaded  designs.. 234-236 

Beading — 

as  ornamentation. _ 362 

materials  used  for 155 

methods  of... 223-226 

relation  of,  to  imbrication 384-385 

terms  used  in 400 

time  required  for. 413 

Beads — 

pottery.. 521,622 

recovered  from  child's  grave.. 529 

Beliefs — 

concerning  animal  food.. 608 

of  southern  Indians 544 

Bell  County,  Ey.,  image  found  in 565 

Big  Harpeth  River,  Indian  settlements  on.      561 
Big  Sioux  River,  location  of  village  sites  on.       64 

Birch,  used  in  basketry. 145, 148 

Bird  cherry,  used  in  basketry 145 

Bird  designs.. 257,334,342 

See  also  Butterfly  designs. 
Bison— 

absence  of  bones  of 493, 608-609 

first  printed  reference  to... 609 

in  myth  and  religion  of  Indian 611 

late  arrival  of,  in  middle  Tennessee 555,  611 

See  also  Buffalo. 

Blackfeet,  baskets  bought  by 135 

Blackwell,  Thomas— 

appointment  of.. 95 

work  of. 94,115 

615 


616 


INDEX 


Page 
Blankets— 

designs  on . 360 

materials  used  in 355 

Boas,  Franz— 

position  held  by,  abolished 21 

preface  by 131-132 

publication  under  direction  of 119 

Boiling,  by  means  of  heated  stones 586 

Boiling  baskets,  terms  for 396 

Boiling  Spring  Academy- 

Indian  remains  at 559 

naming  of - 603 

Bottoms  of  baskets^ 

coiled 167-174 

method  of  making. --  174-179 

varieties  of - ---  167-168 

Bowls— 

baskets  used  as 201-202 

nest  of,  found  in  burial --      606 

See  also  Pottery;  Prayer  bowl. 

Bowl-shaped  baskets,  coils  of 164 

Box,  stone-slab,  in  floor  of  wigwam 595 

Box-shaped  basketry. __ 165,207-208 

Braecklein,  J.  G.,  collection  presented  by..      116 

Braiding  of  basket  rims 182-184 

Brigham,  Edward  M.,     manuscript    sub- 
mitted by 16 

Buck,  Joshua,  information  furnished  by 8 

Buckskin,  used  in  trade 168 

Buffalo— 

hunted  in  the  Allegheny  region 611 

in  Tennessee 608-«09 

late  arrival  of,  in  Tennessee 609 

See  also  Bison. 

Buffalo  hunt,  influence  of,  on  basketry 141 

Buildings— 

character  of 552 

number  of,  on  Gordon  site _ ._  495, 497 

on  mound.. 501,562-564,567-671 

shape  of 495 

traces  of _      591 

Bundle  burials,  of  bones 601-602 

BuNZEL,  Dr.  Ruth,  reference  to 387 

Burden  b.askets— 

change  in... 236,361 

coils  of 164, 165 

described 198-201 

designs  on... 229-234 

development  of  form  of _ 386 

grouped  according  to  shape 197 

of  the  Chilcotin 344-348 

of  theLUlooet 335-338,421-422 

oftheShuswap 351-352 

of  the  Thompson 416-420 

proportions  of 213-223 

shape  of 137 

technical  difficulties  in  decorating 258-259 

terms  for 395-396 

two  groups  of 217-218 

value  of 157, 158 

widespread  use  of 141 

Bureau  of  American  Ethnology— 

appropriations  for 1, 25, 47,  77, 99 

work  of 3,25-27,47-50,77-80,99-101 

Burial  mound,  described 586-688 


Page 

Burlal  of  Cliff  Dweller,  preservation  of       62 

BtJRIALS- 

absence  of,  in  mound__ 501 

adult,  in  house  circle.- ._      543 

after  decay  of  the  flesh 601 

at  Gordon  site.. 498-499 

flexed 587-688 

in  cane  baskets... 671 

in  fire  bowl 560 

in  floor  of  wigwam 598 

intrusive 606 

multiple 605 

of  bones 538 

ofchUdren 499, 

520-521,  537, 646,  547,  598, 601 
See    also   Bundle   burial;  Children's 
burials;    Flexed  burials;    Graves; 
Stone-slab  burials. 
Burnside,  Mrs.  S.  H.,  collection  presented 

by 116 

Burton,  Lewis  T.,  owner  of  Burton  Mound .      108 
Burton  Mound,  excavation  of. 85-86, 107-109 

BUSHNELL,  DaIID  I.,  JR.— 

manuscript  purchased  from 6 

pottery  discovered  by 525-526 

work  of... 14,40,67 

Busk,  Kasi'hta,  new  fire  ceremony  of 513 

Butterfly  designs 257-268,273,342 

See  also  Bird  designs. 
Cabeza  de  Vaca,  extract  from  narrative  of.  609-610 

Cache,  Omaha 518 

Cache  pits— 

described. 503-504 

use  of.. _ _      555 

Cahokia  Mound,  efforts  to  preserve. 26 

Cahokia  mound  group,  airplane  pictures  of.       67 
California  tribes,  influence  of,  in  basketry     375- 

376, 384 

Calking,  materials  used  for 147 

Cane  matting,  specimens  of 671 

See  also  Matting,  cane. 

Canoes,  value  of,  in  trade 158 

Caps— 

designs  on 360 

grass,  vogue  of. 139 

woven 354-355 

Captives,  treatment  of 544 

Cardinal  points — 

bowl  buried  according  to. 537 

fires  at- 506-507 

place  of,  in  religion _ 537 

See  also  World  quarters. 

Care  of  baskets 196 

Carrier  tribe,  mention  of 135 

Cartwright,  John    Bell,  collection   pre- 
sented by 116 

Casca  Indians,  mention  of 135 

Cascade  people,  basketry  of 141, 156,361 

Castalian  Springs,  Tenn.— 

burials  found  at 605 

fortified  town  at -      496 

vases  found  at.- 534 

Catawbas,  black  pottery  of 522 

Cat-tailflag,  used  in  basketry 145 

Cayuse  Indians,  mention  of 136 

Cedar  roots,  used  in  basket  making 137 


INDEX 


617 


Page 

Cedar  tree — 

importance  of^  in  basket  making 145 

influence  of,  on  basket  making— 144 

Cedar-tree  Tower,  excavation  of 29 

Celts— 

argillaceous  limestone,  found  with  flexed 

burial GOO 

diorite,  found  in  house  circle 547 

diorite,  reworked.. 601 

Cemeteries,  described 548-549 

See  also  BvRiAhs;  Graves. 

Central  America,  need  of  investigation  in .      105 

Ceremonul  fires — 

at  celebration  of  rites 506-507 

at  erection  of  mound _.-  499-500,509 

fire  bowl  containing 504 

Chapman,  C.  O.,  collection  presented  by IIG 

Charlevoix,  temple  described  in  journal 

of- 508-509 

Cheatham  County,  Tenn.,  remains  in._  89,496 

Checkerwork,  in  design 248 

Checks,  interpretation  of,  in  basketry 322 

Chehalis  tribe— 

basketry  of 136 

dialect  of _ 383 

Chemakum  tribe,  basketry  of 136 

Cherokee— 

belief  of.  concerning  the  buffalo 611 

black  pottery  of 522 

buildings  used  by.  as  temples 501-502 

custom  of 608 

Gordon  people  driven  out  by. 556 

Cherokee      Formulas,     paper     on,     by 

James  Mooney. -_ -- 56 

Cherokee  Indians— 

belief  of,  concerning  springs 603 

Chert,  leaf-shaped  implement  of ,..      521 

Chevron— 

as  an  element  in  design 244,253 

interpretation  of 312-313 

Cheyenne  and  Arapaho  shields,  paper  on, 

by  James  Mooney 56 

Chilcotin  tribe— 

basketry  of 133, 

134,  135,  142,  180,  182,  184,  196,  201,  223. 
229,  230,  231,  233,  246,  247,  250,  336,  344- 
351,  356,  361,  372,  373. 

characteristics  of  basketry  of 230,  233 

designs  of.  related  to  Tlingit 374 

of  Athapascan  stock 373 

Children— 

burials  of 499, 

520-521,  537,  &46,  547,  560,  598, 601,  604 
Picurfs,  stories  told  to... 84 

Chinook  tribe,  mention  of 136 

Chippewa  Indians— 

papers  on 37,60 

researches  among 13-14,88-89 

Chisca,  object  of  De  Soto's  search 610 

Chokecherry,  used  in  basketry 145, 148 

Clallam  tribe,  mention  of 136 

Clan,  members  of,  living  in  groups _      553 

Clark,  Miss  May  S.,  work  of 21,44,73.95,116 

Clay,  used  to  cover  fire 500,501 

Cliff  Dwellers,  preservation  of  grave  of.. .        52 

Cloth,  used  in  imbrication, _ 226 


Page 

CocopA  Indians,  researches  among 61-62 

Coeur  d'Al£ne  Indians— 

basketry  of.. 146,154,155,205 

environment  of 143 

imbrication  among 140 

shapes  of  b,iskets  of 138, 141 

Coiled  basketry — 

distribution  of 154 

form  of _ 167 

material  used  in 137 

tribes  making. _ 154 

See  also  Basketry. 

Coiling— 

direction  of 160 

parallel 170-172 

technique  of 159-167, 170-172 

the  preferred  technique 361 

Coils— 

flat,  use  of 135 

looped... 166 

round,  use  of 135 

size  of 164-166 

uniformity  of 161 

Coldwater  Indians,  basketry  of 445-446 

Colin,  Mrs.  Lee,  collection  presented  by..-      116 

Collections  acquired  BY  the  Bureau...  19-20, 
43,72-73,95.115-116 

Colors — 

arrangement  of.. 280, 286 

sources  of ._ 148-149 

use  of 233 

used  by  Salish  tribes-_ 146-149 

used  in  beading -.. 223 

used  in  imbrication 140 

Columbia  tribe— 

basketry  of 142, 154, 155, 230,414 

rims  of  baskets  of. 142 

shapes  of  baskets  of 138, 141 

use  of  imbrication  by... 140 

COLVILLE  tribe— 

imbricated  basketry  of 140, 155 

materials  used  in  basketry  of- _      154 

trays  made  by 138 

Cooking— 

flat  rocks  used  for 498 

in  clay  vessels 583-586,607 

Cooking  baskets,  terms  for 396 

Corn.     See  Maize. 

Corners  of  baskets,  treatment  of. 265, 

26S,  2G9.  277,  278,  281,  336-337,  347 

CoRNWALLis  Indians,  mention  of- 144 

Correspondence  of  the  Bureau 6-7, 

27,  56, 80, 86 

Cottage  Home  group  of  ruins,  mentioned.      496 

Cottonwood    Canyon,    Utah,    collection 
from 19 

Cowlitz  tribe — 

basketry  of 133, 142, 182,  354,  355,  356,  357 

caps  worn  by 354 

dialect  of,  like  upper  Chehalis 383 

mention  of - 136 

rims  of  baskets  of 142 

Cox.  P.  E.— 

burials  found  by 574 

excavations  made  by 605 

Coyote,     the    culture    hero,    basketry 
taught  by 223 


618 


INDEX 


Creek  Induns—  Page 

bulletin  on 7,31 

town  arrangement  of 501 

town  square  of 498,511-514 

Cremation,  among  Cocopa  and  Ymna 61,88 

Crosses,  interpretation  of... -  316-317 

Culture  hero,  basketry  taught  by 223 

Cumberland  River,  remains  of  fortress  on.      496 
Cup-shaped  baskets— 

coils  of 164 

terms  for 397 

use  of -  201, 202 

CusmNG,  F.  H.,  mention  of _-_ 101 

Dagger,  yellow  flint,  from  house  circle 621 

Davidson  County,  Tenn.,  remains  in 495 

Dawn,  interpretation  of  colors  of 591 

De  Oraffenreid  ruins,  mention  of 496 

De  Soto  expedition,  bison  not  seen  by filO 

De  Witt,  John  H.,  mentioned 689 

Decoration  on  basketry.    See  Designs; 

Ornamentation. 
Decoration  on  pottery,  suggesting  Siouan 

relationship... 633 

Denig  Assiniboin  manuscript,  preparation 

of.. 6 

Denny,  L.  W.,  burial  mound  on  property  of..       89 

Densmore,  Miss  Frances,  work  of 12-14, 

35-37,  60-62,  87-89,  112-113 
Depressions,   saucer-shaped,   remains   of 

dwellings 495 

Design  arrangements,  comparison  of 424-428 

Design  elements — 

discussion  of 245-258 

distribution  of. 454-462 

Design  fields 228-234 

Design  names— 

distribution  of 470-472 

indei  to 4n2-J70 

Lower  Thompson 471-172 

Upper  Thompson 470-472 

Designs— 

application  of,  to  field 258-299 

arrangement  of 237-245 

California,  on  Klickitat  bags 375-376 

Chilcotin 230,348 

combinations  of 303-304 

considered  as  incomplete 258 

diamond 244,324-325 

difficulties  in  applying 258-261, 263 

discussion  of,  by  informants 431-448 

discussion  of  types  of 262 

dream 302-303,339,387,451 

either  geometric  or  realistic. 330 

errors  in  arrangement  of 287-295 

geometric,  Chilcotin 348-350 

geometric,  described. 246-256 

geometric,  discussion  of 328-330 

geometric,  interpretation  of 304-330 

geometric,  list  of 430 

geometric,  names  for 402-411 

illustrating  a  story 256, 2.'i8 

in  imbrication 140 

in  vertical  stripes 242-245 

index  to  sketches  of 473^83 

Indian  division  of 254,2.56 

inheritance  of 301 

interpretation  of...  304-330, 348-350, 383, 387-388 
Klickitat  and  Yakima 367-360 


Designs— Continued.  Page 

Lillooet 230,  339 

Lytton 331-334 

names  of 358-369 

obsolete 370-371 

realistic 254-258, 330-331, 339, 348 

resulting  from  dreams 302-303 

selection  of... 300-304 

sketched  by  basket  maker 259-260 

symmetry  in  arrangement  of 284, 

285,  286,  287,  296 

terms  descriptive  of 400^02 

Thompson 230-233, 365,  366,  378-383 

variations  of 301 

Yakima  and  Klickitat 357-360 

Diagonals,  stepped,  ditSculties  encountered 

with.. 290-296 

Diamond,  as  an  element  in  design 253-264 

Diamond  designs 244,324-325 

Dice,  bone,  buried  with  child... 604 

DiNwiDDiE,  Wm.,  collection  made  by.. 72 

Dipper,  terms  for  basket  used  as 397 

DlSCOIDAL— 

found  in  house  circle _ 547 

found  in  mound ___      564 

found  on  temple  site 609 

used  as  cover  for  bowl _  547-548 

Distribution  of  coiled  basketry __.      154 

DixoNS  Creek,  fortified  town  on 496 

Dodge,  Chee,  blanket  presented  by 116 

Dog  Creek,  remains  on 496 

Dogwood,  used  in  basketry 145 

Dream  designs — 

discussion  of... 302-303 

explanation  of — 451 

use  of... 339 

use  of  the  term 387 

Droppers- 

discussion  of 368-370 

Lillooet  work  distinguished  by 242 

use  of,  in  ornamentation 230,231,232 

Du  Pratz,  description  of  temple  by.. 507-508 

Duck  River,  fortified  Indian  town  on. 496 

Dyes,  use  of. 147-148 

Earle,  Charles  T.,  collections  made  by 43,  72 

Earthenware,  pot  of,  with  stone  cover 520 

See  also  Pottery. 

Elements  of  design 245-268 

Elliott,  E.  M.,  cooperation  with 101 

Environment,  basketry  affected  by 143 

Equality  in  life  of  people 640-541 

Errors  in  arrangement  of  designs _  287-295 

Ethnology,  aims  of 1 

Fabrics,  woven,  used  in  modeling  vessels...      577 

Far  View  House,  repair  of 50,81 

Far  View  Tower,  excavation  of. 53 

Feast,  during  erection  of  mound 500 

Fewkes,  J.  Walter— 

acknowledgment  to 494 

administrative  reports  of 1-116 

collections  made  by 20,43,72 

site  named  for... 569 

work  of 4-0,  27-31,  50-54,  79-82, 101-103 

Fewk-s  Canyon,  construction  of  road  along.       28 

Fewkes  group  of  mounds 559-614 

Field  Museum  of  Chicago,  reference  to 211 


INDEX 


619 


Page 
Fillers  IN  designs 276-287 

rare  on  ChiJcotin  baskets.. 346 

use  of,  on  Lillooet  baskets 336 

usual  position  of 290 

Fire  bed — 

over  cache  pit 605-506 

unusual  situation  of 531,532 

FmE  BOWL— 

burial  in  edge  of 660,598-599 

described- 518-519,440-547 

Fire  ceremonies.    See  Ceremonial  fires. 

Fire  Temple,  work  done  on 28 

Fire  Temple  House,  opened  to  visitors 28 

Fires— 

at  cardinal  points 506-507 

built  during  erection  of  mound 499-500 

for  domestic  use 573 

size  of __ 536 

See  also  Ceremonial  fires;  Fire  bed; 
Fire  bowl. 

Fish,  use  of,  as  food 608 

Flathead  tribe— 

as  basket  makers 141 

basketry  of 154,165 

baskets  of,  unirabricated 140 

baskets  sold  by 135 

shapes  made  by 138, 141 

Flexed  burials,  described 587-688,698-599,601 

Flexed-bubial  people— 

discussion  of. 602 

homes  of. 597-698 

indications  of  contacts  of 602 

traces  of 559 

Flies,  representation  of,  in  design 322 

Floors- 

polished  black 520,559,670 

pottery  mosaic,  of  grave 603-604 

stone  mosaic _ .__  5-15-546 

treatment  of 518, 620, 670 

Florida,  archeological  work  in _..      101 

Food — 

animal,  of  Tennessee  Indians 607-611 

beliefs  concerning 608 

See  also  Foods,  Indian;  Maize. 

Food  animals,  table  of  bones  of 555 

Food  department,  remains  of 544 

Foods,  Indian,  value  of  study  of 105 

Foot  of  basket,  method  of  making 191-193 

Forms,  Geometric.    See  Geometric  forms. 

Forms  of  baskets 197-210 

See  also  Shapes  of  baskets. 

Fortified  Towns.    See  Walled  Towns. 

Foundation  of  basket,  making  of 160 

Four,  a  sacred  number 537 

Fowke,  Gerard — 

collections  made  by. 19,  20,  72 

work  of 15,  40,  41,  48,  91-92 

Fox  Indians,  researches  among 11-12. 

34,  57-58, 83, 106-107 

Fraser  RrvER  people— 

basketry  of 207,208,209.275 

See  aim  Lower  Fraser  Indians. 

Fringing,  as  decoration 368-369 

Furcation,  ornamental  effect  achieved  by...      228 

Gaboosa,  George,  aid  rendered  by 32 

Game,  played  with  dice- _ 604 

Gay,  ABBfc  Jo.  Pedro,  manuscripts  of 16 


Page 

Geometric  nouRES,  names  for 402-411 

Geometric  forms  and  their  interpretation.  304-330 

See  also  Designs,  geometric. 
Gibson,  John  Arthur,  information  obtained 

from. 8 

Gifts,  baskets  intended  for 204 

GaL,  De  Lancet,  work  of 18,42,71,94,114 

Girls,  baskets  used  by. _ 200 

Gordon,  H.  L. — 

acknowledgment  to... 494 

Indian  remains  on  farm  of. 495 

vase  found  by 641 

Gordon,  Mrs.  H.  L.,  acknowledgment  to 494 

Gordon  people — 

compared  with   those  of  Madisonville, 

Ohio 554 

driven  out  by  Cherokee.. 556 

relationship  of,  to  other  people 555 

wanderings  of 555-557 

Gordon  site  — 

date  of  desertion  of 556,557 

deserted  by  inhabitants 553-554 

Grape.    See  Oregon  grape. 
Grasses — 

preparation  of,  for  basketry 152-153 

purple,  use  of. 146 

time  for  cutting 150 

used  in  basketry 148 

Graves— 

contents  of. 528-529, 537, 547 

hexagonal  and  round 587 

of  children 499,  520-521, 537, 546, 547, 598, 601 

rectangular  stone 603-606 

See  aho  Burials;  Stone-slab  graves. 

Greenwood  group  OF  RUINS,  mentioned 496 

Grinding,  rocks  used  in.. 498 

Ouha,  B.  S.,  work  of 67-68 

GuiCHON,  Mrs.,  basket  belonging  to. 236 

Habitations,  study  of 2 

Haeberlin,  H.  K. — 

notes  of.. 286, 

269,  272, 275,  276,  287,  288,  290,  296-297,  298 

paper  by 119 

reference  to 266, 275, 284, 286, 289 

work  of.. 131 

Haida    ^^LLAGE,    preservation    of,    recom- 
mended...        26 

Halleys  Bluff,  an  Indian  village  site 66 

Handles  of  baskets.. 194-196 

Hariot,  Thomas,  value  of  report  of 684 

Harmon,  D.  W.,  reference  to 133 

Harpeth  Rn'ER,  remains  on 496 

See  also  Big  Harpeth  River;  Little 
Harpeth  River. 
Harrington,  J.  P.— 

water  basket  secured  by 116 

work  of 11,33-34,68-60,84-86,107-109 

Hatze,  Mr., mention  of.. 54 

Hawah,  archeological  work  in 40-48 

Hay,  O.  p.,  mention  of.. 542 

Hedberg,  Stanley,  work  assigned  to 102 

Hewitt,  J.  N.B.,  work  of 8-10, 

31-33, 56-66, 86-87, 109-111 
Hexagon— 

as  an  element  in  design 254 

interpretation  of 327 

Uickman  County,  Tenn.,  remains  in 496 


620 


INDEX 


Page 

Hill,  Asa  R.,  assistance  rendered  by 10 

HiNCHMAN,  Augustus  F.,  owner  of  Burton 

Mound 108 

HiNCHMAN,  Miss  Stella  F.,  acknowledg- 
ment to --      108 

Holmes,  W.  H.,  reference  to._ 246 

Horizontal  band,  in  decoration,  discussion 

of. - -.  263-273 

Horse— 

influence  of  introduction  of 141 

value  of,  in  trade 158 

Hothouse— 

described 514 

probably  on  Mound  B._ 510 

use  of 510 

Hough,  Walter— 

acknowledgment  to 494 

collection  made  by 20 

House  circles— 

described- 514-548,  592-593,  597-598 

size  of 497 

traces  of _ -.      495 

House  of  the  Mysteries,  traces  of 567-563 

House-shaped  basket.    See  Lodge-shaped 
basket. 

House  sites,  small,  on  Mesa  Verde.. 5 

Hovenweep  National  Monument — 

efforts  to  establish ,__       53 

reservation  of 82 

HrduCka,  Ale5~ 

acknowledgment  to 494 

report  by 493,612-614 

Human  features,  as  decoration. 538 

HUMPTULIPS,  mention  of 136 

Idaho,  imbrication  in 140 

Idol.     See  Image. 

Illustrations,  preparation  of.  18,42,71,94,114-115 

Image,  ancient  sacred,  traces  of 564,565 

Imbricated  basketry,  changes  in  area  of. -.      383 

Imbricated  designs 236-237 

Imbrication— 

colors  used  in _ _ 140 

designs  used  in 140 

discussion  of.. 139-142 

distribution  of- 140 

estent  of.. 141 

home  of 139 

in  "all-over"  designs 233 

materials  used  in 139, 140,  155 

methods  of ._. 226-228 

on  Shuswap  baskets .__ __      352 

relation  of.  to  beading 384-385 

relation  of,  to  technical  execution  of  de- 

signs,__ - —  295-296 

terms  used  in 400 

time  required  for 413 

use  of,  as  background _ 231 

use  of,  as  ornamentation 362 

Indian  hemp,  used  in  basketry 145 

Indian  Knoll,  comparison  of,  with  Fewkes 

and  Gordon  sites 614 

Indian  remains,  within  Gordon  area 496 

Informants,  designs  made  by 431-454 

Iroquois  Indians,  research  among 8-10, 

31-33,55,86-87,109-111 
Jackson,  John  Early,  toy  bowl  found  by.  _      548 
Jackson,  Miss  Leslie,  collection  purchased 
from 72 


Page 

Jackson,  Sheldon,  collection  made  by 72 

Jacobs,  Melville,  reference  to. 383 

Jar-shaped  baskets _,      204 

Jeancon,  J.  A.— 

appointment  of 44 

collections  made  by 15,20,43 

workoL 39 

Jones,  Joseph,  image  vase  figured  by 588 

JuDD,  Neil  M.— 

collections  made  by 19,43 

work  of 12 

Juniper,  use  of 145 

Kalia,  classic  designs  wrought  by 300-301 

Kalispel  tribe,  basketry  of 141, 154, 155 

Kamloops,  a  trading  point 157 

Kasaan — 

made  a  national  monument 49 

plans  regarding 79 

preservation  of,  urged _ 26 

Kasi'hta,  town  square  of 511 

Kennedy,  Maj.  Frank  M.,  assistance  ren- 
dered by --- 67 

Kettle  basket,  value  of,  in  trade 158 

Kettles— 

baskets  used  as. 201-202 

shape  of... 137 

Kicking  Bear,  mention  of 534 

Kiowa    heraldry,    work    on,    by    James 

Mooney 6.56 

Kiowa  Indians,  body  painting  of 596 

Kiowa  language,  preparation  of  paper  on_  33-34, 

58-59 

Kissel,  Mary  Lois,  work  of 40 

Klamath  TRIBE— 

caps  worn  by.. 354 

materials  used  by,  in  basketry 146 

KUCKITAT  TRIBE— 

area  inhabited  by 383 

basketry  of 136, 

137, 139, 142, 182, 183. 184, 198, 223, 229, 356-360, 
361, 372, 373. 414-415, 424^26. 
designs    of,    influenced    by    California 

tribes... - ---  375-376 

mention  of. - 136 

of  Sahaptian  stock.. 373 

rims  of  baskets  of.. 142 

Kootenai  Indians,  basketry  of 135 

Koryak  of  Siberia,  decoration  employed 

by.... 364-365,367 

Kremer,  E.  N.,  implement  found  by 43 

Kroeber,  a.  L.,  mention  of .-      374 

Kurok,  the,  a  memorial  ceremony.. ._       61 

Kurz,  Friedrich,  journal  of,  copied  for  Bu- 
reau.  - - -         6 

Labrador,  researches  in 106 

Ladder  design - 319,320 

La  Flesche,  Francis^ 

acknowledgment  to 494 

quoted ---- -  546,591 

work  of 10-11,33,57,87,111 

Lake  Indians — 

basketry  of 133, 154, 155, 205, 413 

imbrication  among 140 

shapes  of  baskets  of 138, 141 

League  of  the  Iroquois,  work  en 8, 

42-43,71-72,94,115 
Library,  report  on 18-19,42-43,71-72,94,115 


INDEX 


621 


Page 

LmS  OF  BASKETS :85-191 

conoid --      188 

flanged 18",  188 

made  in  one  with  basljet 189-190 

problems  connected  with  decoration  of.  298-300 
types  of - - 186 

LlLLOOET  TRIBE— 

basketry  of ----  133,142, 

154,  155, 156,  157,  159,  165,  177, 178,  180,  182, 184, 
207,  208, 209,  210,  211,  222,  223,  225,  229,  230,  231, 
233,  237,  240,  241,  242,  245,  275,  335-344,  350-361, 
361,  362,  370,  372,  373,  384,  414-415,  421, 424-426, 
443-144. 

characteristics  of  basketry  of 230, 233 

designs  of,  related  to  Tlingit 373 

influence  of,  in  basketry 134 

of  Salishan  stock 373 

Lines  used  in  design— 

diagonal.... 247-248,306-307 

horizontal 246,305-306 

interpretation  of 305-312 

meander. 248 

vertical 246-247 

zigzag 247-248 

Linguistics,  need  of  work  in 2 

Little  Harpeth  River,  Indian  settlements 

on 561 

Llano,  N.  Mex.,  archeological  work  at 39 

Lodge-shaped  baskets,  term  for 397 

LOOPWORK— 

foot  of  basket 193 

rims 184-185 

Lower  Fraser  Indians— 

basketry  of 133,136 

See  also  Stalo  Indians. 
Lower  Kootenai  Indians,  baskets  made 

by 135 

Lower  Thompson,  basketry  of 144, 

156,  157,  158,  159, 174, 182,  204,  207, 208,  223-224 

Lower  Uta'mqt,  basketry  of 446-452 

LuMMi  TRIBE,  mention  of 136 

Lttton  bands— 

basketry  of 156, 166, 

182,  201-202,  204,  205,  208,  209,  231,  257,  331-334, 
378,  435,  437-441, 443-444, 453. 

designs  of. 331-334 

dyeing  methods  of 147 

McEwEN,  Lieut.  Norman,  assistance  ren- 
dered by 89 

McKiNLEY,    Lieut.    Ashley    C,    mounds 

photographed  by 67 

Mcpherson,  Roderick— 

resignation  of 95 

work  of 94 

Madisonville,  Ohio,  people  of,  compared 

with  those  of  Gordon  site 554 

Madisonville   site,   comparison   of,   with 

Gordon  site. 614 

Maize,  remains  of  store  of. 566-667 

Makah  Indians— 

basketry  of 136 

researches  among... 112-113 

Mallery,  Otto,  collection  presented  by 15,20 

Manuscripts  OF  the  Bureau 16,55 

Marion  County,  Tenn.,  mound  in,  eica- 
vated 602 


Page 

Materials  used  in  basketry 138, 

144, 145-149, 154, 155, 360-361 

distribution  of... 154-155 

gathering  of.. 149-160 

preparation  of 150-164 

terms  for 389-390 

trade  in 156 

Mather,  Stephen  T.,  mention  of 27 

Mats— 

made  by  Thompson  Indians 138 

not  ornamented 360 

used  for  covering  lodges 365 

used  for  lids 186 

Matting,  cane— 

traces  of 560,571 

used  in  burial 530 

walls  hung  with 568,570 

Mauvila,  description  of. 551 

Meadow,  Mr.,  collection  presented  by 116 

Meander- - 

adjustment  of 206, 267 

in  design 282,283 

interpretation  of 315-316 

Measurement,  terms  used  in 393-.394 

MEDiaNE  MAN,  YuMA,  treatment  of  the  sick 

by 88 

Megalithic  House,  naming  of... 82 

Mending  of  baskets. 147, 179, 196-197 

terms  used  for 397 

Mesa  Verde— 

collection  from 116 

work  done  on 27-31 

Mesa  Verde  National  Park,  researches  in.     4-6 
Metates— 

found  in  House  of  the  Mysteries 572 

found  near  grave 546 

rites  connected  with 536-537 

wooden,  remains  of 535 

Mexico,  need  of  investigation  in 105 

Michelson,  Truman — 

acknowledgment  to ^ 494 

work  of 1 1-12,  27, 34-35, 57-58, 83-84, 106-107 

Miller,  G.  S.— 

acknowledgment  to 494 

bones  examined  by 493,607 

Miller,  Samuel  H. — 

resignation  of _ 73 

work  of. 42,44,71 

Miller's  Cave,  Mo.,  collection  from. 19-20 

Mimbres  Valley,  pottery  of 82 

MiscoGEON,  John,  terts  supplied  by 32 

Missouri,  archeological  work  in 91-92 

Moccasin,  baby's,  custom  concerning 546 

Modoc  Indians,  basketry  materials  of 146 

MooNEV,  James— 

acknowledgment  to. 494 

cited  on  Kiowa  custom 596 

classification  of  material  prepared  by 56 

death  of 73 

quoted  on  Cherokee  belief 603 

qouted  on  the  bulTalo 611 

work  of 6-7,31 

MooRE,  A.  B.,  collection  presented  by 116 

Moore,  Clarence  B.— 

acknowledgment  to. 494 

excavations  made  by 602 

mention  of 614 


622 


INDEX 


Pago 

Moore,  John  Trotwood,  mentioned 689 

MoRicE,  Father,  reference  to 133 

MOSE3  PEOPLE,  basketry  of 230 

Mounds— 

buildings  on 501 

cultivation  of  surface  of 574 

described 499-501, 

509-510,  559-560,  561-562, 588-589,  590 

explored  by  W.  E.  Ms'er 38 

fires  at  erection  of 499-500 

stages  in  erection  of 562 

use  of 510 

MuiR,  John  M.,  collection  presented  by -       20 

MuLLER,  from  House  of  the  Mysteries 572 

MuMMiHED  BODIES,  in  cane  baskets 571 

Mummy  burial  cave,  mentioned 496 

Mummy  Lake,  excavations  near 30-31,81-82 

Munroe,  Miss  Helen,  work  of 18, 42, 70, 93, 114 

MuRiE,  James  R.— 

revision  of  paper  by 31 

work  of,  on  Pawnee  manuscript 40 

Museum  of  the  American  Indian,  Heye 

Foundation,  cooperative  work  with 85, 107 

Music,  Indian,  study  of 2-3, 

12-14, 35-37,  60-62,  87-89, 112-113 

MUSKHOGEAN  PEOPLES.  Work  On 32-33 

Myer,  W.  E.— 

collections  made  by 43,73, 116 

manuscript  by 16, 106 

work  of -.,  15,37-38,04-67,89-91,111-112 

Nahani  Indians,  mention  of 133 

Names  of  designs,  discussion  of 382-383,387 

Naming  of  baskets 205 

Natchez  Indians— 

buildings  used  by,  as  temples 502 

construction  of  buildings  of 571-572 

forts  of,  described 550-551 

temple  of,  described 507-509 

National  Park  Service— 

cooperation  with  — 3 

mention  of 26 

Navaho,  research  among _  67-68 

Nelson,  Wilbur  A.,  acknowledgment  to..  89,494 
Nespeum  tribe — 

basketry  of.-- - 154,155,414 

imbrication  learned  by 140 

Nest-shaped  baskets,  term  for 397 

Nets,  making  of 138 

New  Fire  rites,  building  devoted  to 6 

New  Mexico,  archeological  work  in 39 

Newman,  Chas.  B.— 

transfer  of 44 

work  of - 18,42 

Newhouse,  Seth,  translation  made  by 10 

Nez  Perc£  tribe— 

basketry  of 135, 136, 354 

caps  worn  by 354 

Nichols,  Mrs.  Frances  S.,  work  of. 16, 

21,41,69,92,113 

Nicola  band,  basketry  of 157, 

322,  323,  324,  434,  436, 445, 452-453 
NiDEVER,  Capt.  George  C,  owner  of  Bur- 
ton Mound 108 

NisQUALLi  tribe,  basketry  of 136, 137, 142, 182 


Page 
Noel  Indian  cemetery- 

bowl  found  in 534-535 

owl  images  from 541-542 

pottery  from 594 

Nootsak  Indians,  coiled  basketry  made  by-  133 
NoRDENSKioLD,    Baron    G.,    archeological 

work  of -       29 

Nut-shaped  baskets 164,202-205 

Oak-tree  House,  opened  to  visitors 28 

Octagon— 

as  an  element  in  design. , 254 

interpretation  of _      327 

Odd-shaped  baskets 206-207,208 

Oetteking,  Bruno,  report  by 109 

Okanagon  Indians- 

basketry  of 133, 140, 154, 155, 157 

imbrication  adopted  by 140 

Old  Town,  Mo.,  an  Osage  village  site 66 

Old  Town  ruins,  mentioned 496 

Omaha  STRUCTURES,  account  of 517-518 

Omaha  village  sites,  investigation  of 64-66 

One  Clan  House,  excavation  of. 52 

Oneida  Indians,  researches  among 9 

Orchard,  William  C,  quill  work  described 

by 365-366 

Oregon  grape,  used  in  basketry 145 

Ornamentation  of  basketry— 

animals  represented  in 429-430 

comparison  of 424-426 

development  of 385-386 

discussion  of 223-258,371-383 

objects  represented  in 426-428 

plants  represented  in 428 

terms  used  in - 399 

Osage  TRIBE,  preparation  of  papers  on -  10-11, 

33,57,111 

Osage  village  sites,  investigation  of 64-67 

Owl— 

beliefs  concerning 542 

in  pottery 541-542 

Pail-shaped  baskets,  decoration  of 228 

Paint,  Kiowa  method  of  mixing. 596-597 

Paint  cup,  natural  concretion  used  as 596 

Painted  House,  archeological  work  on —  6, 27-28 
Painted  Kiva  House,  partial  excavation  of-  29-30 
Palisades— 

construction  of 550 

disappearance  of  traces  of- 549 

See  also  Walled  towns. 

Palouse  Indians,  mention  of 136 

Pan  Pacific  Convention,  mention  of 40,48 

Papago  music— 

manuscripts  on 35 

study  of- - - 13,35 

ParflSches- 

designs  on 242,360 

tribes  using 357 

Partitions  in  baskets _     210 

Parts  of  baskets,  terms  used  for 394-395 

Pawnee  music,  work  done  on 12-13 

Pearce.  J.  E.— 

collections  made  by 20, 43, 72 

work  of 14-15.38-39 

Pend  d'Oreille  tribe,  basketry  of...  141, 154, 155 


INDEX 


623 


Page 
Periwinkles — 

as  everj'day  food. __ - ^^ 

shells  of,  in  graves... 630, 541, 543, 549,608 

Pettiorew,  F.  W.,  excavations  made  by —       64 
Petote  cult,  material  on,  collected  by  James 

Mooney ^^ 

Pickett  Countt,  Tenn.,  remains  in... 498 

PicTOGRAFHic  ROCKS,  investigation  of... 68-69 

PiNEY  River,  fortified  Indian  town  on 496 

Pipe  Shrine  House— 

excavation  of 50-52 

naming  of. - ^2 

repair  of 80 

P'KAisT  Indians,  mention  of.. 144 

Place  names — 

Alaskan,  preparation  of  list  of 63 

California,  work  on 59 

Plains  tribes,  influence  of  designs  of 374, 384 

Plagues,  used  for  food 206-207 

Population,  Indian — 

of  Gordon  town.. 553 

paper  on,  by  James  Mooney .-       56 

Port  Guichon,  design  on  basket  from 236 

Pot,  toy,  buried  with  child 604 

pot-shaped  baskets 204 

Pottery— 

beads  of 521,522 

black,  method  of  making 522 

bowls  of,  found  in  mound 573 

colors  of -      527 

decorations  on,  suggesting  Siotian  rela- 
tionship.  -      533 

found  in  burials 529,587 

fragments  of,  in  burial 638-640,600 

fragments  of,  from  house  circle 621, 523-527 

from  stone-slab  graves 530,532-533 

restorations  of  vessels  of 575-583, 593-695 

table  showing  results  of  study  of 606 

trowel  made  of 547 

See  also  Earthenware;  Vessels,  pot- 
tery. 

Pouches,  ornamentation  of — — 355 

Powell,  Maj.  J.  W.,  bureau  founded  by...  99, 103 
Powers,  Miss  Emma  B.,  work  of.  18,42,70,93,114 

Prayer  bowl,  decorated  with  heads 537 

Prefixes,  occurring  in  basketry  terms 398-399 

Preservation  of  baskets... 196 

Processes   of   basket   making,   technical 

terms  for 392-393 

Property  of  the  Bureau 20,44,73,116 

Proportions  of  baskets 203-204,212-223 

terms  used  for... --- 397-398 

Publications  of  the  Bckeau— 

distribution  of 18,42,70,93,114 

in  press 17, 41-42, 70, 93, 114 

issued 17,41,70,92-93,113 

policy  regarding. 2 

Pulaski  County,  Mo.,  collection  from 20 

Purposes  of  baskets 197-210 

Queets,  mention  of 136 

QUILEUTE— 

basketry  of 376 

mention  of ---      136 

Quill  work... 363,364-368,370 

Quills,  use  of,  for  ornamentation -      148 

Quinault,  mention  of .-      136 


Page 

Rabbit,  belief  concerning 608 

Raccoon  effigy  vessel,  from  house  circle...      694 
Rattles — 

basketry 208 

basketry,  terms  for 397 

gourd,  use  of 62 

Rectangle— 

as  an  element  in  design 250-251 

interpretation  of 321-323 

Rectangular  shapes,  designs  on.. 229 

Reeds— 

time  for  cutting 150 

use  of,  in  basketry 145, 146 

Reichard,  Dr.  Gladys  A.,  reference  to 387 

Religious  beliefs — 

of  the  Osage... 591 

of  the  Tennessee  Indians , 531 

Remains,  within  Gordon  area 496 

Repairing  of  baskets.    See  Mending. 

Rhomboid,  interpretation  of 326 

Rims  of  baskets — 

braided 182-184 

difference  in  construction  of 142 

loopwork 166, 184-185 

plain 181-182 

shape  of 219 

types  of. 181 

Ring  coils,  use  of 190 

Ristv,  a.  G.,  excavations  made  by.. (i 

Roberts,  Miss  H.  H. — 

music  transcribed  by. 40,84 

paper  by 119 

work  of 131 

"Robin's  nest,"  a  fancy  basket 204 

Roof.s— 

construction  of__ 652 

shape  of ^96 

Room,  alleged,  in  mound 589-590 

Roots— 

preparation  of,  for  basket  making 150 

selection  of 1*19 

time  for  collecting l'*9 

Ropes,  Maj.  E.  H.,  collection  made  by 96 

RoscoE,  Capt.  James,  collection  presented 

by.. -      116 

Roth,  Walter  E.— 

implement  presented  by 43 

work  of 104 

Rotunda,  Creek,  described  by  Bartram...     514 

Ruins,  preservation  of — .-  47-48 

Rushes,  used  in  basketry 145, 148 

Rutherford- Kiser  farm,  owl  image  from..      542 
Rutherford-Kiser  mounds,  mentioned —     496 

Rye  straw,  used  in  basketry 145 

Sacred  Image  House 664-665 

Saddlebag,  basket  used  as .-     208 

Safford,  \V.  E. — 

acknowledgment  to 494 

remains  examined  by__ 540, 541 

report  made  by 566 

Sahaptin  tribes — 

basketry  of 135-136 

grass  caps  made  by 139 

imbrication  practiced  by 139 

Salish  language,  superseded  by  Yakima 
dialect -      384 


624 


INDEX 


Page 
Salish  tribes— 

as  basket  makers 141 

coiled  basketry  made  by 133, 134 

colors  used  by,  in  basketry 146 

distribution  of  coiled  basketry  among 154 

materials  used  by _  154, 155 

mentioned ___      136 

Salt  licks,  buffaloes  at _ 611 

Salt  pans,  described  by  Busbnell 526 

Sanpoil  Indlans— 

basketry  of 154,155,157,414 

imbrication  learned  by 140 

shapes  made  by 141 

trays  made  by 138 

Santa  Barbara  Indians,  village  of 107, 108 

Sargent,  Homer  F.,  investigation  financed 

by 131 

Satsop,  mention  of 136 

Searles,  Stanley,  work  of 16,41,69,92,113 

Sechelt  Indians,  basketry  of 133, 184 

Sekani,  mention  of 135 

Semlahmoo,  mention  of 136 

Sequatchie  Valley,  burials  in. _ 602 

Sewing,  method  of,  in  basketry 160 

Shaman's  basket — 

term  tor 396 

used  in  treatment  of  the  sick 201 

Shapes  of  baskets — 

angular,  where  found 142 

change  in__ 361 

Chilcotin__._ _.  135, 361 

comparison  of 414-115 

distribution  of- 137-138, 141 

Klickitat.-.- 361-362 

Lillooet 361,362 

made  by  older  women 159 

square,  where  found _      135 

terms  used  for 397-398 

Thompson-- 361,362 

used  by  interior  tribes _ 413 

See  also  Forms  of  baskets. 

Shells,  bed  of 574 

Shiswap  tribe,  basketry  of 133, 164, 

155,  156, 157,  182. 228, 230,  336, 351-352,  361,  362 

Sides  of  baskets,  construction  of 179-181 

Similkameen  bands,  basketry  of 144,157 

SioVAN  TRIBES,  a  custom  of- 546 

Siou.K  Indians — 

belief  of,  regarding  owl 642 

decoration  used  by 634 

Skagit  Indians,  mentioned 136 

SKELETAL  REMAINS — 

conclusions  drawn  from 613-614 

from  Gordon  site  and  Fewkes  group-..  612-614 
occurrence  of ..- 510,523 

Skokomish  Indians,  basketry  of 376 

Slat-bottomed  baskets — 

technique  of. 174-179 

types  of 174 

Smith  County,  Tenn.,  remains  in 496 

Snake  Indians,  coiled  work  made  by 135 

Snohomish  tribe— 

basketry  of 142 

mention  of 136 

SoNGisH  TRIBE,  mentioned 136 

South  America,  importance  of  research  in..      104 


Page 

Spaptsan  Indians,  mention  of 144 

Speck,   Frank   G.,   manuscript  purchased 

from 16 

Spence,  George,  translations  by 16 

Spences  Bridge  band — 

basketry  of.... 431^34,455-456 

trade  of,  in  baskets 156, 157 

Spunts— 

coil  and  sewing _ 150-152 

introduction  of 161 

moistening  of. - 163 

number  of,  for  coils 161-162 

Split  Rock  site,  exploration  of 65-66 

Spokane  Iindians— 

basketry  of 141, 164, 155 

caps  worn  by 354 

rims  of  baskets  of 142 

Spoon,  basketry- 

coils  of. 165 

construction  of 209-210 

terms  for 397 

Springs,  Cherokee  belief  concerning 603 

Spruce— 

influence  of,  on  basket  making 144 

use  of 145 

SpuziUM  band— 

basketry  of 144-145,166,236,446-452 

dyeing  of ._ 147 

Squamish  Indians,  basketry  of... 133. 184, 2U 

Square— 

as  an  element  in  design 248-250 

interpretation  of 321-323 

Square  Tower  House,  work  done  on 4-5 

Squaw  grass,  used  for  imbricating 146 

Squirrel,  red,  belief  concerning 608 

Stalo  Indians,  basketry  of. 133, 142, 184 

Stars,  representation  of 322 

Stirling,  M.  W.,  work  of _ 102 

Stlaxai'u.x  division,  basketry  of 442-443 

Stluk,  value  of,  in  trade 158 

See  also  Storage  baskets. 
Stone    boiung,    a    custom    derived    from 

Indians 607 

Stone-slab  graves — 

beneath  floor 499,519,520,601 

construction  of 549 

described 620-521, 523, 528-529, 537, 541 

double 632 

in  mound -      510 

typical  of  middle  Tennessee 548 

See  also  Burials;  Graves. 
Stones— 

rare,  used  tor  sacred  purposes 600 

rectangular  piles  of 566-566 

Storage  baskets — 

described 205-206 

shaped 137 

terms  for 396 

use  of 197-198 

Stratman  Cave,  investigations  in 91-92 

Stripes,  vertical,  use  of,  in  design 242-245, 

273-287 

Structure  of  baskets... 167-195 

Stuarts  Lake,  water-tight  basketry  of 133 

STUwi'x  (Athapascan),  mention  of 156 

STDwi'XAMUX",  mention  of ......     133 


INDEX 


625 


Page 

Suffixes,  occurring  in  basketry  terms 398-399 

Sumner  Countt,  Tenn.,  remains  in_ 496 

Sun  symbols— 

occurrence  of,  as  decoration 537, 538 

use  of.  in  treatment  of  sick — 53S 

Sun  Temple,  work  done  on 31 

SUNFISH-SHAPED  BOWLS — 

found  in  house  circle - 594 

mention  of.— - 522 

toy — - 648 

SwANTON,  John  R.— 

acknowledgment  to 494 

reference  to.. 571 

translation  by 607 

work  of 7,31,40,64-55,83,105-106 

Sweat-house  basket,  term  for 396 

Sweat  lodge,  basket  used  in _-- 201 

Sweeney,  Albert  E.,  work  of 18,42,71,94,114 

Sweet,  A.  T.,  collections  presented  by 73, 116 

Symmetry,  in  arrangement  of  designs 284, 

285,  286,  287,  296 

Syujtun,  Santa  Barbara  Indian  village 107,  lOS 

Taensas,  temple  of -- --      507 

Tahltan  Indians,  mention  of. 133, 135 

Taitnapam  tribe — 

area  held  by 383,384 

mention  of „ 136 

Tai'xnapam,  basketry  of 136 

Technique  of  basket  making — 

coiling.. : 159-167 

terms  used  tor... 390-392 

types  of _ - 138 

Teit,  James  A  — 

data  collected  by 143 

paper  by 119 

work  of.. 131 

Temple— 

ceremonies  at  erection  of 503 

construction  of  walls  of 502-503 

description  of. 501-503 

dimensions  of 507 

of  southern  Indians 507-509 

use  of  the  word 501-502 

See  aho  Town  House. 
Tenaino  Indians— 

caps  W'Orn  by 354 

designs  used  by 357 

Tennessee,  archeological  work  in.  15, 37, 89-90,  111 

Terms  used  in  basketry 389-398 

Texas— 

archeological  work  in 14-15 

collection  from 20 

Thompson  Indians — 

basketry  of 142, 

143-145,  154,  1,55,  156,  157,  159,  177,  178,  180, 
185,  200,  209,  210,  211,  216,  217,  223,  225,  229, 
230-233,  234,  237,  284,  360-351,  361,  362,  370, 
372,  373,  414-420,  424-426,  444-445. 

characteristics  of  basketry  of... 230,233 

coiled  basketry  taught  by 133 

designs  of 378 

discussion  of  art  of. 369-376, 376-383 

environment  of 143 

influenceof,  in  basketry 134, 135 

of  Salishan  stock 373 

See    also   Lower   Thompson;   Upper 
Thompson. 


Pago 

Thruston,  G.  p.,  mound  explored  by 495 

Time  required  in  basket  making 412-413 

Tlee'ka  designs 254-2.58 

Tlingit  Indians,  basketry  of... 364,370,373 

Tobacco  basket,  terms  for 397 

Tools,  used  in  basket  making 154,392 

Totemic  monuments,  investigation  of 63 

Towers  of  the  Mesa  Verde 80-81 

Town  site,  Gordon, sizeof 495 

Town,  walled.     See  Walled  towns. 

Town  house,  apparent  ruins  of 501 

See  also  Temple. 

Town  site,  advantages  of 496 

Town  square — 

described 509-614 

indications  of 495 

sizeof 498 

uses  of 498 

Toy  baskets 146 

Toys— 

in  graves  of  children _ 548. 604 

of  basketry.. 209 

Trade  in  basketry 166-159 

Trapezoid,  interpretation  of 326-327 

Trays— 

coils  of 165 

designs  on 229 

imbrication  of 227 

rigidity  of 163 

used  for  food 206-207 

Treasure  boxes,  baskets  used  as 205 

Triangles — 

as  an  element  in  design 251-252 

false,  as  an  element  in  design 253 

interpretation  of 317-321 

on  vertical  stripes 244 

Triangular  baskets — 

coils  of 165 

term  for 397 

Trowel,  made  of  pottery 547 

Trunk  baskets 205-206 

Tsi.'a,  specially  designed  for  burdens 199 

Tub-shaped  baskets 207 

Tule,  used  in  basketry 145, 148 

Tuna'xe,  baskets  sold  by 135 

Tunica  wigwams,  described 552 

Twana  tribe — 

basketry  of 137 

mentioned... 136 

I'matilla  tribe— 

caps  worn  by... -      354 

mention  of 136 

"Underground    house,"    storage    basket 

called 205 

Upper  Frasek,  basketry  of 156,223 

Upper  Kootenai,  mention  of 136 

Upper  Thompson  Indians — 

basketry  of 144, 156, 

174,  195,  205,  209,  211,  223,  431-433,  434-43.5,  437 

materials  used  by,  in  basket  making..  145-146 

Upper  Ut.;'mqt,  basketry  of..  201,  236,  257, 446. 454 

Uta'mvt,  basketry  of. .  133. 144,  241,  258,  322,  324,  378 

See    also    Lower     Uta'mqt;     Upper 

Uta'mqt. 


626 


INDEX 


Page 

Utes,  research  among 67-68 

Valentine  Museum,  mention  of 555 

Vargas,  Rosendo,  songs  rendered  by 84 

Vaughan,  Harry  S.,  mentioned 497,588 

Vertical  stripes— 

in  decoration 242-245,273-287 

small  designs  on 287-300 

Verwyst,    Fr.    Chrysostom,    manuscript 

presented  by _ __        16 

Vessels,  pottery — 

method  of  cooking  in 583-586 

practice  of  "killing" 600 

restorations  of 593-595 

See  also  Pottery. 
Village— 

deserted  by  inhabitants 495,553,558 

See  also  Town;  Walled  towns. 

Wadleigh,  F.  a.,  mention  of 27 

Walcott,  Chas.  D.,  collection  received  from.       73 
Wallawalla  tribe— 

caps  worn  by 354 

mention  of 136 

Walled  towns— 

of  southern  Indians 550-551 

remains  of 89-91,  495 

water  supply  of 552 

Wallets— 

designs  on 359-300 

ornamentation  of 355 

weaving  of 139 

Walls— 

construction  of 490,  496,  502-503,  560,  568,  570 

of  fortified  towns 550-551 

of  Gordon  town 495,549-550 

Wanukt,  mention  of 130 

Warping,  prevention  of 173 

Wasco  Indians— 

basketry  of 354,357 

caps  worn  by _ 354 

mention  of _      136 

Washington  tribes,  basketry  of 136, 

137, 140. 184,  205 

Washtub  basket,  terms  for. 396 

Watch-spring  coils lCS-169, 172 

elongated 169-170, 173 

Waterman,  T.  T.— 

collection  made  by 95 

work  of 49,63,73,79 

Water-tight  baskets 135,201-20 

Weaving  of  baskets,  materials  used  for__  353-354 

Weeden  Island,  Fla.,  researches  on 102 

Wells,  Lieut.  Harold  R.,  mounds  photo- 
graphed by,_ 67 

Wenatchi  Indians— 

basketry  of 1 42. 

154, 155, 157, 182, 198,  223,  230 


Wenatchi  Indians— Continued.  Page 

caps  worn  by,_ 354 

imbrication  among 140 

rims  of  baskets  of 142 

shapes  made  by _ ___      141 

Wheat  STRAW,  used  in  basketry 145 

White,  John,  drawings  made  by 583 

White  County,  Tenn.,  remains  discovered 

in- 571 

Wigwams,  probable  appearance  of _.      552 

Wilding,  Anthony,  work  of._ 44,73,95,116 

WlLLAPA  TRIBE— 

coiled  basketry  of___ _ ^ 134 

mentioned isg 

Williamson  County,  Tenn.— 

Indian  remains  in 496,559 

Indian  settlements  in 5G1 

Wilson  County,  Tenn.,  remains  in 496 

WiNNiNGHAM  RocK,  mortar  holes  at 498 

WisHRAM  Indians— 

caps  worn  by 354 

designs  used  by 357 

mention  of _ _,  136 

woven  basketry  of 354,357 

WissLER,  Clark— 

mention  of 374 

work  of 40 

Wolf  moss,  used  in  basketry__ 145 

WOMACK,  J.  H.— 

acknowledgment  to___ 494 

mentioned 570,603 

Women,  position  of,  in  basket  making 167 

Wooden  structures,  absence  of  traces  of. .  495 

WORKBASKETS— 

fine  coils  of __.      163 

nut-shaped- _- 202-203 

terms  for-- 397 

World-quarter  symbols,  religious  concept 

of ,- 534 

See  also  World  quarters. 

World  quarters— 

ceremony  connected  with 538 

place  of,  in  religion _      537 

See  also  World-quarter  symbols. 

Yakima  language,  influence  of_ 384 

Yakima  tribe— 

basketry  of- _. 139,353-360 

caps  worn  by 351 

mention  of _ 130 

Yaqui  Indians,  researches  among 62 

Young,  Col.  Bennett  H..  mentioned 565 

Yuma  Indians,  researches  among 61-62 

Zigzag  designs— 

adjustment  of 270,  272 

arrangement  of - -..  274,275 

interpretation  of 309-312 

use  of 244 


O 


BOSTON  PUBLIC  LIBRARY 


3  9999  06313  751  5 


I  I  i 


_t      i 

I    i 


!    :    I