In the following pages the author has endeavored to draw attention to
some of the most important symbols on Hopi pottery, especially those of
prehistoric times.
Consideration of this subject has led to a discussion of the character
of pottery designs at different epochs and the interpretation, by study
of survivals, of ancient designs in modern times. This chronological
treatment has necessitated an examination of ceramic material from ruins
of different ages and an ethnological study of ancient symbols still
surviving in ceremonials now practiced. It has also led to sociological
researches on the composition of the tribe, the sequence in the arrival
of clans at Walpi, and their culture in distant homes from which they
migrated. It will thus appear that the subject is a very complicated one,
and that the data upon which conclusions are based are sociological as
well as archeological. There are many ruins from which material might
have been obtained, but only a few have been adequately investigated.
The small number of ruins in the Hopi country which have thus far been
excavated necessarily makes our knowledge not only provisional but also
imperfect. It is hoped, however, that this article may serve to stimulate
others to renewed field work and so add desired data to the little we
have bearing on the subject.