an advanced degree of culture is generally attained before the casting
of any metal is attempted. Without allowing too much weight to any
argument based upon the surprising skill of these people in plating and
alloying, the evidence of technical skill in general, together with the
conceptions embodied in their art, proves conclusively that it was the
product of a long period of experiment and progress.
The pottery of Chiriqui is to be noted for the perfection of its
technique, its high specialization of form, and its conventional use of
a wide range of decorative motives. Its forms present many striking
analogies to the wheel made ware of the Mediterranean, regarded as
classic.
The mythologic stage of the builders of these graves is shown by the
fact that in their ceramic art there is no attempt to render the human
face or figure with accuracy. The personages of their religious
philosophy were zoömorphic and some of their forms may be discerned by a
skillful analyst in or on all the ornaments and vessels. On each of the
latter all decorative devices and delineations have some reference to
the mythic creature associated with the vessel and its functions.
Mr. Holmes has made an important discovery in the evolution of
decoration in Chiriqui from which are deduced instructive
generalizations of wide application. All the decorations originate
(doubtless under the influence of the stage reached in mythologic
philosophy) in life forms of animals, none being vegetal. Coming from
mythologic concepts they are significant and ideographic, and coming
from nature they are primarily imitative and non-geometric. Nevertheless
the agencies of modification inherent in the practice of art through its
mechanical conditions are such that the animal forms early employed have
changed into conventional decorative devices, among which are the
meander, scroll, fret, chevron, and guilloche.
That this was the course of evolution of the classic forms of ornaments
is not asserted; indeed, it is not necessary to form such a hypothesis,
as by the interacting principles, well classified by Mr. Holmes, the
course by which the same result was accomplished may have been wholly
diverse. It is, however, shown that this was in all probability the
particular and independent course in one region of America, being in
that respect in distinct contrast to other art regions, such as that of
the Pueblos, where the rise of geometric figures through technologic
channels is equally obvious. It follows that in seeking to divide
peoples by the criteria of their decorative arts the examination must
embrace what is far more fundamental than a mere comparison of their
finished products: these may be and are markedly similar without any
evidence of transmission, and when in fact by deeper study the
ascertained separate courses of development preclude such transmission.
A STUDY OF THE TEXTILE ART IN ITS RELATION TO THE
DEVELOPMENT OF FORM AND ORNAMENT, BY W. H. HOLMES.
For several years Mr. Holmes has been engaged in the study of the
ancient and existing art of the North American Indians, and has
published in the annual reports of this Bureau a number of elaborate
essays upon the art of specified peoples and regions.
In the present paper he submits the comprehensive results of his studies
in one great branch, the textile art, and treats chiefly of its esthetic
relations as distinct from those of construction and function, so far as
they can be separately discussed.
He has been fortunate in the character of the material studied. In
America there is yet found a great body of primitive, indigenous, and
independent art, almost uncontaminated by the complex phenomena,
processes, and conditions which elsewhere obscure its origin and
development. To a knowledge of American art acquired by long study Mr.
Holmes adds a mental equipment exceptionally qualifying him for its
philosophic discussion. His conclusions therefore, presented with ample
evidence and explained by illustrations, are to be received as those of
a recognized authority, although they may disturb some sentimental and
metaphysical fancies concerning abstract beauty in form, color, and
design.
It is not contended that the earliest concepts of beauty originated with
textile art. On the contrary, it is probable that the first esthetic
attempts were in the line of personal decoration, such as paints on the
skin and pendants and feathers disposed about the person. But as the
textile art appears early and widely in culture it is believed that the
association of esthetic concepts with it very generally preceded their
association with other arts. Having thus the start in the field, its
nature was full of suggestions of embellishment, while it was fixed in
its method of expression. The technique therefore shaped and directed
the esthetic concept and became the parent of much geometric ornament.
Mr. Holmes gives an instructive analysis of the forces and influences
inherent in the textile art, the first lessons of which are order,
uniformity, and symmetry; he shows how the necessities of technique
determine ideas of the beautiful in linear geometric forms and how taste
in selecting certain ornaments as the most beautiful is simply choosing
that product which in the evolution of art gave it character and power.
The influence of textile ornament upon other forms of art, such as
architecture and sculpture, is discussed, as also the manner in which
extrinsic decorative elements are remodeled in accordance with the rules
of textile combination. The paper, however, does not undertake to cover
the whole field of the development of form and ornament, being confined
to the relation of the textile art thereto, and similar studies in all
other grand divisions of art must be made before the relative importance
of all their forces and tendencies can be estimated. But the laws of
evolution in all art closely correspond, and the present paper is
eminently instructive to all students of the esthetic.
AIDS TO THE STUDY OF THE MAYA CODICES, BY CYRUS THOMAS.
That Prof. Cyrus Thomas has long been engaged in the examination of the
few Maya records in existence is known from his former works, "A study
of the Manuscript Troano" and "Notes on certain Maya and Mexican
manuscripts," both published by the Bureau of Ethnology.
The object of the present paper is to give information of some original
discoveries and to present some explanations not brought forward by
Professor Thomas in his former papers.
The records of Maya and Mexico yet challenge students with unsolved
problems similar to those which in the writings of Egypt and Assyria
have perplexed so many generations. The translation of the paleographic
literature of this continent may be expected to throw light on the past
of America, in some degree reproducing the brilliant result which has
attended the translation of the hieroglyphs of the eastern hemisphere.
Long and laborious comparisons, together with the trial of successive
hypotheses, will be necessary to the decipherment of our aboriginal
manuscripts, and but few competent persons are actively engaged in the
work. It becomes, therefore, the duty of any one whose discoveries tend
to clear up even minor points of the great problem to furnish them to
his fellow laborers, and thereby limit the remaining field of
investigation. In this paper Professor Thomas supplements his former
work.
OSAGE TRADITIONS, BY REV. J. OWEN DORSEY.
This paper contains an account of a secret society of seven degrees,
still existing among the Osage, in which the traditions of the people
have been preserved. The author, by his skill and personal influence,
has obtained and now furnishes two of these traditions in the original
language, with an interlinear and a free translation of each and with
explanatory remarks.
The traditions are both cosmologic and sociologic, and are admirable
examples of Indian philosophy. The existence of secret associations,
periodically celebrating religious mysteries, and of shamanistic orders,
which, by ceremonies, pictographs, and chants, have preserved in more or
less purity the traditions of their ancestors, has been vaguely known
for some years, but until lately no accurate or indeed intelligent
account of them has been secured.
The exertions of several of the officers of this Bureau have been
successful in obtaining full details and clear explanations both of the
traditions and the ceremonials of several of the Indian tribes, notably
those of the Zuñi and the Navajo, published in former annual reports.
The present paper by Mr. Dorsey takes an important place in this new
collection of materials for the study of Indian philosophy, from which
valuable results have been already acquired.
THE CENTRAL ESKIMO, BY DR. FRANZ BOAS.
For the express purpose of personal exploration and examination, the
author of this important paper spent a considerable time in the region
of which he treats. His course of travel was to Cumberland sound and
Davis strait. The grand division of the Eskimauan linguistic family,
inhabiting nearly the whole range of the Arctic-American coast, which
has been classed as Central Eskimo, occupies the northeastern part of
the continent and the eastern islands of the Arctic-American
archipelago. It inhabits, at Smith sound, the most northern countries in
which man has been known to dwell. Its southern and western boundaries
are about Fort Churchill, the middle part of Back river, and the coast
west of Adelaide peninsula.
Dr. Boas gives an admirable account of the topography of the region and
of the distribution, tribal divisions, and numbers of the inhabitants.
His work is replete with valuable statements in minute detail and with
acute suggestions regarding their habits and customs. Their peculiar and
ingenious weapons, implements, and utensils are fully described and
illustrated. His account of their religious practices and beliefs,
supplemented by translations of their myths and legends, is equally
entertaining and instructive.
In connection with his observations made through original research, Dr.
Boas presents the result of a close study and analysis of the work of
former explorers in this field, by which his contribution to the study
of this interesting hyperborean people will command additional
attention.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT.
_Table showing amounts appropriated and expended for North American
ethnology for the
fiscal year ending June 30, 1885._
──────────────────────────────────────────┬─────────────┬─────────────
Expenses. │ Amounts │ Amount
│ expended. │appropriated.
──────────────────────────────────────────┼─────────────┼─────────────
A. Services │ $30,433.55│
B. Traveling expenses │ 3,716.14│
C. Transportation of property │ 354.12│
D. Field subsistence │ 198.42│
E. Field supplies and expenses │ 535.45│
F. Field material │ 197.71│
G. Instruments │ 49.25│
H. Modeling material │ 40.11│
I. Photographic material │ 306.71│
K. Books and maps │ 355.85│
L. Stationery and drawing material │ 15.70│
M. Illustrations for reports │ 668.64│
N. Articles for distribution to Indians │ 23.69│
O. Office furniture │ 59.67│
P. Office supplies and repairs │ 36.61│
Q. Manuscripts │ 395.00│
R. Correspondence │ 15.43│
S. Specimens │ 71.00│
T. Collection of material for │ 1,326.61│
classification of the Indians in│ │
the United States │ │
Balance on hand to meet outstanding │ 1,200.34│
liabilities │ │
──────────────────────────────────────────┼─────────────┼─────────────
│ 40,000.00│ $40,000.00
──────────────────────────────────────────┴─────────────┴─────────────
ACCOMPANYING PAPERS.
INDEX.
A.
Page.
Acoma, collections of J. Stevenson from XLIX
Adelung, J. C., cited 262
Adlet and Qadlunait, origin of the 637
Adlet or Erqigdlit 640
Aggomiut Eskimo tribe, situation and subdivisions of 442-444
Aglio, Augustina, fac simile of Dresden Codex by 263-266
Agutit Eskimo tribe, situation of 450, 451
Aivillirmiut Eskimo tribe, situation of 445-450
Akudnirmiut Eskimo tribe, situation of 440-442
Akuliarmiut Eskimo tribe, situation of 421
Alaskan Indians, illustration of ornamentation by 199
Alligator, utilization of, in Chiriquian art 130-140, 166,
173-176, 178,
80, 183
American Museum of Natural History, acknowledgments to 409
[American Museum of Natural History], figured specimens 472, 517
from
Ancient art of the province of Chiriqui, paper by W. H. 13-187
Holmes on
Ancon, Peru, examples of ornamentation from graves at 212, 230, 231,
236, 243, 248
Anderson and Stewart, cited 458, 459
Apache, illustrations of ornamentation by 198, 213, 223
Ardnainiq, fabulous tribe in Eskimo tradition 640
Arrowpoints and spearheads of Chiriqui 34
B.
Back, cited 485
Baffin Land, description of 415, 416
[Baffin Land], distribution of tribes in 421-444
[Baffin Land], traditions of, with comparisons 641-643
Balboa, ornaments captured by 35
Berliner Gesellschaft für Anthropologie etc., 409, 616
Verhandlungen der, cited
Bessels, Emil, cited 412, 460, 486
Bibliography of the Languages of the North American XXIV-XXVI
Indians
Bickford, F. T., field work of XXVIII
Bill Nix (W. P. Matthews), Osage traditions dictated by 377
Black incised group of Chiriquian pottery 80
Boas, F., remarks on paper respecting Central Eskimo by LVI, LVII
[Boas, F.], paper on Central Eskimo by 399-669
Bollaert, W., cited 41, 45
Boothia Felix and Back River, tribes of 452-459
Böttiger, C. A., mention of Dresden Codex by 262
[Böttiger, C. A.], controversy with Abert concerning 267
Dresden Codex
Brasseur, copy of the Manuscript Troano by 284, 286, 343
[Brasseur], cited 350
British Guiana Indians, illustrations of ornamentation 217
by
C.
Calendar system, tabular view of 270-274
Castillo del Oro, name given by Columbus to Chiriqui 35
Ȼegiha-English dictionary XLVIII
Celts, collection of, from Chiriqui 29-34
Central Eskimo, remarks on paper of F. Boas on LVI, LVII
[Central Eskimo], paper on, by F. Boas 399-669
Charency, H. de, cited 282
Chimu, Peru, ornamentation of "hall of arabesques" at 251, 252
Chiriqui, collections from tombs at XLIX
[Chiriqui], ancient art of the province of, by W. H. 13-187
Holmes
Cibola, identification of ancient cities of XLVI
Clallam Indians, illustrations of ornamentation by 207
Codex Cortesianus, similarity of, to Manuscript Troano 286
and Dresden Codex
Collinson, cited 503
Color in textile art 201, 202
Color phenomena in textile ornament 215-232
Comanche Indians, linguistic work of A. S. Gatschet XXXIV
among
Costa Rica, origin of name of 35
Cranz, D., cited 412, 586, 590
Cumberland Sound, description of settlements of 428-440
Curtin, J., linguistic field work of XXXVII,
XXXVIII
Cushing, F. H., office work of XLVI
D.
Dakota, organization of the 396
Darien, capture of, by Balboa 35
Davis Strait Indian tribes, snow houses of 541-544
Dease and Simpson, cited 458
De Zeltner, A. See Zeltner, A. de. Diller, J. S., 21, _note_
acknowledgment to
Dogs and sledges of Eskimo 529-538
Dorsey, J. O., linguistic field work of XXXVI
[Dorsey, J. O.], office work of XLVIII
[Dorsey, J. O.], remarks on paper respecting Osage LV, LVI
traditions by
[Dorsey, J. O.], paper by, on Osage tradition 373-397
Dresden Codex, numerals in 261-338
Drums of ancient Chiriqui 157, 160
E.
Ebert, F. A., description of Dresden Codex by 263
[Ebert, F. A.], controversy with Böttiger concerning 267
Dresden Codex
Eenoolooapik, cited 410, 425, 464
Egede, H., cited 412
El Dorado, origin of 35
Ellesmere Land, natives of 459, 460
Emigration of the Sagdlirmiut 616-620
Emmert, J. W., field work of XXVI, XXVII
Erdmann, F., cited 412, 597
Eskimo, the Central, by F. Boas 399-669
F.
Falkenstein, K. C., preservation of Dresden Codex by 268
Field work XXVI-XLII
Figurines of Chiriquian art 151-153
Fillmore, exhumation of sepulcher at XLI
Financial statement LVIII
Fishing, Eskimo methods, of 513-516
Fleischer, H. L., mention of Dresden Codex by 263
Flight to the moon 598, 599
Form in textile art and its relation to ornament, with 196-201
illustrations from Indian work
Förstemann, E., citation from Die Mayahandschrift of 261-269
[Förstemann, E.], cited 272, 278, 280,
281, 283, 290,
292, 293, 300,
301, 302, 303,
304, 305, 320,
322, 329, 330,
339, 340
Fowke, G., field work of XXVI
Frobisher, M., cited 410, 469, 558
Frobisher Bay, use of, by Eskimo 423
G.
Gallatin, A., mention of classification of Indian XLIV
languages by
Garlic, C. A., field work of XXIX
Gatschet, A. S., linguistic field work of XXXIII-XXXVI
[Gatschet, A. S.], office work of XLVIII
Geography, Eskimo knowledge of 643-647
Geometric design, relations of, to textile ornament 202-244
Gilder, W. H., cited 411, 456, 457,
458, 459, 466,
498, 522
Glossary of Eskimo terms 663-669
Gordon, A. R., cited 412, 463
Gosiats, water burial among XLI
Götze, J. C., preservation of Dresden Codex by 261
[Götze, J. C.], biographical sketch of 261, 262
H.
Haida Indians, art among XLI, XLII
Hall, C. F., acknowledgments to 409
[Hall, C. F.], cited 411, 422, 432,
442, 443, 444,
445, 446, 447,
448, 449, 450,
452, 456, 457,
459, 462, 463,
464, 486, 499,
503, 509, 547,
578, 583, 589,
594, 595, 596,
601, 602, 606,
607, 608, 611,
614, 615, 639
Hallock, W., on Chiriquian methods of casting 38
Handled group of Chiriquian pottery 90-97
Harpoons of Eskimo, mode of constructing 489-494
Henshaw, H. W., linguistic field work of XXXI-XXXIII
[Henshaw, H. W.], office work of XLV
Herrera, cited 35
Hewett, J. N. B., field work of XXX, XXXI
Hoffman, W. J., field work of XLI, XLII
[Hoffman, W. J.], office work of XLV
Holmes, W. H., office work of XLVIII, XLIX
[Holmes, W. H.], abstract of paper on ancient art of the LI-LIV
province of Chiriqui by
[Holmes, W. H.], abstract of paper on textile art in its LIV, LV
relation to the development of form and ornament by
[Holmes, W. H.], paper by, on ancient art of the 13-187
province of Chiriqui
[Holmes, W. H.], paper by, on textile art in its 189-252
relation to the development of form and ornament
Huacals, exploration of, in Chiriqui 16, 17
Hudson Bay, tribes of western shore of 444-452
Hudson Bay district, geographic description of 414-418
Hudson Bay Indians, snow houses of 547
Humboldt, A. von, notice of Dresden Codex by 262, 263
Hunting, Eskimo methods of 471-513
I.
Igdlumiut Eskimo tribe, situation of 463
Igdlungajung, fabulous tribe in Eskimo tradition 640
Igimarasugdjuqdjuaq the cannibal 633, 634
Iglulik Eskimo tribe, snow houses of 546, 547
Iglulirmiut Eskimo tribe, situation of 444
Ijirang, fabulous people in Eskimo tradition 640
Indian tribes, synonymy of XLIII-XLV
Inuarudligang, fabulous tribe in Eskimo tradition 640
Inugpaqdjuqdjualung 638
Inuit race, divisions of 420
Iowa, secret society among 396
Ititaujang; 615-618
Itivimiut Eskimo tribe, situation of 463
J.
Jones, Mrs. J. A., Onondaga manuscript of XXXI
K.
Kadlu the thunderer 600
Kaiowē language, researches of A. S. Gatschet respecting XXXIV, XXXV
Kalopaling 620, 621
Kangivamiut Eskimo tribe, situation of 463
Kansa, secret society among 396
Kayak, construction of 486-489
Keam, T., Tusayan products collected by XLIX
Kingnaitmiut Eskimo tribe, situation of 424
Kingsborough, Lord, Dresden Codex copied by order of 262
[Kingsborough, Lord], Mexican Antiquities of, cited 266
Kinipetu or Agutit Eskimo tribe, situation of 450, 451
Kiviung 621
Klamath Indians, illustrations of ornamentation by 208, 209, 227
Klamath language, work by A. S. Gatschet on grammar of XLVIII
Kleinschmidt, Eskimo orthography of 413
Klutschak, H. W., cited 411, 448, 449,
451, 457, 458,
459, 466, 502,
509, 510, 516,
552, 553, 570,
582, 595, 596,
614, 615
Kouksoarmiut Eskimo tribe, situation of 463
Kumlien, L., acknowledgments to 409
[Kumlien, L.], cited 412, 471, 474,
475, 482, 483,
524, 549, 550,
567, 589, 596,
606, 607, 610
Kunz, G. F., on use of insects as models in casting 38
metals
[Kunz, G. F.], on Chiriquian methods of plating 39
L.
La Fort, D., Onondaga manuscript of XXXI
Landa, cited 348
Landa's alphabet, insufficiency of 259, 347
Lepsius, cited 418
Lipan Indians, linguistic work of A. S. Gatschet among XXXIII
"Lost color" of Chiriquian art, nature of 86
Lost color group of Chiriquian pottery 113-130
Lyon, G. F., cited 410, 451, 463,
487, 497, 511,
579, 585, 586,
587, 588, 589,
590, 592, 593,
610, 612, 613,
614, 615
M.
M'Donald, A., cited 410
McGuire, J. D., collections of L
Maclean, J. P., field work of XXVII
M'Clintock, Captain, cited 411, 455, 456,
458
McCloud River Indians, illustrations of ornamentation by 221
McNiel, J. A., collection of relics from tombs of XLIX
Chiriqui by
[McNiel, J. A.], archæologic work of, in Chiriqui 14, 15, 20
[McNiel, J. A.], cited 17, 22, 23,
27, 31, 40,
41, 43, 46,
107
Mallery, G., office work of XLV
Manufactures, Eskimo 516-526
Manuscript Troano, copy of, by Brasseur 285, 286, 343
[Manuscript Troano], study of, by C. Thomas, cited 339, 343, 344,
345, 350, 365,
366, 367, 370
Maroon group of Chiriquian pottery 107-109
Mason, O. T., acknowledgments to 409
Matthews, W., field work of XXXVIII-XL
Matthews, W. P. (Bill Nix), Osage traditions dictated by 377
Maya and Mexican manuscripts, C. Thomas on, cited 280
Maya Codices, aids to the study of, by C. Thomas 253-371
Mealing stones of Chiriqui 25-27
Merritt, J. K., cited 14, 16, 49
[Merritt, J. K.], exploration of Bugaba cemetery by 17, 18, 20
Metates of Chiriqui, nature and use of 25-27
Mexican Antiquities, by Lord Kingsborough, cited 266, 267
Middleton, J. D., field work of XXVI-XXVIII
Mindeleff, C., office work of XLVII, XLVIII
Mindeleff, V., field work of XXIX, XXX
[Mindeleff, V.], office work of XLVII, XLVIII
[Mindeleff, V.], collections of XLIX
Mintzer, W., acknowledgments to 409
Modoc Indians, linguistic work among XXXVI, XXXVII
Moki, illustrations of ornamentation by 197, 205, 224,
225, 226, 238,
240
Moravian missionaries, cited 463
Mound explorations, field work on XXVI-XXVIII
Mountain chant of Navajo Indians XXXIX, XL
Museum für Völkerkunde, Berlin, acknowledgments to 409
[Museum für Völkerkunde, Berlin], figured specimens from 472, 473, 474,
477, 479, 480,
481, 483, 486,
487, 488, 496,
508, 513, 514,
515, 518, 519,
520, 523, 531,
532, 554, 555,
556, 557, 565,
566, 567, 568,
569, 570, 571,
576, 613, 634,
644
Music and poetry of the Eskimo 648-658
N.
Nadaillac, Marquis, cited 14, 38
[Nadaillac, Marquis], on Chiriquian methods of casting 38
Na-ishi Apache Indians, linguistic work among XXXV
Narwhal, origin of the 625-627
National Museum, acknowledgments to 409
[National Museum], figured specimens from 474, 479, 480,
481, 487, 488,
489, 490, 492,
493, 494, 495,
496, 502, 503,
504, 505, 506,
507, 512, 513,
515, 516, 518,
521, 522, 523,
524, 525, 526,
530, 531, 532,
535, 539, 555,
556, 559, 560,
563, 565, 566,
576
Navajo Indians, field work of W. Matthews among XXXVIII-XL
Navigation, Eskimo proficiency in 643
Needlecases (?) of Chiriqui 150
Nelson, E. W., collection of earthen vessels from L
eastern central Arizona by
Netchillirmiut Eskimo tribe, situation of 452-458
New Granada, burial customs in 19, 20
Niqotlizi, ceremonies at XXXIX, XL
Norris, P. W., field work and death of XXVI
Northeastern America, geography of 414-418
North Greenlanders 460
Northwest Coast Indians, illustrations of ornamentation 213, 218, 227,
by 230
Nourse, cited 452
Nugumiut Eskimo tribe, situation of 424
O.
Omaha, reticence of, as to secret societies 396
Onondaga, work of J. N. B. Hewitt among XXX, XXX
Oqomiut Eskimo tribe, situation and subdivisions of 424-440
Origin of the Adlet and the Qadlunait 637
Origin of the narwhal 625-627
Osage Indians, traditions among LVI
Osage traditions, paper on, by J.O. Dorsey 373-397
Otis, F. M., paper on Panama ornaments by, mentioned 46
Owen's Valley, California, pictographic material from XLII
P.
Padlimiut Eskimo tribe, situation of 440-442
Parry, W. E., cited 410, 443, 444,
447, 451, 458,
464, 474, 475,
478, 487, 492,
494, 502, 509,
510, 517, 523,
533, 544, 545,
547, 552, 556,
557, 558, 559,
572, 574, 603,
614
Penn wampum belt 233
Penny, cited 425
Peruvians, ancient, illustrations of ornamentation by 211, 212, 214,
228, 230, 231,
235, 236, 237,
242, 243, 248