The great value of the ceramic collection obtained from the Mimbres
is the large number of figures representing men, animals, and
characteristic geometrical designs, often highly conventionalized,
depicted on their interiors. These figures sometimes cover a greater
part of the inner surface, are often duplicated, and are commonly
surrounded by geometrical designs or simple lines parallel with the
outer rim of the vessel. It is important to notice the graceful way
in which geometrical figures with which the ancient potters decorated
their bowls are made to grade into the bodies of animals, as when
animal figures become highly conventionalized into geometrical designs.
Although these decorations are, as a rule, inferior to those of the
Hopi ruin, Sikyatki, the figures of animals are more numerous, varied,
and realistic.
The ancients represented on their food bowls men engaged in various
occupations, such as hunting or ceremonial dances, and in that way have
bequeathed to us a knowledge of their dress, their way of arranging
their hair, weapons, and other objects adopted on such occasions. They
have figured many animals accompanied by conventional figures which
have an intimate relation to their cults and their social organization.
Although limited in amount and imperfect in its teaching this material
is most instructive.
[Illustration: FIG. 13.—Hunters. Oldtown Ruin. (Osborn collection.)]