Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-11-10
AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY.
A Proposed Feature of the Pan-Ameri-
Exposition.

A Proposed Feature of the Pan-Ameri-
cnn Exposition.
From DR.. A. L. Benedicts Official Circular.
The scope of the pan-American exposl-
ton is limited to the western continent
and the outlying islands, including Green
land. West Indies, Hawaiian Islands and
the Philippines. The department of eth
nology and archaeology aims to present all
phases of these subjects, so far as prac-
ticable, in such a way as to appeal both to
the popular and the scientific mind. In
particular 1 wish to avoid the very preva-
lent mistake of exhibiting a miscellaneous
collection of arrowheads, stone hatchets
and pottery, which means nothing without
proper assor tment and labelling. This de-
partment of the exposition affords oppor-
tunity for the publication of the results OF
careful study In any branch of anthropol-
ogy, with the sole proviso that it applies to
the aboriginal peoples within the scope OF
the pan-American exposition. This publ
cation, instead of being old matter after a
month, extends from May l to November
l, 1901. Instead of reaching the attention
of the necessarily limited subscription list
Of a scientific journal. it will reach hum
dreds of thousands of different individuals
from all parts of the world. AS Buffalo Is
situated within twelve hours railroad ride
of 100000 persons any exhibit made is
assured of large audience.
So far as practicable studies to be pub
lished in this department of the exposition
should be illustrated and the illustrations
should preferably be by objects rather than
by pictures although photographs and
models will not be out of place. The read
ing matter must necessarily be very much
condensed, but placards will be provided
at the expense Of the exposition for the
suitable calculation of any exhibit made.
My own opinion is that placard without
a specimen is of more value a means OF
n c n nnI9hla6 l.
men
A considerable number Of museums. as
we'll as students unconnected with mu-
seums, have already promised to contribute.
The following topics are suggested as APP
propriate for elaboration, with view to
exhibition in the pan-American exposition.
Some Of these topics have already been
taken. and personal correspondence Is re-
| quested in order to avoid duplication Sug-
gestions of other suitable topics will re-
ceive prompt consideration.
The following is the list Of topics:
Mortuary customs of the aborigines.
Prehistoric trephining.
The relation of domesticated animals to
civilization and the hindrance of the de-
| velopment of American peoples on account
Of the paucity of domesticabe animals.
Aboriginal agriculture.
Prehistoric llama roads and trails.
| Variety of food used by the aborigtnes
as shown by kitchen middenS and other
evidences.
Visual communication of thought by the
aborigines. Mexican codexes and hero
glyphics. Comparison of Mexican and old
world hieroglyphics.
| Transition period In which the American
aborigines retained their autonomy ano
| primitive customs while using European
| implements.
| Methods of aboriginal torture.
Cann.balism: Its economic and religious
| significance.
| Religious observances Of North American
Indians contrasted with the idolatry of the
| MexicanS
| Aboriginal traffic. as illustrated in the
| finding of ocean shells inland, and othel
| implements at long distances from the bast
| of supply.
Economic geology of the aborigines.
| Methods of trapping animals, birds anC
| fishes.
Evidence or lack of evidence of the an
| tiquity of man in AMERICA Does the so
| called elephant mound" Of Wisconsin in
| dictate the co-existence of man with thu
mastodon? Are there any other indications
| that man was contemporaneous with eX
| tinct animals?
| Significance of color and pattern in wan
| pun belts.
Method of manufacture Of Clipped fin
implements.
| Evolution of the pipe and bird ston'
from the primitive war Ratchet.
This list, while far from complete ant
not even including certain exhibits alread!
| arranged. will afford an idea of the genera
| scope of this department of the pan-Ameri
| can exposition. So far as possible we wish
to be independent of mercenary collector
and to exclude collections of Indian relic
made with no scientific knowledge. At thu
| same time groups of specimens from def
mite localities are always of scientific value
| and 1t is desired that any topic chosel
| shall be illustrated by actual specimens ant
models, so far as possible; A special fe a,
| lery, limited to portraits of aborigines ant
| to modern works Of art taking their them
from aboriginal modes Of life.