Santa Fe new Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1898-1951, 1902-12-03
VALUABLE CUR|OS-
IT|ES SECURED
The Historical Society Has Made
Many Additions to its Colleo-
tion, Including a Picture
Painted on Skin.
BOOKS ON The. HISTORY OF The SOUTHWEST

The New Mexico Historical Society
has been obtaining a large number OF
interesting additions to it's collections
recently. The Importance of preserving
within the territory, some of the best
specimens of its antiquities, is becom-
ing more generally understood and the
valuable work done by few persons
for the society, during the last twenty
years, is now somewhat appreciated
These efforts have resulted in securing
collections in various lines which car
not be duplicated for any amount of
money.
The recent additions are quite var
ious. When George Hebert died, Pres
ident Prince Immediately endeavored
to secure the curiosities which he had
possessed as he was practically the
only collector of antiquities before the
advent Of the railroad, and had a col
lection Of paintings on elk and buffalo
skins that was absolutely unique. At
ter months of watchfulness, Governor
Prince obtained for the society, all
that could be found of interest among
Heberts effects, including a remarka-
BILE old chest. Only one picture on skin
could be found, all the others having
been disposed of before his death.
That one, which is of Santa Barbara, Is
valuable as the total number of these
pictures in existence does not exceed
thirty.
Recently the society has secured 13
fine pieces of old Zuni pottery each
having different design and num-
Der of excellent speciments from Zia
and Acoma. In basketry, it has OBJ
tanned eight old Jicarilla baskets, all
having been in use for generations, but
with rare old designs and the best of
ancient workmanship.
The collection of implements used
during the Spanish regime, and made
in the country, has been enriched by
a number of specimens in Iron, copper
and wood that would be difficult to du-
plicate. Some fine examples of Navajo
work in metals have also been obtain
ed
The carved images of saints, which
We're at one time the best work of ma
tive artists the last of whom died
some years ago near Chimayo, are also
represented among the recent acquisi-
tions. Pictures in plaster and enamel
relief work which came from Mexico in
the early days have been obtained.
Among books recently secured are
the Epic Poem on the Conquest OF
Mexico by Captain Villagra, which is
really the only American epic ever
written; recent edition Of Benavides
and of Espejo. The society had the
early Spanish edition of Espejo. A
valuable acquisition is Harris Voy-
ages" in two immense folio volumes,
weighing rs pounds. 1t is a complete
collection Of voyages and travels, con-
sisting of 900 Of the most authentic
writer's, beginning with Hackluit, Ra
Carreri, De Brye Herrera, Cor
cal, Purchass, Alamandini, Thevenot,
Grynaus, Oviedo, Masseus, etc. 1t is
translated into English and is illustra-
ted by charts. maps, cuts and quaint
old engravings. A considerable num-
ber of other books on the history of
the southwest is now on the way from
eastern collections and from Paris
These books can only be found occa-
sionally and by a diligent examination
of catalogues. The intention of the So
ciety's officers is to obtain them from
time to time as opportunity offers, un-
til the collection sOhall be most COM
plete on this subject of any west of the
Mississippi river. The rooms Of the So
ciety are a great attraction to visitors
and tourists and those engaged in
writing on the territory, often come to
Santa Fe expressly to take advantage
of the material available.