New Britain herald., 1922-11-20
AMERICAN INDIAN
 MUSEUM IS OPENED
Nearly Two Million Specimens in the Collections of Institution

New York, Nov. en,-Every state in the union and all the Americas were represented yesterday in the official opening of the Museum of the Am erican Indian. Heye Foundation, dedi- cated 10 the interpretation of the life of the aborigines of the Western world.
 Within the walls Of this great in- etitution, the collections of which al- ready comprise nearly two million specimens it was announced today, the mystery of the origin Of the red men may be revealed through inten- sive research. Such Is the hope of George c. Heye, founder and direc- tor of the Museum, Snd of the trus- tees.
 Members of the cabinet, federal of ncials interested in Indian affairs, governors of the different common vealths diplomats from the countries from which the collections were drawn, and a distinguished company of citizens and scientists were among the guests who for the first time viewed the collections now installed in the splendid building at broadway and 155th street The structure is one of a group which also includes the museum of the Ilispanic society. tho American Numisnntic society and the American Geographical society. Archer M. Huntington. who has done 70 much to develop this center of study of the past. was the donor of the site of the museum of the Am erican Indian, and he and other men of wealth contributed to its building fund. Nearly every state in the union hAs at least one case in the museum devoted to relics of the Indians who once dwelt within it's borders The Indians who once inhabited Manhat- tan Island were especially at home in the upper part of what Is now the Ynwood section of New York city. A carefully prepared model represents the life which they led in the rock shelters. which remain to this day. Diminutive figures like marionettes, were posed before representation of the ancient rendezvous so srealistical- ly that the early history and tradi- tons of the Manhattoes seemed re- enacted.
 Collection of Sacred Bundles
 By far the largest collection of sacred bundles in this country is de- posted in the museum. Among the Indian tribes. when a boy found him. self approaching manhood, he made his way to- wild and lonely place and prayed and lasted in the belief that some guardian spirit would made known to him vision. The guardian spirit which, in his weak ened condition, he imagined directed him. told him to prepare a group of objects, such as the skin of the hawk. which would make him fierce in at tacks, or a swallows wing, to en- able him to dodge. All these objects, which were supposed to give attri- bdtes to the young warrior were gath cred in bundle and carried with him when he went into battle.
 One of the richest portions of the collection represent life in the South West, where Coronado sought the were said to be overfiowing with gold and treasure. The dream of the conqueror was not realized, but there are in the museum many remarkable carvings and ceramics from the an- cient settlements he visited. '
 Many Hare Ornaments
 The visitors today saw many rare ornaments in gold from various re- gfons of the country, illustrative of