Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1922-11-16
Indian Collection
Reveals Early
American History


American History
New York. Nov. 15.-Every state in
the Union and all the Americans were
representated today In the official
opening Of the museum Of the
American Indian, Heye Foundation,
dedicatedto the Interpretation of the
life of the aborigines of the Western
world.
Within the walls Of this great in
stitution, 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-
s!ve research. Such is the hope of
George c. Heye, founder and director
- the museum, and Of the trustees.
Members Of the cabinet, federal
officials interested in Indian affairs,
governors of the different common
wealths, diplomats from the countries
from which the collections were
| drawn, and a distinguished company
Of citizens and scientists We're 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
ono Of a group which also includes the
| Museum of the Hispanic Society, the
American Numisematic Society, and
| the American Geographical Society,
Archer NJ. Huntington, who has done
SO much to develop this centre of
study of the past, was the donor of
tie site of the Museum of the Ameri-
can Indian, and he and other men of
wealth contributed to it's building
| fund. Nearly every state in the
Union has at least one case in the
! Museum devoted to relics Of the In
dams who once dwelt within it's
borders. The Indians who once in
! habited Manhattan Island were es-
pecally at home in the upper part of
what is now the Inwood section of
New York City. A carefully prepared
model represents the life which they
! led in the rock shelters, which re-
main to this day. Diminutive fig
ures, like marionettes, were posed be-
fore a representation of The ancient
rendezvous so realistically that the
early history and traditions Of the
Manhattoes seemed re-enacted.
BY far the largest collection of
sacred bundles in this country is de-
posted in the Museum. Among the
Indian tribes, when boy found him.
self approac ching manhood, he made
his way to a wild and lonely place
place and prayed and tasted in the
belief that some guardian spirit
would make known to him a vision.
| The guardian spirit which, in his
weakened condition, he imagined di-
rected him, told him to prepare a
group of objects, such as the skin
of the hawk, which would make him
| fierce in attack, or a swallows wing,
| to enable him to dodge. All these
| objects, which were supposed to give
| attributes to the young warrior, were
gathered 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
mystic Seven Cities of Cibola, which
were said to be overlooking with gold
and treasure. The dream of the con-
uueror was not realized, but there
are in the Museum many remarkable
carvings and Ceramics from the
ancient settlements he visited.
The visitors today saw many rare
ornaments in gold from various
regions Of the country, illustrative of
the aboriginal art. For purposes Of
study they would have done as we'll
I,f in
since they are worth about $25O,0O0.
they are always in charge of special
guards and are heavily insured.
The collections from British Column
bia include food dishes as big as
modern bathtubs; remarkable whal-
ing boat made from the trunk of
single tree, and many other objects
which show the resourcefulness and
skill which was attained by the In
dams Of the far North West. Alaska
end the land Of the Eskimos are
represented by many fur garments OF
ereat value and beauty. In fact, the
whole range Of the western world,
from the tropics to the poles, may be
seen in relation to the manners and
the customs Of the aborigines.
One of the most ancient Of the civ
ilizat was visualized by the fine
examples of the art of the Mayas. a
race which disappeared before the
Aztecs. In this division was shown
the finest piece Of inciscd pottery of
Mayan origin known in scientific
circles, a sacrificial vessel used in the
worship of the sun. The objects of
this lost civilization were gathered in
Guatemala and British Honduras.
A marvellous insight into the artis-
tic beauty Of the craftsmanship OF
the Aztecs was a shield Of cedar in
laid with a design Of turquoise
naosaics in which $4,000 pieces were
used. This shield, which is un-
doubtedly the best example Of mosaic
work of the kind extant. probably |
was employed in the worship OF the |
Ilanet Venus. and carries a picture |
Of prehistoric rites executed in thou |
sands of small bits of the stone vary
ing in shade from light green to !
deep blue green, all arranged SO as |
t. give an exquisite blending Of |
colors.
Ecuador is revealed by remark
able collection of stone ceremonial |!
seats, not unlike the classic chairs |
with scroll arms which were fash |
toned by the Greeks and Romans.
Another unusual feature of the COL |