, 1923-01-04

such a comparison did NOT noIu good "cry far. The
Indian rabbit stick is not "a boomerang, although 1t
looks a little like that famous weapon, because 1t
really does not come back. This is only IA sug-
gestion as the innumerable ways in which fact
can be quickly separated from fancy by bringing
the objects themselves quickly to the study of the
investigator.
Indians of the United States have the first floor
of the institution largely to themselves. Many Of
the collections are in a synoptic form which per-
mits the observer to see all the inside technique
of the crafts of the aboriglnes. The making Of
pottery which begins with the rolling of the clay
into long, round strips, through the glazing and
the coloring processes is revealed, so that Ameri-
cans of the present can follow the old-time crafts
man through all his labors.
In the same way, the technique of Indian en-
broidery and bead work is shown with all the de-
tail which could only be given these days by pro-
gressive photographs.
The Indians often were able to get silver from
the white men, which they pounded up Into jewel
ny in designs of their own. The display of objects
in which this silver smithing skill of the abOriglnes
is traced. has an unusual appeal to adopts In metal
working.
The first floor comprises a very thorough dem
Onstration OF the manners and customs of the In
dams of the United States and Alaska. Its largest
and most striking ornaments in appearance are
towering totem poles from the Alaskan territory. in
the carving of which the natives of the northern
wilds told their race and lineage and history.
Among the exhibits which ae typical OF the abb
original life of the United States are medicine and
war bundles, filed with charms and amulets which
were supposed to aid the Indians in battle and In
the struggle of life. In some respect they are not
unlike the fetishes Of the African tribes. The
strange rites that accompany the eating Of the
drug, peyote, are visualiZed In the rattles and the
snshes used in those weird ceremonies Of the Co
mAnches.
In this division of the museum there are many
remarkable garments which show the artistry of
the American Indian Mt its best. Women's dresses
orpo pnanta1 trItb hand aunhrnI1arIau and d..
lions of bone and elks' teeth have a distinction
Of style
Objects of remarkable value historically are ex-
hlblted on the second floor, arranged ns far MS
possible according TO states. Visitors from all
parts of the country can therefore go directly to
those cases In which they will find specimens from
localities which they know. Arkansas. for In
stance. holds the palm so far for the most skill.
fully Clipped flint arrow heads. Two wampum
belts which william Penn got from the Indians
when he made n treaty with them, and regarded
us the finest belts OF their kind in the world IRE
credited to the Keystone state. New York Is we'll
represented by the relies of the %Iroquols. The city
OF New York has contributed many important
finds, for their upper part Of the island of Man
haitian was long n stronghold OF the Indians. even
after the purchase Of the land by the Dutch. The
southwest will find many a treasure from Its lost
Seven Cities of Ciboln."
Notable objects from Canada are seen In the
western half of the second hoor, Among these Is
an Indian whaling canoe, 90 feet In length. shaped
from the trunk OF one huge tree. In II ARE the
lnnces and the %harpoons, and even the floats OF
hide which were thrown oyeTbonrd when the quar-
ry had been wounded.
Romrnce walks with the visitor through every
aisle ON the third floor Of the museum. for In that
part are seen the records OF the culture OF peo-
pies who were fnrthest advanced among the nbor-
iglnes OF the New World.
The finest example Of lncised Magyar pottery In
existence mny be seen on the last exhibition floor.
II was found In Guatemala and seems to have