Art, Prehistoric; Folk literature -- History and criticism
[29] In this specimen (see American Anthropologist, N. S., Volume 24,
1922, p. 188), the connecting links between the two strings have been
misplaced, the inner string of beads being shifted three units to the
right, i. e. the central connecting link is attached to the first
yellow bead to the left of the red center; the others being shifted
correspondingly. They have been corrected here so as to bring out the
arrangement which was evidently planned.
Dr. Reichard[30] has discussed a number of other examples from the
same region which have similar characteristics. In one example the
arrangement of the fringe elements is more complex than in the one
previously described. Designating different colors by numbers and
dentalia shells by D, we find the order
1 2 3 D 2 1 2 3 2 1 2 D 3 2 1[31]
[30] American Anthropologist l. c., pages 198-199.
[31] Owing to a probable error the arrangement of the beads, the order
of the last five beads to the right is
D 2 3 2 1 instead of 2 D 3 2 1.
The change of D and 2 makes the arrangement symmetrical. The same
result might be obtained by changing the first five beads from 1 2 3 D
2 to 1 2 3 2 D and leaving the right end undisturbed.
Other examples of complex rhythms from this region have been given by
Dr. Reichard in the essay previously referred to.
In some instances the rhythms are not so distinct, but nevertheless
discernible. As an example may serve a neckband consisting of a double
string in which beads of various colors are interspersed among red
beads in the following order
-r- r--r---r --- r----r---r--r-
/ / / / | \ \ \ \
-r--r--r- -r---rrr---r----r---r--r-
In Eastern Siberia similar conditions occur.[32]
[32] See W. Jochelson, The Koryak, Publications of the Jesup North
Pacific Expedition, Vol. VI, pp. 688 et seq.; and in the publication
previously referred to by Dr. Reichard.
A fairly simple sequence is shown on an embroidered strip (fig. 37 a)
consisting in regular sequence of squares followed by three narrow
strips; the middle strip is a little wider than the two lateral strips.
[Illustration: Fig. 37. Koryak embroideries.]
A more complex rhythm is shown in figure 37 b. The long fringe which is
caught in the seam near the upper border of the embroidery is repeated
at regular intervals. An embroidered strip near the upper part of the
design is interrupted and the black bars on the central white strip are
omitted at these places. A division of the upper row of embroidery,
between the sets of fringes, into three parts of unequal length will be
noticed. Just under the breaks in this row are two groups of tufts of
seal fur, a little wider below than on top, and these are set off more
definitely by the arrangement of groups of white lines on the lower two
rows.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account