The Seri Indians. (1898 N 17 / 1895-1896 (pages 1-344*))McGee, W J
History
The Seri Indians. (1898 N 17 / 1895-1896 (pages 1-344*))
McGee, W J
Seri Indians; Seri language; Yuman languages
A fairly common material for both hupfs and ahsts is highly vesicular
basalt grading into pumice stone, the material corresponding fairly
with a favorite metate material among the Mexicans. The rock was not
certainly traced to its source, but seems to come from the northern
part of Sierra Kunkaak. A typical hupf of this material is shown in
plate XLVI; it weighs 1 pound 13 ounces (0.82 kilogram). It is wholly
natural in every respect save for slight grinding and subpolishing,
with some filling of interstices, on both faces. From the slight
wear of this specimen, together with the absence of battering, and
from similar features presented by others of the class, it maybe
inferred that implements of this material are habitually used only for
grinding—for which purpose they are admirably adapted. The specimen
emphasizes the importance of the hupf in Seri thought, for it was one
of a small series of mortuary sacrifices from a tomb at Pozo Escalante
(ante, p. 290).
Throughout the surveys of Seriland, constant search was made for
cutting implements of stone; and the nearest approach to success
was exemplified by the specimen illustrated in plate XLVII. It is
of bluish-gray volcanic rock (not specifically identified) of close
texture and decided toughness and hardness; it weighs 10 ounces (0.28
kilogram). In greater part its form and surface are natural, but a
projecting portion brought out by weathering on one side is split
off, presumably by intention, and the fractured surface thus produced
is partly smoothed by rubbing, probably in use, though possibly by
design. The edges are more or less battered, especially at the ends,
and several rude flakes have been knocked off, evidently at random and
presumably in ordinary use as an ahst. The smoother face is wholly
natural. The specimen was picked up in a jacal at Rada Ballena, but
bore no marks of recent use.
[Illustration: BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY
SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT PL. XLI
NATURAL PEBBLE BEARING SLIGHT MARKS OF USE]
[Illustration: BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY
SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT PL. XLII
NATURAL PEBBLE USED AS BONE-CRUSHER]
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