The stone age in North America, vol. 1 of 2Moorehead, Warren K. (Warren King)
History
The stone age in North America, vol. 1 of 2
Moorehead, Warren K. (Warren King)
Indians of North America -- Antiquities; Stone age -- North America
In the neighborhood of Stockton, California, are many small mounds and
prehistoric sites. Professor James A. Barr and the late Rev. H. C.
Meredith spent considerable time in examination. As a result numerous
peculiar curved and angular obsidian artifacts were discovered. I
present a few views of these in Figs. 150 and 151. In “Prehistoric
Implements,” page 362, Professor Barr expresses his opinion that the
curves were used to scarify the flesh on ceremonial occasions. This was
a universal custom among Indians, particularly the tribes west of the
Mississippi and along the Pacific Coast.
[Illustration:
FIG. 154. (S. 1–2.) This cut presents peculiar serrated unknown forms
from the Fraser River, British Columbia. These were found by Harlan
I. Smith.
]
The peculiar thing is that these curves are confined to the locality of
Stockton and do not occur elsewhere. Therefore, my individual theory is
that certain skilled workers in obsidian developed or made a specialty
of this form. In other words, a peculiar art was developed by a certain
clan or group of families, as has been observed in Greene County, Ohio.
[Illustration:
FIG. 155. (S. 1–2.) This is a flint chipped in an imitation of a moose
antler, and was found by W. H. Davis in Lowell County, Ohio. It is a
remarkable specimen.
]
Regarding the amount of obsidian available for chipping, Professor Barr
states: “The great obsidian beds of Lake and Napa counties, which I have
examined several times, could furnish all the Indians of the United
States with material for generations. The hills are full of great blocks
of obsidian, too heavy for a man to handle, and it breaks as straight as
a shingle.”
[Illustration:
FIG. 156. (S. 1–1.) A fish, a crescent, and possibly a bird, together
with highly specialized points in carnelian and moss-agate, found
near Arlington, Oregon. The skilled worker was able to make effigies
of human beings, as well as of birds and animals, in agate, etc. F.
A. Thomas’s collection, California.
]
I call attention to Fig. 160, from Mr. Reeder’s collection, Michigan. In
this plate are seven large flint objects. The spear-head does not differ
from other similar kinds of spears, but the flint celt, to the right, is
unusually well-shaped and so highly polished that the flake depressions
are scarcely visible. To obliterate all traces of chipping must have
required a great deal of labor. The round, flat disc at the bottom is
very carefully worked, and cannot be classed as unfinished. It is
purposely worked in this form. What was the object of the natives in
making this, I leave to others.
[Illustration:
FIG. 157. (S. 1–9.) In addition to other specimens, this represents
four Indian heads, showing both the features and the method of
hair-dressing. These are from the collection of J. T. Reeder,
Houghton, Michigan, and were collected by him in Tennessee and
Kentucky.
]
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