KEPOKTS ON THE COLLECTIONS. 



IlEPORT ON THE DEPARTMENT OF ANTHROPOLOGY. 

 By Walteb Hough, Head Curator. 



INTRODUCTION. 



The increase of the material received by the Department of 

 Anthropology was much less than that of the preceding year, which 

 was exceptional as to the number and value of additions to the col- 

 lection. Many desirable anthropological collections, however, were 

 added. In general the average was similar to that of the past decade. 

 This does not imply a lack of material or of interest in anthropology. 

 It is an experience common to all museums, and an experience ren- 

 dering it necessary to acquire collections by purchase or through 

 exploration. 



It is gratifying that there is seen each year an increasing interest 

 on the part of scientific and business organizations, students, and the 

 public generally in the collections of anthropology. This argues 

 well for the stability of the museum as a feature of social life of 

 America. In no country has there been displayed so much energy 

 in establishing and supporting museums of science and art as in 

 America. 



ACCESSIONS DESERVING SPECIAL NOTICE. 



Charles Sheldon, author and explorer, presented several rare 

 specimens of carved stones and musical instruments of the Seri 

 Indians, Tiburon Island, Mexico. Practically the only collection 

 heretofore made among the little Imown Seri was that of Dr. W. J. 

 McGee, which is now in the National Museum, and Mr. Sheldon's 

 contribution is a welcome addition. 



Dr. W. B. Stephens, Alameda, Calif., presented through Dr. 

 C. Hart Merriam a Chilkat Indian ceremonial bow, 8 feet long and 

 carved from a single piece of wood. It has a mask at either end 

 with inset human hair. 



A suit of Korean armor with iron plates fastened between layers 

 of cloth was received as a bequest from the late Arthur S. Walcott. 

 For many years this had been in the Museum as a loan from Mr, 

 Walcott. 



Kava bowls and clubs from Samoa, together with a number of 

 spears and other weapons from New Guinea and other parts of 

 Melanesia, were given by Charles Joseph Parks, Lawrence, Calif. 



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