O R X A M E N T S OF STONE, ETC. 241 



In the Grave creek mound were found, with one of the skeletons, about one 

 hundred and fifty bits of mica, an inch and a lialf or two inches square, each per- 

 forated with two or more small holes. These slips were about the thickness of 

 ordinary writing paper, and it is supposed they were attached together, forming a 

 sort of scarf or ornamental article of dress.* Many of the mounds, it may here 

 be observed, contain mica, sometimes in plates of considerable thickness, but 

 usually in simple folia, with ragged outlines. 



In a mound excavated a year or two since near Lower Sandusky, Ohio, upwards 

 of twenty oval plates of mica of great beauty were discovered, each perforated 

 with a small hole at one end, evidently for the purpose of suspension. They were of 

 the beautiful variety of the mineral known as ''hieroglyphic" or "graphic" mica, 

 and the natural markings were taken by the persons who discovered them to be 

 veritable hieroglyphics — the records of an extinct people. 



Most of the relics found in the mounds fall under the foresoine heads of classi- 

 fication. There are many, however, the purposes of which ai-e entirely enigmatical. 

 Whether designed as implements or ornaments, or whatever their particular 

 purpose, it is not easy, and probably of not much importance, to determine. They 

 are only valuable as illustrations of the skill of their makers, and can have but 

 a slight bearing upon the more important questions connected with American 

 archaeology. 



* Mr. Schoolcraft observes that some of the Algonquin bands, on the sources of the Mississippi, con- 

 struct war-scarfs out of the brilliant-colored filaments of skins, ornamented with shells and the quills of 

 the porcupine, and with the fine black points of deer's hoofs to produce a jingling sound. These are 

 attached bv strings to the breast, and are worn only bv the warriors. — Tronsnrlions of American Elhiiolo- 

 (jical Society, vol. i. p. 400. 



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