790 REPORT OF NATIONAL MUSEUM, 1895. 



socket, while iu fig. 8 is another also of wood, but holdiug a socket of 

 syenite to withstand the friction of the drill. 



Some of the specimens in the collections of the National Museum are 

 decorated with the usual deep incisions found in Point Barrow bag- 

 handles and tinted with what appears to be red ocher. 



In several instances the wooden pegs inserted in the perforations 

 made to represent eyes, ears, or nostrils, of small animal forms, are 

 colored, and in other specimens, such as earrings, glass or porcelain 

 beads are inserted instead. 



After the etchings have been made in the ivory or other material, 

 the creases or incisions are colored so as to bring out the design in 

 sharp contrast to the surrounding surface. 



Mr. Turner informs me that "the black substance used to color the 

 etched lines was from the charcoal prepared from burned grass, then 

 powdered, mixed with oil, and rubbed into the etching. Afterwards the 

 begrimed hand of the owner was sufficient to renew the coloring mat- 

 ter. Some of the etchings are colored with a red substance which (an 

 innovation in the art) is procured from the traders' stock." 



Mr. W. H. Dall remarks: 



The coloration of wooden articles with native pigments is of ancient origin, but 

 all the more elaborate instances that have come to my knowledge bore marks of 

 comparatively recent origin. The pigments used were blue carbonates of iron and 

 copper ; the green fungus, or peziza, found in decayed birch and alder wood ; hema- 

 tite and red chalk; white infusorial or chalky earth ; black charcoal, graphite, and 

 micaceous ore of irons. 



A species of red was sometimes derived from pine bark or the cambium of ground 

 willow. In later prehistoric burial places, the wooden earrings bear the colors 

 nearly as bright as when first applied. 



PORTRAYAL OF NATURAL AND OTHER OBJECTS. 



Iu the following illustrations, which represent selected figures from 

 various records, will be noted the several styles of illustrating like 

 species of animals, and the fidelity of expression and outline of some 

 specimens in further illustration of the intimate acquaintance by the 

 aboriginal artist of the subject by which he attempted to portray his 

 skill. 



Plate 12 serves to illustrate the form of the Barren-ground caribou 

 or Alaskan reindeer, as well as the horns of the male and female, while 

 in the representation of the form of the walrus similar accuracy is 

 attained, as may be observed by comparing numerous etchings with 

 the illustration on Plate 11, which represents an exceedingly well- 

 formed walrus. 



In fig. 9 is presented a herd of reindeer shown in various attitudes, 

 the general execution of the figures being very cleverly done. The 

 heads of some are turned to the front, thus showing decided success in 

 an attempt at foreshortening; some of the animals are lying down, as 

 if resting, while others appear to be browsing. 



