SEAL HEAD, SHOWING TEETH. 



812 REPORT OF NATIONAL MUSEUM, 1895. 



inflated seal-skin float, tlie rear end being bifurcated, showing the 

 two flippers. Four cross-like characters denote flying birds. 



The regularity and sameness of the figures seem to denote an attempt 

 at ornamentation as well as a hunting record. 



Plate 14, figs. 4, o, 6, and 7, show specimens made of reindeer antler, 

 and are from Xorton Sound. The ornamentation is rude, and in all 

 but one case consists of the representation of animals. In fig. 4 the 

 design is of the "fish trap" pattern, with a median line and short 

 alternate radiating incisions, the spaces being occupied by crosses, 

 probably the simplest and rudest form of ornamentation excepting the 



simple straight line. At one end 

 appears to be an indication of eyes 

 and nostrils, but there is not suf- 

 ficient marking to indicate whether 

 this was intended for otter or seal. 

 ^s-^^- The accompanying illustration, 



fig. 37, represents a tool the use of 

 which is not known. '' It has a point like a graver," says Mr. Murdocli, 

 "and is made of reindeer antler, ornamented with a pattern of incised 

 lines and bands, colored with red ocher, and was perhaps a marline 

 spike for working with sinew cord." ^ 



Plate 41, fig. 5, shows a small ivory wedge, used in splitting small 

 pieces of wood. The specimen bears upon one side a nucleated circle 

 with two lateral radiating lines, different from the C(»nventional flower 

 symbol, though resembling to some extent the circles and lines shown 

 on plate 29, fig. 5. Along the upper edge are three parallel lines. 

 From the outer ones, extending inward, are shown very short diagonal 

 lines, being a rude imitation of some of the "fish trap" patterns. 



A general view of the specimen, taking note of the short curve over 

 the circle to denote an eyebrow, would suggest 

 the head of a bird, the parallel lines along the /' Y^¥^ V aT*^ 

 lower left side very much resembling the mouth. Im ^ ^ * ^"^ 



Plate 41, fig. 2, is a small ivory creaser used in ^^g- re- 



decorating moccasins. Upon the sides are a arbangement of incisions to 



„ n -1 1- , . , , DENOTE TEETH OF SEAL. 



series of parallel lines leaving three spaces, the 



central one consisting alternately of black and white squares, while 

 the lateral spaces bear continuous rude meander or zigzag patterns. 

 The latter are more neatly indicated by deeper incisions than usually 

 found in ivory specimens. 



Plate 41, fig. 3, represents a bone guard, such as is placed over the 

 bow of a kaiak to protect it against floating ice. The chief ornamenta- 

 tion consists of three parallel lines extending along either side, within 

 which is the rude meander pattern, while from the outer sides extends 

 a sort of herringbone pattern. 



Plate 41, fig. 4, shows an ornament, broken at one end, which appears 



'Niuth Annual Report of the Bureau of Etbnolo|^y for 1887-88, 1892, p. 294, fig 288. 



