26 



PRIMITIVE ART 



Thus we have among the same people identical geometrical de- 

 signs, with identical technical names, used to convey different 

 ideas. The military symbolism of the men differs from the sym- 

 bolism of the women in one respect, namely : that any one familiar 

 with the mode of presentation can interpret the designs used by 

 men with considerable exactness. 



In a general way the interesting characteristic of Sioux art 

 is the existence of two schools, — that of the women and that of 

 the men, — each of which makes use of the same design ele- 

 ments, but to different ends. 



Cases 28, 29. 



Tribes of the Eastern Woodlands. — Very little of the 

 ancient art of the Indians of the eastern woodland area remains. 

 Under the influence of modem patterns, the old style of porcu- 

 pine-quill and bead-work has practically disappeared, and plant- 



patterns have taken its place. Only on woven pouches and mats 

 do some of the old patterns persist. These designs are partly of 

 geometrical character; partly they consist of very stiff' conven- 

 tional reproductions of animal and human forms (Case 29 a). 

 The favorite design seems to be that of a bird with spread wings. 



