GRAPHIC ART OF THE ESKIMOS. 841 



used for attaching cord and for dragging seals. The ornamentation 

 consists of sharply marked nucleated circles. The specimen is from 

 Kotzebue Sound, and is considerably ruder and less artistic than the 

 other specimens in this series. 



In plate 56, fig. 5, is reproduced the effigy of a walrus. The speci 

 men was obtained at ISIashagak by Mr. E. L. McKay. As in figs. 2 and 

 3, the body is ornamented with concentric rings, to the outer of each 

 of which are radiating lines, almost like the conventional flower symbol, 

 and possibly intended for the same. Extending horizontally between 

 these &quot; circle markings 77 are rows of small perforations, or drilled holes, 

 simply to serve as ornaments. The peculiar marking upon the top of 

 the head, which no doubt is intended to represent the wrinkles or folds 

 of the skin, is also the rude symbol of the female genitals as drawn by 

 the Eskimo, and of which one single instance is found in the collec 

 tions of the National Museum, and is reproduced in fig. 48. 



Plate 41, fig. 1, is an ivory wedge used for splitting wal 

 rus hide, The tool is made in imitation of an otter, the 

 back and eyes having incised nucleated rings, with radii, 

 which are connected by lines. The back bears, within the 

 parallel space, some herringbone patterns similar to those 

 on the figures shown on the same plate (41), figs. 3 and 4. 



Hate 54, fig. 1, represents a carving of an otter. The arti- 

 cle served as an ornament, but for what special purpose is 

 not known. As will be noted by reference to the illustration, the back 

 from the neck to the base of the tail bears a deep incision, through 

 which were made several perforations for attaching it by means of 

 cords to some other object. Within the concentric circles are blue 

 glass beads which have been inserted in the perforations left by the 

 tool used in making the rings. The eyes are also provided with small 

 glass beads. All the lines and markings have been filled in with some 

 black coloring matter. 



Plate 57, fig. G, represents a beaver^ upon whose back is the outline 

 of a smaller beaver. Over the whole are ornamental lines crossing one 

 another at right angles. 



Comparison may be made with an effigy of a seal, upon whose back, 

 transversely and in relief, is a young one; both parent and young being 

 decorated, the former with concentric rings. 



Plate 26, fig. 2, represents a bag handle from the Lower Yukon. 

 The specimen is almost semicircular, and measures 9 inches across from 

 point to point, and 4 inches in height. The upper or convex side has 

 high relief carvings representing bears heads, nine in number, the 

 eyes and nostrils being pronounced perforations, while upon the fore 

 head of each is a sharply defined cross. Along the upper edge, corre 

 sponding to the necks of the bears, are the deeply cut figures of six 

 bears, and continued around to the inside of the handle, and con 

 nected with the necks of three of the bears, are the figures of trees. 



