THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY 



of its being obtained from various animals. Comparison 

 of this primitive currency of the far West, found in this 

 series, with the wampum currency of the extreme East is 

 interesting. 



The Maidu of the Sacramento Valley are represented by 

 models of their houses, foods, medicines, clothing and utili- 

 tarian objects. Like many of the tribes of California, they 

 make use of acorns for food, and a model illustrating its 

 preparation may be seen. 



The Porno excel in basketry. Soft brown geometrical 

 designs on a background of tan predominate. Certain 

 specimens have small red and black feathers interwoven, 

 while others are entirely covered with yellow and green 

 feathers, with ornamentations of shell. These latter types 

 are rare and very valuable. 



The pueblo of Acoma is the oldest continuously inhabited 

 town in the United States. It stands on a mesa 357 feet 

 higher than the surrounding plain, in the western part of 

 New Mexico, and was visited and described by members of 

 Coronado's party in 1540. Acoma pottery is among the 

 best known of any made by primitive peoples and is fre- 

 quently purchased by tourists. It is highly decorated with 

 conventionalized designs of flowers, clouds and butterflies. 

 A comprehensive series of selected specimens is exhibited, 

 together with the material used in its manufacture. 



From the Zufii have been secured exceedingly interest- 

 ing articles used in their ceremonials. 



The prehistoric peoples of Utah are represented by ex- 



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