152 PICTOGRAPHS OF THE NORTH AMERICAN INDIANS. 



NOTICE OF CONDITION. 



According to Masta, chief of the Abnaki, members of that tribe re- 

 move the bark of trees in prominent places to denote that the inhabit- 

 ants of the nearest lodge are in a starving condition. 



The Ottawa and the Potawatomi Indians indicate hunger and starva- 

 tion by drawing a black line across the breast or stomach of the fig- 

 ure of a man. (See Fig. 145, page 221.) This drawing is placed upon 

 a piece of wood, either incised or with a mixture of powdered charcoal 

 and glue water, or red ocher. This is then attached to a tree or fas- 

 tened to a piece of wood, and erected near the lodge on a trail, where 

 it will be observed by passers by, who are expected to alleviate the suf- 

 ferings of the native who erected the notice. 



Figure 53 illustrates information witli regard to distress in another 

 village, which occasioned the departure of the party giving the notifi- 

 cation. The drawing was made for Dr. W. J. Hoffman, in 1882, by Nau- 

 moff, in imitation of drawings prepared by Alaska natives. The designs 

 are traced upon a strip of wood, which is then stuck upon the roof of 

 the house belonging to the recorder. 



13 3 4 5 



Fijr. 53. — Alaskan notice of distress. 



1. The summer habitation, showing a stick leaning in the direction to 

 be taken. 



2. The baidarka, containing the residents of the house. The first 

 person is observed pointing forward, indicating that they " go by boat 

 to the other settlement." 



3. A grave stick, indicating a death in the settlement. 

 4,5. Summer and winter habitations, denoting a village. 



The drawing, Figure 54, made for Dr. Hoffman in 1882, by a native, in 

 imitation of originals in Alaska, is intended to be placed in a conspicu- 

 ous portion of a settlement which has been attacked by a hostile force 

 and finally deserted. The last one to leave prepares the drawing upon 

 a strip of wood to inform friends of the resort of the survivors. 



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12 3 4 5 6 



Fig. 54. — Alaskan notice of departure and refuge. 



1. Eepresents three hills or ranges, signifying that the course taken 

 would carry them beyond that number of hills or mountains. 



