376 ANCIENT POTTERY OF THE MISSISSIPPI VALLEY. 



multitude of variations from these outlines are found, a few of which 

 are suggested in the lower line. 



^3 O 



Fig. 301.— Scale of forms. 



Compound, eccentric, and life forms are given elsewhere. 



In deciding upon the order of arrangement for the various form 

 groups, I shall be governed by what appears to be the natural order 

 of evolution — a progress from simple to complex. First then we have 

 basin like vessels, such as dishes, cups, and bowls. Second, vases with 

 wide mouths and somewhat globular bodies, the larger of which would 

 be very generally recognized as j)ots. Third, vases with full bodies and 

 narrow mouths, such as are often termed Jar*, but which are as properly 

 called bottles. Fourth, vessels with high, narrow necks, universally 

 denominated bottles. Vessels that cannot be grouped with either of 

 these classes will have to be described in sub-groups, arranged in the 

 order of their complexity or importance. 



Origin of form. — Tke derivation and subsequent mutations of 

 form will be treated somewhat in detail as the various forms come up, 

 and a subsequent paper will dwell upon the topic at considerable length. 



BOWLS. 



Basin or bowl-shaped vessels exhibit great diversity of shape and or- 

 nament. In size they range from less than one inch in diameter and 

 depth to more than twenty inches in diameter and a foot in depth. In 

 color and finish they are uniform with vessels of the other classes. 

 Their uses were doubtless chiefly domestic. 



Form. — The forms are greatly varied, as will be seen in Fig. 3G2. 

 Many are simply segments of spheres and vary from a shallow saucer 

 to a hollow perforated globe. Others have elongated, compressed, or 



sn 



Flu. 362.— Forms of bowls. 



conical bodies, with round or flattened bases. Rectangular and irregu- 

 lar forms are sometimes found. Stands and legs are but rarely attached, 

 and handles, excepting those of a grotesque character, are exceptional. 



