382 



ANCIENT POTTERY OF THE MISSISSIPPI VALLEY. 



their form, crumbling rapidly, however, upon removal and exposure to 

 the air. There were also found two or three dozen small shell beads. 

 Excepting the remains described, the case was entirely empty. The 

 case weighs six and a quarter, aud the lid just six pounds." This is 

 one of the very few vessels that would seem to have been constructed 

 especially for mortuary purposes. 



I wish to add to the list of eccentric forms a singular example from 

 the collection of J. R. Thibault, of Little Bock, Arkansas. As shown 

 in Fig. 373 it is an oblong, trough-like vessel with flat projecting wings 

 at the ends. It is extremely well-finished, with thin walls, symmetrical 

 form, and high polish. The color is quite dark and the material is as 

 usual. The engraved design consists of incised lines, which form a 



Fig. 372.— Burial casket: Hale's Point, Tennessee. — J. 



number of rectangular compartments extending around the exterior sur 

 face of the body. The wings are perforated. The form of this vessel 

 suggests the wooden trays of some modern tribes. A similar example, 

 which is illustrated in the Third Annual Eeport of the Bureau of Eth- 

 nology, is of much inferior interest, being plain and rude. 



Life forms. — A very large percentage of the bowls of this district are 

 modified in such a way as to resemble, more or less closely, the form of 

 some living creature — bird, beast, or reptile. Especial attention has 

 been given to the heads. These are modeled in the round and attached 

 to the rim or side, while other parts of the animal appear upon different 

 portions of the vessel. 



