ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT XXXIITI 
to emphasize the symbolism, i. e., to concentrate attention on 
the idea symbolized and divert attention from the conven-. 
tionism. 
Primarily the ceremonies and regalia are dramaturgic, and 
the use of the more important regalia is limited to the cere- 
monial representation; yet to some extent the mystical or 
sacred characteristics are supposed to cling to the actors in 
the mystical drama, and in some measure affect their every- 
day life; sometimes the actors are thereby strengthened in 
their positions as shamans, and they, as well as others, may 
continue to wear the less important regalia, or carry about 
their persons miniature symbols of the specially deific objects. 
In this way the devotional sentiment and the symbolism in 
which it is crystallized are expressed in everyday life and 
commonplace manners; and the devotion and symbolism find 
some expression in ordinary handiwork and still clearer 
expression in the more unusual handiwork involved in making 
and decorating the many articles connected with ceremonial 
rites. The observations are highly significant., in that they 
indicate the characteristics and the dominant influence of 
devotional sentiment among primitive peoples; they are espe- 
cially useful, too, in that they aid in interpreting the symbolism 
depicted on prehistoric relics and corroborate the interpretations 
already rendered. 
In 1877 Mr E. W. Nelson, an acute observer and trained 
naturalist, was commissioned to make collections for the United 
States National Museum in Alaska and adjacent territory in 
North America and Asia. In connection with other duties, he 
was authorized to make ethnologic studies and collections 
among the Eskimo and other Indians at the cost of the Bureau 
soon after its institution. He spent some years among the 
tribes, obtaining vocabularies and other linguistic material and 
making large collections of esthetic and industrial handiwork. 
He also prepared a preliminary draft of a report on the eth- 
nology of the region covered by his operations. On his return 
to Washington the collections were transferred to the National 
Museum, but failure of health prevented him from completing 
the preparation of the report, so that the collections have hith- 
18 ETH——III 
