XXII BURKAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY 



protolitliic objects represent undesigned adaptation and modi- 

 fication, as of cobbles picked up at random, while the others 

 represent designed shaping in accordance with preconceived 

 ideals, as of chipped ' arrowpoints. The coexistence of these 

 incongruous types among the Seri seemed puzzling at the 

 outset, but was provisionally ascribed to the difference in 

 occupation between the sexes, the women using the protolithic 

 implements, and the waiTiors making and using the technolithic 

 weapons. Further study showed that the objects of chipped 

 stone imitate in every essential respect the alwriginal weapons 

 of the hereditary enemies of the Seri, including the Papago 

 and Yaki, and this fact, coupled with the mysticism tin-own 

 around the stone arrowpoints by the Seri shamans (most of 

 whom are aged matrons), indicated that the idea of the tech- 

 nolithic wea]>on was acquired through warfare. Examination 

 of other characteristics of the Seri in the light of this interpre- 

 tation served to explain various puzzling features and at the 

 same time established the validity of the interpretation. The 

 Seri liave been at war with alien tribes almost constantly'- since 

 the time of Columbus, and indeed long before, as is indicated 

 by archjeologic evidence. ]\Iost of their arts and industries are 

 exceedingly primitive; yet here and there features imitating 

 those characteristic of neigliboring tribes, or even of white 

 men, are found. Thus they substitute cast-off rags and fabrics 

 obtained by plunder for tlieir own fabrics, wi-ought with great 

 labor from inferior fibers; since the adjacent waters have been 

 navigated, they have learned to collect flotsam and use tattered 

 sailcloth in lieu of pelican-skin blankets, cask staves in lieu of 

 shells as paddles for their balsas, hoop iron in lieu of charred 

 hardwood as arrowpoints for hunting, and iron spikes in lieu of 

 bone harpoons for taking turtles ; and almost without exception 

 these modifications in custom have arisen without amicable 

 relation, and despite — indeed, largely by reason of — deep-seated 

 enmity against the alien peoples. 



Work in Sociology 



In sociology Mr McGee has observed some interesting facts 

 which shed light on that form of development of institutions 

 among tlie tribes of America which he calls piratical accultu- 



