334 COLLECTIONS OF 1879. 



shape or similar in form. But, as with the decorations, there are also 

 vessels so markedly distinct and variant from those we find at ZuHi as 

 to show very readily at least tribal distinctions between the ceramic 

 artists and manufacturers. 



The proximity of Laguna to Acoma led us to anticipate what we 

 afterward found, viz., a great similarity in the forms of their vessels, 

 and also in their manner of ornamentation. The principal differences 

 consist in the more profuse use of the forms of birds and flowers, the 

 first evidently representing prairie grouse and the last some form of 

 sunflower. There is an absence of the geometrical forms, of lines and 

 angles commonly observed on the works of more distant pueblos. 



Quite a number of animal reijresentations, made hollow for use as 

 drinking vessels, were obtained, displaying grotesquely imitative forms 

 of deer, elk, sheep, big-horn, antelope, and other animals with which 

 they are familiar. All of these objects have more color laid on them 

 than is to be found on the pottery of their neighbors of Acoma, the birds 

 and animals being painted in a light rufous fawn color not in use else- 

 where, and the only instance of the employment of green is on a tinaja 

 of this pueblo used in coloring some foliage. 



VEGETAL SUBSTANCES. 



This class of ware comprises a very diversified group of objects; in- 

 deed, so great is the variety that 1 will not attempt a general descrip- 

 tion of them. Specific reference will be made to the objects as they 

 occur in their places in the catalogue. 



The objects of basketry or wicker-work are quite varied in form, con- 

 struction, and decoration. Those made by the Zuui ludians are so 

 rude and coarse as not to entitle them to any merit. The larger baskets 

 made by this tribe are used for carrying corn, melons, peppers, &c. 

 The smaller are used for holding beans, shelled corn, and other coarse 

 small materials. 



The basketry of the Shinumos is of a finer and more finished quality. 

 Among these are many jug or canteen shaped baskets, from which, no 

 doubt, many of the forms of their pottery water vessels have been 

 copied. These are sometimes globular, with large round bodies and 

 small necks. They are generally very closely woven and are then 

 coated over with a resin or gum which renders them capable of holding 

 water. Like some of their water jugs, in pottery, they have small horse- 

 hair ears or loops attached to the sides through which strings are passed 

 for carrying them either over the head or shoulder. This class of water 

 jug basketry all show evidences of age, and it is possible that they were 

 manufactured by the Apaches or other tribes skilled in the art. The 



