XXII BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY 



in the interpretation of the symbolism depicted on the jxittery 

 of the Hopi and other Pueblo peoples, while the results at- 

 tained by Mr Gushing in his technologic researches were made 

 tangible only by constant use of the comparative method in 

 seeking the mystical motives of the primitive artisans. Prog- 

 ress has been made by the Director in formulating the method 

 for the guidance of future inquiries. 



Although retarded by ill health, Mrs M. C. Stevenson made 

 substantial progress in her analysis and discussion of Zuni 

 mythology during the year, though the portions of her memoir 

 already completed have been withlield from publication pend- 

 ing the revision made necessary by further researches concern- 

 ing ceiiain of the ceremonies. 



Toward the close of the fiscal 3'ear Mr McGee undertook 

 an inquiry concerning certain mystical symbols, such as that 

 known as the swastika, so common among the decorative 

 devices of the American aborigines, and these graphic devices 

 were com^iared with the mystical number systems involved in 

 the primitive Cult of the Quarters. The investigation served 

 to indicate that neither finger counting nor quinary and deci- 

 mal number systems are jjrimitive, but are products of binary 

 and quarternary systems, modified through magnification of 

 the Ego in the manner described in previous re]3orts. The 

 inquiry also afforded useful results bearing on the develop- 

 ment of right-handedness and on the orientation instinct which 

 survives even in the hig'hest culture stages. A preliminary 

 discussion was incorporated as an accompanying paper in the 

 last report, but the principal results are reserved for ineorpo- 

 tion in a memoir dealing with the time concept of the Papago 

 tribe. 



Toward the close of the year Dr Cyrus Thomas was led to 

 a comparison of the number systems of the northern tribes 

 with those revealed in the codices and other aboriginal records 

 of Mexico, and prepared a memoir on the subject, which was 

 incorporated in the last report. 



After his return from Omaha, at the close of the Exposition, 

 Mr Mooney began preparing for publication liis extensi\e col- 

 lection of Cherokee myths and searching for })arallels in the 



