100 ABORIGINAL POTTERY OF EASTERN UNITED STATES [eth. ann.20 



implement, already descril)ed in the introduetion. They seem to be 

 adapted to use as trowels or finishing tools for plastered walls or 

 floors. They are found mainly in Tennessee. The discoidal smooth- 

 ing surface shows generally a decided polishing by use, and the looped 

 handle is manifestly intended for grasping, in the manner of a com- 

 mon smoothing iron. These implements could have served, however, 

 in the modeling of large earthenware vessels, or as crushers or pul- 

 verizers of foods or paints. Illusti'ations of a lai'ge class of stopper- 

 like or mushroom-shaped forms that may have been used as modeling 

 or smoothing tools in pottery making, as indicated in the introductor\^ 

 section, are included in plate xxxv. That the functions of these 

 objects and those given in the preceding plate are similar or identical 

 is indicated by the character of the convex polishing surface shown in 

 plate XXXVI. Illustrations of earthenware earrings, labrets, a small 

 rattle and the pellets derived from it are given in the introduction. 



DECORATIVE DESIGNS 



Plate XXXVII is introduced for the purpose of conve3'ing an idea of 

 the character and range of the decorative designs most usual in this 

 I'egion. Many of the more elementary forms are omitted. The more 

 elaborate meanders, twined designs, and scrolls are incised. Another 

 group of designs, embodying many symbolic devices, is given in plate 

 XXXVIII. These are executed usually in red and white paint. 



From the beginning of my rather disconnected studies of the orna- 

 mental art of the native tribes, 1 have taken the view that, as a rule, 

 the delineative devices emploj-ed were symbolic: that they were not 

 primai'ily esthetic in function, but had a more serious significance to 

 the people using them. \Yhen vases were to be devoted to certain 

 ceremonial ends, particular forms were made and designs were added 

 because they had some definite relation to the uses of the vessels and 

 were believed to add to their efficacy. The studies of Dr J. Owen 

 Dorsey, Mr Gushing, Mrs Stevenson, Miss Fletcher, Dr Fewkes, and 

 others have little by little lifted the veil of uncertainty from the whole 

 group of aboriginal delineative phenomena, and the literal significance 

 and function of a multitude of the designs are now known. We thus 

 learn that the devices and delineations on the Mississippi valley pottery 

 arc symbols deilved from mythology. Stellar and lobed figures and 

 circles probal:)l3' represent the stars, the sun, or the horizon circle. The 

 cross, the various forms of volutes and scrolls, and the stepped figures 

 represent the four winds, the clouds, and rain; and the reptiles, cjuadru- 

 peds, birds, men, and monsters are connected with the same group of phe- 

 nomena. The vessels marked with these figures were no doubt devoted 

 to particular functions in the ceremonial activities of the people. Plate 

 XXXVII presents a scries of the purely formal designs. Speculation 

 as to th(> significance of particular forms of these figures is probablj' 



