200 PICTURE-WRITING OF THE AMERICAN INDIANS. 
nearly as easily as the cross, were at one time favorite but probably 
meaningless designs, perhaps, in popular expression, “instinctive” com- 
mencements of the artistic practice, as was the earliest delineation of 
the cross-figure. Afterward the rings, if employed as symbols or em- 
blems, would naturally have a different meaning applied to them in 
each region where they now appear. 
It must, however, be noted that the figures under discussion can be 
and often are the result of conventionalization. A striking remark is 
made by Mr. John Murdoch (a), of the Smithsonian Institution, that 
south of Bering strait the design of the “circle and dot,” which may be 
regarded as the root of the cup sculpture, is the conventionalized rep- 
resentation of a flower, and is very frequently seen as an ornamental 
device. 
An elucidation of some of the most common forms of cup sculptures 
is given, without qualification and also without anthority, but with the 
serene consciousness of certainty, by the Rey. Charles Rogers, ‘‘D. D., 
LL. D., F. 8S. A., Scot., ete.,” as follows: 
The sculptures are sacred books, which the awe-inspired worshipper was required 
to revere and, probably, to salute with reverence. A single circle represented the 
sun. two circles in union the sun and moon—Baal and Ashtaroth. The wavy groove 
passing across the circle pointed to the course of water from the clouds, as discharged 
upon the earth. Groups of pit marks pointed to the stars or, more probably, to the 
oaks of the primeval temples. 
