ii6 



SMITHSONIAN MISCELLANEOUS COLLECTIONS 



VOL. 70 



A study of Chippewa material culture, extending- over several 

 previous years, was continued on the White Earth and Red Lake 

 reservations in Minnesota, special attention being given to the his- 

 tory and development of Chippewa art. A conventional form of 

 design was found to have existed before the present floral patterns, 

 said by the Indians to be comparatively modern. Examples of these 



Fig. 123. — Chippewa Woman Carrying Pack of Birch 

 Bark. 



early designs were obtained from the old women, and include con- 

 ventional flowers and leaves, as well as geometric patterns. Indus- 

 trial art was also studied, one of its interesting phases being the proc- 

 ess of securing and storing birch bark, as well as the manner of its 

 use. Before digging a medicine herb the Chippewa ])uts tobacco in 

 the ground as an '* ofifering." The same custom is observed before 

 cutting a birch tree, the tobacco being first held toward the zenith 

 and the cardinal i)oints, with low " talking." This can scarcely be 

 termed " supplication," as the mental attitude of the Chippewa when 



