8 



GROUP 111: ADJACENT AREAS SOUTH OF THE 

 ST. LAWRENCE. 



South and west of the true double-curve area, terminating 

 with the Penobscots, we encounter related forms of the motive 

 among the Iroquois and Delawares. Though somewhat out- 

 side of our field of direct investigation, a few comparative re- 

 marks may be appropriate. 



Iroquois (including Wyandot) 



Though we have as yet no complete study on Iroquois art, 

 some features are, nevertheless, apparent enough in the Iroquois 

 material in museums to warrant a few comparisons. The Iro- 

 quois have the double- curve motive very prominently displayed 

 in their beadwork and former quill work. A few of their figures 

 are identical with those of the Algonkian tribes east of them. The 

 greater portion, however, exhibit the curves turning outward 

 instead of inward. We find these designs in abundance upon 

 leggings, moccasin flaps, skirts, and bags. Here, incidentally, 

 as among the Penobscots and their eastern neighbours, the floral 

 type of art seems to have gradually come to supersede the double 

 curve in later times. Regarding the symbolism of the curved 

 figures it is reported that they are primarily representations 

 of celestial, geographical, and mythical phenomena, such as sky 

 dome, world tree, scroll or helix, chiefs' horns and sun. 1 The 

 scrolls themselves denote horns of chieftancy, those curving 

 outward symbolizing a living chief, while the in-curved forms 

 are emblematical of a dead chief. The border curve or scroll 

 decorations of beadwork in general are, as I have learned, known 

 among the Mohawks as tekana'kararQ "horned trimmings", 

 even by individuals who are not aware of their symbolism. 



The Tuscarora call the scrolls violets (literally, "bowing 

 the head") and regard them as a sign of good luck, deriving the 

 idea from a children's game of locking the flower heads 

 together. The scroll violet is the symbol of the winner. The 

 Mohawks of Deseronto call them "fern heads". 



i Information, Mr. A. C. Parker; see also N.Y. State Dept. of Education, 

 Museum Bulletin No. 149, p. 47. 



