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NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



significant that polished slates were used by both Algonkian and by 

 the mound-building tribes. The Iroquois did not use them. 



Pottery. Algonkian pottery in its fully developed form is dis- 

 tinctive, and an experienced collector soon learns to recognize it at 

 a glance. Its characteristic features include both form and decora- 

 tion, though in a measure the texture of the clay may also serve as 

 a guide. Many Algonkian vessels are ovoid, with the small end 

 down and the large end open for the mouth of the jar. There is 

 considerable variation as the accompanying illustration shows. The 

 Iroquois exercised a considerable infiuence upon the Algonkian pot- 

 ters and it may be readily believed that the Algonkian people acquired 



Fig. 8 Algonkian pots, i from Shinnecock Hills, 1^. I. 2 from Susque- 

 hanna valley. Shows Iroquoian influence, x^. 



by trade or otherwise many Iroquois pots. In numerous instances 

 potsherds and even completed vessels show how the Algonkian potter 

 endeavored to imitate Iroquois decoration, but in most cases Algon- 

 kian technic betrays itself, (See plate I2.) The Iroquois made bold 

 free strokes and his patterns were striking; the Algonkian imitator 

 made fine uncertain lines and his attempts at patterns were " fussy." 

 In its external markings, however, the true Algonkian pottery was 

 of three general sorts: (i) cord marked, as if the entire surface 

 of the plastic clay had been wrapped in a coarse bag made of 

 loosely woven fabric, or had been patted over by pads of coarse 

 fabric; (2) stamped with wooden dies or impressed with notched 

 or checkered sticks; (3) marked over the body by natural objects 



