324 W. Thalbitzer 



some "Dutch" beads. In other respects, it confirms in every way 

 the typological characteristics of the Ammassalik culture, which we 

 knew from the Holm collection. For example, there is a precise 

 agreement between the forms of the harpoon heads in the two col- 

 lections, so that we become convinced, that the types of harpoons, 

 contained in the Holm collection, had been fixed and predominant 

 in this region probably for many generations. In addition, we find 

 here a few implements, which by chance are wanting in the earlier 

 collection, for example, bone pegs for the dogs harness and swivels 

 for their tethering , lines, meat forks, parts of the bladder arrow, 

 instruments for working iron, a drying frame for the harpoon line. 



As most of the objects of the Amdrup collection are well- 

 preserved, there is no reason to regret, that several of them from 

 the "dead house" and from other ruins of northern settlements were 

 found in a broken or loose condition. On the contrary, the decayed 

 state has in some cases been an advantage, as it was thus possible 

 to observe, how the parts were originally shaped on the inner side 

 and how they have been united and the nails fixed (e. g. bone feathers 

 of the harpoon shafts; various bone attachments). 



Lastly, the value of the collection is greatly increased by 

 Amdrup's careful inquiries at Ammassalik at the end of his stay 

 there. Through Johan Petersen he obtained information from the 

 natives regarding the meaning and significance of the weapons and 

 fragments found, and he entered this information opposite the cor- 

 responding item in his inventory book. For the definition of many 

 of the small objects of bone especially these remarks have been 

 helpful to me. It was specially fortunate, in addition, that Johan 

 Petersen was on furlough and lived in Copenhagen during the two 

 years I devoted to the study of Amdrup's collection, so that I was 

 able at any time to supplement Amdrup's information by personal 

 communication with this first-hand authority of the Ammassalikers, 

 thanks to his never-failing kindness. 



The third collection has been made by Johan Petersen. In 

 his capacity of first manager of the colony of Ammassalik ^), he has 

 lived there since 1894 and by constant small additions from time 

 to time has accumulated this collection, in the beginning probably 

 to assist the natives through the small recompense, later from a 

 real interest in bringing together a true representation of their 



'} As interpreter луЦИ Holm's expedition, Johan Peterskn when a 3'oung man 

 stayed the winter of 1884—85 at Ammassalik. Later, lie visited the place 

 again as one of Ryder's expedition to East Greenland, when the expedition 

 landed at Tasiusak on the return journey in Septemher 18У2. See Ryder (1895) 

 pp. 124 — 147. 



