8 
GROUP II1: 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.’ 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 tekuna’kararG “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’. 
1Information, Mr. A. C. Parker; see also N.Y. State Dept. of Education, 
Museum Bulletin No. 149, p. 47. 
