METALLIC ORNAMENTS OF NEW YORK INDIANS 45 



Though nearly the same in size and design, they have not the same 

 number of crenulations. Another was found at Portsmouth O., but 

 they are everywhere rare. 



Crosses and crucifixes of other materials 

 Silver articles, as a rule, were in little use by the New York In- 

 dians in the 17th century, but other materials naturally overlapped 

 the introduction of these. Copper, brass and bronze were at first 

 the favorites for ornament, but pewter or lead was used, and even 

 iron had a place. Fig. 196 is a cross of lead from the iMcClure 

 site in Hopewell, commonly known as Onaghee. Circular projec- 

 tions tip the three lower limbs, and it is probable that a similar one 

 has been lost from the top, where the customary perforation would 

 have weakened it. It is a good deal battered, but there seems to 

 have been a human figure on its face. 



Crucifixes have often been found on nearly all Iroquois sites of the 

 last half of the 17th century. The coming of the Jesuit missionaries 

 in 1654 marked a new era of this kind, though French and Huron 

 captives may have brought some earlier, or they may have been 

 among the spoils of war. Previous to that time most European 

 articles came from the Dutch. Mr Clark noticed the finding of " a 

 curious brass image " in Pompey, just before his history was pub- 

 lished. He also said: 



A valuable cross of gold was several years ago found in the west 

 part of Pompey, and was sold for $30. The significant 1. h. s. was 

 upon it. Numbers of crucifixes and crosses have been found. Brass 

 crosses are frequently found, with those letters, and the initials of 

 the Latin title put upon the cross at the crucifixion, 1. n. r. i., and so 

 are medals of the same metal. Clark, 2:273 



After mentioning a brass dial plate and a paint box of the same 

 metal, Mr Clark speaks of " another more perfect one beautifully 

 wrought," as though meaning another box. His figure, however, 

 is of the two sides of a crucifix, with a loop at the top and a fluted 

 base. The obverse has Christ with extended arms, and a halo and 

 I. n. r. i. above the head. Under the feet are the crossbones and 

 skull. This side has a beaded border. On the reverse angels crown 



