ABORIGINAL USE OF WOOD IN NEW YORK 153 



sion in the handle above the bowl. A small one in the same lot 

 has the lateral edges of the bowl parallel, from wear or original 

 design. 



Figure 101 is a fine specimen, of the same material and in the 

 same collection. It is deeper than most and has no expansion in 

 the handle. Part of the bottom is flattened. The carved figure 

 above is quite spirited and represents an Indian lying on his back, 

 holding a large bottle with both hands. From this he has just taken 

 a drink with evident enjoyment, having half emptied the bottle at 

 least. This was made at Tonawanda, though obtained of an Onon- 

 daga chief. All these are represented of actual size and were prob- 

 ably made within a century. 



Figure no is another belonging to the writer, a front view being 

 given that the full width of the bowl may be seen. At the top is 

 a crow with the head turned back. Figure 150 is a recent one, 

 made at Onondaga a few years since. It is very slender, and the 

 narrow bowl has the general proportions of an ordinary teaspoon, 

 but with the sides nearly parallel. It is 7 inches long, and the well 

 carved owl at the top of the handle is nearly 2 inches long. This is 

 an unusual form at Onondaga, where the earlier forms are still 

 made. Not very long ago an old Indian there continually carved 

 them, keeping an immense wooden bowl full for customers. They 

 are stained with a native dye of hemlock bark. It is said that the 

 wood was boiled before carving, thus cutting more easily. They 

 are always dark and well polished by use, and the larger ones are 

 now often used in making butter. Small ones were made for chil- 

 dren. Morgan mentions carved wooden pitchers, but the writer has 

 seen none of these. A curved knife blade was used in making 

 spoons. 



Another spoon in the writer's collection is 7% inches long and 

 has a woodpecker above. A much larger one, 5^ inches wide and 

 ioj4 long, has the top but slightly ornamented, terminating in a 

 large duck's head. This also belongs to the writer, who has seen 

 it used at the table by the late Abraham Hill. The bowl is quite 

 flat and apparently once larger, having now an obtuse edge. 



