336 



AN ANALYSIS OF THE 



Fig. 162. 



Algonquin sign of man. 



The above outlines (Fig. 162) are copied from an anthentic Algonquin song, 

 figured in the pamphlet already noticed, by Mr. Sqiiier, by whom they are termed 

 " mnemonic symhols.^' Mr. Squier, who is an eminent authority, believes the figures 

 trustworthy. He states (page 7), "that with a view of leaving no means 

 unemployed to ascertain its (the manuscript's) true value, I submitted it without 

 explanation to an educated Indian Chief (Kah-ge-ga-gah-bowh), George Copway, who 

 unhesitatingly pronounced it authentic, in respect not only to the original signs and 

 accompanying explanations in the Delaware dialect, but also in the general ideas 

 and conceptions which it embodies. * -h- * j f^^} j r^jj^ j-^q^ obtrudirig the coinage 

 of a curious idler, nor an apocryphal record, but presenting matter deserving of 

 attention, and of important bearings upon many interesting questions connected 

 with the history of our aboriginal nations." 



There can be no doubt, therefore, that these figures represent the Algonquin 

 method of representing man. In no one of them do we recognize the linear radical 

 already considered, nor any outline w^hich would be liable by abridgment to run 

 into it. When we remember the fact that the song is entitled The Creation, the 

 figures employed in illustrating it w^ei-e probably of fixed value and of considerable 

 antiquity. Mr. Schoolcraft informs us that the Indian picture-characters were, 

 among the Ojibways, "taught to the young as carefully as our alphabet." We have 

 no reason to suppose but that they have preserved their present appearance for a long 

 time. Is it assuming too much from our premises to suggest that the outline a (Fig. 163) 

 is an Algonquin sign of man, and that c is an imperfect form of the same? If this be 

 conceded and internal evidence given that the drawings were made at about the 

 same time, may we not call the inscription Algonquin, and that the signs have 

 some relation to Fig. 162? 



