Bequest of W.S. Morton Mead

By exchange

Wooden bowl with schematic faces carved in relief on two vertical, stepped shaped, rim lugs, which are located opposite each other. The wood grain shows on the bowl along with some dark stains in the interior bottom. The brass is a Native repair. Wooden bowls with images generally were treasured and inherited, passed from generation to generation . Although the Delaware are often thought of as located in the eastern part of the North American continent after 1700 they are shown to have also migrated throughout Ohio and Indiana, as far north as Wisconsin, and south to Texas. Such bowls might have traveled with them. It is not known where Jarvis acquired this bowl.

The figure is the one fourth from the left (in back, largest figure). This figure has an open mouth with painted eyes. There is a pointed triangle on his forehead. His arms are short and held against his chest. His feet are also short and curled. See also 03.325.4527- 34. These figures were all found together inside a painted pot. They were purchased from the German trader, Cronmeyer.

Museum Expedition 1903, Museum Collection Fund

This club has the shape of a gunstock, thus the sobriquet 'gunstock club. It may have been used for dance, men’s celebrations, gatherings, and societies. The stock is decorated with red paint and fire markings. Eagle feathers attached to one end have pinked edges. Ribbons decorate the handle, and green military braid serves as a wrist hold.

Charles Stewart Smith Memorial Fund

Mask in the form of an animal, possibly a wolf, dog or bear, with separate pointed ear attachments (the proper left ear has a section missing) and a protruding snout. It is painted with black, red, and white pigments. Under the chin is a white leather tassel that is secured by a knot inside. On both sides of the mask are holes, probably for wearer to secure object. There are two holes in the eyes and nose. The mouth is partially open revealing two sets of sharp teeth towards the front. The object is in fair and stable condition. There are nine reattached fragments along the proper left edge as well as two reattached fragments at the top of the head. There are indications of old insect damage and loss of wood around the mask's edges and base. The leather tassel is dry. Note: although this photogrpah show the mask as 'blue' the paint has darkened to where it looks black. Would be a good conservation example to clean.

This skirt would be worn wrapped from back around the sides. The open front would then be covered by a fringed apron. This skirt shows signs of much wear. Most of the materials it is made from are from local sources with the exception of two copper discs, shaped and cut like the abalone. All the ornaments in addition to being aesthetically pleasing would make a sound as the woman moved in the dance. A small blue bead is fastened in the fringe.

This would be used on top of the head to steady carrying baskets.