A classic work from Otis T. Mason of the
U.S. National Museum of Natural History, This work is often
referenced by later basketry books.
The study of the minutest technique in
the distribution of aboriginal arts is very necessary in making up our opinions
on questions of Anthropology. The archaeologist is frequently caused to halt in
the reconstruction of ancient society by his ignorance of the arts of the
savages around him. This is especially true of an art which had its culmination
in savagery or barbarism, and which began to decline at the touch of
civilization, or at least to give place to higher types of the same art. For the
discussions of problems that have arisen in the past the data then in hand have
been sufficient; but as the investigations of social progress become more
intricate the demands for greater detail in the observation of anthropological
phenomena around us is imperative.
I have lately had occasion to examine all the baskets in the National Museum,
and the results of this research may not be uninteresting as a contribution to
exact technology in an art which may be called par excellence a savage art.
In a basket there are several characteristics to be observed, which will enable
us to make a classification of the objects themselves and to refer them to their
several tribal manufacturers. These characteristics are the material, the
frame-work, the methods of weaving, the coiling or sewing, the decoration, their
use, &c.
This 6-1/2" x 9-1/2", soft cover, facsimile
reprint
contains
144 pages, 65 of which are full page B&W plates
and their descriptions illustrating over 100
baskets. $13.95
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Sample
Plates - click on image to enlarge
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