2
THE CHEMAWA AMERICAN
ly takes in the general effect. But one
needs not be an expert tc feel a thrill of
joy in the possession of one of these
ethnic productions. Like the forty-niner,
one may desire to own one of these unique
productions, leaving the intrinsic value
out of the question.
Otis Tufton Mason, formerly curator
division of ethnology, United States na
tional museum, defines basketry as the
"mother of loom and bead work' and
says the " first and most versatile shut
tles were women's fingers." He recog
nized "two distinct types of technique in
basketry" har.d woven, which is built
on a warp foundation; and sewed or coil
ed, built on a foundation of rods, splints
or straws. He gives a list of some 75
definitions to. describe the various forms,
weaves, patterns, etc., which enter into
this industry.
Although Indian baskerty shows
much variety in form, color and orna
mentation in individual specimens, yet
one soon iearns to classify certain types
of baskets as the work of different families
of aboriginals.
The soft, pliable, embroidered basketry
of the Tlinkit or Yakutats of Alaska; the
highly dtcorated basket interwoven with
feathers and pendant of abalone and
of the Porno Indians of California; the
coiled plaques of the Hopi Indins of Ari
zona; the fretwork or zig-zag designs of
the Pima Indians of Arizona, and the
brown coiled basketry of the misson In
dians of Southern California; all show a
pleasing variety that is considered easy
to detect.
puptes icems
Subscribe for the American. Twenty
five cents per year.
Marie LeSieur has entered the eighth
grade.
Iva Phillips is doing splendidly in her
music.
The lavatory of the gymnasium is near
ly finished.
We were glad to see Mr. Swartz on
duty again.
Anna Buck is doing some very nice
fancy work.
Hannah Holiiday is still working at
the employes' club.
Mr. Meredith was in charge of the
woodshed this week.
Edward Marrigeau is a new addition
to the tailor shop.
John Hunter has a brass cornet and is
learning how to play.
Dan Condon has taken James Wilcox's
place as office orderly.
The small girls play basketball every
night over in the play room.
Chris Walker is one of the smallest
boys on Mr. Westley's detail.
The boys of Company A will be glad
to move back to Mitchell Hall.
Elmer Piucker and Hugh Jackson are
new additions to the wagon shop.
Alice R. Sam is working in the hospi
tal and likes her work very well.
James Benjamin plowed up a piece of
ground used for a nursery this week.
During the past week the small dairy
boys had their turn in making butter.
The farmers were hauling shingles
from the car on the switch on Tuesday