Author
William Henry Holmes
1846-1933
William Henry Holmes (1846-1933) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by William Henry Holmes
Art in Shell of the Ancient Americans Second annual report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, 1880-81, pages 179-306
"Art in Shell of the Ancient Americans" by William Henry Holmes is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The work delves into the artistic expressions of ancient American cultures through the medium of shell, discussing how these artifacts serve as evidence of cultural practices and artistic development. Holmes aims to provide an exhaustive overview of the various uses and significance of shell art, which has been understated in previous archaeological literature. The opening of the book introduces the reader to the topic of ancient shell art, highlighting its historical and cultural relevance among various tribes, especially those inhabiting regions previously dominated by mound-building societies. Holmes notes that, while works in stone and pottery have been well documented, the artistry and utility of shells have been largely overlooked. He emphasizes the importance of shells not only as tools and ornaments but also as indicators of the evolving culture and commerce of these early peoples. The text aims to consolidate existing knowledge and offer an outline that will precede a more comprehensive study of shell art, inviting readers to consider the aesthetic and functional roles that these artifacts played in the lives of ancient Americans.
Pottery of the ancient Pueblos. (1886 N 04 / 1882-1883 (pages 257-360))
"POTTERY OF THE ANCIENT PUEBLOS" by William H. Holmes is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. The work is an in-depth study of the pottery created by ancient Pueblo peoples, focusing on its classification, characteristics, and cultural significance. The book likely serves as an important resource for understanding the technological and artistic advancements of these communities through their unique ceramic art. The opening of this book introduces the reader to the foundational aspects of the pottery of the ancient Pueblos, explaining the context of its study as part of a larger ethnological endeavor. Holmes discusses the challenges faced in categorizing various pottery types while emphasizing the continuity of the ceramic tradition among these peoples. He outlines the geographical distribution of the Pueblos and provides an overview of their artistic expressions, highlighting the diverse construction techniques, surface finishes, materials, and decorative motifs used in their pottery. The initial chapters set the stage for a comprehensive examination of this cultural artifact, reflecting both an appreciation of its beauty and an analytical approach to its origins and functionality.
Prehistoric Textile Art of Eastern United States Thirteenth Annual Report of the Beaurau of American Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution 1891-1892, Government Printing Office, Washington, 1896, pages 3-46
"Prehistoric Textile Art of Eastern United States" by William Henry Holmes is a scientific publication likely written in the late 19th century. This work explores the various textile arts practiced by indigenous peoples of the eastern United States, focusing on their materials, methods, and products derived from textile techniques. The book aims to elevate the understanding of textile artifacts and their significance within the broader context of North American archaeology. The opening of the text outlines the scope and purpose of the study, highlighting that it was commissioned alongside a report on Dr. Cyrus Thomas's explorations of mounds and remains from ancient cultures. It emphasizes the previously overlooked importance of textile artifacts in archaeological discussions and notes the parity of textile arts with pottery and metalwork in determining cultural status. This portion serves as a prelude to a detailed examination of various textile forms, including basketry, matting, and fabrics, relying on both archaeological findings and historical accounts to illuminate the artistry and techniques of the prehistoric inhabitants of the region.
A Study of the Textile Art in Its Relation to the Development of Form and Ornament Sixth Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, 1884-'85, Government Printing Office, Washington, 1888, (pages 189-252)
"A Study of the Textile Art in Its Relation to the Development of Form and Ornament" by William H. Holmes is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. This work comprehensively charts the history and evolution of textile art, exploring its intrinsic connection to form, function, and ornamentation. The text likely examines the development of textile techniques in relation to broader cultural and artistic movements, particularly within indigenous American artistry. At the start of the work, the author introduces textile art as one of the oldest forms of artistic expression, tracing its evolution from primitive times to contemporary practices. Holmes emphasizes the significance of function and construction in shaping both the aesthetic and practical aspects of woven fabrics. He outlines various methods of textile production, including weaving, plaiting, and netting, while discussing how aesthetic features evolved alongside functional demands. The opening establishes a framework for understanding how these artistic practices have influenced not only textiles themselves but also other forms of art and cultural expressions across time.
Prehistoric Textile Fabrics Of The United States, Derived From Impressions On Pottery Third Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, 1881-82, Government Printing Office, Washington, 1884, pages 393-425
"Prehistoric Textile Fabrics Of The United States, Derived From Impressions On…" by William H. Holmes is a scientific publication written during the late 19th century. This work dives into the topic of textile fabrics used by ancient peoples from the United States, specifically those that can be analyzed through the impressions they left on pottery. It serves as an important contribution to the study of ethnology and archaeology, focusing on the methods and materials employed in textile production by prehistoric cultures. The book discusses various types of textile fabrics identified through meticulous research and analysis of pottery fragments. Holmes categorizes these fabrics into groups based on their weaving techniques and materials, showcasing a range of ancient textiles from diverse geographic locations across the U.S. He provides detailed illustrations and examinations of the fabrics, emphasizing their roles in both the practical aspects of pottery construction and aesthetic ornamentation. The work highlights the sophistication of textile techniques among prehistoric tribes, illustrating that these early artists used woven materials not only for functionality but also for decorative purposes, enriching our understanding of their cultural practices.
Illustrated Catalogue of a Portion of the Collections Made During the Field Season of 1881 Third Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, 1881-82, Government Printing Office, Washington, 1884, pages 427-510
"Illustrated Catalogue of a Portion of the Collections Made During the Field Season of 1881" by William H. Holmes is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. This work catalogs and documents various ethnologic and archeologic collections obtained by the Bureau of Ethnology, showcasing artifacts collected primarily from Native American sites in North Carolina, Tennessee, Arkansas, and other regions. The focus of the catalog is on items such as tools, pottery, and ornamental objects, highlighting the cultural practices of indigenous peoples. The opening of the publication provides an introductory overview of the collection process, spearheaded by Edward Palmer, who explored regions associated with the Cherokee Indians and various mounds. As he collected artifacts, the text meticulously describes items like stone tools, earthenware, and shells obtained from these sites, emphasizing their uses and characteristics. The introduction sets the stage for detailed item descriptions and classifications based on locality and material type, thus establishing a comprehensive ethnographic and archeological resource for understanding Native American life during the late 19th century.
Ancient art of the province of Chiriqui, Colombia Sixth Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, 1884-1885, Government Printing Office, Washington, 1888, pages 3-188
"Ancient Art of the Province of Chiriqui, Colombia" by William H. Holmes is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. The work explores the archaeological and artistic heritage of the Chiriqui province, focusing on ancient artifacts and burial practices. Holmes dives into aspects of the region's geography, culture, and craftsmanship, providing insights into the lives and artistic expressions of its ancient inhabitants. At the start of the book, the author introduces Chiriqui's geography and its historical significance, noting its previous obscurity until the railroad and canal explorations shed light on the area. Holmes discusses the limited antiquarian literature available, which primarily consists of brief sketches by explorers and archaeologists. He also emphasizes the archaeological findings from ancient cemeteries (huacales) scattered throughout the region, detailing various burial practices and grave constructions observed by explorers, especially the diverse and sophisticated artifacts discovered within these graves, which indicate a rich cultural heritage that has largely remained unnoticed.
Ancient Pottery of the Mississippi Valley Fourth Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, 1882-83, Government Printing Office, Washington, 1886, pages 361-436
"Ancient Pottery of the Mississippi Valley" by William H. Holmes is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. The work serves as a comprehensive study of the ceramic art produced by the ancient inhabitants of the Mississippi Valley, focusing specifically on the characteristics, functionalities, and artistic styles of their pottery. It delves into various aspects, such as construction methods, ornamental techniques, and the cultural significance of these artifacts. The opening of the study introduces its intent as part of a broader series of research on aboriginal ceramic art. Holmes outlines the scope of his examination, emphasizing that the collection he selected from various museums is representative of a limited yet significant area within the Mississippi Valley. He categorizes the pottery into three main groups based on geographical regions and acknowledges the variability in styles across these classes. Notably, he provides observations about the origins and functions of the pottery, as well as the evolutionary aspects of ceramic design, paving the way for a detailed classification and analysis of these historic relics.
Origin and Development of Form and Ornament in Ceramic Art. Fourth Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, 1882-1883, Government Printing Office, Washington, 1886, pages 437-466.
"Origin and Development of Form and Ornament in Ceramic Art" by William Henry Holmes is a scholarly publication written during the late 19th century, focusing on the evolution and characteristics of ceramic art, particularly as it pertains to form and decoration. The book examines how various influences, both natural and artificial, have shaped the craft of pottery across different cultures, particularly in pre-Columbian America. It discusses the origins of both forms of pottery and the decorative motifs that embellish them, providing insights into the artistic and functional aspects of ceramic objects. In the book, Holmes categorically explores the principles surrounding the formation and ornamentation of ceramic art. He begins with the concept that forms arise from three primary sources: adventitious suggestions, imitation of nature or other objects, and invention. He subsequently delves into how these forms are modified by various factors, including usage, material capabilities, and artistic intentions. Holmes emphasizes that ornamentation, which is derived from natural features and constructional elements, evolves alongside the pottery itself, ultimately reflecting the cultural and environmental contexts of the artisans. His analysis illustrates a complex interplay between form and ornamentation, highlighting the significance of both in understanding the historical development of ceramic art.