Subject
Picture-writing, Indian Books
Best books
Garrick Mallery
Picture-Writing of the American Indians Tenth Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, 1888-89, Government Printing Office, Washington, 1893, pages 3-822
"Picture-Writing of the American Indians" by Garrick Mallery is a scholarly publication written in the late 19th century. The work likely serves as an extensive study of the pictorial communication systems used by various Native American tribes, focusing on their significance and methodologies. The author aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of pictographs, exploring their cultural context, the materials used, and how they relate to Indigenous languages and practices. The opening of the text consists primarily of prefatory materials, including a letter of transmittal and an introduction that situates the work within the broader context of the investigations conducted by the Bureau of Ethnology during the fiscal year of 1888-89. It outlines the organizational structure of the report and acknowledges contributions from various individuals involved in anthropological fieldwork and studies related to pictography. Mallery’s work follows earlier publications and aims to deepen the understanding of pictographs and signs, laying a foundation for further exploration of this unique form of communication among Native American cultures.
Garrick Mallery
Pictographs of the North American Indians. A preliminary paper Fourth Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, 1882-83, Government Printing Office, Washington, 1886, pages 3-256
"Pictographs of the North American Indians" by Garrick Mallery is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. The work explores the significance of pictographs created by North American Indigenous peoples, focusing on their cultural implications and evolutionary aspects of communication through imagery. Throughout the text, Mallery aims to provide a detailed examination of how these pictographs reflect various facets of Indigenous life, from daily activities to spiritual beliefs. At the start of the work, Mallery introduces the concept of pictographs as a form of visual language that conveys ideas and experiences without the use of written words. He discusses how these early forms of graphic art serve as a bridge between oral traditions and the later development of written language. The opening portion also emphasizes the importance of studying these images not only for their artistic value but also for the insights they provide into the history and culture of the tribes that created them. Mallery specifies that his investigation will primarily focus on the pictographs produced by tribes north of Mexico, setting the groundwork for deeper exploration into their meanings and contexts within Indigenous societies.
Daniel G. (Daniel Garrison) Brinton
The Lenâpé and Their Legends With the complete text and symbols of the Walam olum, a new translation, and an inquiry into its authenticity
"The Lenâpé and Their Legends" by Daniel G. Brinton is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The work explores the ethnological studies of the Lenape, or Delaware Indians, highlighting their legends, history, language, and traditions. Central to the text is a focus on the WALAM OLUM, an ancient record believed to capture significant aspects of Lenape culture and history. The opening of the book introduces the author’s preface, explaining his motivation for compiling studies on the Lenape people, particularly the WALAM OLUM, which had previously been thought lost. Brinton notes his collaboration with native Delawares for translation and insights and emphasizes the importance of documenting the Lenape's customs, beliefs, and linguistic heritage. He outlines the structure of the book, hinting at the depth of research into the Lenape's history, sociology, mythology, and the authenticity of their oral traditions, setting the stage for a thorough examination of their cultural legacy.
Henry C. Mercer
The Lenape Stone; or, The Indian and the Mammoth
"The Lenape Stone; or, The Indian and the Mammoth" by Henry C. Mercer is an archaeological treatise written in the late 19th century. This work delves into the discovery of a remarkable artifact known as the Lenape Stone, which features an intricate carving representing a battle between the native peoples of North America and a mammoth. The book addresses various controversies and discussions surrounding the stone’s authenticity and significance in the context of Native American history and culture. At the start of this publication, the author recounts the discovery of the Lenape Stone by a farmer named Barnard Hansell in Pennsylvania in 1872. Hansell initially found a large piece of the stone while plowing, and after some years, he discovered the smaller fragment nearby. Eventually, the stone captured the attention of local historians, who presented it to a wider audience, igniting discussions about its origins and implications for understanding the prehistoric presence of Native Americans alongside these colossal creatures. The opening sets the stage for a broader examination of the stone's carvings, which juxtapose indigenous life and the fearsome mammoth, thereby framing a narrative that explores themes of myth, memory, and the rich tapestry of tribal history.
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