Gerard Fowke
Stone Art
Thirteenth Annual Report of the Bureau of American Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, 1891-1892, Government Printing Office, Washington, 1896, pages 47-178.
"Stone Art" by Gerard Fowke is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. The work focuses on the diverse forms and classifications of stone implements and ornaments used by Native American inhabitants, particularly in the eastern and central parts of the Mississippi Valley. It presents an in-depth examination of various artifacts such as axes, celts, gouges, and scrapers, along with discussions of their uses, distribution, and manufacturing techniques. The opening of the text establishes the foundational context for the study, explaining that the research is based on a comprehensive collection from the Bureau of Ethnology, which serves as a basis for analyzing and documenting artifacts. Fowke emphasizes the geographic distribution of these stone objects and highlights the significance of reliable classification and nomenclature in understanding the relationship between different tools and their cultural implications. The introduction touches on the challenges of categorizing artifacts due to their varying forms and materials, illustrating the complexity of Native American stone art and its impact on archaeological studies.