Part 2 (1/2)

[Ill.u.s.tration: FIG. 225.--Wave-like indentation.]

[Ill.u.s.tration: FIG. 226.--Wave-like indentation.]

In the example given in Fig. 225 the fillets are deeply indented, giving a wave-like effect. Another pretty variety is seen in Fig. 226.

[Ill.u.s.tration: FIG. 227.--Impressions of finger-tips.]

[Ill.u.s.tration: FIG. 228.--Implement indentations.]

One of the most successful of these archaic attempts at relief embellishment is ill.u.s.trated in the fragment shown in Fig. 227. The raised edge of the fillet is pinched out at regular intervals, producing rows of sharp-pointed ”beads.” Over the entire surface impressions of the fine lines of the finger-tips are still distinctly visible. The dotted lines show the direction of the coil.

The indenting was not always done with the thumb or finger-tips, but a variety of implements were used. The vase, of which Fig. 228 shows a small fragment, had a figure worked upon it by indenting the soft coils with a sharp implement.

[Ill.u.s.tration: FIG. 229.--Nail markings.]

The coil ridges were sometimes worked down into more regular forms by means of an implement and were left plain or were interrupted by transverse lines. Lines of nail marking are shown in Fig. 229. These lines are occasionally combined in rude patterns.

[Ill.u.s.tration: FIG. 230.--Incised lines.]

In the specimen ill.u.s.trated in Fig. 230, incised lines are drawn across the ridges of the coil.

[Ill.u.s.tration: FIG. 231.--Incised pattern.]

OTHER VARIETIES OF ORNAMENT.--I have already remarked that certain styles of decoration are confined to somewhat definite geographic limits. In the ancient Pueblo district we find that painted designs and coil ornaments are co-extensive, while within this area there are but rare examples of incised designs, stamped figures, or cord-marking. We find basket indentations, but these are in all cases the accidents of manufacture. The coil has often been laid upon the inner surface of a basket.

The fragment shown in Fig. 231 was picked up on the site of an ancient Pueblo village near Abiquiu, New Mexico. It is a portion of the neck and upper part of the body of a small vase which was covered by a simple pattern of intaglio lines, produced with a bone or wooden stylus.

Ornaments in relief, aside from the coil and forms resulting directly from its use, were sparingly employed and are of comparatively little interest. They consist of straight, curved, or crimped fillets, applied to the surface of the vessel as shown in Fig. 232. Additional examples are given in Figs. 233, 234, and 235.

Nodes, cones, and other forms are also used as seen in Figs. 236, 237, and 238. These are usually placed about the neck of the vessel, occupying the places of the handles.

[Ill.u.s.tration: FIG. 232.--Applied fillet.]

MATERIAL.--The clay used in this ware was in some sections tempered with a large percentage of rather coa.r.s.e silicious sand, which gives to the surface a rough, granular look. In the south the paste seems to be finer grained than in the northern districts.

COLOR, ETC.--The color of the paste is generally gray, but in the province of Tusayan it is frequently yellow. In some cases the surface has received a wash of fine liquid clay, and a few bowls from the Little Colorado and Gila Valleys have designs in white paint covering the exterior surface. This ware is always well baked and extremely hard.

[Ill.u.s.tration:

FIG. 233. FIG. 234. FIG. 235.

FIG. 236. FIG. 237. FIG. 238.

Examples of relief ornaments.]

FORM.--The forms are not nearly so varied as are those of the painted ware. The leading variety is a round-bodied, wide-mouthed olla or pot, with flaring rim. Bottles are of rare occurrence, and bowls are not nearly so plentiful as in other varieties of pottery. Life and eccentric forms are occasionally found. Many small vessels of the more elongated shapes are furnished with handles, which are in most cases placed vertically upon the neck, and consist of single or double bands or ropes or of two or more strands twisted together.

USE.--As a rule the forms are such as have been devoted by most peoples to culinary uses, and in many cases the entire exterior surface is coated with soot. Plain vessels of similar outlines are used by the modern tribes of this province for cooking and serving food. Examples having very neatly or elaborately finished surfaces have apparently not been used over a fire. Those of large size doubtless served for the transportation and storage of water.

ILl.u.s.tRATIONS OF VESSELS.