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Cover of Illustrated Catalogue of the Collections Obtained from the Indians of New Mexico And Arizona in 1879
 Second Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, 1880-81, Government Printing Office, Washington, 1883, pages 307-428

Public-domain ebook

Illustrated Catalogue of the Collections Obtained from the Indians of New Mexico And Arizona in 1879 Second Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, 1880-81, Government Printing Office, Washington, 1883, pages 307-428

by James Stevenson

Language: en1,090 downloads on Project Gutenberg

Subjects

In: Native America·History - American·Archaeology & Anthropology

Public-domain ebook sourced from Project Gutenberg #18736.

About this book

James Stevenson’s work is an illustrated catalogue documenting the material culture gathered during the 1879 Bureau of Ethnology expedition to the pueblos of New Mexico and Arizona. The opening pages explain that the volume was omitted from the first annual report for space reasons, then reassembled as a separate, numbered series of figures. Stevenson’s letter of transmittal credits ethnologist F. H. Cushing and photographer J. K. Hillers, whose field notes and negatives underpin the detailed listings that follow. The catalogue enumerates over 2,800 specimens, chiefly pottery but also stone tools, basketry, textiles, pigments, and ceremonial objects, organized by site (Zuni, Wolpi, Laguna, etc.) and by material type, with extensive illustration references for each entry.

The text reads like a nineteenth‑century scientific inventory, employing formal, matter‑of‑fact prose typical of Smithsonian reports of the era. Its focus on precise description, taxonomy, and occasional comparative remarks makes it a valuable resource for historians of anthropology, archaeology students, and collectors interested in the early documentation of Southwest Indian arts. Readers who appreciate meticulous primary‑source material and the rigour of Victorian‑era scholarship will find Stevenson’s catalogue both informative and evocative of the period’s exploratory spirit.

Who appears in this book

  • James StevensonMiddle‑aged Victorian gentleman, dark hair, waistcoat, spectacles, holding field notes
  • F. H. CushingBearded 19th‑century ethnologist, high‑collared coat, pocket watch, thoughtful expression
  • J. K. HillersYoung photographer, crisp shirt, leather camera bag, hat, standing beside a tripod

The opening · free to read

SIR: I have the honor to submit herewith an illustrated catalogue exhibiting in part the results of the ethnologic and archaeologic explorations made under your direction in New Mexico and Arizona during the summer of 1879.

As you are already familiar with the mode of travel and the labor necessary in making such investigations and explorations, as well as the incidents common to such undertakings, and as I do not consider them of any special interest or value to the catalogue, I have omitted such details.

I beg, however, in this connection, to refer to the services of Messrs. F. H. Cushing, ethnologist of the Smithsonian Institution, and J. K. Hillers, photographic artist of the Bureau of Ethnology, both of whom accompanied me on the expedition.

Mr. Cushing's duties were performed with intelligence and zeal throughout. After the field-work of the season was completed he remained with the Indians for the purpose of studying the habits, customs, manners, political and religious organizations, and language of the people; also to explore the ancient caves of that region. His inquiries will prove of the utmost interest and importance to science. Mr. Hillers labored with equal zeal and energy. His work is of the greatest value in illustrating some of the most interesting features of our investigations. He made a large series of negatives depicting nearly every feature of the Pueblo villages and their inhabitants. The beauty and perfection of the photographs themselves fully attest the value and importance of his work.

I would extend most cordial thanks to General Sherman for the special interest he manifested in our work, and for directions given by him to the officers of the Army serving in the West to assist us in carrying out the objects of the expedition; and to the officers who so cordially rendered such aid.

To General Edward Hatch, commanding the district of New Mexico, we are indebted for valuable information and material assistance, which were liberally granted, and to which in great part our success was due. The party also received valuable aid from Gen. George P. Buell, U.S.A., who was in command at Fort Wingate during our work at Zuni, for which I am pleased to extend thanks. The large number and variety of objects collected by the members of the expedition, and the many difficulties incident to such undertakings, as well as the limited time devoted to the preparation of the catalogue, will account for any imperfections it may contain.

Hoping, however, that, notwithstanding these, it may serve useful ends in the continuation of such work,

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JAMES STEVENSON.

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