In the two following figures the idea of “many” is conveyed by repetition.
In the third, Fig. 920, the representation is that of a heap, for much.
Fig. 918.—Many-Shells.
Fig. 918.—Many-Shells. Red Cloud’s Census.
Fig. 919.—Many deer.
Fig. 919.—General Maynadier made peace with the Oglalas and Brulés. American-Horse’s Winter Count, 1865-’66. The general’s name (the sound of which resembles the words “many deer”) is indicated by the two deer heads connected with his mouth by lines. The pictographers represented his name in the same manner as they do their own. It is not an example of rebus, but of misunderstanding the significance of the word as spoken and heard by such Indians as had some knowledge of English. The official interpreters would be likely to commit the error as they seldom understand more than the colloquial English phrases.
Fig. 920.—Much snow.