It is quite probable that most of the finer ware of this class is manufactured by the Apache Indians, who are celebrated for this work, and finds its way among the Pueblos through the medium of barter.
The basketry of the Zuñians is usually made of small round willows and the stem of the yucca, the leaves of which attain a long slender growth in that region. It is quite certain that the basketry used for holding water is not manufactured by the Zuñians, and probably not by the Shinumos, though many are found with them.
As previously stated, the basketry manufactured by the Shinumo Indians is of a more finished class and of a greater variety than that made and used by any of the other Pueblos, as will be seen by reference to the accompanying illustrations. Among the examples of this ware, obtained at Wolpi, is a large number of the flat or saucer-shaped kind; these vary both in size and character of construction as well as decoration. The manner of making one form of this class is quite interesting as well as curious. A rope-like withe of the fiber of the yucca, made quite fine, is wrapped with flat strips of the same plant. In forming the basket with this rope the workman commences at the center, or bottom, and coils the rope round, attaching it by a method of weaving, until, by successive layers of the rope, it attains the desired dimensions. These are quite highly and prettily ornamented in black, white, and yellow, and are compact and strong. Another variety of baskets of similar shape and size, and also fancifully ornamented, was obtained from the same Indians. These are made from small round willows. They exhibit less skill in construction, but are handsomely ornamented. Another kind was also obtained from the Shinumos, which, however, are attributed to the Apaches and probably found their way into the Moki villages through trade. These are large bowl-shaped baskets, almost watertight, but generally used as flour and meal baskets. They are also ornamented black and yellow, produced by weaving the material of different colors together while making the basket.
There are many other forms and varieties, which will be referred to at the proper time, as they occur in the catalogue.
The Pueblos employ a variety of plants and herbs for medicinal and dyeing purposes, some of which were collected. Their botanical names were not determined, but they are indigenous to the regions inhabited by the Indians using them.
Ornaments and musical instruments employed in dances and religious ceremonies do not differ much among the Pueblo Indians; the principal
ones being the drum, rattle, notched sticks, a kind of fife, and a turtle-shell rattle. The latter instrument is the shell of a turtle, around the edges of which the toes of goats and calves are attached; this produces a very peculiar rattling sound. The shell is usually attached to the leg near the knee.