Fig. 527. (1–2.) Two small shell ornaments from the collection of John T. Reeder, Houghton, Michigan. These were found in a mound on Long Island, Tennessee. The one to the right is especially interesting in that the body of the shell is cut out, forming the bars of the cross. Such gorgets are exceedingly rare.
Fig. 528. (S. 1–2.) Four flat pendants found in Pilot Mound, Manitoba, by Henry Montgomery. Two copper beads and one shell bead, Pilot Mound, Manitoba. Two bone whistles, respectively nine and ten inches long, from mound near Sourisford, Manitoba.
Fig. 529. (S. 1–3.) James A. Barr collection, Stockton, California.
“Among the many interesting relics obtained from mounds and burial-places in the Mississippi Valley are the engraved shell gorgets, a number of which are now preserved in our museums. The most recent addition to this class of objects was obtained by the National Museum from Mr. C. A. Nelson of Eddyville, Lyon County, Kentucky, and comes from a burial-place encountered in opening a stone-quarry near Eddyville. It is a symmetric saucer-shaped gorget, Fig. 534, five inches in diameter and made apparently from the expanded lip of a conch shell (Busycon perversum). It is unusually well preserved, both faces retaining something of the original high polish of the ornament. Two perforations placed near the margin served as a means of suspension. The back or convex side is quite plain, while the face is occupied by the engraving of a human figure which extends entirely across the disc. It will be seen by reference to the illustration that this figure is practically identical in many respects with others already published.[[21]] It is executed in firmly incised lines and is partially inclosed by a border of nine concentric lines. The position of the figure is that of a discus-thrower. The right hand holds a discoidal object, the arm being thrown back as if in the act of casting the disc. The left hand extends outward to the margin of the shell and firmly grasps a wand-like object having plumes attached at the upper end, the lower end being peculiarly marked, and bent inward across the border lines. The face is turned to the left; the right knee is bent and rests on the ground, while the left foot is set forward as it would be in the act of casting the disc. The features are boldly outlined; the eye is diamond-shaped, as is usual in the delineations of this character in the mound region. A crest or crown representing the hair surmounts the head; the lower lobe of the ear contains a disc from which falls a long pendant ornament, and three lines representing paint or tattoo marks extend across the cheek from the ear to the mouth. A bead necklace hangs down over the chest and the legs and arms have encircling ornaments. The lower part of the body is covered with an apron-like garment attached to the waistband, and over this hangs what appears to be a pouch with pendant ornaments. The moccasins are of the usual Indian type and are well delineated. A study of this figure strongly suggests the idea that it must represent a disc-thrower engaged, possibly, in playing the well-known game of chunky.”
Fig. 530. (S. 2–3.) Collection of J. T. Reeder, Houghton, Michigan.
Regarding Fig. 535 of Colonel Young’s collection, Professor Holmes writes me, under date of March 28, 1910, as follows:—