File:The American Museum journal (c1900-(1918)) (17972147920).jpg

Title: The American Museum journal
Identifier: americanmuseumjo06amer (find matches)
Year: c1900-(1918) (c190s)
Authors: American Museum of Natural History
Subjects: Natural history
Publisher: New York : American Museum of Natural History
Contributing Library: American Museum of Natural History Library
Digitizing Sponsor: Biodiversity Heritage Library

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EXPEDITION TO WEST EOR BIRD GROUPS 209 haunts and even commtinicate with the Uving. The rehgious ceremonies of the Blackfeet are quite complex and are usually based upon elaborate rituals. These rituals are in turn based upon one or more myths. In some cases it seems possible to trace out the development of a ritual by successive additions from separate myths. It is interesting to note, however, that these myths still remain distinct and independent, while the rituals are justified by reference to them. Several of these rituals have been recorded by phonograph and transcriptions made, which together with the accompanying ceremonial objects and regalia give the Museum a valuable addition to its North American collections. Another important feature of this visit was the discovery of extensive archaeological remains on the site of the present Black- feet Reservation. Up to this time next to nothing was known of the archaeology of the head-waters of the Missouri and the Plains to the north, and some archaeologists have ventured to assume that this region was peopled within the last five hundred years. While the mere finding of deeply imbedded remains does not prove ancient occupation, nevertheless, it marks an important advance in our knowledge of this area. With the result of the season's work the Museum has available the information and material for a critical study of the origin of the Blackfeet tribes and the presentation of their native culture, both material and immaterial. As these people occupied the extreme northwest comer of the Plains and were in geographical proximity to the Indians of British Columbia, especially investi- gated by the Museum, the recording of their culture is of con- siderable ethnological importance. Clark Wissler. IV.—THE EXPEDITION TO THE WEST FOR BIRD GROUPS. )HE writer, accompanied by J. D. Figgins, of the Department of Preparation, and Bruce Horsfall, artist, left New York April 28, 1906, to gather material for groups of cert tin western birds. These groups belong in the series designed to show not only North American birds, but North America as well.
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