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Show LII BUBEAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY which has been mainly relied on in the identification of the altar. The same symbols are depicted on these upright slats as are found on the two altars of this society which I have studied. They are symbols of lightning in the form of serpents, rain clouds, maize, various aquatic animals, and one or more cult- heroes. The number, form, and arrangement of these slats with symbols are likewise characteristic, resembling that of the Owakulti, but differing from those of other Hopi altars. The presence of women in the kiva and the prominence on the wall of basket- trays or plaques likewise suggest a basket dance in which women participate. The paucity of clothing as shown in the painting is interesting, showing that formerly the Hopi women in their secret rites divested themselves of most of their apparel. This custom still survives among the male priests, to which sex, however, it is now limited. There are probably five different Owakulti altars in Tusayan- one at Oraibi, one at Sichumovi, and three at the Middle mesa. If properly identified as an Owakulti altar this painting represents one of the three latter, which would account for some differences between it and the two former, of which I have good kodak photographs. Conversation regarding the public exhibition which occurred at the time this altar was observed by Major Powell has developed the fact that it was a woman's basket dance, in which basket- plaques are thrown among the spectators, who struggle for their possession. There are two of these public dances, called the Lalakonti and the Owakulti, which closely resemble each other. The altar of the former is too widely aberrant from the painting to be considered. The plate does not represent a Lalakonti altar and there thus remains by elimination only the identification indicated above. A peculiar and unique interest is attached to this representation, as it was the first painting or figure of a Hopi altar made by a white man. From it dates an ever increasing interest of the objective symbolism of the Hopi, and a scientific treatment of the study of their ceremonials. THE WILD RICE GATHERERS OF THE UPPER LAKES Contrary to a superficial but widespread notion, the American aborigines subsisted in large part on vegetal products, many of the tribes being essentially agricultural. Even the nonagricultural tribes made considerable use of wild grains, fruits, berries, roots, and other plant products; and these were often systematically prepared as comestibles either separately or in conjunction with meats, fish, etc. The first in importance among aboriginal plant foods was maize, or corn, a plant |