Page:American Anthropologist NS vol. 1.djvu/678

Rh bly it may also be a property mark. It does not seem likely that the decorations of these harpoons developed through conventionalization of realistic forms. Their characteristic features and their dependence upon the form of the harpoon rather suggest that they are purely geometric designs.

Figures 24 and 25, a, b, represent marks on deer arrows. In figure 25, c, we have a mark similar to those on deer arrows on the detachable point of a whaling lance.

On the whole the property marks consist of simple lines; but in figure 16, i, j, we see forms of human beings, in figure 24, h, i, long-tailed quadrupeds. The arrow shown in figure 25, d, is almost covered with engravings representing men and animals. Possibly figure 24, g, represents a flower, and figures 16, k; 17, j; and 20, a, animals.

It is very remarkable that a thorough search did not reveal property marks from any other Eskimo tribe. This fact, taken in connection with the form and occurrence of such marks among the northeastern tribes of Asia, suggests that this custom, like so many other peculiarities of Alaskan Eskimo life, may be due to contact with Asiatic tribes.