This is a nice set of three highly regarded reports filled with information, and illustrated with very attractive, colorful plates and black and white photography.

The first report in the lot is the 1891 edition of the Seventh Annual Report of the Bureau of American Ethnology ... 1900-1901, which is comprised of three sections, the first, "Indian Linguistic Families of America North of Mexico." by J.W. Powell gives an account of the current status of the "Classification of the North American Languages" and is accompanied by a well-known map in a pocket at the back titled Linguistic Stocks of American Indians North of Mexico (20 x 17"). The next section, "The Mide'wiwin or 'Grand Medicine Society' of the Ojibwa" by W.J. Hoffman is of primary interest to studies of Indians in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and the Canadian Province of Ontario. It sets forth the vestiges of a once powerful organization of one of the largest Indian tribes of the United States. An accompanying map shows their reservations in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Also included are 23 plates, many in color, featuring songs, facial decorations and ceremonial items. The text is a scholarly review of supporting studies and an informative presentation of his own research on the Society. The final section, "The Secret Formulas of the Cherokees" by James Mooney is an interesting study of the sacred formulas taken from a collection of about 600 obtained on the Cherokee reservation in North Carolina. They cover every subject pertaining to the daily life of native Americans including medicine, love, hunting, wars, etc., in fact, almost the whole of the ancient religion of the Cherokee. They were written by the shamans in Cherokee characters as invented by Sequoyah in 1821. 409 pages, 8vo. Hardbound in original green cloth with gilt vignette on front and title on spine. Grade A. Contents very good with just a hint of age toning. Covers lightly worn. Spine starting and a few signatures beginning to loosen, but still quite sound.

The second report, Twenty-third Annual Report of the Bureau of American Ethnology ...1901-1902 consists of a brief review of BAE field research, exploration and office research during the years and a paper, "The Zuni Indians Their Mythology, Esoteric Fraternities, and Ceremonies" by Matilda Coxe Stevenson. It is a colorful, informative and in-depth record of the customs of the Zuni people. Many Full-page color plates of masks and other items associated with Zuni ceremonies make this volume one of the most sought after BAE publications. The black and white photographic plates capture the lifestyle of the tribe, and provide a true glimpse into the Zuni culture. 634 pages, 8vo. Nearly 100 plates in all. Hardbound in original brown leather with gilt titling over red and black bands on spine. A terrific historical document. Grade B+. Contents very good with just a hint of age toning. Spine is separated along front hinge, and has some loss at the upper edge. Covers are faded and moderately scuffed. Binding is starting to loosen, but is still good.

The Last report is the Second Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology…, which consists of a description of the operations of the bureau and a series of papers by Powell's assistants. The papers are the heart of the report and are as follows:
1) "Zuni Fetishes" by F. H. Cushing. 2) "Myths of the Iroquois" by E. A. Smith. 3) "Navajo Silversmiths" by W. Mathews. 4) "Animal Carvings" by H. W. Henshaw. 5) "Art in Shell of Ancient Americans" by W. H. Homes. 6) "Illustrated Catalogue of the Collection Obtained from Indians of New Mexico and Arizona in 1879" by James Elevensen. These papers are entertaining, informative and include numerous fine illustrations in lithographic color and b&w. They are an excellent introduction to the art of the Southwest Indian culture. Complete volume, 477pp, 8vo. Hardbound in original sheepskin with gilt titling over red and black bands on spine. Grade B+. Contents very good with just a hint of age toning. Spine is separated along front hinge. Covers are faded and moderately scuffed. Front board is separated. Binding is starting to loosen, but is still good.

References:

Condition: A

See individual descriptions.