This 1903 edition contains the famous chromolithogric plates of Hopi Katchinas painted by three Hopi artists for Fewkes in preparation of the Twenty-First Annual Report of the Bureau of American Ethnology... 1899-1900. The report includes The Report of the Director, which provides a description of the office research, field research and explorations, etc. There are two papers of ethnological importance, Hopi Katcinas and Iroquoian Cosmology. The section, "Hopi Katcinas Drawn by Native Artists" by Jesse Walter Fewkes, relates to certain supernatural beings of the Hopi pantheon known as Kachinas. It is profusely illustrated with plates in lithographic color that are made from drawings by Indian artists well-versed in their symbolism. Each plate is backed up with a brief description and throws a fresh insight into the religious customs and art of the Hopi. It also provides a list of the societies and festivals associated with kachinas. The last section, "Iroquoian Cosmology First Part" by J.N.B. Hewitt, provides an interesting and informative outline of three of five versions of Iroquoian cosmology- Onandaga, Seneca and Mohawk. Each version covers the legend of how "man came about" in three forms; the legend in the native language as told by a tribal elder, a "metaphorical" translation and a lyrical translation in a narrative form (in English). Six photographic plates portray tribal leaders. Map in back pocket is titled North America Bureau of American Ethnology Progress Map, (17.5 x 23.5"). 8vo. 360 pp. Complete. Hardbound in original green cloth with gilt vignette on front and title on spine. This is perhaps the most colorful and sought-after of the BAE reports.

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Condition: A

Plates, text and maps are all very good with just a hint of toning. One plate has separated from binding, but still good. Front cover is starting to separate from the contents, spine is soft and binding is loosening. Still a great example.