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The Swastika

Forms Allied to the Swastika

Page 101

bling the Swastika, in that the arms are turned at their extremities to the right and form, in an inchoate manner, the gamma. Fig. 278 represents the shell with fig. 276

the spider, and, though it contains no cross nor semblance of the Swastika, derives its value from having been taken form the same mound on Fains Island, Tennessee, as was the true Swastika. (See fig. 237.)
The rattlesnake. --- The rattlesnake was a favorite design on these gorgets, affording as it did, an opportunity for the aborigines to make a display of elegance of design, and of accuracy and fineness in execution. Fig. 279 is a specimen in which the snake is represented coiled, the head in the center, the mouth V-shaped in strong lines, the body in volute fashion; on the outside of the circle the tail is shown by its rattle. This specimen is represented three-fourths size, and comes from McMahon mound, Tennessee. Four others of similar design are also from Tennessee and the adjoining States, but the locality is more restricted than is the case with other shell disk ornaments.
fig. 277

The human face and form. --- These were also carved and wrought upon shells in the same general locality. The engraving is always on the convex side of the shell which has been reduced to a pear-shaped form. (1)

ENDNOTES:

1. Second Ann. Rep. of Ethnology, pls. 69-73. [Back]

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