adoption of certain conventional representations. The signifi-

cance of these were common knowledge and therefore legitimately

found their place in decorative work as well as in other spheres
Of- dite:

The following "key" to the outlines of symbolic Thompson de-
signs, (Plate 20, Figure 13), gives a clue to the reputed meaning
of a few samples of these signs and to their suitability for use
on articles purporting to show accurate reproductions of tribal
designs or symbols in British Columbia beadwork. Objects bear-
ing these symbols therefore possess historic interest.

Crossing of Trails.

Fir Branches (Ceremonial use).

Unfinished basketry, or pile of fir branches.

Grave Pole.

Trench with Earth Thrown up to the Side, or a Cascade.

A Rainbow.

Great Bear Tracks.

Bear Cub Tracks.

Two Lakes with Connecting River - the Inner Circle.
Represents Water.

(j) A Mountain. The Circle on Top Represents a Lake on the

a ae a ee ei ee ee a
beh oaaaow
a ee ee

Summit.
(k) A Star.
(1) The -Sun’s

(m) Lightning.

Thus throughout the Interior of this Province geometrical
quillwork and bead designs are the oldest as well as those best
adapted to the medium employed. Floral designs have gained
popularity in the last century, but they are an introduction from
without; they spring presumably from the French skill in exquisite
white embroidery brought to eastern Canada by the French Convent
trained women, who taught to the Indian women they befriended the
forms of needlecraft in which they themselves wére and are so
highly proficient. Symbolic representation of animals in bead—
work (a style confined primarily to woodwork), when seen (and
that rarely) was probably copied from Pacific Coast designs
painted on board, such as that provided for the weaver of a
Chilcat blanket. The very elaborate and beautifully coloured de-
sign of the Double-headed Snake is included on Plate 20, Figure
5 as an example of this rare form of beadwork. It came from the
Naas River some 80 years ago but is not characteristic of the
best methods of this art.

The use of porcupine quills was gradually superseded across
the continent of North America as the tribal women were intro-
duced to the attractions of coloured beads brought from Europe.

= 86a