Rccetit Anthropological Essays. , 165
J. D. E. Schmeltz, Leiden, P. W. M. Trap, 1893, pp. i-xv, 1-300, with 42 plates and 51 illustrations in the text. Besides descriptions of talismans, etc., Herr Schmeltz has given a very valuable set of tables, with notes on the distribution of various objects and customs in New Guinea and neighbouring districts.
The current volume (vii, 1894) of the Internationales Archiv fiir EtJnwgrapJiie, Leiden, E. J. Brill, contains one or two articles which will interest some of our members. Professor G. Schlegel has ('p. i) an illustrated paper on " A Canton Flower-boat". These are really floating cafe- chantants, in which the greatest decorum prevails. Of very great interest is Dr. J. Walter Fewkes' memoir on the "Dolls of the Tusayan Indians" (pp. 45-74); beautifully coloured illustrations are given of forty-three dolls, which are at present used simply as children's playthings. They are generally made by participants in a certain ceremony in July or August. There is a great similarity in the general form of the dolls, with an indication by the symbolic markings of the special personage intended. Dr. Fewkes points out that the characteristic details are always found on the head, and adds : "This fact is one which gives a great importance to the study of helmets, masks, and all cephalic decorations which are used in ceremonial dances." The figurines are carefully described, and their symbolism noted. Professor P. J. Veth communicates the first part of a paper, entitled " De Leer der Signatur", pp. 75-88. Signature is defined as "the resemblance of a vegetable, or a mineral, to any part of a man's body." This paper is therefore a contribution to the subject of sympathetic magic, and it deals with the subject in general,, and gives a detailed account of the Mandrake (Mandra- gora).
A. C. Haddon.
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