IPiaDSH A ®M>WKT2D
ON TH E ALABAMA. HIVER.
PL54*.
discovered, all in the sitting posture, but in so fragile a state as to defy all attempts
at preservation.”*
The antiquity of the skull from the lower vault is sufficiently established by
the preceding circumstances; and I add it to these illustrations with the greater
satisfaction on account of the authentic character of all the facts mentioned by
Dr. Clemens. The occurrence of ivory\ heads is a matter of much interest; for
it will he at once inquired, where did the ancient Americans procure this material?
A glance at the drawing reveals the characteristic traits of the American skull, as
seen in the full superciliary ridge, the salient nose, the rounded head, the flattened
occiput, and the broad and ponderous lower jaw. Every tooth in this head is
perfect; hut a part of the occipital bone is deficient, and the dotted line is probably
an approximation to the original outline. The following are the only measurements
I have been able to obtain.
Longitudinal diameter, 6.6? inches.
Horizontal diameter, (from superciliary ridge to occiput,) 6.5 inches.
Parietal diameter, 6. inches.
Vertical diameter, 5. inches.
Facial angle, about
PLATE LIV.
78 degrees.
SKULL FROM A MOUND ON THE ALABAMA RIVER.
This very interesting cranium has been already mentioned in this work,
(page 162,) where three views are given in wood outlines. It is there mentioned
as the property of Dr. O. H. Fowler, who, having politely allowed me the use of
it, I have gladly made room for it in this plaee. It is supposed to he a Natchez
head, which is altogether probable; hut I insert it here as a genuine mound skull.
It is flattened on the occiput and os frontis in such manner as to give the whole
head a sugar-loaf or conical form, whence also its great lateral diameter, and its
* Mr. Tomlinson, the proprietor, has been at great pains and expense to fit up the lower vault of
this mound, in which the articles found in it are preserved for the gratification of strangers.
t l am also informed by Dr. Clemens, that he has found porcelain beads in a small mound a mile
and a half from the greater one.—For an early and interesting account of this mound, see Dr. J.
Morton’s memoir in the Amer. Jour, of Science and Art, VI, p. 166.