I FINE 
 
 DT 
 
 379 
 
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 1911 
 
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CORNELL 
 
 UNIVERSITY 
 
 LIBRARY 
 
 FINE ARTS LIBRARY 
 
f^iyk 
 
 THE HOFFMAN PHILIP ABYSSINIAN 
 TTT^uNotOGICAL COLLECTION 
 
 BY 
 WALTER HOUGH ( 
 
 Curator of Ethnology, U. S. National Museum 
 
 No. 1819.-^From the Proceedings of the United States National Museum, 
 Vol. 40, pages 265-276, with Plates 12-34 
 
 Published May 18, 1911 
 
 Washington 
 
 Government Printing Office 
 
 1911 
 
Cornell University 
 Library 
 
 The original of this book is in 
 the Cornell University Library. 
 
 There are no known copyright restrictions in 
 the United States on the use of the text. 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924102176587 
 
CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY 
 
 3 1924 102 176 587 
 
 DATE DUE 
 
 PRINTED IN U.SA 
 
THE HOFFMAN PHILIP ABYSSINIAN 
 ETHNOLOGICAL COLLECTION 
 
 BY 
 
 WALTER HOUGH 
 
 Curator of Ethnology, U. S. National Museum 
 
 No. 1819. — From the Proceedings of the United States National Museum, 
 Vol. 40, pages 265-276, with Plates 12-34 
 
 Published May 18, 1911 
 
 
 Washington 
 
 Government Printing Office 
 
 1911 
 
4^ 
 
THE HOFFMAN PHILIP ABYSSINIAN ETHNOLOGICAL COL- 
 LECTION. 
 
 By Walter Ilouon, 
 
 Curator of Ethnology, U. S. National Museum. 
 
 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 The objects comprising tliis collection were gathered in Aln^ssinia 
 in the year 1909 by the Honorable Hoffman Philip, minister and 
 consul-general of the United States at Addis Abeba, the capital of 
 Emperor ilenelek. j\Iaterial from Abyssinia is exceedingly rare, and 
 the collection of Mr. Philip, probably the first that has been brought 
 to tliis countrv', is interesting on account of the survivals which it 
 exhibits from the ancient culture of northern Afiica, the neighboring 
 Asiatic continent, and eastern Europe. 
 
 J. Theodore Bent notes that the fly-flaps carried by the priests are 
 of identical sliape with those depicted on Egyptian frescoes, and 
 observes : 
 
 Even-thing in Abyssinia connected with religion would seem to have its prototype 
 in the ancient world; the sistrum, the flj'-flap, tlie crutch, and many other things have 
 doubtless Iwen brought originally from the valley of the Nile, and, with the peculiar 
 conseiTatism of primitive races, have Ijcen preserved e\'en to our day.' 
 
 The portion of Abyssinia inhabited by the ruling class, who have 
 inherited the remains of the early civilization, is an elevated plateau 
 terribly gashed by erosive agencies which render it almost inaccessible, 
 and the country, though lying between the great trade routes of the 
 world, the Nile and the Red Sea, has remained isolated. It has also 
 been unaffected by great movements of peoples since the prehistoric 
 wave of Himyarites from Arabia Felix became entangled in the vast 
 recesses of the plateau. 
 
 Abyssinia received its first culture from southern Arabia (Arabia 
 Felix, Yemen) when in the prehistoric period the Himyarites crossed 
 the narrow strait of Bab-el Mandeb and secured a permanent location 
 on the plateau. About the third and second centuries B. C. the 
 Ptolemies sent expeditions to survey the Arabian and African sea- 
 
 ' J. Theodore Dent, The Sacred City of the Ethiopians, London, 1S93, p. 65. 
 
 Proceedings U. S. National Museum, Vol. 40— No. 1 81 9. 
 
 265 
 
266 rnorEEnixcH of the XATioyAL museum. vul. 40. 
 
 boards and to found trading stations on the coast of Ethiopia, and at 
 that period Koloe and Ava, tlie cities of tlie Ilimyarites, were flourish- 
 ing, later to 1)0 succeeded b}' the great Axumite empire whose city, 
 Axum, shows lliniyaritic culture tleveloped under Grseco-Roman 
 influences.' 
 
 CATALOGUE. 
 
 BASKETHY. 
 
 Embroidered licit. — Of palm midrib coiled, the whole surface, 
 interior and exterior, laid over with green, yeUow, red, white, and 
 black floss silk. The work is called basket stitch and is one of the 
 most ancient methods of couching. The hat is of European shai)e, 
 and was made and embroidered by the Abyssinian women in the 
 nortliern province of Waag. 
 
 Diameter, 14 inches; height, 4 inches. 
 
 PL 12, fig. 1, Cat. No. 2618S4, U.S.N.M. 
 
 Coiled haslcet. — Formed of small coils of straw held together with 
 a loosely twined splint. The sewing is of purple, green, and yellow 
 dyed straw over one and three coils alternately and interwoven with 
 yellow straw, producing pleasing textile patterns. The interweave 
 is an advance on the coil work of the Hopi Indians of Arizona, whose 
 basketry alone of all the tribes is like that of northern Africa, but 
 simpler in execution than the Ab3'ssinian. The specimen has a lid 
 like an embossed shield, a capacious bodj^ resting on a foot. The 
 salient edges are bound in red morocco leather, and the lid has a loop 
 in the apex for convenience in lifting. 
 
 Tfiis specimen was presented to Mr. Philip by Dedjaz Abatta, a high. 
 Abyssinian military olhcial. These baskets are used as receptacles 
 for crushed corn and millet, of which thick moist cakes of Abys- 
 sinian bread are made. 
 
 Diameter, 20 inches; height, 16 inches. 
 
 PI. 12, fig. 2, Cat. No. 261SS0, U.S.N.M. 
 
 METAL WORK. 
 
 Embossed sliield. — Of buffalo hide, formed, when damp, into a high 
 boss, the edge raised and turned over with a neat finish. The exterior 
 surface has near the edge a band of geometric pattern in low relief 
 and is decorated with repousse silver having crescentic and triangular 
 openings, and these plates are apphed with round-headed tacks. A 
 cap, engraved on its upper surface, is set at the apex, and bosses hide 
 the places where the handle passes through the structure of the shield. 
 The interior is lined with red morocco leather bearing fine geometric 
 design, and the lining is secured under the overturned edge of the 
 sliield. Tlie handle is large, covered with fine leather, and looped 
 
 1 See Kcane's review of EtMopian history in Stanford's Compendium of Geography and Travel, Africa, 
 vol. 1, London, 1895, pp. 445-446. 
 
NO. isio. THE riiiLir Any^^^tixiAx coLLEcriox^Tinuait. 267 
 
 orer it is a strap secured at the ends with a ])acket knot. Two 
 leather loops are secured to ojiposito edges of the shield on a line 
 with the handle. This superl> shield is used by the Abyssinian 
 cavalry. 
 
 Diameter, 20 'r inches; height, G\ inclies. 
 
 PI. 13, ("at. Xo. 2G1S,S.3, U.S.N.M. 
 
 lu'clcsiastical croirn or mitn'. — 01' silver jyercf a fowr and engraved, 
 consisting of a brow band, central [>and, and a]K',x plate secured to 8 
 vertical curving strips leaving S spaces from each nf which ]iroject 
 slantingly curved prongs of engraved silver. From the apex rises a 
 tubular structure, from the cap])ing ])late of which 10 little Ixdls are 
 suspended by cliains. From the lower rim of the nhler juts a small 
 oval plate fringed with bells and chains, resembling the vizor of a cap. 
 The designs on the silver are similar to those on the shield and con- 
 sist of a series of self-involving loops, apparently from some cord or 
 serpent motif. 
 
 These crowns, which are of very ancient design, are worn by the 
 high priests on state occasions, and are very rare and difficult to 
 obtain. The specimen described was originally in use in the church 
 of St. George, Addis Al)eba, Abyssinia. 
 
 Height, lOA- iiiches; diameter, 8-j inches. 
 
 PI. 14, Cat. Xo. 261S43, U.S.X.ii. 
 
 The necklaces in the PliUip collection illustrate very clearly a phase 
 in the origin of such ornaments from the amulet, nearly all the speci- 
 mens being made up of a series of charm l)oxes. 
 
 Necliacf. — Consisting of small button-like beads of fine sUver gilt 
 filiirree, 6 in number, strung on a coarse cotton string. Old Tigre or 
 Godj'am work. 
 
 Diameter of beads, f inch. 
 
 PL 15, fig. 1, Cat. Xo. 261867, U.S.N.M. 
 
 NecMacc. — Consisting of 8 silver filigree boxes like Asiatic amulet 
 boxes, strung on a strip of cloth. The filigree work is simple ricdvrack 
 and occurs on only one side of the boxes, which are provided with two 
 loops for stringing. 
 
 PI. 15, fig. 2, Cat. Xo. 2G1868, U.S.N.M. 
 
 NecMace. — Consisting of 4 boxes of silver filigree, spaced with 8 
 cylindrical beads. All of tii.e boxes have fringes of conical tinklers 
 suspended by chains and two of the boxes have sliding drawers. 
 The fdigree work is in simple patterns. 
 
 PI. 15, hg. 3. Cat. No. 261871, U.S.X.M. 
 
 NecUace. — Consisting of 5 silver filigree boxes of crescentic, rect- 
 angular, and conical outline. The design is very good, and the work 
 crude, but effective. 
 
 PI. 15, fig. 4. Cat. Xo. 261869, U.S.N.M. 
 
268 pRocEEnrxas oe the xATioyAr, museum. vol. ^o. 
 
 Nccldacc. — Consistinp; of 25 tubular beads terminating in a filigree 
 charm box having tinklers and a drawer. These necklaces are worn 
 by A1)yssiuian women and are usually from the northern ]^rovinces of 
 Tigre or Godjam, most of the silverwork emanating from Abyssinia. 
 The specimens are old, few being made to-day. 
 
 PL 16, iig. 1. Cat. Xo. 2G1S72, U.S.X.M. ' 
 
 Necliace. — Consisting of groups of two or more silver beads alter- 
 nating with tubular beads strung on iiber cord; the terminal cylinder 
 is encrusted with small pearl-like ornaments. 
 
 PL 16, fig. 2. Cat. No. 261870, U.S.N.M. 
 
 Cross. — Of cast bronze, finished with a file. The form is that of 
 the Greek cross, the triangular wings terminating in arrow-shaped 
 projections. The surface is decorated with punch marks outlining 
 the edges. This specimen, like the others, has a square, perforated 
 base, from which projects an arr(jw-sliaped spur. The specimen 
 appears to be verj^ old. 
 
 Length, 6 inches; width, 2^'- inches. 
 
 PL 17, fig. 1. Cat. No. 261858, U.S.N.M. 
 
 Cross. — Bronze, base perforated for suspension, stem rounded, 
 cross plain Greek form, the faces ornamented with circles inclosing 
 dots. 
 
 Length, 7 inches; width, 3'r inches. 
 
 PL 17, fig. 2. Cat. No. 261857, U.S.N.M. 
 
 Cross. — Of pewter, cast; and finished by scraping. The form is 
 a floreated Greek cross with the tree rising from a flat rectangular 
 base terminating below mth a cross. The surface decorations are 
 circles and clots and bands of herring-bone pattern. 
 
 Length, 8| inches; v/idth, 4f inches. 
 
 PL 17, fig. 3. Cat. No. 261860, U.S.N.M. 
 
 Cross. — Cast brass finished with the file and by scraping. Tiio 
 design, which appears to be the intertwined sei-pent motive, is basetl 
 on the Greek cross, formuig an elaborate and pleasing ornament. 
 The wcM'k is pierced and engraved. The stem is termuiated with a 
 square frame, from the lower side of which extends an arrowhead. 
 
 Length, S\ inches; width, 3§ inches. 
 
 PL 17, fig. 4. Cat. No. 261859, U.S.N.M. 
 
 Woman's bracelets. — Consisting of a band upon which is appHed 
 a strip of silver fihgree in simple pattern. These bracelets open 
 with hinge and jjin, as in No. 261849, but are of older workmansliip. 
 
 Diameter, 2 inches; M'idth, f inch. 
 
 PL 18, fig. 1. Cat. No. 261848, U.S.N.M. 
 
 Woman's hracelets. — A curved band of massive silver hinged and 
 secured by pin and loops. The exterior is heavily worked with a 
 chisel and punch in simple patterns. These are old specimens and 
 display crude workmansliip. 
 
NO. ISIO. THE PHILIP ABYSSIXIAX COLLECriOX^HOrOH. 269 
 
 Diameter, 21- iiiclies; width, J inch. 
 
 PL IS, fig. 2. Oat. Xo. 261S.50, 1\S.X.M. 
 
 Woman's hracdcts. — Silver filigree, one section opening on hinges 
 to admit the wrist. The bracelets are good specimens of modern 
 filigree W(irk. 
 
 Diameter, '2\ inches; ^vidth, 1 inch. 
 
 PI. IS, lig. 3. Cat. Xo. 261S49, U.S.X.M. 
 
 ScabbcDxJ mounting. — Curved terminal metal sheath of a sword 
 scabbard. Tlie design is a combinati<m of stamping with a punch 
 and work with an engraving tool. The field is tlivided up into panels 
 by bands of textile motive; most of the panels bear the St. Andrews 
 cross while two have a lion and Greek cross. The Abyssinian sword 
 was scimitar shape, the scabbard of leather covered Avith velvet, 
 the grip of rhinoceros horn. Xortli Abyssinia. 
 
 Length, f2 inches. 
 
 PL f9, fig. 1. Cat. Xo. 26f882, U.S.X.M. 
 
 Scahlard mounting. — Consistmg of the tip of a sword scabbard in 
 silver gilt filigree. Made by forming the metal base for the two 
 sides, piercing it with the design, soldering the two parts together 
 and covering the line vntli t^\^sted ^\^re. The designs are outlined 
 with wire soldered on, the ends terminating in small bosses simu- 
 lating pearls, which are masses of silver, like small slmt, soldered on. 
 The work is crude, but strong. The designs, which are very pleasing, 
 are unlike on the two sides. 
 
 Lengtli, f 4 inches. 
 
 PL f 9, fig. 2. Cat. Xo. 261881, U.S.X.M. 
 
 Ca.se for tweezers. — Of hammered silver ornamenteil mth chasing 
 and decorated with small bangles which produce an agreeable tink- 
 ling sound. In form the specimen is like that of an amphora. The 
 tweezers are used for pickmg out thorns and when not in use are 
 thrust into the opening at the neck of the case. It is suspended ])y 
 two silver chains. The case is said to be of very old Abyssinian 
 silverwork. 
 
 Length, .3 J inches; diameter, 1 inch. 
 
 PL 19, fig. 3. Cat. Xo. 2(31879, U.S.X.M. 
 
 Ornamenteil hanels. — Of silver gilt filigree. These resemble the 
 bands on sword scabbards and the work is hke that of Xo. 261881. 
 They are said to be ornaments for a priest's stafl' or crutch. 
 
 Length, IJ inches; width, f inch. 
 
 PL 19, fig. 4. Cat. Xo. 261856, U.S.X.M. 
 
 Fooel strainer. — Of beaten silver worked into saucer form and per- 
 forated by punclnng. The specimen is said to have been the prop- 
 erty of tlie former King of Godjam anrl is of northern Abyssmian 
 manufacture. 
 
 Diameter, 4ii6 inches; height, -| inch. 
 
270 PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM. vol.40, 
 
 PL 20, fig. 1. Cat. No. 261S66, U.S.N.M. 
 
 Bell. — Of silver, cast and highly polished. The bell is of excellent 
 shaj^e and tone and is reputed to have belonged to the former King 
 of Godjam. The handle is of red morocco leather. 
 
 Diameter, 1^ inches; height, 2 inches. 
 
 PL 20, fig. 2. Cat. No. 261865, U.S.N.M. 
 
 UTENSir.N OF WOOD AND HORN. 
 
 Drinking cup. — Turned from a single piece of rhinoceros horn. In 
 this respect it differs from ordinary specimens, which have inserted 
 bottoms. Such cups are usually presented to subjects who have 
 met with his favor by the Emperor of Abyssinia. 
 
 Diameter, Sf inches; height, 3h inches. 
 
 PL 20, fig. 3. Cat. No. 261844, U.S.N.M. 
 
 Wooden cup. — Turned from hard yellow wood, polislied; deco- 
 rated with turning grooves which have been colored red and black 
 and bands between the grooves relieved by small depressions. The 
 foot has three perforations corresponding to similar perforations in 
 the cover, designed for passage of the cords securing the parts together 
 as well as forming a handle for carrjnng. Mr. Philip states that: 
 
 It is used for preserving the national Abyssinian hairdressing and perfume, which 
 is oil derived from rancid butter. 
 
 Diameter, 3 J inches; height, 5 inches. 
 PL 20, fig. 4. Cat. No. 261873, U.S.N.M. 
 
 PICTORI.4L .\RT. 
 
 Triptych.. — Folding triptych of wood covered with paper, the 
 leaves closing into the frame on leather hinges like a Byzantine eikon. 
 The central larger picture represents the Virgin and Child seated on 
 a terraced throne, guarded at the upper right and left corners by the 
 archangels Gabriel and Michael with drawn swords. On the upper 
 left hand leaf is represented St. George mounted on a white horse 
 slaying a dragon. On the opposite side stands Tekia Haimanout, 
 patron saint of Abyssinia, a one-legged, winged man of patriarchal 
 aspect. The lower figures represent groups, apparently of suppliants. 
 The colorings are most vivid and crude, the backgrounds of yellow 
 and the figures in purple, yellow, red, and green. The style of art 
 is Byzantine. 
 
 Length, 20 J inches; width, 15 inches. 
 
 PL 21. Cat. No. 261847, U.S.N.M. 
 
 Religious painting. — Executed in thick guache on coarse muslin. 
 The colors are primitive red, blue, green, and yellow, the drawing 
 and treatment archaic, suggesting Egyptian and Byzantine influences. 
 
 The subject is the coronation of Mary; to the right the Father 
 grasping the world, to the left the Son carrying the cross, each 
 
NO. ISIO, rUE PHILIP MiYSSI\l[\ COr.LECTIOX^IIOUCJI. 271 
 
 grasping and placing the crown, above Avhicli the Spirit in form of a 
 (love rests, and back of which is represented the sun's ra_ys. Belo\\ , 
 two figures holding rosaries prostrate themselves and at the sides 
 are Abyssmian \\ orshippers, v.hose faces might have been drawn on 
 an ancient Egyptian papyrus or mummy case. 
 
 The representation of the Father as an old man and the Son as a 
 young man has the same naive element as is shown in Velasquez's 
 painting of the same subject in the Madrid gallery. 
 
 The painting is singularly rich in color and tlecorative quality. The 
 modeling is in sanguine, the outlines in very dark, rather hea\y lines, 
 the treatment of the neck and hands is formal like Assyrian, the result 
 of ignorance of anatomy. The h:do is circular and is molded lil;e a 
 picture frame and it appears to be solid, as it obscures one arm of the 
 cross. The textiles are decorated with sporacUc patterns; the lining 
 of the "\ irgio's robe and the l)orders are in set patterns in S(|uares 
 which cover the surface. The worshippers are clad in lined fabrics 
 like the ]\landingan cloths. The crown is turban shape set with red 
 and blue stones and terminated \\ ith a lloreated Greek cross. 
 
 Length, 49 inches; width, 42 inches. 
 
 PI. 22. Cat. No. 261S46, U.S.X.M. 
 
 Painted scroll. — Representing on the light the Biblical story of the 
 rich man and Lazarus, and on the left the stages in the life of a holv 
 man. The groundwork represents a cross and in the circular field at 
 the top of the cross are the three evangelists depicted in the cabalistic 
 design called "The Seal of Solomon'' ^\lthin a circle. The painting 
 is in crude colors and the execution is somewhat better than usual. 
 
 Length, 20 inches; width, 1-5 inches. 
 
 PI. 23. Cat. No. 261SS6, U.S.X.M. 
 
 Painting. — In guache on thick paper, crudely drawn and painted 
 in strong blues aiul reds on a chrome yellow ground. The suljject is 
 Idenelek and his queen receiving the benediction and protection of 
 heavenly beings, two of whom hold red umbrellas over the heads of 
 the royai pair. In the upper left hand corner is St. George on a white 
 horse. 
 
 Length, 22 inches; width, 21 inches. 
 
 PL 24. Cat. Xo. 261885, U.S.X.M. 
 
 Scroll painting. — The medium employed is oil upon muslin sized 
 with lime. The background, as is usual with Abyssinian paintings, 
 is in brilliant yellow. The picture is arranged in three horizontal 
 bands and represents the Abyssinian and Italian troops at the l)attle 
 of jVdowa (1S96). On the upper left hand side are represented Mene- 
 lek on a white palfrey surrounded by his bodyguard. Below him are 
 Queen Taitu, the priests and A])_yssiniaii troops, and opposite them 
 the Italian army. The Abyssinians are re])resented full face and 
 the Italians are drawn in profile. The painting, though crude, 
 
272 rnocEEnixcs of the xATioyAL museum. vol, 40. 
 
 shows considerable skill in representing action and forms an inter- 
 estin.ii; study of the costumes of the Abyssinian dignitaries and the 
 army. 
 
 Length, 57 inches; width, 35 inches. 
 
 PI. 25. Cat. No. 261845, U.S.N.M. 
 
 Picture on brass. — Somewhat irregular sheet of brass upon which 
 is a representation of Tekla Haimanout, a saint who wears a curious 
 headdress with crossed wings, has wings on his shoulders and but 
 one leg. The outlines have been cut with a chisel and the figures 
 thrown into the slight relief b}- hammering. 
 
 Length, 4| inches; width, 4 inches. 
 
 PI. 26, fig. 1. Gat. No. 261861, U.S.N.M. 
 
 Picture on brass. — Representing a saint with a long beard and 
 guarded by tvi'O lions. Upon his shoulder is a large bird like a 
 raven, which appears to be pecking out his eye. The background 
 is filled in with small crosses. The work has been done with a 
 chisel-edge punch. 
 
 Length, 4 J inches; width, 4|- inches. 
 
 PI. 26, fig. 2. Cat. No. 261862, U.S.N.M. 
 
 Picture on brass. — Representation of the Virgin and Child with the 
 celestial guardians Alichael and Gabriel. The work is extremely 
 crude and has been accomplished with a chisel and figured punch. 
 These brass plates bring to mind the Russian eikons. The work is 
 said to be ancient. 
 
 Length, 5i inches; width, 4f inches. 
 
 PI. 26, fig. 3. Cat. No. 261863, U.S.N.M. 
 
 Theological treatise on parchment in Amhtaric script. — The TSTiting 
 is in black and red ink and well executed. The inside of the cover 
 and fly leaves are painted, the pictures being of the A'irgin and Child, 
 St. George and the Dragon and other saints. The backs are of 
 wood covered with cotton cloth, to which is attached a band for 
 withdrawing the book from the double leather case in which it is car- 
 ried by priests and others. 
 
 Kcane says that the liturgical language of the Abyssinian church 
 is Gheez, a pure Himyaritic idiom, the most archaic member of the 
 Semitic family, not excepting the Assyrian of the cuneiform writings. 
 It is the vernacular of the kingdom of Tigre, but it also enters largely 
 into the constitution of the Amharic (Amharna) current in the rest of 
 Abyssinia proper, at least among the governing classes.^ 
 
 Case: Length, 5 J inches; width, 4 inches. 
 
 Page of book: Length 4 J inches; width, 3 inches. 
 
 Pl.'"27. Cat. No. 261864, U.S.N.M. 
 
 1 Stanford's Compendium, Africa, vol. 1, p. 448, 1895. 
 
NO, ISIO. THE PHILIP ABYSSiyiAN COLLECTIOy—IIOVGII. 21c 
 
 COSTUME. 
 
 Mantle. — Of tanned goatskin, slashed on the sleeve and skirt and 
 ornamented on the outside with leather applique. It is made of a 
 single skin folded on itself, the sleeve-like appendage and a portion 
 of the fringe being sewn to the upper and lower edges respectivel_y. 
 Suspended from one edge of the mantle is a small bamboo bottle, 
 apparently for holding oil. This garment is worn by the Arusi Galla 
 people living in the mountain districts of Abyssinia. 
 
 Length, ilh inches. 
 
 PI. 28, fig. 1. Cat. No. 261877, U.S.X.M. 
 
 Lion's mane headdress. — Strip of skin from lion's mane bound in 
 red and green silk and edged with a band of copper gilt chain such 
 as is used on European helmets and military headdress. The ends 
 of the silk bizrding hang down at the rear of the headband. This 
 headdress is worn by high officers of the Abyssinian army. 
 
 Length, IS inches. 
 
 PI. 2S, fig. 2. Cat. No. 261S75, U.S.N.M. 
 
 ORNAMENTS. 
 
 Necldet. — Consisting of a rod of brass looped at the ends and cov- 
 ered with a fine winding of brass wire, which has worn smooth. 
 Southwestern Abyssinia. 
 
 Diameter, 4-i inches. 
 
 PI. 29, fig. l' Cat. Xo. 261S.52, U.S.N.M. 
 
 Arrnltts. — Sections cut from elephant tusk polished and beauti- 
 fully stained by long use. These armlets were worn by south 
 Abyssinian elephant hunters. 
 
 Diameter, oj inches to 4-J inches. 
 
 PI. 29, figs. 2, 3, and 5. Cat. No. 261S74, U.S.N.M. 
 
 AnJdet. — Of hammered brass beaten into a concave and strength- 
 ened with a middle rib, which is a feature of so much African metal 
 work. The exterior is decorated with chiseled designs of simple 
 pattern, but very effective. Worn b}' the ShangaUa (Shankilla) 
 negroes of the western slopes of the Abyssinian plateau. 
 
 Diameter, 3^ inches; width, 1 inch. 
 
 PI. 29, %. 4. Cat. No. 261851, U.S.N.M. 
 
 Earring. — Consisting of a circlet of ivorj^ to which is attached by 
 perforation in the ivory a locking circlet of brass rod wound with 
 brass wire. Worn by the elephant-hunters of the southwestern 
 Abj'ssinian province. Since this object weighs 8 ounces, it no doubt 
 stretches the lobe of the ear greath". 
 
 Diameter of ivory, 4| inches. 
 
 PI. 29, fig. 6. Cat. No. 261853, U.S.N.M. 
 80796°— Proc.N.M.Yol.40— 11 1 
 
274 PROCEEDiyCl^ of TJIE XATIOyAL MUSEUM. VOL.40. 
 
 REI.IUIO.X. 
 
 Mask. — Formed of clay mixed with fiber. The front represents a 
 human face of not unpleasing appearance and liaving both Up and 
 chin wliiskers of bhiclc goat hair. The back of tlie mask boars in 
 relief a strange animal figure (lizard?) whose body forms a handle by 
 which the mask is suspended from a leather strap. This mask, as 
 stated by the collector, was said to have been worshiped hy the Gallas 
 of Abyssinia. "The Gallas are not of a Semitic origin, as are the 
 Abyssinians proper, nor are they Christians. They v/orship trees in 
 many parts of the country and they also reverence various objects to 
 which they make sacrifices. The specimen was the only one seen in 
 Abyssinia, and its proper use and authenticity can not be vouched 
 for." — ([nforniiition given by Mr. Philip.) 
 
 Length, Gf inches: width, .5 inches. 
 
 PI. 30, fig. 1. Cat. No. 261SS7, U.S.N.M. 
 
 UTENSIL.?. 
 
 Spoon. — Cut from cow's horn; the bowl slightly shallow and spatu- 
 late. The end of the handle is ornamentetl with roundels. "Eating 
 utensils of anj^ kind, with the exception of the knife, are very rare 
 among all inhabitants of Abyssinia and are practically unknown to 
 the great mass of the population. Raw meat is the most favored 
 article of food among the Abyssinians." The specimen is from the 
 Gallas. — (Information given by Mr. Philip.) 
 
 Length, Sj inches. 
 
 PL 30, fig.'2. Cat. No. 261854, U.S.N.M. 
 
 Headrest. — Carved from a single piece of j-ellow wood. The deco- 
 ration consists of scores cut into the sui'face, forming simple pat- 
 tern. Previous to cutting the pattern the wood was blackened. 
 On top and bottom the pillow is painted dark brown. Used by 
 south Abyssinian natives. 
 
 Width, 7 inches: height, 6J inclies. 
 
 PL 30, fig. 3. Cat. Xo. 2618.5.5, U.S.N.AL 
 
 ZOOTECHNY. 
 
 Lasso. — Of giralTe hide thong 1 inch wide, the throwing end consist- 
 ing of two back and forward turns of the leather lashed just above the 
 running loop. The inner memjjer of these thongs slides like a slip 
 noose through a slit cut in the end of the leather thong. The lasso 
 appears to be for the capture of large and dangerous animals and is 
 ingeniously designed to allow the quarry when caught by the foot or 
 neck to pull and tear at the extra bands, each motion drawing the 
 sliding noose tighter. Used l)y the Boranna, Abyssinian Gallo- 
 Hamites, who inhabit the Boranna province adjoining British Somah- 
 land (southeast Abyssinia). 
 
 Length, 22 feet. 
 
 PL 31. Cat. No. 261878, U.S.N.M. 
 
NO ISIO. THE VHJLIP ABYHHiyjAy COLLECTKn' — IIOUd II. 275 
 
 Florse hell. — Worked from a strip or bar of iron, tlie method pursued 
 being to heat out tlie metal into broail wings, leaving only a short por. 
 tion of the bar at the middle in its original size. The two wings are 
 then bent together until nearly in contact and curved over, forming 
 a conical shell. Around the loop of the bell passes a heavil}^ braided 
 neck yoke of leather ornamentetl with spirals of iron wire wound 
 around divided portions of the braiding. The clapper is a rod of 
 iron fastened by a ring to the leather yoke. The bell is remarkably 
 loud and sonorous. "It is made and used by Shangalla Abyssinians, 
 and is important to some tribesmen in case of war and as an ordinary 
 cattle bell to keep off wild animals." — (Information given by Mr. 
 Philip.) This form of bell is widespread in Africa. 
 
 "Shangalla (Shankilla) are negroes who live along all the western 
 slopes of the Abyssinian plateau above the plains of Seuaar." ' 
 
 Diameter, 4h inches; height, 5 inches. 
 
 PI. 32. Cat' No. 261876, U.S.X.M. 
 
 The coinage of Abyssinia is based on the Austrian thaler of Maria 
 Theresa, a large number of which, bearing the date of 1780, having 
 been sent out as trade money and passing current in Abyssinia, be- 
 came the model for the issues of IMenelek. 
 
 The coins collected by Mr. Philip consist of: 
 
 One ilaria Theresa thaler, 17S0; diameter, 40. .5 mm. (Fig. 6.) 
 
 One Menelek thaler, silver. (Fig. 3.) 
 
 Obverse: Portrait head of Menelek, crowned. Inscription, "Mene- 
 lek II, King of Ethiopia." 
 
 Reverse: Crowned lion carrying cross standard with pennants. 
 Inscription: "The Lion of Judah Concjuered." (Apocalypse. 5.) 
 On the edge is an inscription of which the word "Ilabesh," mean- 
 ing Abyssinia or Ethiopia can be made out. Date, 1875. Diameter, 
 39.5 mm. The coin is 1 mm. less in diameter than the Maria Theresa 
 thaler, but, being slightly thicker, weighs the same. The series 
 appears to have been coined in England. 
 
 One-half Menelek thaler, silver. This coin is uniform with the 
 thaler in design and inscription. Date, 1889. Diameter, 30.5 mm. 
 Milled edge. (Fig. 1.) 
 
 One-foiu-th Alenelek thaler, silver. Date, 1889. Diameter, 2.55mm. 
 Milled edge. (Fig. 4.) 
 
 One-twentieth Menelek thaler. Date, 1871. Diameter, 16.0 mm. 
 Milled edge. (Fig. 5.) 
 
 One one-hundredth Menelek thaler, brass. 
 
 Obverse: Portrait head of Menelek with same inscription as on 
 the thaler. Beneath the head, in very small letters, is "Lagrange." 
 
 1 Keanc, Stanford's Coinpondiura, Africa, Vo]. 1, p. 4.S4, IS'.)'). 
 
276 PROCEEDIXaS of the XATIOXAL museum. vol.40. 
 
 Reverse: Around border is the same inscription as on the tlialer. 
 On central disk, "Yaber Matowan," below which are mint marks 
 consisting of a rose (?), the letter "A," and a torch. Date, 1889. 
 Diameter, 25.0 mm. (Fig. 2.) 
 
 Tlie inscriptions were translated by Dr. I.M. Casanowicz, of the 
 U. S. National Museum. 
 
 Mr. Philip also collected a ring of Abyssinian gold (diameter, 25.0 
 mm., pi. .32, fig. 7) such as were used in Abyssinia and on the east 
 coast of Africa and which are said to have been a form of money of the 
 Fourth Egyptian Dynasty, but to the best of my knowledge no speci- 
 mens have been found by investigators in the remains of the culture 
 of ancient Egypt. 
 
 (Pis. 33, 34, Cat. No. 261889, U.S.N.M.) 
 
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 Silver-Mounted Shield. 
 
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 Ecclesiastical Crown or Miter. 
 
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 Necklaces of Charm Boxes. 
 
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 Necklaces of Charm Boxes. 
 
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 Ornamented Crosses. 
 
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 Silver Bracelets. 
 
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 Painting on Cloth. 
 
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 Portrait of Menelek and the Queen. 
 
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 Religious Pictures on Brass. 
 
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 Manuscript Book with Leather Case. 
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 Mantle and Headdress. 
 
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 Mask, Spoon, and Headrest. 
 
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 Lasso. 
 
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 Horse Bell. 
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 Abyssinian Coins, i Obverse). 
 
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 Abyssinian Coins, i Reverse). 
 
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