Letter from R.A. Ackermann to Harry L. George regarding Bows and Arrows from New Mexico
The image is a letter dated June 7, 1916, from R.A. Ackermann of the Bowman Dairy Company in Chicago, to Mr. Harry L. George in St. Joseph, Missouri. The letter discusses the enclosure of a photo of bows and arrows, detailing their origin and history. It mentions they were found around 1890 by cowboys in New Mexico and are likely of Pueblo origin, forming part of an arsenal before a cave's destruction. Descriptions of individual items, including ceremonial bows and a spear with an obsidian head, are provided. Ackermann discusses pricing, encouraging Mr. George to visit for inspection, stating the collection's high quality and historical significance.
Name/Title
Letter from R.A. Ackermann to Harry L. George regarding Bows and Arrows from New MexicoEntry/Object ID
Q1430.634.2ADescription
Vol. I, pg. 2ASubject
R. A. Ackermann Chicago, Illinois Bows Arrows PuebloSubject Person/Organization
Harry L. George Collection, M.L. Ackermann, R.A.AckermannCollection
Harry L. George CollectionTranscription
Bowman Dairy Company Head Office and North Distributing Station 152-158 W. Ontario St. Chicago, Ill. June 7 1916 Mr. Harry L. George, Room 201, Saxton Bank Bldg. St. Joseph, Mo. Dear Sir, I am enclosing a photo of the bows and arrows as requested in yours of April 3rd. The history of these specimens, as nearly as I can get it is as follows: They were found about the year 1890 by cowboys under a lot of Owl Deposit in some ruins of cliff dwellers in the vicinity of Gallop, N.Mex., and are probably of Pueblo origin and were bought by my brother at that time. I understand that the place where found seemed to be some sort of arsenal, because there were a lot more specimens there at the time, but while attempting to remove the Owl Deposit the cave was set on fire and destroyed, so that these specimens are all that is left. Nos. 1,2, and 3 are Ceremonial Bows, carved in various designs and stained in several color schemes, and are in almost perfect condition. No. 4 is a Service Bow, but I hardly think it belongs in this collection as my recollection is that my brother said that but three bows came in this lot. No. 5 arrow is made of some kind of reed with a very fine obsidian head and is in perfect condition. No. 6 is the same as No. 5 except that the staff is broken at the point shown by the white tape. Both Nos. 5 and 6 are very fine specimens. Nos.7 and 8 are the same as No. 5 without the head and are also in perfect condition. No. 9 is a short piece and is in good condition - what there is of it. My brother had set the price of $600.00 on this collection, but I think Mrs. Ackerman would be willing to shade this to $500.00. Should you be in Chicago some time and will call at my office at 158 W. Ontario St., I will take great pleasure in showing you the collection. I do not deem it advisable to ship for inspection unless there is a good prospect for sale, as the danger of breakage is too great. However, should the proposition interest you I will waive my objection and forward the collection for your inspection. In conclusion I wish to state that the entire collection is of very high grade order and the origin of all these specimens, with the exception of No. $ is probably some centuries ago, and I doubt very much whether as fine a collection is in existence anywhere at the present time. Thanking you for your inquiry, I am Yours very truly, R.A. AckermannEthnography
Cultural Region
State/Province
New MexicoCulture/Tribe
Mound Builders - New Mexico
Native American