TALISMANIC USE OP PRECIOUS STONES 81
name hematite, from the Greek haima, "blood."
As an iron ore and hence associated with Mars, the god of war, this
substance was also considered to be an invaluable help to the warrior
on the field of battle if he rubbed his body with it. Probably, like
the loadstone, it was believed to confer invulnerability.
The
high degree of skill possessed by the Pueblo workers is strikingly
shown in a finely inlaid hematite cylinder found in Pueblo Bonito. The
inlays are of turquoise and are designed to make the cylinder a
conventional representation of a bird. The wings are indicated by
turquoise inlays of pyramidal outline, curved so as to follow the
curvature of the cylinder, the head being figured by a conical piece of
turquoise attached to one end. This conical termination bore a small
bird-figure carved in relief.63 When we consider the
difficulties the Indian workers had to overcome in the execution of
this artistic task with the tools at their command, we can well realize
that this object, probably an amulet, must have been considered very
valuable, and was most likely the property of some one of high rank in
the tribe or community.
The
jacinth was more especially recommended as an amulet for travellers,
because of its reputed value as a protection against the plague and
against wounds and injuries, the two classes of perils most feared by
those who undertook long journeys. Moreover, this stone assured the
wearer a cordial reception at any hostelry he
63
George H. Pepper, " The Exploration of a Burial-room in Pueblo Bonito,
New Mexico," Putnam Anniversary Volume, New York, 1909, p. 239; Fig. 5.
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