Boas, Franz: Primitive art (Oslo , Leipzig [u.a.], 1927)

Symbolism

103

means everywhere connected with these two forms, but that in the
music of other people that have something comparable to our major
or minor, the relations may be quite different. We also feel a cer-
tain energy connected with the major key of E flat, but undoub-
tedly this is due to very specific associations that are not valid in
other cultural areas.
Expressionistic art requires a K + ■}■ * °. + -t
very firm and uniform cultural
background, such as is possessed
by many peoples of simple social
structure, but that cannot exist
in our complex society with its
manifold, intercrossing interests
and its great variety of situa-
tions that create different emo-
tional centers for each of its
numerous strata.
It is, therefore, important to
know whether there exist firm
associations between form and
significance, and whether these
associations are accompanied by strong emotional reactions.
The former question may be investigated in two ways: By study-
ing the variety of forms which are used to represent the same
objects, and conversely by illustrating the variety of explanations
given to the same form. Arapho designs collected by Kroeber offer
a favourable field for this study. The range of forms interpreted
as the star (fig. 96) is based on the tendency in the art of the
Plains Indians to use triangular and quadrangular figures and narrow
lines, and on the scarcity of polygons. We find, therefore, as
representations of stars, crosses, groups of squares, diamonds and a
cross with triangular wings. In the last quite exceptional figure of
this series the star is represented by a hexagon. In some cases
the association between the form and its meaning becomes more

+ I

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C+3

Fig. 96. Patterns representing the star,
Arapaho.