Eighth Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology: to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, 1886-1887, Government Printing Office, Washington, 1891

"Eighth Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology" by J. W. Powell is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. This report presents a comprehensive overview of the Bureau's activities and findings related to the anthropology and archaeology of North American Indigenous peoples during the 1886-1887 fiscal year. The text encompasses extensive research on physical remains, social customs, and cultural practices, focusing notably on the Pueblo and Navajo tribes. At the start of the report, the Director, J. W. Powell, summarizes the Bureau's ongoing research efforts and accomplishments, including field studies and publications. He outlines the significant contributions of various assistants in exploring historically relevant sites and gathering linguistic data. The opening sections serve to highlight the Bureau's dedication to understanding Indigenous cultures and traditions, as evidenced by the inclusion of accompanying papers examining Pueblo architecture, the ceremonial practices of the Navajo, and the meticulous documentation of various anthropological studies. Overall, the report provides a valuable insight into the systematic study of Native American cultures during this period.