NO. 2275. USE OF 8LINQS IN PRE-COLUMBIAN AMERICA— MEANS. 321 



highland population.^ The archeological evidence concerning the 

 occurrence of the sling among these peoples, though still far from 

 being as complete as one could desire, is full enough to permit us 

 to form some estimate as to its distribution and character in the 

 various parts of the littoral. 



In the Chimu region, where many realistically painted vessels have 

 been found, vase paintings showing combats in which .slings are 

 being used occur.^ Figures 1 and 2 show two of the most interesting 

 battle scenes painted on jire-Inca vessels from the neighborhood of 

 Trujillo. The slings are not depicted in detail, but they are unmis- 

 takable. 



Fig. 2.— Battle scene showing use of sling. 



Beginning at Ancon, we have actual specimens of slings, and it 

 is interesting to note that both types of sling to be hereafter de- 

 scribed — the solid-cradled and the ribbed — are found at that site.' 

 The same is true to a still greater extent at Pacliacamac. Some con- 

 fusion is caused in this connection at Pachacamac and elsewhere by 

 a custom that seems to have existed of twisting a sling about the 

 head, making it perform the functions of a fillet. As a result of this 

 practice some of the specimens are so ornate as to be practically 

 useless for any purposes save those of adornment.* One ribbed 



iHrdllCka, 1911, pp. 9-11. 



* See Baessler, 1902-0.3, pis. .30 and 37. (My figs. 1 and 2 are reproduced from them.) 

 Hamy, 1897, pi. 41, figs. 117 and 118. 



sUelss and Stuebel, 1880-87, pis. 75 and 76. 



* Uhle, 1903, pi. 19, fig. 5, Is an example of this development. 



62055— 20— Proc.N.lM.vol.55 22 



