NO. 14 ARCHEOLOGY OF BAY ISLANDS, HONDURAS— STRONG 



67 



The main types of beads in this cache are shown in the illustrations 

 (pi. 14). The great individual and size differences suggest that each 

 piece was worked out and ground down separately from the others. 

 The majority of perforations are smoothly bored, presumably with 

 some sort of a drill, sand, and water. Boring was done from both ends 

 and frequently the holes meet at somewhat of an angle. The holes 

 are very even throughout their length, and an idea of the average 

 size of perforation can best be gained by noting those illustrated 

 (pi. 14). In only a very few cases do the holes fail to extend entirely 

 through the object. Three main types predominate: (a) cylindrical 

 or rectangular (pi. 14, a), (b) round (pi. 14, g), (c) disk or round 



Fig. 14. — Broken metates, mullers and hammerstones : a, Indian Hill, site i, 

 Barburata; b-c, Dixon site, Roatan. 



with flattened top (pi. 14, b) ; but there is so much individual vari- 

 ation between and within all these major forms that a more exact 

 classification would lead to hair splitting. The incised decoration that 

 occurs on a small percentage of the beads (pi. 14, e) is simple, 

 consisting of lines around the ends of cylindrical beads and simple 

 geometric patterns on some of the round beads. The high polish and 

 surface patination of many of the beads suggest that they have been 

 worn and handled over a considerable period of time. These factors 

 combined with the intrinsically pleasing nature of the materials em- 

 ployed gives them a very attractive appearance, often lacking in beads 

 of more uniform manufacture. This completes the list of small 

 ground stone objects found within the complete offertory vessel at 

 this site. 



