NO. I HONDURAS — STRONG, KIDDER, AND PAUL 73 



tending farther out on two sides, forming a handle or a definite tab 

 (pi. 10, h, i). 



Subtype 3 is a dark gray to black, highly polished ware (pi. 10, 

 i-n; figs. 17, m; 18, m). This is a very distinctive slipped ware with 

 such a high polish and so much fire clouding that certain pieces have an 

 almost purplish color. The forms are very similar to those in subtypes 

 2 and 4, and fluted sherds and flat, heavily incised rims (pi. 10, /, h, i) 

 are common to all. Fragments from basinlike bowls are common 

 (pi. 10, j, m) and the incisions on such pieces are sometimes so deep 

 as to suggest a series of outer flanges. There are no handles of this 

 ware, but one small, solid, cylindrical foot occurred in B. This is the 

 only foot noted in the entire Playa de los Muertos culture horizon. 

 Material of subtypes 2 and 3 are about equal in amount but subtype 3 

 is more abundant in C than in B. This suggests that subtype 3 is 

 generally earlier than subtype 2. 



Subtype 4 is a slate-gray to buff, highly polished ware (pi. 10, o-s; 

 fig. 17, d, e, f, k; fig. 18, a, b, /). In amount this ware is about equal 

 to the two preceding subtypes and is slightly more abundant in C 

 than in B. The majority of pieces appear to have had a light-colored 

 slip and a subsequent high polishing that gives them almost a glazed 

 appearance. The paste is exceptionally fine, and the pottery very hard. 

 Irregular dark firing clouds are very common (pi. 10, r). In general 

 the shapes are similar to those already discussed, but small bowls 

 with low, slightly flaring and swollen lips are common (pi. 10, o, q, s). 

 Several sherds have ridges, tabs, and- human features in relief, and a 

 number of spouts of this ware occur in C. An unusual flaring, trumpet- 

 like neck has been figured elsewhere (Strong, 1937, fig. y6, upper 

 left). A fragment similar to this was found in the older deposits at 

 Lake Yojoa by Mr. Rittenhouse and erroneously restored as a trumpet. 

 Flat bottoms are common, but a few rounded bottoms occur. Handles 

 are rare. 



Subtype 5 may be designated as a ware with a chalky white wash 

 (pi. II, a-c). It is relatively rare in both levels but somewhat more 

 abundant in C than in B. It should be noted that the majority of the 

 figurines from B are of this ware (pi. ii, q, r). The majority of 

 sherds come from heavy, direct bowls or from pots with low necks 

 and slightly flaring lips. One extremely broad, vertical strap handle 

 occurs, as well as two large spouts (pi. 11, a). The figurines and a 

 few sherds of this type with painted designs will be discussed later. 



The sixth ceramic subtype from this horizon is comprised of various 

 painted wares. Painted pottery is relatively very rare in the Playa 

 de los Muertos culture horizon, yet forms an important and varied 



