INVESTIGATIONS IN CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA. 69 



The breast is covered by a large circle with diverging flames emanating from it — 

 the emblem of the sun — and the entire figure is enveloped in flames. 



Judging from the attributes represented, such as the enveloping flames and the 

 image of the sun adorning its breast, we are justly entitled to the supposition that 

 this sculpture was intended to represent the sun as a deity; but not as a benefactor, 

 in his benign influence on life, but rather in his tropical fierceness. 



In the lower part of the sculpture are seen two persons, of which the most con- 

 spicuous is the image of death, represented by a skeleton, which is more complete 

 than the one in figure No. I. The head is formed by a skull, the bones of 

 which, like those of the rest of the body, are rudely figured. The lower jaw 

 especially seems to be composed of a number of bones, yet the design is sufficiently 

 characteristic not to admit of any doubt as to the meaning of this part of the 

 sculpture. Nevertheless, the skull is covered by a suit of wavy hair, from which 

 descends something resembling a horn. From the ear proper, and passing under 

 the chin, extends a scaly strap, while from the lobe hangs a twisted ring 

 with a pendant. Both the upper and lower part of the arms and legs are repre- 

 sented as bony, while the hands and feet are fleshy. The riglit arm is raised, the 

 first finger and thumb pointing toward the deity; the clenched left hand hangs by 

 the side. The vertebrse and ribs are indicated, though in a reduced number, 

 reaching to the breast bone, below which the enlarged stomach is encircled by a 

 stiff' girdle, similar to those observed on the figures previously described. From 

 the back a twisted band descends to the thigh and then curves up again to the 

 front, ending in a bow-knot with two ends. Another band, reaching to the thigh, 

 appears to be part of some ornament of the skull. From the open mouth of the 

 upturned skull the tongue is protruded, and a staff, indicating speech, issues forth, 

 differing, however, in form, from those previously described, by being bent angu- 

 larly. The nodes attached to it are not circular, but semicircular, deviating thus 

 from the illustration of speech previously described, and showing its ghostly origin. 

 The staff" emanates from the mouth, and is apparently directed to the ear of the 

 other person, who, seemingly frightened thereby, appeals to the deity for relief with 

 outstretched arm and upturned face. The anguish of this appeal is not expressed 

 by a staff, but by two wavy bands. (Note Catherwood.) 



The head is covered by a rufl[lcd bonnet ornamented with a riblwn tied in a 

 knot with two ends, and fastened by a band passing under the chin. The profuse 

 hair surrounds the head in loose curls, some of which cover the upper part of 

 the breast. From the bonnet descends a band which divides at the knee into 

 several strands, each of wliich terminates in a globe. Another band, the end of 

 which is fringed, reaches down below the knee. From the lobe of the ear hangs 

 a large plain ring. The right wrist is covered by a bracelet, apparently of textile 

 fabric, while the left hand is covered by a skull. The usual stiff girdle with the 

 animal head on the back of it, is again met with, and from the front descend 

 sashes surrounding the thighs, three of which, of fine texture, emanate from the 

 same point. Below the right knee is to be seen a garland in place of a garter. 

 The remaining portion of the legs and the feet are bare. 



Between the deity and the suppliant is seen a small altar, upon which rests a 



