SMITHSONIAN AKCH^EOLOGICAL COLLECTION. 



87 



these representations the lower part of the turtle's neck exhibits a huma« 

 face (Fig. 310). This curious group 



is quite typical, and probably refers to sio^ 



some tradition or to a i-eligious con- 

 ception of the Aztecs. A coiled snake 

 with uplifted head is likewise frequently 

 met among Mexican terra-cottas, and a 

 number of pi'oductions of this character 

 can be seen in the National Museum. 

 One of them (Fig. 311) is the well- 

 executed figure of a rattle-snake with 

 four rattles. Such specimens are usu- 

 ally solid, exhibiting externally a shming 

 black or other dark color. 



Clay was employed by the Mexicans 

 in the manufacture of small mask-shaped 

 heads and of various other objects, ei- 

 ther of a useful or ornamental character. 

 Their whistles and rattles exhibit an end- 

 less variety of forms, being made in im- 

 itation of the human figure, or in the 

 shape of animals, or representing mon- 

 strous creations of fancy which it would 

 be difficult to define. Sometimes the feet 

 of Mexican vessels were made hollow 

 for receiving clay balls, insomuch that 

 such objects partook of the combined 

 characters of utensils and of toys. The Mexican clay spindle-Avhorls (mala 



COILED SNAKES IX TERRACOTTA (]). 



312 



MEXICAN SPINDLE- WHORLS ({). 



catl), of a nearly semi-globular shape, are often tastefully ornamented, as 

 shown by several specimens among the Mexican relics in the Museum (Figs. 

 312 and 313, Tezcuco). 



