56 SPOLIA ZEYLANICA. 
suppose that similarity of implements proves identity of race. 
Stone tools from all parts of the world offer a general similarity 
of types; and it is likely that the invention of a new and 
serviceable implement would be communicated gradually to 
all accessible quarters of the world, or that the same type 
would be independently evolved to meet a similar need. 
With regard to the types of the pigmy tools discovered in 
so many and distant parts of the world, it is remarkable how 
closely they resemble each other both in size and in form, 
whether the material be flint as in Hurope, jasper and chal- 
cedony as in India, obsidian as in Uganda, or quartz as in 
Ceylon. In all lands there are four main types of them :— 
(1) The crescentic, which is curved and moon-shaped. 
(2) The angular, which takes the form of an equilateral or 
scalene triangle. 
(3) The pointed, which is generally long and slightly 
curved. 
(4) The rhomboidal, or four-sided, which seems to be 
almost unknown in Ceylon, and which I believe to be 
a variation of the crescentic. 
In addition, there are found other and universally known 
types, such as the round and hollow scraper, the blade, the 
chisel, and the arrowhead ; but these are almost invariably 
to be distinguished from the parallel neolithic series by their 
extreme smallness. 
A very large number of guesses have been made at the uses 
to which the so-called geometric patterns may have been 
applied. 
It has been suggested that they are arrowheads ; single 
barbs of spears, harpoons, and arrows ; fishhooks ; tattooing 
and surgical instruments; teeth of multiple scrapers, 
carders, saws, or sickles ; scrapers; borers ; blades, and even 
ornaments. I may confess at once that I for my part have 
not penetrated the mystery. I can see many uses to which 
some of them may have been put. I thought at one time 
that the crescentic or lunate type might have been used as an 
arrowhead mounted obliquely and presenting a single barb ; 
but I cannot solve the problem how they should be fixed in 
