120 Shells as evidence of the Migrations. 
inhabitants wore pearl shells upon their foreheads.” 
These facts are of interest as recalling the identical use of 
pearl shell in some of the Pacific Islands—Torres Straits 
Islands, Solomon Islands, ete.—and in Ancient Egypt 
(supra p. 74). 
According to the reports of travellers, the natives of 
Mexico, in the 18th century, still appreciated pearls, using 
them along with other jewels to adorn their noses, lips, 
ears, necks and arms.’ 
On the coast of Venezuela extensive pearl fisheries 
have been carried on since before the time of Columbus. On 
entering the Gulf of Paria, in 1498, this voyager found the 
natives in possession of numerous pearls which they were 
wearing on their necks and wrists. They were also seen 
engaged in pearl fishing by the Spaniards, and it is curious 
to note that the views of the Indians regarding the origin 
of the gems were identical with those which obtained for 
ages in the Old World. They regarded them as congealed 
dewdrops, which had been caught by the gaping oysters.'™ 
Another famous American pearl fishery is that of the 
Gulf of Panama, referred to by many early Spanish 
writers. The pearl resources of this region were first 
made known by Balboa’s immortal journey in 1513 
across the Isthmus of Panama to the Pacific. Having 
reached the Pacific, Balboa proceeded along the coast 
and found the Indians in possession of gold and pearls, 
the latter being used to decorate their paddles. The 
pearl fishery appeared to be the principal source of income 
and wealth of the Indian chiefs.'” 
Among the pre-Columbian antiquities found in Ecua- 
dor associated with burials was a little box or receptacle 
8s G. A. Cooke, of. cit., li., p. 141. 
180 Streeter, op, cit., p. 223. 
'*° Kunz and Stevenson, of. ct, p. 235. 
