STARR A SHELL GORGET FROM MEXICO. 



177 



In thickness it measures from 3 to 4mm. j^ the catalogue of the col- 

 lection the design is said to represent " a warrior seated and speak- 

 ing." The cut here given reproduces the object admirably. The 

 carved figure occupies a roughly circular space at the centre of the 

 gorget. A narrow plain band surrounds this; outside of it is a broader 

 band occupied by six flattened circular ones inclosing a smaller circle 

 surrounding a pit-like depression, alternating with six ornamental mo- 



tives of uncertain significance. In this band much of the shell be- 

 tween these designs (represented in black in the illustration) has been 

 cut entirely out. Twenty-four such open spaces occur in this band. 

 Outside of all is a narrower plain band. The engraved design itself 

 represents a warrior seated. His head is surmounted by a head-dress. 

 The hair is well drawn ; the eye is represented by an ellipse sharp- 

 ened at one end with a pit-like depression for the pupil. A great ear 

 ornament is represented with a central depression. The nose is large 

 and connected with it is a curious mark, which may be tatooing or a 



