498 ANNUAL REPORT SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, 1911. 
ventionalized head of a serpent with open jaws, the nose plug, the 
eye, and teeth. This evidently is the representation of a prayer or 
speech in behalf of the serpent god. Below, to the left of the altar, 
the figure is possibly an idol; to the right of the altar a civilian is 
shown bringing his gifts, possibly bags of feathers. Before the 
mouth of this figure a most elaborate speech is indicated with buds, 
blossoms, and leaves.t In each case the conventionalization and 
symbolism are marked. 
This development of writing from realistic pictures to those of a 
symbolic or conventionalized nature has its parallel in a develop- 
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ment of ornamental art.? That the reverse process from certain 
more or less geometric forms to those of a realistic character may 
sometimes be present in primitive art should also be noted. 
The “‘ideographic” stage in writing is reached when suggestions 
take the place of representation. The idea rather than the picture 
is the important factor. The Spanish priests realized very early the 
1 For other designs expressing speech and song, see Orozco y Berra, 1880, vol. 1, p. 479 and pl. 7, figs. 
321-346. 
2 Prof. Putnam (1887) was the first to point this out in connection with American art. See also his paper 
on “Symbolism in ancient American art” (1896). 
