PAINTINGS AND IDOLS 201 



writing.'* The more modern idols are of the type 

 of the statues, with a broad nose with narrow 

 bridge. The old wooden idol (mentioned pre- 

 viously) is quite different, with high cheek bones 

 and a 'Wellington' nose." The wooden "charm," 

 Fig. 8, was purchased by Major Wilbraham from 



FIG. 8. Wooden " charm." Worn, perhaps, on the heart. 



a native on the island. It does not appear to be 

 very old, and is probably a " modern " ornament. 

 There is evidently much of great interest to 

 be found on Easter Island, and it would well 

 repay the trouble and expense of a thorough 

 investigation ; but, if anything is going to be 

 done it must be done soon. Every year makes 

 a great difference to the state of the carvings 

 and caves, as the latter are now much used as 

 shelters for sheep, and in a comparatively short 

 time all traces of any carvings will be worn away 



* The Easter Islanders alone of all the inhabitants of Oceanea and 

 South America possessed a written language. Wooden tablets, on which 

 the script has survived, are described by Mr. O. M. Dalton, cf. " Man," 

 19041. 



