10 ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCHES IN NICARAGUA. 



On the end of No. IV*, an oblong urn, was the representation of a human 

 face in bold relief. Grotesque faces were of frequent occurrence on the pottery, 

 and, in some cases, were strikingly expressive of broad humor. 



In No. V, a femur was nearly perpendicular, the lower end up, as in sitting 

 on the haunches with the knees drawn up to the chin. In many urns the bones 

 of the thigh and leg were found in the flexed position of the knee, indicating the 

 above posture. There was very little earth in No. V. On each side, in place of 

 a handle, was a raised representation of a monkey. 



The rim of No. VIII had been broken off to make the cap fit. This was 

 found to be the case in many instances ; and, with the great variety in the size 

 and shape of the urns, was strongly suggestive of the idea that these vessels 

 were made for general use, and not intended especially for burial purposes. 



On the end of No. IX was a good representation, in relief, of a snake of 

 venomous appearance. 



These urns were usually found at a depth of about three feet, although some 

 were four and a half, while in one case the top of the cap was only twenty inches 

 from the surface. The bones were very soft and friable. The skull was usually 

 in the centre, with the other bones around, as if fallen from a squatting position. 

 Very little earth was in the well-closed jars, the others were filled. 



Fig. 7. 



No. 23,400. 



No. 22,363. 

 Cap of small oblong burial urn. Cap of round hurial urn. 



No. XIV was notable for a double cap, and the end of No. XVI for the 

 figure of an alligator, executed with much spirit. 



The skull in No. XVII was perfect, but fell apart on exposure. It was 

 lying on the side of the head and face, the right temple down. The irregular 

 positions in which the skulls were found indicate that the skeletons were buried 

 intact, and fell apart as the attachments gave way. The skull in XIX was 

 lying on the vertex, with the occiput to the south. 



No. XXI, jar and cap, had a broad flaring rim. 



In the southern boundary line of the hacienda the ditch for a cactus hedge 

 exposed burial urns similar to those at Campo Santo. This mine, called La 



* The Roman numbers refer to the order in which the urns were exhumed. 



