rf ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCHES IN NICARAGUA. 



resemblance, rather remote it is true, may be observed between the central figure 

 and those illustrated in the series, Figs. 50-56. In the graceful little vase, 

 No. 22,375, Figs. 77, 78, this pattern is painted in the bottom in quite elaborate 

 style and with more regularity. The reliefs on this specimen arc similar to the 

 noses on the faces to be discussed later. This specimen in buff, with the lines in 

 brown shaded with red, is the prettiest piece of the Luna terra-cotta. In Fig. 

 79, in the bottom of the vase, the same design is drawn with symmetry, and 



Pig. 81. 



Fig. 80. 



No. 310. 



No. 22,311. 



well painted, but the paint has been much effaced. In Figs. 80, 81, the figure 

 has assumed more regularity and simplicity, still the dots and circles are utterly 

 irregular. 



Mr. Squier, in his " Serpent Symbol," illustrated an architectural ornament 

 on a temple at Ocosingo,* in which a winged or plumed globe rested on the back 

 of a conventional serpent. He compared this with a very similar design from 

 Assyria. Comparison of the figure, which we have studied, with that of Mr. 

 Squier, shows a marked resemblance in the radical elements. May not the con- 

 ventional and awkward forms on the Luna ware have originated in an attempt 

 to reproduce the Ocosingo design ? 



In No. 22,369 we have a specimen of great simplicity outside, but painted 

 in intricate style within. The color, a dingy buff, is relieved by a brown band 

 around the rim. Inside are five zones, the pattern in alternates being 

 similar ; making three of one and two of the other form. The lines are, 

 in some cases, shaded with red, in others, Avith drab. The central panel in the 

 bottom is of a dirty red, and the faces drab, except where the buff field shows 

 in the spaces left for eyes and nose. The figures on each side, with a sort of 



* Serpent Symbol. Squior. Page 248. 



