METATES. 



31 



tangular and (2) the oval. The latter far outnumber the former. An example of 

 the rectangular top is given in figure 26, where the borders are flat and ornamented 

 with lozenge-shaped incisions. The top is hollowed out, thus leaving a compara- 

 tively high rim on all sides. Within are red and yellow stains as if the metate 

 had been used as a mortar for mixing paints. The few specimens noted of this 

 type have a longitudinal furrow in the tail, with slanting lateral incisions, as if 

 to indicate the parting of the hair. 



Fig. 27. Jaguar metate the legs of which are decorated with stars in champleve. '/ 



Some new decorative elements are introduced in figure 27. On the outer sur- 

 face of each Iftg are from one to two stars in champleve. The number of points 

 to the star varies from six to nine. Each star is enclosed in a circle. This motive 

 does not occur on any other metate in the collection. The guilloche pattern on 

 the head and tail, however, is characteristic of both Chiriquian and Costa Rican 

 metates, it and the lozenge-shaped design very cleverly representing the rosette 

 markings of the jaguar. The low rim of the mealing plate has been almost ground 



Fig. 28. Jaguar metate with guilloche ornamentation. '/ 



away. The neck of the jaguar is very short, bringing the ears so close to the 

 rim of the plate that they, too, are ground at the tips. One of the rubbing stones 

 (fig. 31) fits this metate perfectly. 



A more characteristic jaguar metate is illustrated in figure 28. The border of 

 the oval plate is plain, with the exception of two parallel horizontal incised lines. 

 Elsewhere the markings of the jaguar coat are indicated by somewhat involved 



