A STUDY OF CHIRIQUIAN ANTIQUITIES. 



Chiriqui, they may be importations, probably from Costa Rica, as the tripod 



supports resemble certain pieces found by Hartman at Orosi. The example shown 



in figure 155 is from Caldera : another, 



not figured, is from El Banco. They 



are alike in every respect. The paste 



is friable and rather coarse. The neck 



ornaments are identical, and the same 



animal form is embodied in the legs of 



each. The slip in the one figured is 



yellow, and large triangular areas painted 



red alternate with the three tripod legs. 



The surface of the other is so completely 



altered by smoke as to obliterate all 



traces of slip or paint. 



THE RED LINE GROUP. 



The red line group is represented by 

 thirty-one vessels with a wide range of 

 form but with certain uniform characters. 

 Faulty firing is indicated by discolored 

 spots on the surface and by cracking of 

 the paste. The paste and slip are of 

 the same color a light-gray orange. 

 The delineating color is a bright sienna 

 red, resembling the red of the handled 

 and tripod groups. 



An idea of the variety of form within this comparatively small group may be 

 gained by consulting Plate XXV. The handles when present are always vertical 

 loops, either paired or single. The supports of tripods are always looped bands 

 of clay. Annular supports, either solid or perforated, are quite frequently em- 

 ployed. At least a dozen pieces bear marks of use. 



Figure a represents a graceful type of vase, with globular body, from which 

 large, gently curving loop handles rise to fuse with the prolonged lip on either 

 side. Each handle is decorated with an indented fillet applied in the region of 

 the sharpest curve. Above and below each fillet is a band of red that is also 

 carried along the margins of the lip and handles. There is likewise a painted 

 panel on either side of the body, reaching from the neck to the level of the 

 attachment of the handles with which the panels alternate. The paint is care- 

 lessly applied, being allowed to run at some of the corners. The surface is every- 

 where marked by evidences of handling and use previous to burial. The round 

 spot of paint found on the bottom of a majority of the vases of the red line 

 group is lacking in this one. 



By removing one handle and the prolongation of the lip on the same side, 

 one arrives at the form seen in figure b. the outlines of which are particularly 

 pleasing. There is the same graceful curve to the handle, which is also supplied 



Fig. 155. Tripod embodying animal forms in the 

 supports ; from Caldera. Probably of Costa Rican 

 origin. '/! 



