HOLMES.] fELTS. 2\) 



Outlines of two additional exami^les of these o1)jects are given in 

 Figs. 12 and 13. The tablets are round, thick, and slightly concave 



Fig. 1.3. Stool with perforated base, carved from gray hasali 



ahove and are margined with rows of sculptured heads. The sup- 

 l)orting column in the first is a plain shaft and the base is narrow and 

 somewhat concave underneath. In the second the column is lu )11( )wed 

 out and perforated. 



As Ijear-ing upon the possible use of these specimens it should be 

 noticed that similar stool-like objects are made of clay, the softness 

 and fragility of which would render them unsuitable for use as meal- 

 ing jjlates or mortars, and it would also appear that they are rather 

 fragile for use as stools. I would suggest that they may have served 

 as supports for articles such as vases or idols employed in religious 

 rites, or possibly as altars for offerings. 



Celts. — The class of implements usually denominated celts is repre- 

 sented by several hirndred specimens, nearly all of which are in a 

 Ijerfect state of preservation. They are thoroughly well made and 

 IjeautifuUy finished, and leave the impression upon the min<l that they 

 must represent the very highest plane of Stone Age art. 



Altlioui^li \a,r\'iiig wiilely in form and finish there is great homo- 

 geneit}- iif cli.-iracti'rs. the marked family resemblance suggesting a 

 single people and a single period or stage of culture. They are found 

 in the cists along with other relics and are very generally distributed, 

 ■,'. limited number, rarely more than three, being found in a single 

 grave. They may be classified l)y slia|]e into a nuiiibei- of grou])S, each 



of which, how. ■V.'.l-. Willl.e r<iUlul't.i,i;T,-|(lelll..lv or less (■.,liiplel,.ly into 



the others. 1'liey display all . 1,. gives ,.f liiiisli from tlie freshly flaked 

 to the evenly picked and wholly polished surface. The edges or points 

 ( )f nearly all show the contoiir and polish that come fi-om long though 

 careful use. All are made of c. impact, dark, volcanic tufa that re- 

 sembles very closely a fine gr,i i i m ■. I slate. The following illustrations 

 include all the more important tyjies of form. There are but few 

 specimens of very large size. That shown in Fig. 14 is 8i inches 

 long. 4 inches wide, and seven-eighths of an inch thick. The blade is 

 broad at the edge, rounded in outline, and well polished. The upper 



