44 ANCIENT ART OF THE PROVINCE OF CHIRIQUI. 



An excellent example of the more elaborate figures is shown in 

 Fig. 30. It is of reddish gold, slightly alloyed apparently with cop- 

 per, and has in finishing received a very thin wash or plating of yel- 

 low gold, which is worn off in exposed parts. The central feature 

 of the rather complicated structure is a grotesque human figure, 

 much like the preceding, and having ((luuteriiarts in Ixitli clay and 

 stone. The figure is backed up and .stiiiiL;tliciic(l by Iwo cni-vcd and 

 flattened bars of gold, one above and the otlier lielow, as .seen in the 

 cut. The figure is decked with and almost hidden by a profusion of 

 curious details, executed for the most part in wire and representing 

 serjients ami bii-ds. Three vultiiri'-likr heads pi-ojei t froin the crown 

 and oveihaii-tlie face. Two serpents, the iK.di.'snt whicli are formed 

 of plaited wire, issue from the nmuth of the ligureaiid are lield about 

 the neck by the hands. The heads of the serpents are formed of wire 

 folded in triangular form and are supplied with double coils of 

 wire at the sides, as if for ears, and with little balls of gold for 

 eyes. Similar heads project from the sides of the head and from the 

 feet of the image. 



The peculiarities of construction are seen to good advantage in this 

 specimen. The figure is made vip of a great number of separate 

 pieces, united apparently by pressure or by hammering while the 

 material was somewhat plastic. Upwards of eighty pieces can be 

 coiinted. The larger pieces, forming the body and limbs, are hollow 

 or concave l)ehind. Nearly all the subordinate parts are constructed 

 of wire. 



The bird. — Images of birds are numerous and vary greatly in size 

 and elaboration. They are usually represented with expanded wings 

 and tails, the under side of the body being finished for show. The 

 back is left concave and rough, as when east, ami is supplied with 

 a ring for suspension or attachment, as seen in the pinfile view (Fig. 

 31). The owl, the eagle, the parrot, and \arii)us other birds are 

 recognized, although determinations of varieties are not possible, as 

 in many cases the forms are rude or greatly obscured by extraneous 







—^ 



RuJeh exetuted image of a bird in gold. 



details. The examjjle shown in Fig. 31 is of the simplest type and 

 the riidest workmanship, and is apparently intended for some ra- 

 pacioris species, possibly a vulture. The body, wings, and tail are 



