138 



>K()VINCE OF CHIRIVUI- 



But, as I have just shown, they are as likely to stand for the whole 

 creatiire or to be the abbreviated representative of the whole creature 

 as to represent merely the markings of the body. These devices, as 

 arranged in the zone, reseml)le in a remarkable degree the conven- 

 tional I'unning scroll. 



I have but one more example of the alligator vases to present, but 

 it is perliaps the most remarkable piece in the collection (Fig. 204). 



It illustrates to good advantage both the skill and 1he strange fancy 

 of these archaic potters. A large vase, having a high flaring rim and 

 a subcubical body, is supported by two grotesque human appearing 

 figures, whose backs are set against opposite ends of the vessel. The 

 legs are i)Lirr(l widr apart, thus affording a finii suppdrt. The heads 

 of the tun H,-mvs |.rnj,.,-t forward from thr slmuld.T nf tlir vasr and 

 are flattened in suciia, wayas to give long oval uut lines to tluMTowns 



