an) ie 
ANCIENT SCULPTURES OF GUATEMALA. 15 
not these heads represent saints, some of whom had martyred themselves and whose 
images had since been set up for adoration ? 
I was informed that similar sculptures are not uncommon in the neighbor- 
hood, but the above ones are said to be much superior in execution. The following 
localities are said to contain similar sculptures: Santa Ana or Mistan, about nine 
leagues south of Pantaleén; Gomera, about ten leagues south of Pantaleén. Also 
in the vicinity of Santa Lucia six heads were to be seen, which were said to exhibit 
the peculiarity of having animals and bars projecting from the mouths. Even in 
a place north of Pantaledn is said to be a large head more than six feet high, in 
similar style with those removed to the house and described above. 
LOS TARROS. 
This place is situated northwest of Pantaleén a few leagues distant. I did 
not visit the place, the time and weather not permitting it. One of the two sculp- 
tures found on this place is removed to Pantaleén, and arrangements have already 
been made to remove the other. Both sculptures are said to be nearly exactly 
alike, the one remaining in its place only being a little larger. Originally both 
sculptures stood on a plain facing each other, and 20 to 30 yards apart. Fig. 22 
represents the smaller of the sculptures, seen from the front, and Fig. 23 the same 
seen from the side. The size is: hight, 68 inches; width, 44 inches; thickness, 24 
inches. The sculpture represents the bust of some prominent male personage, 
standing out in bold relief from a stone slab, slightly ornamented. Above the slab 
is seen the head of a large fictitious animal, with a large hole perforating the base of 
the same. The face of the personage is most serene and noble, and expresses great 
kindness. The head-dress is very large, a kind of turban, very much inflated, in 
front furnished with an ornamental projection, in which is seen a face lying on the 
side, and in front of this a smaller ornament like a gem. Behind the face 
are seen three leaves, and behind them, extending towards the margin of the stone 
slab on each side, a bunch of very long and rather narrow leaves, with a nervation 
similar to that of Melastoma. The ears of the personage are large, furnished with 
ornaments, in the middle of which is seen a hanging boss. On the breast is an 
ornament with five small holes in the margin, and a human face in the center. The 
fantastic head, hanging ominously above the slab, is of a wonderful effect, and the 
perforation of its side breaks the heaviness of the sculpture. In elegance of design 
and in workmanship this stone is undoubtedly one of the very finest ever found in 
Central America; and it is much to be regretted that it is not protected from the- 
