HOLMES] ABORIGINAL AMERICAN ANTIQUITIES PART I 141 



of corresponding forms and kindred grades are found on the xVrgen- 



tina side along the southern margin of tlie area of Incan dominance. 



A noteworthy feature of the archeology of the immediate coast 



of the Pacific are the shell heaps, the refuse of food 

 Shell Heaps consumptioii by the tribes. These shell heaps yield 



various primitive implements and pottery of excel- 

 lent make, the latter not, however, free from characteristics that re- 

 mind us of Inca work. Numerous petroglyphic inscriptions, which 

 correspond in general type with those of primitive tribes in other 

 localities all over South America, are found throughout Chile. The 



antiquities of the region as a whole indicate a state 

 Culture status of culturc Corresponding somewhat closely in grade 



to that of the Pacific States of North America, al- 

 though investigations have not extended far enough to make accurate 

 rating possible. Evidences of marked advancement disappear as we 



pass southward to the Straits of Magellan and into 

 Southern Chile Fuegia. Southern Chile and Patagonia seem to 



present no trace of culture progi'ess distinct from 

 or superior to that of the known nomadic aborigines. 



Among the authors who have prosecuted archeologic studies in 

 this area are: Philippi, Uhle, Oyarzun, Ambrosetti, Medina, Lenz, 

 Lehmann-Nitsche, ten Kate, Latcham, Guardia, Van Dyke, Evans, 

 Furlong, and Boman. 



20. The Amazon Delta Area 



Pre-Columbian culture had made noteworthy advance in certain 

 sections of the Amazon delta region, Avith outliers as far north as 

 the valley of the Couanani and as far up the Amazon as Santarem 

 and beyond. The historic tribes include the Carib, Arawak, and 

 Tupi. This area is represented in collections by numerous very 

 ■interesting and characteristic objects of art, chiefly pottery, which is 

 found in great plenty in mounds and burial places. The most strik- 

 ing objects are the large burial or cinerary vases from the island of 

 Marajo. The advancement made by the prehistoric tribes seems re- 

 markable, since the delta is frequently subject to inundations and 

 must have been in the past, as now^, a most uninviting place for per- 

 manent residence. 



Many of the Marajo vases are of large size and are tastefully 

 embellished with human and animal features in relief, the relief 

 motives being elaborated in complicated and often formal designs in 

 color. Other vases of varied shape and size are embellished with 

 incised and carved geometrical patterns, often labyrinthine, showing 

 excellent taste. These embellishments are distinct from those of 

 the more southern regions as well as those of the western highlands 



