132 THE ABORIGINES OF POKTO KIOO [eth. an.n. 2D 



forms or types of both groups has faileil thus far to support this 

 the.oi'y. 



It does not seem probable that the three-pointed stones were worn 

 on the head. The little idols which the older writers say were attached 

 to the forehead when the Carib went into battle are supposed to be 

 the amulets that are treated in subsequent pages. The curvature of 

 the bases of the three-pointed stones does not fit the human forehead 

 or cranium, although they might have been attached to crowns and 

 worn in that way. 



The worn grooves seen in some specimens suggest that they were 

 used perhaps as implements, but it can not be asserted that the veiy 

 small specimens would have been effective for the purpose. 



It is clear that however they functioned the figures they represent — 

 human beings, lizards, birds, and other animals — they were something- 

 more than ornamental, especially when we take into consideration that 

 the islanders worshiped idols of these varied forms. From whatever 

 side we approach the subject,- we come back to the conclusion that they 

 are idols, or zemis. If they were not actually worshiped, they assumed 

 forms which are duplications of idols that were worshiped. 



It will be noted, in a comparison of the carvings on the anterior pro- 

 jection of three-pointed stones of the first type, that, when any attempt 

 is made at carving these objects, the head is always represented and 

 that this region is the best made of all regions of the stone. This is a 

 universal feature in all aboriginal technology — that the head of the idol 

 receives the most care, not only in sculpture, but also in painting- and 

 all other delineations of men or of animal idols. Legs, arms, wings, 

 or body are regarded as of secondary importance and are, as a rule, 

 more highly conventionalized. Possibly this is due to the idealistic 

 nature of primitive art. The aboriginal artist represents that which he 

 regards the most important character in the god depicted, sometimes 

 resorting to symbolism for that purpose, neglecting those parts which 

 to his mind are not so important. His figures are at first idealistic, 

 rather than realistic, representations. 



Skjiicikculai: Stones 



The form of these objects, especially the cleats on each corner, 

 suggests very strongh- heads of striking implements attached to 

 handles. It may be mentioned as corroborative evidence of this use 

 that the marks of the lashing are clearly evident in the specimens 

 figured in plate l, g and </'. These specimens are quite distinct in 

 form from the three-pointed types already described, and, so far as 

 is known, are represented in our collection by only two specimens, 

 both from Porto Rico. These are typical of a distinct class, unrelated 

 to the preceding three-pointed stones, but with certain resemblances 



