152 THE ABORIGINES OF POKTO RICO 



cup Structures is bej'ond the scope of this urticle; but the existence 

 of a connecting groove or line from the mouth to the top of the head, 

 between the e_ves, in pictograplis from Colombia and Porto Rico is cer- 

 tainly suggestive. This characteristic may ))e added to the many other 

 likenesses between the prehistoric culture of the Antilles and that of 

 the aborigines of the northern countries of South America. 



In /"is shown a circular figure resting on another, in the former of 

 which we detect eyes, as if it were a head and the intention had been to 

 depict a body and a head with a crown or other ornament. The face 

 shown ill q has ej'es and a iiom', but no mouth and no representation 

 of the ))ody. It is well made, and although differing somewhat from 

 the others, is apparently not a new type. 



Several smaller pictogi'aphs are found near those described, liut 

 they are so worn that their forms could not be definitely traced. They 

 are apparently circles with inclosed pits or geometrical figures, one of 

 which suggests the moon. 



The circle is a common form of ornament on many different speci- 

 mens of Antillean handiwork, as pottery, idols, stools, and carved 

 shells. One or two three-pointed idols which the author has collected 

 bear circles cut in low relief or incised on the back or apex. Mason" 

 has mentioned the presence of this ornament on ])illar stones, and the 

 author is familiar with specimens of those problematic stone rings, pop- 

 ularly called '"hoi-se collars," in the ornamentation of which the circle 

 is also used as a decorative motive. 



Perhaps one of the best examples of the use of the circle in ornamen- 

 tation, one which to the mind of the author is highlj' suggestive, occurs 

 on a rare, po.ssibIy unique, specimen of Antillean wood carving seen 

 by him in the city of Puerto Plata, Santo Domingo. This specimen 

 represents a coiled serpent; it was carved from a log of black wood and 

 has a highly polished surface. The details of the head, body, and tail, 

 and especially of the mouth, eyes, and scales on the belly, are natural, 

 being remarkably well represented. Most significant of the noteworthy 

 carvings on this .serpent image ai'e the incised circular figure in the 

 middle of the l)ack of the head and the four similar figures on the 

 body. These circles alternate with triangular markings and other 

 incised lines. 



The a.ssociation of these circles with the serpent idol (for as such we 

 must regard this carving), and the interpretation of the circle as a .sun 

 svmbol, are a suggestive repetition of a world-wide mythological con- 

 ception of an esoteric connection l)etween sun and serpent worship. 

 In this individual instance, however, it may be no more than a coinci- 

 dence. The author is much more interested in the fact that the l)ackof 

 the head and body of this wooden serpent effigy is decorated with 



uThc Latimer Collection of Antiquities from Porto Rico in the National Museum at Washington, 

 D. C. Smiliisoniun Report, 1S76. Reprinted with pamphlet on Guesde collection, 1x99. 



