150 ISLAIfD CULTURE AREA OF AMERICA [eth. ANN. 34 



One of these from Guadeloupe is shown in figures 24 and 25. Two 

 distinct regions may be I'ecognized in the object as seen from above — 

 one a circular body, the other an extension on one side forming a 

 handle. 



The body has a slightly curved upper surface and a flat underside, 

 the latter so smooth that the function of a grinding implement is 

 reaililv suggested. The smooth, flat surface is continued without 

 break into the lower side of the handle, which is also polished, evi- 

 dently by long-continued rubbing. 



Although the upper surface of both body and handle is slightly 

 convex, the two curves are continuous and bounded by a shallow 

 furrow, a short distance from the margin. 



The handle of this problematical implement (fig. 25) is crossed by 

 10 parallel straight grooves connecting tlie marginal furrow. At the 

 point from whicli the handle arises from the body of the implement 

 the marginal furrow is enlarged on each side into a deeper circular 

 depression, suggesting places where the fingers might grasp the ob- 

 ject, the palm of the hand resting on the handle. Held in that way, 

 the grooves on the handle might enable one who used the implement 

 to get a firmer hold in moving it back and forth as a grinding im- 

 plement. 



The only known reference to the object is found in Prof. Mason's 

 account of the Guesde collection," and is as follows : 



" A very highly polished implement of dark brown color, and pre- 

 senting one of those enigmatic forms that are ever springing upon 

 us in the AVest Indian area. The general outline is that of a ladle. 

 Upon the reverse the face is flat, but the broad portion of the obverse 

 is slightly concave [sic] and bordered by a molding which is carried 

 nearly to the narrow portion. The latter is Ungulate in form and 

 has 10 concentric ridges terminating in the border, which is fluted 

 externally. There is no duplicate of this form. Length, 12^ inches." 



There are many stone objects in the Guesde collection the use of 

 which it is difficult to determine. One of these is shown in plate 79, 

 Z>, E. This object is flat, triangular in shape, with two sides slightly 

 curved and rounded, the remaining side square with two ears or 

 rounded extensions imparting an irregular heart-shape to the object 

 when seen from one face. A lateral view shows that the object is 

 slightly warped at the point and obscurely convex on one surface, 

 flat or concave on the other, but that the warped point prevents the 

 stone from being used as a grinder, as neither surface could be made 

 to fit flatly on another surface, which a grinding implement woidd 

 imply. The object is smooth, well made, and evidently adapted 



"Op. clt.. flg. 171, p. 815. 



