220 



ISLAND CULTURE AREA OF AMERICA 



[ETH. ANN. 34 



There are included in this group of stone heads objects (pi. HI, K) 

 that might more properly' be called three-pointed or triangular stones, 

 and the}' grade into circular or oval disks upon 

 which faces are indicated. 



Three-pointed Stone Used for Pestle 



The stone object shown in figure 54 shows 

 marked evidences of a secondary use. It is evi- 

 dently a three-pointed zemi of peculiar form, the 

 anterior end of which is modified by evidences 

 of hammering as if used as a pestle for bruising 

 roots or grains. 



If we interpret the original use as the same as 

 that of other three-pointed stones we have pe- 

 culiarities not previous!}' recorded for this type 

 of stone objects. On the supjJosition that it is the 

 posterior end which has been modified or shows 

 the effect of pounding, the centrally placed of the 

 three knobs, as shown in the figures of the object 

 from above, would represent the apex, while the 

 two lateral knobs in the same figure represent excrescences that are 

 present in certain forms described in previous articles. There is a 

 central circular depression surrounded by a raised rim midway in the 

 length of the base. "\^nii]e the median extension 

 shows no evidences of eyes the whole appearance 

 of this specimen recalls the bird group of the 

 first type of three-pointed stone zemis. The in- 

 clination of this projection forward would indi- 

 cate that the right-hand end of the stone, wJiich 

 does not show the marks of hammering, could be 



Pig. 53 .— B a s e of 

 three-pointed stone 

 of ifourtli type, 

 showing longitudi- 

 nal furrows. (6 

 inches.) 



Fig. 54. — rroblematical stone recalling three-pointed idol, with superficial knolis 

 on body. Front and side views. (4.75 inches.) 



interpreted as the anterior end of the figure or a handle by which it 

 may have been carried as a baton. The general appearance of the 

 object suggests a new type of three-pointed stones or an aberrant 

 example of the first type. 



