CHART HR LLL 
PETROGLYPHS IN CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA, 
Some writers have endeavored to draw definite ethnic distinctions 
between the pre-Columbian inhabitants of North America and those 
farther south. The opinions and theories which have favored such dis- 
criminations have originated in error and ignorance. Until lately there 
has been but scanty scientific investigation of the peoples of Central and 
South America and but a limited exploration of the regions now or 
formerly occupied by them. The latest opinion of the best ethnologists 
is that no sufficient reason can be shown for separate racial classifiea- 
tion of the aborigines of the three Americas. The examples of petro- 
glyphs now presented from Central and South America, all of which 
are selected as typical, show remarkable similarity to some of those 
above illustrated and described, especially to those in California, New 
Mexico, and Arizona, This topic is further discussed under the head- 
ing of Special Comparison, Chapter Xx, infra. 
SECTION I. 
PETROGLYPHS IN CENTRAL AMERICA. 
NICARAGUA. 
Dr. J. F. Bransford (a) gives the following 
account: 
On a hillside on the southern end of the island of 
Ometepec, Nicaragua, about 14 miles east of Point 
San Ramon, are many irregular blocks of basalt with 
marks and figures cut on them. The hillside faces 
east, and is about half a mile from the lake. There 
were similar markings on many of the shore rocks, 
which, in May, were partially covered with water, 
notwithstanding that that was about the driest sea- 
son. These markings were excavated about half an 
inch in depth and a little more in width. Human 
faces and spiral lines predominated. There was also 
a crown, a representation of a monkey, and many 
irregular figures. 
Several illustrations from these rocks are’ P!% !04—Petreslyphsin Nicaragua. 
presented, infra, in Figs, 1102 and 1103, and one is reproduced in this 
connection as Fig, 104. 
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