78 CUP-SBAPED AND OTHER LAPIDxVEIAN SCULPTURES. 



in the form of a cross. In Pandukoli and many other spots the Mahadeo 

 temples are built in the shape of the conventional symbols of that faith."* 

 He then observes that the symbols of the Mahadeo and Yoni can be more 

 conveniently indicated on stone by what may be called a ground-plan than 

 by a section, and refers for illustration to designs accompanying his pub- 

 lication. It would be difficult to find fault with this, refutation of Professor 

 Simpson's assertion concerning the character of those symbolic representa- 

 tions. 



Professor Simpson himself does not attempt to explain the special sig- 

 nificance of the Scottish and English cup and ring-cuttings ; but in view of 

 their thoroughly homogeneous character, he considers them as expressive of 

 some religious conception of those who made them — a conclusion hardly 

 admitting of any doubt. On the other hand, he holds that the more com- 

 plicated carved figui-es seen on megalithic structures in Ireland and Brit- 

 tany are, in part at least, of an ornamental character; and this view seems 

 to me equally correct. Indeed, some of the few illustrations of Irish and 

 Breton carvings given in this publication (Figures 12 and I'l) present an 

 appearance calculated to corroborate Professor Simpson's opinion. 



The learned Scottish author refers the cup and ring-carvings to a remote 

 period of antiquity. "The very simplicity of the cup and circle forms'', he 

 says, "is one strong reason for our regarding these types of sculpture as 

 the most archaic stone-carvings that have been left to us" (page lOf)). He 

 draws particular attention to their precedence of letters and of traditions of 

 any kind, and to the fact that they appear on megalithic monuments erected 

 at a time when metal was not yet in use. Concerning this point he says: 

 "At present I am not aware that within any of the sepulchres, whose stones 

 are marked only with the incised ring and cup-cuttings, any kind or form 

 of metallic tool or instrument has yet been found. Should further and 

 more extended observation confirm this remark, then it will naturally fol- 

 low that the commencement of these sculjjturings must be thrown back to 



the so-called Stone period, or to an era anterior to the use of metals. — 



I have no doubt, however, that at whatever time the simple cup and ring- 

 sculptures were first begun to be cut, the practice of carving them — if it 



» Kivott-Carniic : ArchiBological Notes, etc.; p. 11. 



