30 



A STUDY OF CHIRIQUIAN ANTIQUITIES. 



A single zoomorphic unit is represented in figure 25. The head is clumsy, 

 not the typical jaguar head, probably that of some canine. The tail, which is 

 broken, curved downward and laterally till it joined the left leg at the knee. The 



Fig. 24. — Metate representing anterior half of two animals. 7< 



outer surface of the legs is cross-hatched with rather deep incisions, as was also 

 the tail. The margins of the plate representing the animal body are marked in 

 a similar manner. There is a pair of bands in relief at each knee. 



Fig- 2 5- — Metate representing a single zoomorphic unit. '/= 



We have now followed the various steps in the development of the complete 

 zoomorphic unit from the commonplace mealing stone. Once established, this 

 unit becomes constant. The jaguar appears to be chosen to the exclusion of all 



other forms. It would be interesting 

 to know the reasons for such a 

 choice. It may be that, as in Mexi- 

 co, the jaguar was esteemed one of 

 the primeval gods, its name being 

 given to the Earth. It would be 

 appropriately associated, therefore, 

 with the sources from which the 

 grain and nuts come. The skill with 

 which the majestic bearing of this 

 animal is rendered borders on the marvelous. The hand of the sculptor was 

 guided not only by artistic skill but also by reverence for the subject. 



Among the jaguar metates there are two types of mealing plate ; (1) the rec- 



Jaguar metate with rectangular top. 



