120 A STUDY OF CHIRIQUIAN ANTIQUITIES. 



of dots is carried up the stem to the base of the succeeding frond. In the large 

 field below the base of each handle there is a design with diamond-shaped center 

 and six frondlike appendages, recalling the design in the arched panels of the 

 vase reproduced in Plate XLII (fig. a). 



As has been already pointed out, representations of the human form are prim- 

 itive in their conception and execution. This is true of the two human figures 

 in relief on the shoulders of the vase reproduced in figure 200. The attitude in 

 both cases is striking. The human figure on one side seems to be in the act 

 of descending feet foremost and with back against the surface, to which it clings 

 with outstretched arms. The treatment of the head is especially interesting. The 



Fig. 201. 



Fig. 200. — Vase with primitive human figures as shoulder 

 ornaments. Lost color ware. '/ 2 



Fig. 201. — Very small vase with relief figures on shoulder 

 representing the human head and arms. Lost color 

 ware. *h 



neck is not indicated ; the chin receding ; the mouth open ; nose and retreating 

 forehead are in a straight line; and the occipital region is flattened, meeting the 

 frontal portion at a rather sharp angle. This type of head is to be seen in 

 figure 201 and on some of the figurines and whistles (see fig. 266). It also recalls 

 the primitive figurines with birdlike heads, from Argos, that date back to 1200 B. C. 

 Black circles of paint represent the eyes. The other human figure is the same 

 in every respect save the attitude. It seems to have fallen backward while in 

 the act of ascending face foremost. The legs are sharply flexed at the knee 

 and the arms are extended to prevent further descent. The upper zone in which 

 the relief ornaments occur is light cream, while the bottom, the margin of the lip 

 and inner surface of the orifice are red. The black paint has almost entirely dis- 

 appeared, so that the design cannot be determined beyond the series of painted 

 eye ornaments surrounding the neck. 



In figure 201 is reproduced one of the smallest examples of the lost color ware. 

 The original ground is partly red and partly light cream The relief figures on 

 the shoulder represent the human head and arms. The head belongs to the prim- 

 itive bird type and there is a distinct coiffure in relief, accentuated on the rather 

 flat top by bands of light and black. The eyes are in relief that is heightened 

 by the use of color. The upper zone is ornamented with the dorsal-view (alligator) 

 motive. 



