THE ALLIGATOR GROUP. 



137 



tion of an alligator in black and red, with its characteristic hooked snout, bunched 

 dermal markings and pronounced body-curve ; toes, teeth and eye are all indicated. 

 The recurved lip and angular outlines of this vase are unusual for this group. 



The alligator type of ware is followed closely in the outlines of figure b. The 

 two relief ornaments are placed on a level with the union of neck and shoulder. 

 Both are marked by two cross bands of black and are alike in shape and size, 

 probably representing two tails instead of two heads. Alternating with these, but 

 lower on the shoulder, are two reptilian forms, probably the alligator, executed in red 

 and black. The treatment is unique, the view being dorsal or ventral instead of the 

 lateral aspect or profile. All four legs are represented, but there is some doubt 

 as to which is the head and which the tail. The designs on the opposite sides 

 are practically identical. The painting was done on a polished yellow surface. 

 Paste of a lighter color was afterwards spread over the entire surface of the vase, 

 except these painted portions. 



The two plastic heads are unmistakable in figure c. The outlines of the alli- 

 gator painted on the shoulder of the vase are angular, with the exception of the 



Fig. 237. — Vase with shoulder panels showing 

 obscure multiple body-line, accompanied by 

 body-markings. Alligator ware. V* 



Fig- 2 38. — Vase with small vertical loop-handles 

 and the alligator motive as a shoulder decoration. 

 Alligator ware. V" 



dorsal curve. Another step in the diagrammatic treatment of the alligator form, a 

 common body with a head at each end, is shown in figure d, where the black con- 

 tour lines are broken at the angles. A similar angular motive consisting only of 

 the red foundation occurs in figure e. The two prominent nuchal appendages are 

 both placed on the same neck so as to balance the pair of jaws at either end of 

 the figure. Scale- and spine-symbols are wanting. The animal head and tail, as 

 relief features, are reduced to mere nodes in figure /. Reaching from head to tail 

 on either side, is a panel that contains a multiple body-line in red. Accompanying 

 this line are the usual dermal markings in the hollow of each body-curve. 



The identity of the body-line is somewhat obscure in figure 237. It takes a 

 zigzag course through the center of the shoulder panel, is broken at the angles 

 and everywhere accompanied by dotted dentals representing body-markings. 

 Vertical loop-handles, as seen here, are of rare occurrence in the alligator group. 

 In figure 238 the two small handles represent an animal head and neck. The 

 Memoirs Conn. Acad., Vol. III. 18 



