MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS. 



179 



g. 298. — Whistle in the form of a coiled snake. 

 Lost color ware. '/• 



emulated so closely the head and beak of a bird that eyes have been painted on, 

 thus heightening the resemblance. The chelipeds are both perforated for suspen- 

 sion. 



The scorpion was likewise given only four legs in addition to the first pair 

 (fig. 297). The long tail is flexed sharply till it comes in contact with the back, 

 forming in this manner a loophole by which the figurine may be suspended. 

 The sides are decorated with the multiple body-line of the alligator and its scale 

 symbols. 



Among reptiles, there is a good represen- 

 tation of a coiled snake with laterally 

 flattened head (fig. 298). The mouthpiece 

 is built on the lower ring of the coil, the 

 end of the tail being hidden underneath 

 the mass. The specimen belongs to the 

 lost color ware, and the decoration has been 

 almost completely lost through the rubbing 

 off of the black paint. 



There is a composite form representing 

 an iguana and snake, the flat-headed snake 

 forming a crest the entire length of the 

 iguana (fig. 299). The neck of the snake 

 is arched, forming a loophole for suspen- 

 sion ; its body and tail fuse with the 

 crest of spines along the back and tail of 

 the iguana. The dewlap is conspicuous. 

 The right forefoot is converted into the 

 mouthpiece of the whistle, which is capable 

 of producing three clear and musical tones. 

 A panel on each side of the whistle is or- 

 namented with the oft-recurring multiple 

 alligator motive. 



Various quadrupeds are included in the 

 present series. The form can usually be de- 

 termined by the successful rendering of some 

 distinctive character. When doubt exists, it 

 is as much due to our lack of knowledge of 

 isthmian fauna as to any shortcoming on 



the part of the artist. Figure 300 is an example of one of the doubtful cases. 

 In figure 301, more attention is given to detail, especially in the modeling of the 

 head, which is partially separated from the body by a constriction. The most 

 plausible explanation of this is seen in the series of birds with removable heads. 

 This specimen, like the preceding, belongs to the lost color ware. 



One is impressed by the sincerity of the attempt to represent some tardigrade 

 species (fig. 302). This instrument is apparently the work of an apprentice unaided 

 by any knowledge, technical smartness or trickery, and as such is full of interest. 

 It belongs to the armadillo ware. There is a single clay pellet in each hollow 



Fig. 299. — Composite form consistig of the iguana 

 and snake, the sides being decorated with the 

 multiple alligator motive. '/' 



