207 



are visible on the back but have been almost completely removed from the front by 

 a process of burnishing that has left numerous fine striae, which cross in all directions. 



The Heye collection in- 

 cludes a bird figurine with 

 plain wing-shaped tufts al- 

 most as large as the wings 

 themselves (fig. 356). A small 

 reptile is held in its beak. 

 A similar example, also from 

 the Heye collection, is shown 

 in figure 357. In this case, 

 a fish is held in the beak ; 

 and the tufts on the head, 

 instead of being plain, are 

 alligator heads, as indicated 

 by the curving jaws and teeth ; 

 the latter are represented 

 by pellets, as was the case 

 in one painting of the alli- 

 gator. The piece is massive 

 and of fine gold. The hammer 

 marks are seen to excellent 

 advantage on the back of the 

 wings and tail. Both of these 

 specimens are from the valley 

 of Rio Chiriqui Viejo. 



A small specimen (fig. 358) 

 in the Heye collection is 

 made up of pieces of sheet 

 gold somewhat thicker than 

 that in the average plaque. 

 The neck, body and tail are 

 one piece. The wings are 

 welded to the breast, while 

 the head with its ornaments 

 is made up of five parts. The 

 jaws and nuchal crest, so 

 characteristic in paintings of 

 the alligator, are gold wires 

 laid on pieces of sheet gold 

 that compose not only the 

 bird's head but also the necks 

 of the two alligators. The nuchal crests are so coiled as to represent the eyes 

 of the bird, thus serving two purposes. One small gold image of a bird differs 

 from all the foregoing in that it is intended to be seen from the back instead 

 of the front (fig. 359). The wings also are differently placed. The ring for 



Fig. 355- 



Fig. 354. — Gold figure of a bird, the head surmounted by snake heads. 'I- 

 Fig. 355- — Gold figure of bird, the tufts being made of coiled wire ; 

 a. — ventral view, b. — profile view. V' 



