274 



TRAVELS AMONGST THE GREAT ANDES, chap. xiv. 



Tiumerous varieties) were used for the same j^urpose. The objects 

 D, F, G and H are more puzzling. The two latter somewhat re- 

 semble the two others represented upon this page, but differ from 

 them in not having the circular cavities in the 

 sides. The objects of this class are highly wrought, 

 and fashioned out of hard stone. It seems not 

 unlikely that they vv^ere used for sharpening tools, 

 and that the examples G, H are new (that i^, un- 

 used) specimens, belonging to the same class as 

 those given upon this page. They have also been 

 found by M. Wiener in Peru. 



The smaller things that I obtained in stone 

 are made from a greater variety of materials than 

 the larger ones. Basaltic rock is used for about 

 one third, and there are besides implements or 

 objects in Glass, Jet, Jasper, Malachite, Saussurite, 

 Serpentine, Porphyry, and Granite. While the 

 larger implements and objects may w^eigh several 

 pounds apiece, amongst these smaller matters there are many 

 lighter than the eighth of an ounce, and I have two — a delicately 

 carved cup with a handle, and a squatting figure — the united 

 weight of which is less than twenty-four grains ! 



Amongst the distinctly ornamental objects in stone there are 

 imitations of Maize-heads. These were particularly mentioned in 

 Juan & Ulloa's work, nearly a century and a half ago, and seem 



handles were secured to primeval stone axes, hammers, and chisels, namely, by 

 bending a hazel or other pliable rod twice round the indentation, and then twisting 

 or lashing the two ends together, to serve as a handle. Blacksmiths to this day 

 everywhere thus handle their punches and chisels. They have discovered no mode 

 superior to one which was in vogue before edge-tools of metal were known." The 

 specimen to which he referred came from Cuzco, Peru. 



M. Wiener, at p. 685 of his book, calls one of these a 'sling-stone,' — upon what 

 ground is not clear. A few years ago implements of stone of this description were 

 used by Indians on the coast of the North Pacific, handled in the manner described 

 by Mr. Ewbank, and I suppose they are still used by them. 



