NO. 6 



SMITIISOXIAX liXlM.cKA TKIXS. I()20 



^7 



it was used as a crematory. A natural conclusion wnuld he tliat it 

 was constructed for ceremonies connected with tire. 



The significance of the two Inw-wallcd rectangular enclii>ures 

 one on each side of ihe central fire pit. is unknown. ICach was i>ar- 

 tially filled with soil and aslies when excavated and it is suggestive 

 to record that the stratum of earth aljovc them as well as the whole 

 surface of the hardened t^oor of the court was filled or covered with 

 charcoal and hurnt hrush. (ireat fires must have ra^ed over the 



I'll.. 104. — Cedar Tree Tower liefore excavatii)n. Pliotograpli 

 l)y J. .\. Jeancon. 



whole court in addition to that in the tirtplace, after the temple was 

 deserted. 



We find several other facts that fit in ver\ well with the interpreta- 

 tion that this building was a fire temple. ( )n the ea>t .and west ends 

 of the court ( figs. ()J. 101 ) there are l)an(|Uetle>, the former evidentl\ 

 seats for those who watched the ceremonial performance in the court. 

 There are niches in the rear wall where possibly sacred objects may 

 have been placed ; a wall of the clitT bears triangles and zig-zag ])aint- 

 ings. svmbols of se.\ life ; but. most important of .all. on the wall of one 

 of the room^ at the we^t etui of the comt tiien- .ire p.iintings in red. 



