86 



MORTARS AND PESTLES. 



Fig. 20. 



Fig. 20 represents, also of actual size, another of these diminutive mor- 

 tars. This specimen has likewise been shaped with great care, and is very 



symmetrical. The bottom is flattened ; 

 the sides gently curved outwards ; the 

 rim level and quite smooth. The pecked 

 surface, characteristic of the larger mor- 

 tars, is very distinguishable on this little 

 ff example of this form of stone vessels, 

 indicating a like method having been 

 adopted in making this as in those of the 

 largest dimensions. 



Fig. 21 represents the least, in size, 

 of the series of mortars, and yet it has 

 Small stoue mortar or cup. j n every particular the features that char- 



acterize the largest examples. The material, however, instead of being 

 sandstone, as are the preceding, is serpentine. The base is not flattened, 

 but curved in continuance with the sides. The rim is very broad and flat. 



The cavity is not deep, so that 

 the bottom is much thicker than 

 in the preceding two small mor- 

 tars, above described. The in- 

 terior surface is still discolored 

 with red paint, and we are thus 

 shown the use, or one use at 

 least, of this small stone vessel, 

 which not only was available for 

 Small stone mortar or cup. preparing a small poition of the 



paint for ready use, but convenient as a receptacle for it until needed by its 

 owner in preparing his toilet. In consideration of the exceedingly limited 

 capacity of many of these stone vessels, it is highly probable that they 

 were sometimes made more for the amusement of children than for use by 

 adults, especially as miniature weapons, and imitations of domestic utensils 

 are frequently made by savages as playthings for their children. 



Of whatever size, the vessels to which we have here called attention 



Fig. 21. 



