GORDON— CONTRIBUTION TO ARCHEOLOGY 



Fig. i 



distinguishing marks, but it would be idle to attempt to identify the 

 species. There is a presumption in favor of supposing the larger one 

 to be either the jaguar or the puma, because these are the two most 

 conspicuous animals of Central America. There is some suspicion also 

 that the smaller is the iguana. 



The cylindrical surface of the vase is divided into four zones. The 

 uppermost zone consists of a plain rim and a sculptured band. Next 



comes the principal band occupying the 

 body of the vase and entirely covered 

 with ornament of elaborate and curious 

 composition. Below this is another band 

 of ornament corresponding to the one at 

 the top, followed by a narrow plain band. 

 The fourth zone occupies the base of the 

 vessel, which is an inch and a half high. 

 This surface is again divided into two 

 bands, the upper of which is perforated 

 at intervals, while the lower is worked 

 out into a simple decorative border. The 

 broad central zone corresponding to the 

 main field of decoration claims especial attention. 



In order to explain the elements or units that enter into the com- 

 position of this ornament it is necessary to have recourse to drawings 

 and to divide the contour into two semicylindrical surfaces separated 

 by the handles. Figure I, which may be called the principal unit in 

 the design, is repeated with striking alterations on the other side. 

 The next unit of design is shown in figure 2 ; 

 it occurs eight times, yet in no case is it 

 repeated in the same form. The other units 

 of design are those shown in figures 3, 4, and 

 5, each of which again passes through its 

 conjugation on either side of the vessel in 

 making up the composition of the ornament. 

 It is obvious that the units shown in figures 

 3, 4, and 5 are abstractions borrowed from 

 one of the animal forms. The entire zone of 

 ornament is developed in figure 6. 



The distribution of the various units of 

 design is such as to produce a well-balanced effect, and a first glance 

 gives the impression that this balance is produced by repeating the 

 units symmetrically in such manner that each unit is balanced by its 

 counterpart placed in contrary motion opposite. To assume this to 



Fig. 2 



[ 139] 



