70 THE MOUND BUILDERS OF TENNESSEE. 
tures of this image resemble those of the Aztec, or ancient — 
Mexican sculptures. The figure is kneeling, with the hands ~ 
clasped across the breasts (forming a cross) in the attitude - 
of prayer. This image is formed of a mixture of black clay - 
and powdered shells, and is exceedingly hard, with a smooth, — 
polished surface. The under jaw of the old Indian, whose | 
grave lay near this idol, was of remarkable size, and had 
only one long, sharp fang, like the tooth of a wild animal. 
On the left of the grave of the priestess of the sun lay two 
other most carefully constructed graves, in one of which nu- 
merous beads were found, enclosing or encircling various | 
portions of the skeleton, and in the other a large sea conch. 
Also two copper ornaments, lying on the side of the head of 
the skeleton, or rather two round pieces of wood, with a 
hole in the centre, and covered with a thin layer of copper. 
Two skeletons, apparently those of a man and woman, were 
found on the southern slope of the mound near the altar, 
which had been interred without any stone coffin. In the 
hand of the woman was a beautiful, light reddish yellow 
vase, painted with regular black Binnion. Under the head 
of the male skeleton na a splendid stone hatchet with the 
entire handle and ring, at the end of the handle, cut out of a 
compact green chloritic primitive stone. A circle of graves ; 
extended around the inner circle, which we have described 
After careful examination, we were forced to the conclusion 
that this sacred mound was formed at the time of the death 
of some celebrated chief or chieftess, the representative of 
the sun; and the more distinguished members of the family 
were > buried in the inner circle around the altar, where the - 
nt: around at their feet. | It is probable that this sacred 

