rs 
40 SECOND FLOOR, SOUTHWEST WING 
higher and finer type of carving, covering a space of time of two or three 
hundred years. This arrangement applies only to the row of casts on either 
side, not to the two large central models, nor to the side exhibits. The 
early stele of about 100 A. D. have hieroglyphs carved in very low relief 
and with sharp corners, while the hieroglyphs of the later period are cut 
deeper and in more rounded relief. In the earlier stelee human figures are 
‘arved in a crude blocklike manner, with protruding eyes and angular 
limbs. Students of this subject have been able to decipher a large part of 
these hieroglyphs and figures which give dates and reckonings. 
The monolithic monuments mark the first period of Mayan culture. 
The large altar stone to the left of the entrance is also of 
the first period and is perhaps the finest and most perfectly 
preserved specimen of which we have a reproduction. It represents a 
double-headed monster which had religious significance. 
Altar Stone 
The second period of Mayan culture was more architectural in style 
and the art was a higher type, as is evidenced by the profile work in the 
reproductions of the carvings from the temples at Palenque shown on the 
north side of the hall. On the south wall another example of the art of 
this period is the copy of the painted sculpture from the “Temple of the 
Jaguars” at Chichen-Itza, Yucatan. It shows warriors in procession 
going to worship some god and their prayers are represented as coming 
from their lips. This sculpture shows strong evidence of Mexican influence 
in certain of its details. 
Next in order is the Nahuatl culture, which is represented in the alcove 
‘ases by ancient pottery, musical instruments, copper objects, and orna- 
ments made of obsidian and jade. The Nahua language was spoken by 
many of the tribes of Mexico and of these the Aztecs inhabited only the 
City of Mexico. One case contains facsimile reproductions of ancient 
entice books called codices which were made of deerskin, paper or 
cloth. These were historical, religious or civil records and 
the Spanish burned hundreds of them in their efforts to destroy the native 
religion. The so-called sacrificial stone or the “Stone of Tizoc”’ has carved 
around it records of Aztec conquests of various cities. The 
“Calendar Stone”’ on the south wall, was found in the City 
of Mexico and the original is now in the museum of that city. 
Other culture areas in Mexico are shown by the names Tarascan, Zapo- 
tecan, etc. The Tarascan is situated mostly in the states of Michoacan 
Calendar 
Stone 
and Jalisco. The most interesting objects from this area are 
funeral urns which represent men and women in their every- 
day dress. The modeling is very peculiar. The Zapotecan 
culture area is situated in Southern Mexico and the most famous ruins are 
Funeral 
Urns 

