THE AZTECS 915 
sides and a channel across the bottom were seemingly 
made to be strung on ropes. They may have held pitch 
and been used for street lights. The pottery figurines 
of the Aztecan period are nearly all moulded and lack 
the sharp detail of the earlier examples. They often 
represent deities wearing characteristic dress and carry- 
ing ceremonial objects. 
Comparatively few specimens of ancient gold work 
in Mexico escaped the cupidity of the Spanish con- 
querors, but these attest a remarkable proficiency in 
casting. The moulds were made of clay mixed with 
ground charcoal and the melting of gold was accom- 
plished by means of a blow pipe. The technique seen in 
Costa Rican gold work according to which details 
falsely appear to be added by soldered wire, was fol- 
lowed in Mexico. Modern Mexican filigree bears little 
relation to the ancient Indian work, but is probably of 
Moorish origin. The examples of Aztecan gold work in- 
clude finger rings, earrings, noserings, labrets, and 
pendants. 
Among the precious and semi-precious stones known 
to the Aztecs, the most valuable in their eyes was tur- 
quoise. his was probably obtained by trade from the 
Pueblo Indians. It was mostly cut into thin plates and 
used in the manufacture of mosaic objects. Red jasper, 
green jade, jet, gold, and shell of various colors was also 
used in these mosaics. Jade was highly prized and was 
known as chalchithwitl. Ornaments of obsidian, a 
black voleanic glass, and of crystal quartz, are fairly 
common and others of opal and amethyst have been 
found. 
The textile decorations in vogue at the coming of the 
Spaniards can be restored from the pictures in codices. 
Mantles were often demanded as tribute and the de- 
