290 



AN ANALYSIS OF THE 



tendencies of conventionalisms befoi'e passing to the considerations of the mythic and 

 symboHc forms. 



One of the most common features of conventionahsms is to repeat the normal 

 lines of the model — the proportions being accurately preserved. We notice this in 

 Assyrian art, where the tendency to multiply and make prominent the lines of the 

 muzzle and brow of the lion — their favorite animal — is very noticeable (Fig. 11). Ex- 

 travagant at best, it becomes eccentric to a degree when applied to other animals (Fig. 

 12). In the front-faced view of the Egyptian figiu'e* (Fig. 13), we find the entire 

 space between the eye — and the brow occupied by a number of lines drawn parallel 

 with the edge of the upper eye-lid, whose multiple they represent. Examples oi 

 the same tendency exist in some rock markings of I^orth America. As another 

 example we may refer to a pre-columbian maskf (Fig. 14), where such lines pass* 

 entirely round the eyes and mouth. See also Fig. 1 of the Aztec skull variants, (q. v.) 

 for multiplication of the malar line. 



Fi.i.-. 12. 



Full-fticed Egyptian head. Pre-Columbian mask, from the Mosquito shore. 



* Birch, I. c. I Archffiologia. Chas. Rogers, VI, pL 11, 107. 



t The Mouments of Nineveh. A. H. Layard, Loud., 1839, pi. 10. § Ibid. pi. 152. 



