246 
MISCELLANEOUS 
[ethnographical 
in bas-relief, one remarkably fine and coloured, from the island of Sacri¬ 
fices, excavated by Captain Evan Nepean , R.N Shelf 2, Various idols 
and fragments of others, one or two hollow and rattling, excavated in 
the island of Sacrificios, off Vera Cruz, by Captain Evan Nepean , R.N 
These are the work of the Aztec or Toltec. inhabitants, ,previous to the 
Spanish invasion. Shelf 3. Two stone troughs, with their rollers for 
bruising corn or maize; various vases, some inscribed with patterns like 
the hieroglyphics, others with their sides open, supposed by some to fee 
for holding the hearts of human victims, others with perforated bottoms, 
like colanders; the handles of some of these vases are modelled to 
represent the human figure. Excavated in the island of Sacrificios by 
Captain Evan Nepean, JR.N. 
Cases 27,28. Mexico. —Shelves 1,2,3* Vases of various styles, many 
coloured with ornamental designs, similar to those found in the temples 
of Mexico and central America; some terminate in the heads of birds 
and animals,and have this part movable; others have singular, pro¬ 
bably hieroglyphical, devices; among these are tw T o very interesting 
patterns, of a red and orange colour, exactly like the Greek egg and 
tongue and wave ornament. In one of these vases is a fragment of 
gold leaf, found with it; all the work of the Aztecs or Toltecs, and 
excavated by Captain Evan Nepean, R.N, at Sacrificios. 
Cases 29, 30. Shelf 1. Larger vases, some w r ith three hollow 7 feet, 
with earthen balls, rattling like cascabels, others fiat and on a stand, 
apparently for cooking or holding viands. Excavated at Sacrificios, 
by Captain Evan Nepean , R.N Shelf 2. Bone objects, some pins, 
ornamented with hieroglyphical devices, perhaps used to thrust 
through the tongue and limbs, wdiieh w r as called the sacrifice of these 
parts by the natives; shells; tusks of the peccary; knives and 
arrow heads, made of obsidian or volcanic glass; objects resem¬ 
bling stamps, but perhaps let in as ornaments of buildings, with 
hieroglyphical devices; large series of conical perforated objects, or¬ 
namented with native devices, apparently used as buttons or studs; 
eascabels of bronze, one with a native head on it, also w T orn on the dress 
in religious rites. All from the island of Sacrificios, and excavated 
by Captain Evan Nepean , R.N. Shelf 3. Arm made of coral; va¬ 
rious fragments of figures and vases from the excavation at Sacrificios. 
Two skulls found in this island have been transferred to the Zoological 
department; most of these objects w 7 ere found below the alluvial soil 
of which the island is constituted. 
Cases 31, 32. Guiana. — Shelf 1. Baskets, the work of the 
natives, a hammock, and small dishes, bowls, and bottles of a rude 
and very coarsely-painted earthenware. Presented by Sir R. H. 
Schomburgk, Knt., and H. C. Raillery , Esq. Shelf 2. Various 
caps, feather chaplets, and plumes, made of macaw’s feathers; sandals, 
calabashes, necklaces, &c., from British Guiana. Presented by Sir 
R. Schomburgk.. Bamboo hat, small blue cotton wrapper of the 
loins of the negroes, and two egg-shaped calabash ornaments worked 
by the same, from French Guiana. Presented by H. C. Roihery% 
Esq. Shelf 3. Long basket for expressing the juice of the cassada 
root; grater for the same; bamboo staff for directing the dances; 
mahra, or mahraka, of the Arraw r aaks, and another of the Carribeesi, 
for directing the dances; flutes and drum of the Macoosies; 
