Archaeological Investigations On The Island of La Plata, Ecuador

Archaeological Investigations on the Island of La Plata, Ecuador
Author(s): George A. Dorsey

Source: Publications of the Field Columbian Museum. Anthropological Series, Vol. 2, No. 5,
Archaeological Investigations on the Island of La Plata, Ecuador (April, 1901), pp. 247-249, 251,
253-280
Published by: Field Museum of Natural History
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Field
Museum
Columbian
Publication
56,
Vol.
Series.
Anthropological
II, No.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL
on the ISLAND
INVESTIGATIONS
OF
LA PLATA,
ECUADOR.
by
A.
George
Curator,
Dorsey,
of Anthropology.
Department
Chicago,
April,
U.
S. A.
1901.
5.
CONTENTS.
Introduction,
The
journey
Geographical
I.
-------
to the island,
and
position
physical
character
253
of the
island,
--------
GRAVES,
Character
of the earth
excavated,
255
-
grave and its contents,

-----of gold and silver,
Images
255
------of bronze,
Image
257
-------Gold
cup,
257
and
other
of copper
and
Pendants,
topos
objects
-------Pottery,
258
-----stone axe,
Ceremonial
259
HEAPS
OF THE
Page.
251
253
254
-----
The
II. REFUSE
255
gold,
258
260
PLATEAU,
Stone.
and
Rectangular
circular
stones without ornamentation,

Rectangular
stones without
Circular
ornamentation,
Cylindrical-shaped
Perforated
and
Perforated
Engraved
stone
stones
engraved
beads,
not perforated,
stones,
------
stones,
engraved
263
261
263
263
264
264
the human
face,
representing
masses
and worked
beads
of turquoise,
----worked
266
stones,
stones
Fragmentary
Miscellaneous
etc.,
265
266
Pottery.
266
character,
-----specimens,
of the head?no
covering,
Pottery?general
Complete
Treatment
Head
267
-
decoration;
pyramidal
projections,
bounded
Face
band,
by broad projecting
with simple and undecorated
Heads
treatment,
------heads,
Grotesque
271
-----of the nose,
Treatment
272
Treatment
of the eyes,
273
of the upper extremities,
Treatment
273
of the lower extremities,
Treatment
274
the
of
the
found
in
hands
Objects
images,
head-dresses,
Serpent
Animal
forms,
-------Bird
forms,
277
of pottery,
Miscellaneous
objects
277
the
General
observations
concerning
pottery,
- General
conclusions,
269
269
270
268
275
276
277
247
278
279
ILLUSTRATIONS
Plate.
XLIII.
and silver images.

of gold, stone and bronze.
Images
from grave.
vessel
Earthenware
stone axe.
Ceremonial
XLIV.
Squared
incised
stones.
Squared
incised
stones.
Squared
Circular
incised
stones.
incised
stones.
XL.
Gold
XLI.
XLII.
XLV.
XLVI.
XLVII.
XLVIII.
Squared
XLIX.
Squared
L.
LI.
incised
stones.
incised
stones.
stones with
Squared
Circular
incised
edges.
stones.
incised
LIII.
stones without
ornamentation.
Rectangular
ornamentation.
stones without
Oblong
LIV.
Circular
stones
Circular
perforated
LI
LV.
LVI.
LVII.
LVIII.
LIX.
LX.
LXI.
I.
Cylindrical-shaped
and
Perforated
Rough
LXIII.
Rough
Beads
LXV.
LXVI.
LXVII.
LXVIII.
Beads
stones.
stones.
engraved
and
mass
mass
representing
of serpentine.
of green marble.
and
of pagodite
of lapis lazuli.
turquoise.
of agalmatolite.
stone animal;
b, cone-shaped
of stone metate.
Fragment
Beads
Two
earthenware
images,
front view.
Two
earthenware
images,
side
LXXII.
LXXIV.
LXXV.
LXXVI.
LXXVII.
LXXVIII.
LXXIX.
LXXX.
LXXXI.
LXXXII.
stone.
a, Small
LXX.
LXXIII.
face.
the human
stones
LXIX.
LXXI.
stones.
engraved
stone beads.
Perforated
Engraved
ornamentation.
stones.
of perforated
stone beads.
Fragments
Perforated
LXII.
LXIV.
without
head covering.
Image?no
of image, pyramidal
Head
and body of image,
Head
Head
of image.
Heads
Heads
Head
of images,
of images,
of
image,
view.
projections.
projections.
pyramidal
faces
bounded
faces
bounded
by broad
by broad
bands.
bands.
ear ornamentation.
of images,
of images,
simple
treatment
of head-dress.
simple
treatment
of head-dress.
of images,
Portion
of female
simple
treatment
of head-dress.
Heads
Heads
Heads
Grotesque
figure holding
club.
heads.
248
Illustrations.
249
Plate.
heads.
LXXXIII.
Grotesque
LXXXIV.
Fragments
of vessels.
LXXXV.
Fragments
showing
treatment
of the nose.
LXXXVI.
Specimens
of the nose.
LXXXVII.
Fragments
treatment
showing
of images
showing
LXXXVIII.
Specimens
showing
treatment
Specimens
showing
treatment
LXXXIX.
XC.
XCI.
XCII.
XCIII.
XCIV.
treatment
of the lower extremities.
showing
of large image showing
female breast.
Fragment
Images with a bird resting on the arm.
with arms holding
small jars.
Fragments
Specimens
with
Fragments
Small
images.
XCV.
XCVI.
XCVIII.
XCIX.
C.
CI.
CIL
arms
Fragments
of image
of heads
Fragments
of bodies
Fragments
bearing
Fragment
XCVII.
treatment
of the eyes.
of the upper
extremities.
of the lower extremities.
showing
bearing
images.
serpent head-dress.
conventionalized
serpents'
conventionalized
serpents'
bearing
conventionalized
serpents'
conventionalized
Fragments
representing
Bird forms.
Miscellaneous
small
holding
heads.
heads.
heads.
quadrupeds.
of pottery.
objects
Figure.
of La
37.
Outline
38.
39.
of portion
Map
Idealized
view
40.
Gold
map
of vertical
41.
cup.
Earthenware
42.
Outline
43.
Representative
and
Perforated
44.
45.
46.
island,
from a sketch.
drawn
explored.
section of excavations
in the triangle.
vessel
from grave.
of ceremonial
stone axe
drawing
Engraved
Earthenware
Plata
of island
squared
stone
engraved
and
stone.
representing
image
circular
showing
the human
position
( full size).
stones.
engraved
face.
of whistles.
INTRODUCTION.
on an exploring expedition
While
in 1891-92,
in South America
on behalf of the Department
of Ethnology
of theWorld's
Columbian
a
I
of
rich
find
learned
which
made at
had
been
Exposition,
recently
La Plata
Island, Ecuador.
Peru I set out forGuayaquil.
of
comrnander-in-chief
Having
There
the Ecuadorian
concluded my explorations
in
I met General Manuel
Flores,
army,
had
who
made
partial
of the island. He had discovered

exploration
by chance, through
the agency of a lighthouse
keeper, one grave that had yielded
about twenty-five ounces of gold ornaments and utensils which had,
most unfortunately for science, been converted into bullion.
He had
also
a second
made
exploration
but
success.
without
So
firmly
con?
vinced, however, was he that a rich deposit of gold was to be found

on the island, that he very readily consented to assist me inmaking a
visit to the island, it being understood that for his share of the equip?
ment
General
Flores
was
half the commercial value

The expedition consisted
who
The
were
to do
the
government
Romero,
was
at my
receive
to
currency
the
amount
of
one
of whatever gold or silver might be found.

of ten soldiers of the Ecuadorian
army,
excavating,
gun-boat
placed
to
and
Tungarauhua,
Thomas
McKinley,
under
command
my
assistant.
of Captain
disposition.
to take this, my earliest opportunity, to make public

to General Flores and to Cap?
of my indebtedness
acknowledgment
tain Romero for their uniform courtesy, and for theirmany expressions
of sympathy with the aims of my expedition.
All of the material referred to in this paper is on exhibition in the
I wish
Field
Columbian
Museum.
251
Fia. 37.
ON THE
ARCH/?OLOGICALINVESTIGATIONS
ISLAND OF LA PLATA, ECUADOR.
THE JOURNEY TO THE ISLAND.
taken supplies to last for a period of two weeks, we left
on
the morning of July 17, 1892, and after an interval of
Guayaquil
we
had arrived at the mouth of the Guayaquil
three hours
river,
Having
where we turned abruptly to the north and skirted the coast during
A small
the entire day, arriving at the island late in the evening.
we
on
island
where
to
the shore side of the
natural bay is
be found
we
time
this
During
dropped anchor and remained for sixteen days.
ate and slept on board the boat, making two trips ashore each day in
a small rowboat.
Owing to the innumerable varieties of water fowl
which invaded the island, and the great number of fishwhich were to
be
found
amusement,
on
every
and
ful of my sojourn
side
in many
of
us, we
ways
were
never
the visit
was
at
one
a
of
loss
for
the most
sources
of
delight?
in South America.
GEOGRAPHICAL POSITION AND PHYSICAL CHARACTER

OF THE ISLAND.
and
The island lies about thirtymiles from the coast of Ecuador
is just south of the equator.
It is about one mile and one-fourth in
length and about three-fourths of a mile wide, having a general
As has been noted, there is a well defined bay on
rectangular shape.
the east side of the island (see Fig. 37).
Nearly the entire remain?
and on the entire southern
ing shore line is steep and precipitous,
extremity rocky. The general surface of the island is that of an un?
dulating plateau rising about one thousand feet above the level of the
sea. The vegetation, owing to the scanty rainfall, is entirely con?
fined to thick, scrubby underbrush and numerous varieties of large

cacti.
The island is infested with innumerable rats, while snakes of.
size are not uncommon.
A herd of some thirty or forty
considerable
wild cattle exists on the island and was seen two or three times by
my assistant, but although I made numerous excursions from one end

of the island to the other I was unable
to see them. The extreme
253
Field
254
Columbian
corner
southern
of
the
Vol.
Museum?Anthropology,
island,
to
extent
the
of
several
II.
acres,
is
en?
tirely destitute of vegetation and furnishes a vast breeding ground for

The
island has been
pelicans which resort here in large numbers.
uninhabited during historic times, except that since 1889 a lighthouse
interest
keeper has been stationed there. Points of archaeological
were found in two places, which from their character are of entirely
I. A num?
different origin and must be treated separately (see Fig. 38).
from the
found near the sea and just back
ber of graves were
this lowland were
found several
II.
On the plateau above
bay.
heaps
of potsherds,
squared
stones,
etc.
1. GRAVES.
The lowland justmentioned is formed from a deposit brought down
from two ravines which extend back toward the center of the island.
and
In the triangle thus formed were made the principal excavations
itwas here that the gold and silver objects were found which so
The work of excavation had
excited the interest of General Flores.
a Jamaican
been chiefly done by the lighthouse
negro.
keeper,
to
on
he
little
be
of
was
assist?
the
he
still
island,
proved
Although
ance to me in pointing out the localities from which material found
up to that time had been taken. After much hesitation on his part,
As near as I
I finally located six holes which had been excavated.
could find out, from the first one they took twenty or thirty ounces
In the second excavation were
of gold and several pieces of pottery.
found two images, one gold the other silver; in the third, fourth and
fifth holes nothing was found; in the sixth hole a large stone axe was
At what depth these objects had been found, or in

encountered.
what position, I was unable to learn, so contradictory were the state?
ments of the Jamaican.
Thinking that there might be additional graves
at its apex and con?
to begin excavating
in this triangle, I decided
as we
tinue the work back to the base of the triangle.
Naturally,
wall grew constantly
the
excavated
the
from
back
apex
proceeded
it was but two feet deep at the begin?
so that, although
deeper,
our base
line
time we had concluded
the
of
by
operations,
ning
was
twenty-two
feet
deep.
Inasmuch
as
the
general
nature
of
one
the same throughout,
thus excavated was usually
area
this
and
for
of
the
entire
work
for
the
suffice
description may
final
the
of
the
character
we
consider
twenty-two
may
purpose
the
earth
foot
section.
CROSS
Fig.
39.
Idealized
View
of
Vertical
SECTION
Section
of
D-E.
Excavations
in the
Triangle.
April,
The
igoi.
of
Island
La
255
Plata?Dorsey.
CHARACTER OF THE EARTH EXCAVATED.

The
pinkish
earth (see Fig. 39) to a depth of a foot or more was of a

color and contained much charcoal.
About nine feet beneath
this was
found
compressed
stratum
and
Besides
of
charcoal
one
ashes
and
foot
This
rested on a bed of pure ashes about two feet thick;
feet
below
this was encountered
another and thicker bed of
eight
In the intervening portions were found stratified layers
pure ashes.
of sand and gravel.
In this sand and gravel were found many curi?
ous fragments of pottery which seem to have been originally in the
thick.
form of images
and
All
idols.
stones
rectangular
of different
numerous
potsherds,
sizes
and
were
shapes
squared
encountered.
this material was, I believe, brought down from the highlands

several refuse heaps on the summit of the
above, forwe discovered
in which we found the same class of stones and pottery as
plateau
below.
THE GRAVE AND ITS CONTENTS.

Near the center of the triangle and just above the lower bed of
ashes was found a grave with the fragments of two skeletons, but in
such poor state of preservation
that no portion of them could be
saved.
the
With
were
skeletons
found
several
images of gold and silver, small gold pins

pins
and
stone
large
axe.
The
grave
was
earthenware
and beads,
apparently
burial and sustained
no relation either to the beds
stones
found
and
potsherds
elsewhere
found in the grave consisted

one
of
copper,
copper
bells,
vessels,
several copper
an
intrusive
of ashes or to the
The
promiscuously.
other
objects
of three images of gold, one of silver and

several
earthenware
vessels
and
a very
remarkable stone axe. All this material

is unlike that of the coast
or the Yuncas
tribes of Ecuador
of Peru but closely resembles that
found in Quichua
and
territory throughout the highlands of Ecuador
Peru.
It is thus quite clear that we have here two distinct kinds of
are the results of two
material which, as seems highly probable,
I shall first describe the material
from the
periods of occupancy.
I believe, were of comparatively
recent origin and
graves.
These,
their presence is, I think, to be regarded as accidental.
GOLD AND SILVER IMAGES.

The gold and silver images
found in the highlands
of Peru
are of the usual form such as are

and Ecuador.
The
largest image
Field
256
Columbian
Vol.
II.
(PI. XL, Fig. b ) is of silver and measures six and one-quarter inches
in length, and one and one-half inches in breadth. This image is almost
in size by one of gold (PI. XL, Fig. a), there being less
matched
than one-half an inch difference in length. The smaller gold image
three and three-quarters inches in length.
(PI. XLI, Fig. a) measures
It requires only a superficial examination
of all four images to dis?
In physiognomy, methods of dress?
close the identity of the design.
ing the hair, and general proportions, the specimens are all alike; in
The hair
all likewise the sex is represented as that of the female.
of the forehead to the
is parted in a straight line from the middle
crown of the head and is loosely gathered about half way down the
back by means of a curious device, the nature of which I have not yet
It is interesting to note also that in all the specimens
determined.
head
is molded
the
after
antero-posterior
deformity
which
was
the
prac?
It is also interesting to note

ticed throughout the interior of Peru.
in design between the images from La Plata
the perfect agreement
and those of the Cuzco Valley, Peru (see PI. XLI, Fig. b ).
of these images has
To determine the method of manufacture
not
been
an
easy
matter;
nor
am
I now
sure
that
I have
the
reached
The silver and the two gold images

correct solution of the problem.
are hollow, while the copper image (see PI. XLI, Fig. d) is solid and is
Close examination of the hollow images does
without doubt a cast.
not reveal a seam of any sort except on the inside of the legs and from
the
junction
of
these
two
seams
up
to where
it is concealed
the
under
superimposed hair. The back seam is generally invisible throughout

it out. The back hair,
and requires the closest scrutiny to make
covering head and back, was fashioned in a single piece and has been
the
That
to the head and back.
very skillfully and neatly applied
images
themselves
were
hammered
into
shape
over
some
c of PI. XLI
form
seems
I believe we
and although it
to me to admit of no doubt and in Fig.

have such a form. This little image is of stalagmite
shows the effect of fire, still portrays the same cast of features which
we find in the metal
It is also to be noted that there has
images.
been no attempt in this stone image to represent the hair; on the
other hand the head is of such shape as would be that of the other
It seems that a sheet of gold was
images without the hair ornament.
around the stone form until itwas entirely covered, the
hammered
seam extending from the crown of the head back to the crotch and
so down and inside of each leg. The sheet was then slightly opened
seams were hammered
and the overlapping
together.
by abrasion
Here and there small pieces of themetal were applied by means of heat
to give the seam a smoother finish. The
legs terminate in the form
^^^^^^^^
Fig. 40.
Gold
Cup.
April,
of
The
igoi.
round
Island
tubes.
hollow
To
of
La
the
ends
Plata?Dorsey.
were
in the shape of the foot, the toes being

narrow
grooves
the
in
impressed
257
fastened
sheets
sheet.
The
cut
of gold
simply by means
indicated
head
of
repre?
covering,
senting the parted and braided hair, is firmly fastened to the head by
means
and ingeniously
of four pairs of most skillfully concealed
applied rivets. The first pair are over the eyes, the third pair on a
line with the shoulders and the last pair are under the broad object
fastened to the end of the hair. The rivets are spines projecting from
the inner side of the head covering and enter holes at the points
in the body of the image where they have been riveted
mentioned
The reason for making
the head ornament in a
from the inside.
to the
separate piece lies, I think, in this manner of its application
It gives added strength to the head and especially
it binds
figure.
together and so strengthens the body seam in a manner which could
in any other manner.
not be readily accomplished
Furthermore
this
the hair certainly gives
it a more
of applying
method
realistic
than
appearance
it would
have
otherwise.
of the metals of which the images are

for the composition
made, I cannot offer detailed results. Qualitative
analysis has been
made, however, of the two gold and of the copper image. The silver
is much corroded and is apparently pure silver.
image (not analyzed)
The two gold images prove to be alloys of about 12-karat fine, the
percents roughly estimated being gold 50, silver 30 and copper 20.
As
IMAGEOF BRONZE.
per
The
copper
figure proves
cent
of
and
but
copper,
tin,
a
low
grade
7 per
equally
cent
of
interesting, for it contains
iron,
and
so
cannot
be
native
bronze.
GOLD
CUP.
sixth specimen from the grave to be described is a gold cup

five inches in diameter and is almost three
(Fig. 40). This measures
It is regular in form and of very graceful outline.
inches in height.
A chemical analysis of a fragment shows no trace of either silver or
The
copper, and it seems probable that itwas hammered out of a nugget

of pure gold.
On the side near the rim are two holes a quarter of
an inch apart, made by some awl-like instrument by pressure -from
without.
Field
258
Columbian
PENDANTS, TOPOS
II.
Vol.
AND OTHER OBJECTS OF COPPER

GOLD.
AND
A number of copper pendants were also found which are of in?

to the type so common in the high?
terest owing to their resemblance
of Ecuador
lands
and
Peru.
They
from
average
to an
three-quarters
are bell-shaped,
being perforated near the upper
With these pendants was found a similarly sized
shaped like a vase, with rounded bottom, bulging rim
inch in length and

end for suspension.
object of copper
At opposite
sides are
and long and but slightly constricted neck.
This vessel is too tiny to be of any real use and probably
handles.
as
served
The
no
manner
ornament.
from
the
of
several
others.
pins were
specimens
typical
Of the large copper
graves.
ments
an
usual number of metallic
specimens
These
measure
found, and they differ in

so
common
there were
from
six
in
Peruvian
eight, with
to
ten
inches
frag?
in
length and are of two types, one having a large, flat, nearly cylin?
drical head, the other having a head much smaller, thicker and more
Of the small pins there are four, two of pure
nearly semi-circular.
two
of
and
silver; they are all less than two inches in length and
gold
have
the flat head
perforated.
POTTERY.
The
There were twelve entire pieces of pottery in the grave.
is
in
interest
It
is
six
the
of
41.
greatest
represented
Fig.
piece
In shape it
inches in height and is painted a dull grayish color.
resembles the typical Cuzco form inverted, and is a unique specimen,
A gradually contracting
for South America.
I believe,
globular
narrow
a
with
recurved
rests
mouth
in
broad
lip,
body, terminating
on a graceful pedestal which in form is simply the neck of the ordi?
from a thin
On one side is a handle fashioned
nary Cuzco vase.
side is a letter Y in relief. A
band of clay, while on the opposite
further peculiarity of the vessel is the fact that it is provided with a
flat, well-fitting cover which has a handle.
are two vases
Second only in interest to the specimen described
is figured in PI. XLII.
This
almost alike in form, one of which
to
of
from
such
it
hundreds
has
distinguish
speci?
nothing
specimen
mens in the museum from the vicinity of Cuzco, and I may add that,
according to my estimation, no more beautiful pottery has been found
It is characterized
in America than this same graceful Cuzco
type.
Fig.
41.
Earthenware
Vessel
from
Grave.
All/use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions
Fig.
Fig. 42.
Ceremonial
Stone
Axe.
(Natural Size.)
April,
1901.
The
Island
of
La
259
Plata?Dorsey.
neck, broadly turned mouth and large,

by a pointed base, delicate
Near the lower portion of the body of
gradually contracting body.
the vessel and on opposite
of
sides are two handles,
by means
The decoration
is
thongs through which the vessel was carried.
The neck is encircled by white and red
typical and characteristic.
lines alternately, while on the body the decoration is confined to one
side. Here we find three parallel red lines extending from the lower
extremity of the neck to the beginning of the base ; these lines enclose
lines arranged in groups of
many short, black, horizontal, parallel
five. Beyond the three central red lines and on each side of them,
and bordered by additional red lines, just in front of the handles, is a
tree or plant-like ornamentation so characteristic of Cuzco pottery of
this class.
On the middle red line, and thus near the center of the
vessel, is an equally characteristic ornament, consisting of the highly
head of a puma in bold relief.
conventionalized
In general shape the other vessel is like the one just described.
The side of the vessel, upon which is a small puma head in relief, and
the under portion of the vessel have been painted white, and upon this
is a black line decoration
of geometric
figures which has almost
entirely disappeared.
There are also three small vessels, devoid of general
interest,
which may have been used as toys. Two of them are undecorated,
while the third has been painted red, upon which is a decoration
of
The remaining pieces of pottery are
parallel rows of black triangles.
dish
or
saucer-like
forms,
three
of which
have,
as
handle,
on
one
side
a conventionalized
duck's head.
These
three pieces are beautifully
decorated inside with parallel red bands.
All the pieces of pottery
just described, with the exception of the piece first mentioned, have
nothing to distinguish them from the ordinary forms found over the
entire Quichua
territory.
CEREMONIAL STONE AXE.

The remaining object to be described from the graves is
probably
the most remarkable of all and in many ways itmay be considered as
one of the most remarkable stone implements ever found.
In length
itmeasures nineteen and one-half inches and in the broadest part
twelve and one-half inches, while
its thickness in no part exceeds
It is made of grayish trach
three-quarters of an inch ( see Fig. 42).
ite, is most beautifully polished and is in perfect condition except for
a small indentation near the lower edge.
It requires but a superficial
26o
Field
Columbian
Vol.
II.
to lead to the instant belief that it never could have been

examination
a
to
utilitarian
purpose, and that itwas used ceremonially there can
put
be,
the
axe
no
think,
Near
doubt.
the
lower
each
toward
extremity
corner,
an irregular
and on the corresponding opposite sides (see PI. XLIII)is
surface from two to three inches in diameter, which has been abrased
by having been struck many times by some metallic or stone object.
These
surfaces, situated as they are, have led me to the belief that
was
suspended
some
by
sort
of
and
thong
that
these
abrased
surfaces were produced

by its being constantly struck to produce a
it
in
the manner
indicated and striking itwith
sound.
Suspending
a copper pin it gives forth a clear resonant tone not unlike that of a
as
Inasmuch
bell.
of
objects
nature
similar
have
been
as
used
sort of gong or bell in temple worship in different parts of the world,

that the axe under consideration was used in a
it may be possible
manner.
similar
II. REFUSE HEAPS OF THE PLATEAU.

has
Mention
in the
of excavation
there
fragments
which had
material
already
been
made
of
been
were
near
triangle
brought
found
in any
the
were
encountered
down
of
layers
and
of ashes,
the work
as
Inasmuch
in various
stones
circular
found during
beach.
found
from above,
the
and
squared
fragments of pottery which were
and curious
strata
as no pieces
it would
be
all
such
of
drift
of this
reason?
for the source of this

able to look to the summit of the plateau
The credit of finding the original location of these curious
material.
who
stones and pottery must be given to my assistant, McKinley,
while
looking for cattle on the plateau, on the third day after our
arrival,
came
unexpectedly
upon
large
heap
of
fragments
of
clay
On the following day I examined that portion of the plateau

images.
so fortunate as to
lying just above and beyond the ravine and was
Whatever
doubt I may have
find additional heaps of this material.
that the objects found in the earth at
had regarding the supposition,
the base of the plateau came from above, was set at rest by my finding
the upper portion of a clay image .in one of the refuse heaps on the
a depth of thirteen
plateau, the other half of which had been found at
For
the
I
feet in the excavated
purpose of convenience
triangle.
shall treat the material from these two sources as a single collection.
Fig. 43.
Representative
Squared
and
Circular
Engraved
Stones.
April,
The
igoi.
of
Island
La
Plata?Dorsey.
261
RECTANGULAR AND CIRCULAR ENGRAVED STONES.

With
equal frequence
and in the drift earth at
rectangular
The
and
both in the refuse heaps on the plateau

its base were large numbers of engraved
stones.
circular
stone used
for all of the squared and rectangular blocks

is a volcanic tuff,
and for a few other forms which were encountered
were
grayish white in color. The stones
probably brought to their pres?
ent condition by the grinding or rubbing process.
incised lines
The
were
made
probably
some
with
sharp
and
instrument
are extraordi?
they
In fact when one first examines one of these lines,

narily clean cut.
so clean is it, there is such a total absence of the scratchings which
would have resulted had the line been laboriously
incised, one is
were
made of clay and that the
tempted to believe that the specimens
lines were engraved while the clay was wet.
As a matter of fact, it is
was
that when the rock
first quarried
itwas much softer
probable
as
I have described,
than it is now, and that the clean cut lines, such
were
made
The
two
and
with
stroke
single
largest stone measures

one-half
in thickness,
measures
thickness,
five
while
and
the
while
the
instrument.
sharp-pointed
in length and breadth by

measures
smallest
four
Of the circular specimens
one-half
smallest
some
five inches
by four by three and one-half.

one
of
inches
one
measures
in
diameter
four
by
and
two
one-half
inches
the largest
inches
in
in diam?
eter by three inches in thickness.

All of these stones (see Fig. 43)
are engraved on one side only. This takes the form of two pairs of
in the squared stones, diagonally
lines extending,
across,
parallel
at
other
each
The
crossing
right angles.
intervening space between
the
parallel
lines
varies
in
one
specimen
from
one
and
one-fourth
In every specimen found

inches to one-half an inch in the smallest.
the space formed by the parallel lines is occupied either by a series of
or by a series of zigzag lines, or, in one
circles (see PI. XLIV),
PI.
In one instance the parallel lines
both
specimen, by
(see
XLV).
as usual at right angles
were three in number,crossing
(PI. XLVI,
the parallel
lines were four in
b), while in still another specimen
In all of the specimens
except three the
(PI. XLV,
b).
was
vacant.
of
the
lines
outside
left
In the three
space lying
parallel
was
not
where
this
was
the
the
case,
space
specimens
occupied by
one circle in one instance (PI. XLV,
a), three circles in another
(PI. XLVII,
a) and by four in the third specimen
(PI. XLVII,
b).
number
of
The
circles or triangles found within the parallel lines varies
number
(see PI. XLVIII
) from two to five, four being
the most
common.
Field
262
Columbian
Vol.
II.
the treatment of the region of the crossing

In two of the specimens
of the parallel lines, that is, of the central region of this face of the
In one, the two lines
stone, is somewhat unusual
(see PI. XLIX).
meet in a circle one inch in diameter, the central portion of which
the lines are
In the other specimen
has been slightly excavated.
in the central portion of the stone by a raised circle which
bounded
i tself
with
is decorated
row
of
seven
circles.
engraved
treat?
The
in the other specimens varies

from a single
of this space
of
formed
the
where
the
the
square
crossing
by
parallel lines
specimen,
is devoid of marks, to another specimen where the square is occupied
by an incised circle.
In no specimen is there any marking on the side opposite
the
of
the
but
in
four
PI.
the
surface,
specimens
engraved
(see
L)
ment
side
remaining
the
instances
some
received
has
surfaces
in pairs at each end, with a single

a horizontal
incised
line
sort
five parallel
contain
line
around
passing
of
treatment.
in the middle,
the
stone
at
two
In
lines
perpendicular
arranged
all crossed
by
center.
In
its
line is carried around the center of

another specimen a horizontal
four sides of the stone extending down to which is a zigzag line so
In the
arranged as to form three triangles on each side of the stone.
fourth specimen each surface contains two lines which, starting from
the
upper
corner,
converge
at
the
center
of
the under
surface
of
the
stone.
a single other specimen

these stones must be described
With
more
these than any of the
which in its character
nearly approaches
This specimen
other material.
(see PI. LI, a) is circular, measur?
ing
three
and
three-quarters
inches
in
diameter
and
less
than
one
At diagonally opposite sides notches

fourth of an inch in thickness.
cut
the
into
have been
stone, extending toward the center to a depth
an
In
each segment thus formed by these notches
inch.
of one-half
center
an
of which is perforated.
The center of
incised circle, the
is
an
to the others,
circle
similar
the stone is also occupied by
engraved
treatment of both sides of the stone

The
which is also perforated.
is exactly alike.
As for the use of these curious stones, which have been prepared
with much care, I can form no conclusion which is satisfactory, but
it is possible that they were used in some game though this theory is
by the fact that the number of circles within

considerably weakened
the parallel lines is not uniform, while the spaces outside the parallel
lines are in some cases occupied
by circles, and in other cases left
an
different
category of stones, yet to be
while,
finally,
entirely
plain,
are
similar
contain
which
found
circles, but
engraved
described,
which presumably could not have been used in any game.
April,
of
Island
The
igoi.
La
Plata?Dorsey.
263
RECTANGULAR STONES WITHOUT ORNAMENTATION.
The
breadth
and
smallest
of
sort
this
an
inch
was
stone
Closely
stones
of
an elliptical
of
inches
four
that
somewhat
the
in length
the
one
one-half
same
down
to
and is
was
sizes
the
purpose
character
the
of
I have no suggestion
in fact
and
next
series
to be
general
two
forming
but
type
and
to
described,
in this series were
Stones
).
and
extreme
stones,
the
and
one
for whatever
probably
rectangular
them
(see PL LIII
shape
from
ranging
between
link
connecting
was
a series
so
alsowas
to these
related
in
inches
measures
center
two
this purpose was
What
(see PI.
one-half
measures
these
series,
that
used,
largest of the series.

offer.
category
in length and breadth
Between
intervening
complete
smallest
the
slightly thicker than the ends.

found
inches
thick.
and
in the
and
the center being
specimen
of
found
in
those
four
in length
inches by one and one-quarter

one-fourth
as
material
measures
found
one-half
inch in thickness,
The
same
the
one
largest
five
by
of
and all have been fashioned with similar care
just described
LII).
are
stones
These
having
found
one-half.
CIRCULAR-STONES WITHOUT ORNAMENTATION.
case
The
of
the
largest
in no case
diameter
are generally
and
not
as
served
made
vary in diameter
one
to
and
exceeds
one-half
one-half
from four inches in
inches
of an
inch.
in the
The
smallest.
specimens
slightly thicker at the center than they are at the sides

been
reveal
any
mark
implements.
unusual
with
with
prepared
the category
like
ness,
was
have
all
does
( see PI. LIV)
stones
These
the
of
use
care.
and
previously
Two
care,
of
are
the
An
examination
naturally
described,
perforated
edges
soft?
they could
not
have
stones,
in
the
their
owing
disc-shaped
of
to
the
one
center
of which
(
see
PI.
LV ). It might be possible to consider these as spindle whorls, were

it not for the fact that in one of the refuse heaps two small beautifully
engraved spindle whorls were found, which have nothing to distinguish
them from those found throughout the west coast of South America
from Ecuador
to Chili.
CYLINDRICAL-SHAPED STONES, NOT PERFORATED,

The
average
in this category are rather uniform in size and

three inches in length by one in diameter (PI. LVI).
stones
about
Field
264
None
Columbian
them
of
use-marks
show
Vol.
of
sort
any
and
II.
one
only
has
been
handled sufficiently to give it any degree of polish whatever.

None of
the specimens are perfectly true cylinders, the aim apparently being
merely to produce a general cylindrical shape.
PERFORATED AND ENGRAVED STONES.

stones just
similar in size to the cylindrical-shaped
Somewhat
a
stones
series
is
of perforated
mentioned
rectangular
large
(PI.
These vary from three and one-half to one and one-half
LVII).
inches in leiigth and from one to three-quarters of an inch in thick?
ness
been
with
decorated
in one
inches
several
of
four
which
the
In
one
from
two
specimens
instance
in all
surfaces
in another.
varies
the
of
These
circles
always
have
opposite,
circles
supernumerary
have
to one-half
one-quarter
sides,
stones
these
have
circles, varying from three
of two circles placed
ther treated by the addition

row.
long
row of engraved
to six
instance
diameter
uniform
In
The
breadth.
and
general
an inch.
been
fur?
on either side of the

are
at
the
end
of
the
Like the
stone, while in another they occupy the center (see Fig. 44).
circles on the upper side of the stones described in the first category,
in the center. None
of these
all of these have a slight excavation
show
specimens
any
sign
whatever
ination of the central perforation
the
stone
left by
reveal
a cord,
Interesting
nor
of usage,
lying through
a careful
does
as would
trace
of a mark
such
slightest
the stones
been
in case
had
suspended.
the
merely
from
the standpoint
exam?
the entire length of
of technique
have
are
four
been
frag?
of the stones, being broken through the center, thus making it

possible to determine the character of the perforation throughout its
In all of the specimens the drilling was
entire length (PI. LVIII).
done from both ends, the perforation meeting at or near the center.
ments
PERFORATED STONE BEADS.

is a
Exactly similar in general shape to the stones just described
as
stones
which
have
been
used
beads
of
series
may
perforated
long
to rectangular
These vary from cylindrical
in shape
(PI. LIX).
in length.
and are from one-half to three and one-half inches
Although these have been spoken of as beads, itmust be admitted that
no trace whatsoever
to conceive
worn,
even
of stones
for a short
of usage
has been
of material
period,
so
without
found, and
soft
as
their
are
it is not possible
these
showing
to have
use-marks.
been
Fig. 44.
Fig. 45.
Engraved
Perforated
Stone
and
Stone.
Engraved
Representing
the
Human
Face.
April,
The
1901.
stones
from
varying
but
shape,
La
to
two
three
on
somewhat
tapering
Plata?Dorsey.
265
to these perforated
similar in shape
Somewhat
of
of
Island
in
inches
each
face
is a series
stones
length,
toward
in
rectangular
the
end
LX,
(PI.
Thesestones
have not been perforated from end to end,
e>fi ?)but instead there is a hole extending from each end toward the center
for the extent of a quarter of an inch, which ismet by a hole of sim?
In the illustra?
ilar size coming from one of the faces of the stone.
tion is a specimen which had been broken in two, which makes plain
this manner
of perforation.
Additional bead-like stones were found ( see PI. LX, a-d)

all of
which were perforated from side to side, but on three specimens the
diameter along the perforation of the stones is considerably
less than
the
transverse
less
imperfect.
diameter.
one
Only
these
of
is more
specimens
or
ENGRAVED STONES REPRESENTING THE HUMAN FACE.

the most
Among
the
in length,
longest
in stone
interesting objects
stones,
one
V-shaped
elongated
the
shortest
five
and
one
found were
one-half.
These
stones
three
inches
four
measuring
have
breadth of about one inch at the base and taper off toward the outside
edge
in all
ized human
face consisting
excavations
the
for
one
Each
proportions.
of a
In Fig.
eyes.
bears
lateral
a, PL
on
LXI,
a conventional?
its edge
incision
for the mouth
two
and
start
lines
parallel
at the back of the head and take a downward direction meeting

in
the chin; while further down on the stone are two
front below
additional parallel lines which begin at the back and meet in front.
Just over the eyes is a circular line which begins at one side of the
base
crown
of
the
of
stone
lines
median
and
passes
are
the head
are
two
crossed
around
lateral
at
to the other
lines
regular
and
side.
one
intervals
On
median
by
the narrow
line;
eleven
these
sharp
b resembles to a certain extent the figure just described.

one
line on the body of the figure which bounds the face
There is simply
Around
it
the head, and
from the body proper.
and separates
one
to
are
over
from
side
the
two parallel
the forehead
other,
passing
incisions.
Fig.
incisions, extending down into the top of which are a number of

deep incisions at regular intervals which start just at the top of the
head.
Fig. c has exactly the same markings as have been noted for
Fig. a. The top of the head, however, in this figure is not sharp but
flat and is provided with little incised lines, as has been noted in
deep
Fig.
b (see Fig.
45).
Field
266
Columbian
Vol.
FRAGMENTARY MASSES AND WORKED
II.
BEADS OF
ETC.
TURQUOISE,
A number of rough masses of turquoise, sodolite, serpentine (see

and pagodite
PI, LXII),
gray marble (see PI. LXIII
), agalmatolite
were found, and in addition a large number of beads
representing
The majority of the turquoise beads had not
each of these minerals.
been
worked.
is an
however,
One,
irregularly
measur?
mass,
shaped
ing two and one-half inches in length by one and one-half in diameter
and drilled from end to end; its surface has been fairly well polished
Of lapis lazuli no less than twenty-eight carefully
(see PI. LXIV).
while of beads
finished cylindrical beads were found (see PI. LXV);
there were thirty-five (see PI. LXVI).
The majority
of agalmatolite
of turquoise and lapis lazuli specimens were found at the base of the
plateau and not in the pottery heaps of the summit of the plateau.
MISCELLANEOUS WORKED
STONES.
Among the stones not falling within any of the categories men?
tioned are three worthy of brief notice.
Perhaps of greatest interest
some small quadruped
a
is
( PI.
finely carved specimen representing
and
received
has
is
This
beautifully
polished
.LXVII, Fig, a).
unusual
attention.
measured
perhaps
The
specimen
measures
two
and
one-quarter
inches in length. Also of interest is a fragment of a stone metate (see

This is five inches inwidth and in its original condition
PI .LXVIII).
a
foot
in
length.
The
fragment
rests
on
two well
circular feet, one inch in length. The third specimen (see PI.
a cone-shaped
stone, being about two and one-half
LXVII,
b) is
the
below
inches in height.
apex is an annular constriction, for
Just
what purpose it is not known, as the groove is not of a depth to per?
it so that it might be
around
mit of a cord having been passed
cone
is
truncated
and in the center of
the
of
The
apex
suspended.
a
under surface is
The
is
formed
thus
the surface
slight depression.
made
without
marks
of any
sort.
POTTERY?GENERAL
CHARACTER.
In addition to the innumerable

squared stones, etc., just de?
the
plateau yielded an immense amount
scribed, the refuse heaps of
all of this pottery was in fragments, only two
of pottery.
Practically
more
not
sibly
La
a dozen
than
267
Plata?Dorsey.
found in perfect condition.
being
pieces
of
Island
The
1901.
April,
pieces,
of pos?
the exception
With
the
all
were
fragments
of
parts
small images in the form of human figures. The clay used in the
manufacture of the pottery, while of fairly good texture, and inman}
of
ways superior to that used by the inhabitants of the mainland
is greatly inferior to that used by the natives of Peru and
Ecuador,
to that used in the vessels which were found in the graves on the
lowland
the
of
a
perhaps
near
island
thousand
images
coast.
the
From
more
not
than
fragments
a half
dozen
representing
were
pieces
found which bore any trace of paint; these were painted red. The
pottery reveals no uniform method of firing, many of the pieces being
almost
No
unburnt.
was
fragment
had
which
however,
found,
been
to a heat so intense as to cause the particles of sand in its

to vitrify. All the pottery, with a very few exceptions,
composition
that is, itwas not made
is hand made;
in a mould, which was com?
on
of Ecuador
and throughout
mainland
the
south
monly employed
a large extent of Peru.
In nearly all of the pieces, finger marks can
on the inside of the images, which are
be plainly distinguished
subjected
and
hollow
generally
no attempt
often
at finished
there
executed,
crudely
a rule,
as
being,
work.
COMPLETE SPECIMENS.
As
been
has
but
stated,
condition
(see Pis. LXIX
character,
both
two
a man
representing
were
specimens
and LXX).
These
in a sitting
found
in
an
intact
are similar in general

with
posture,
the
legs
extended in a curved position in front and the hands resting on the

knees.
The face has been done with considerable
detail and both
wear
or
helmet
any
represented
about
the
which
may
neck
On
head-dress.
trace
of a garment
a cord-like
represent
of
neither
the
or of
clothing.
from which
enlargement,
a conventionalized
animal
figures
Both
depends
is
figures
an
there
have
object
head.
larger of the two figures measures

nearly eight inches in
In addition to the features already described, which it has
height.
in common with the other figures, there are several points worthy of
The image as a whole is rather rudely made and shows signs
notice.
The
of haste
and
carelessness.
At
the
same
time
the
salient
features
of
form are characterized with striking boldness.

The legs
consist simply of a hollow band of clay brought out in the form of a
circle in front of the body.
Resting on this circle are conventionalized
arms, the fingers being represented by three deep incisions made in
the human
268
Field
Columbian
Vol.
II.
near
the soft clay near the region where they join the legs. Placed
the center and on top of each arm is a clay fillet, each one with four
deep incisions in the center made with a sharp instrument; these may
arm
represent
which
three
across
the
small,
forehead.
raised,
affair
cap-shaped
now
broken
from
off.
Just
running from back of the ear up and

beneath
Just
knob-like
is
head
masses,
cone-shaped
this cap is a depression
beneath
over
two
projected
the
Over
bands.
this
and
these
protuberances;
above
are
are
nose
the
not
unusual.
of clay extended out from

The ears are simply triangular appendages
is a deep incision which, as
the face; into the center of the appendage
may be seen in other specimens, entirely pierces the ear.. Under the
nose there is represented a large nose ornament which entirely fills
The mouth itself, as
the space between the upper lip and the nose.
in the majority of the heads, is represented as open and is simply an
The chin is interesting, inasmuch as from
incision.
elliptical-shaped
an effect not unlike that of a
it project two bits of clay producing
divided beard.
The second complete
figure differs in no material respect from
The head-dress,
instead of having two pro?
the one just described.
on
the
the
has
nine.
There is only a faint indi?
of
head,
top
jections
cation
of
the
the specimen
men
they may
ear.
The
eyes
just described,
properly
the
have
same
general
as
treatment
in
and as they are better shown in this speci?
be noticed
here.
In
forming
the eye,
the maker
with his two fingers simply worked out a slight protuberance

from the
was
the
off
and
into
which
rounded
with
this,
face,
elongated;
sharp
thus
incisions were made,
point of some instrument, two elliptical
giving the effect of the eyeball.
TREATMENT OF THE HEAD?NO
COVERING.
In the specimen represented in PI. LXXI, we have the fragment

of a figure which must have stood at least twelve or fourteen inches
in height.
The treatment of the head is quite different from that of
Instead of the covering with the pro?
the specimens just described.
head
is
On
the,
jections,
represented as the open mouth of a vessel.
the forehead are two protuberances,
and
just
over
the
eyes
are
two
while
ridges.
running out from the nose
These
may
represent
a very
highly developed
superciliary region, or perhaps be characterizations
The head has been so mutilated that it is not possible
of tattoo marks.
to make out the character of the ears, but just in front of the place
where the ears should be is, on one side, a large hole, while on the
April,
other side
two
other
Island
The
igoi.
this hole
is occupied
similar
specimens
of
La
Plata?Dorsey.
269
by a cup-shaped
objects
were
found
affair.
represented
In one or
as
pierc?
So far as I know this practice has not been observed

ing the cheek.
areas in South America.
in
The Chunchos of the
limited
very
except
their
have
cheeks
Pangoa Valley, Peru,
pierced in a position similar
to that indicated in the figure under discussion,
and in these holes
they
wear
feather
ornaments.
HEAD DECORATIONS; PYRAMIDAL PROJECTIONS.

we have the same cup
In the specimens shown in PI. LXXII
on
one
on the other side there is
side
of
the
while
affair
shaped
head,
half of a hole, which probably originally contained an object similar
to that on the other side.
In this specimen, however, the cup-shaped
a
object passes
through
part of the cheek very close to the neigh?
borhood
object
was
of the ear.
actually
In fact it is possible
intended
to represent
that in this specimen
an
ear
ornament.
The
the
head?
of twelve horn-like projections, similar to those already

described, arranged in three gar^allel, horizontal rows. The nose is
very large, sharp and long.
we have five
In the specimen represented inFig. A, PI. LXXIII,
horn-like projections on the head, two of which have been broken off.
The face is decidedly dish-shaped.
A very large mouth is prolonged
forward into a decidedly sharp chin. The entire face does not termi?
nate in the usual way, but is prolonged
out on all sides into a con?
dress consists
tinuous ribbon-like band of clay. Two pellets of clay represent the

eyes, while at the sides and slightly above the mouth on the cheek are
two depressions which were made with the point of the little finger,
the nail-marks being still quite apparent.
FACE BOUNDED BY BROAD PROJECTING BAND.

In another specimen (PI.
this ribbon-like projection
LXXIV)
bounding the face simply extends from above one ear to the other, its
outer border being decorated with several small balls of clay. Behind
are the usual horn-like appendages.
this visor-like projection
The
ear is unusually well marked and has in its center a large depression,
which may represent the opening into the ear, or it may be the indi?
cation
of a place
for an
ear
ornament.
In the two specimens shown on PI. LXXV

we have this ribbon?
like projection from the face continuing considerably
below the ear
Field
270
Columbian
II.
Vol.
in one specimen, while on the other it reaches down on to the shoul?

der. Each head bears the usual complement of horn-like projections
on the back of the head.
In Fig. b there is a raised band lying just
between the face and the side appendage,
terminating in a button
ear.
of
in
the
the
The beard-like
repre?
region
shaped object lying
sentation* will also be noted in this specimen, while below the nose
tattoo
may be made out two slight incisions, which may represent
marks.
have
We
figured on PI. LXXVI,
in the two specimens

of heads
representations
having
treatment
somewhat
interesting
to
similar
that
In Fig. a the outer part of the band has been deco?

just described.
rated with four ball-shaped
objects, while in Fig. b there were only
Instead of the
two of these objects, one of which has disappeared.
usual treatment of the head, we find in each specimen a band about
one inch in width projecting
upwards and backwards.
Just what
these
are
bands
terminate
to
intended
at present
represent
in a
now
cannot
fracture,
be
out
made
been
having
as
the
broken.
we have a treatment of the

in PI. LXXVII
In the specimen
The head
head which differs considerably from any already described.
band is still present, but only in a very diminished form, consisting of
a slight ridge running across the forehead.
From the median part of
another ridge which has been partly
this line extends backwards
divided by means of a sharp instrument when the clay was still wet.
The nose in this specimen is provided with a well marked appendage,
while
In
the
the
pellets
clay
ear
pinna
has
are
pressed
sent perforations
received
on
one
side
close
made
treatment
seven
against
which
and
the
on
ear.
in the ear, which,
is especially
the
These
during
other
interesting.
side
undoubtedly
little
nine
repre?
life, received
some
ornament.
plug-like
HEADS WITH SIMPLE AND UNDECORATED TREATMENT.

the specimen just described we pass, by an almost imper?
to a number of heads which are interesting on
gradation,
ceptible
account both of the simplicity of the treatment and of the great
beauty betrayed in the face itself. In the two specimens represented
there is no indication of the head-dress, while the
in PI. LXXVIII
From
eyes,
ears,
nose
and
mouth
are
only
faintly
indicated.
we have a similar treat?

In specimens represented in PI. LXXIX
ment for the head, but here there is a decided elongation upwards
and the whole seems to be surmounted by a helmet
and backwards
Fig. 46.
Earthenware
Image Showing
Position
of Whistles.
April,
or covering
which
vividly
of
face
treatment
The
of
thing
tionalized
the
a
In Fig.
finement.
of
Island
The
igoi.
is
is
Near
the early Egyptian

for
of
sufficient
are
center
the
27r
remarkable
arms
The
manner.
Plata?Dorsey.
suggests
here
there
its character.
La
the
the
the
breast
head-dress.
some?
conven?
most
seen
be
may
re?
of
portrayal
to show
image
in
treated
of
its
two
are
both
downward
from the inside. These
objects
projecting
whistles which were blown through a hole in the back of the head.
As a matter of fact, all of the specimens except the one already
described, and nearly all of the remaining heads to be considered have
this hole in the occipital region, and in every case where we have the
The
body of the figure present we have either one or two whistles.
are very interesting from the fact that
two figures under discussion
both were made in the same mold.
One of them has been subjected
to a coat
of red
by means
ened
paint,
on
which
smoke
of
and
one
side
has
been
very
black?
much
fire.
The specimens on PI. LXXX

have also been made in a mold and
in general characters do not differmaterially from the two fragments
just
described.
tive
art.
Both
In PI.
as
LXXXI
it represents
the
are
we
remarkable
as works
specimens
have a figure of unusual
upper
of
portion
an
primi?
interest, inasmuch
There
image.
of
is e.vidence
that this specimen was made

in a mold.
The figure is apparently
that of a woman, there being two slight protuberances which may be
as
considered
of
representations
the
In
breast.
her
and
hands
pass?
ing up over the back of her shoulder she holds some club-like object.
At first sight there
About the neck is represented a string of beads.
appears
to
be
nose
appendage,
rather to be an imperfection
to the upper lip.
but
closer
in the mold,
GROTESQUE
inspection
shows
a portion of which
this
adhered
HEADS.
are four figures, all small in size. Fig. a consists

In PI. LXXXII
of the head of an image which probably did not stand more than four
inches high. Portions of the arms remain and the entire head.
Over
the head project four knob-like projections,
the center one being in
treatment of the
The
reality a whistle with the opening behind.
face of this specimen is interesting.

From the ears five ridges extend
a
over
to
nose.
the eyes
line above the
These probably represent
up
In Fig. b we also have a whistle at the back of the
facial incisions.
head; also two horn-like projections, each terminating in a knob,
Field
272
Columbian
giving the head and ears of a jester of the Middle

has a large appendage, while around the forehead,
ears,
a band
is represented
or
fillet.
II.
Vol.
c we
In Fig.
The nose
Ages.
terminating at the
an
have
arrange?
The head appendages have been

similar to that just described.
broken offmidway their length. The nose of this specimen is fear?
fully distorted and apparently there was an attempt at the ludicrous.
In-Fig. d the same effect has been produced, but in this case the
ment
nose
has
been
shortened.
unusually
a number of figures are shown differing in many
In PI. LXXXIII
from
ways
described.
any
Figs,
and
rather
represent
conven?
tionalized
faces, which look forward from the end of a tube. Fig. c
a
is crudely expressed caricature of the human face. The region of
In Fig. d a band passes medially up
the forehead has been incised.
over the head; while from the sides of the head of Fig. e are lateral
appendages
In PI.
have
hanging
LXXXIV
of
portion
down below the ear.

are two fragments
the
one
face,
eye
and
ear.
a we
In Fig.
of vessels.
one
This
fragment
in
material is quite unlike the usual form of pottery found on the island.
It is
shell.
It is very thick and shows many fragments of pounded
a
I
know
of
was
distance.
of course that it
brought from
possible
seen
have
but
of Ecuador,
pottery
nothing like it on the mainland
from Cauca Valley, Colombia, which is similar in composition.
It
In Fig. b we have only a portion of the body represented.
a
some
on
was
vessel
resembling
typical
top of
sitting
apparently
water
bottle
of
the west
coast.
TREATMENT OF THE NOSE.

four portions of the face have been grouped, as
On PI. LXXXV
and
features
show
peculiarities not met with in any of the spec?
they
nose
imens so far described.
Fig. a is remarkable for the prominent
not clearly shown in the illustration.
and for the nose appendage,
is also very clearly shown, while the
In Fig. b the nose appendage
eyes
have
In Fig.
previous
also
received
treatment
which
so
far has
not
been
encountered.
in
still another form of the nose already described
be
noted
It
may
examples, but here unusually well shown.
c we have
that
above
the
nose
are
three
protuberances
similar
in
every
In Fig. d the nose

respect to those found on the figure first described.
a
number of orna?
In the ear
is also beautifully marked.
appendage
ments
are
represented.
April,
The
igoi.
La
273
Plata?Dorsey.
two figures are produced,
In PI. LXXXVI
considerable
interest.
the nose
and pendant
beak-like
nose
executed
of
Island
and
Fig.
is remarkable
ornament, while
ornament,
pendant
both of which are of
for
Fig.
the
of
representation
b is interesting for its
which
in
terminates
a well
appendage.
TREATMENT OF THE EYES.

are grouped
show
In PI. LXXXVII
fragments of heads which
in the treatment of the eye not shown in previous
certain peculiarities
In Fig. a the eyeball is very well shown, the lid being
examples.
incision
In Fig. b an elliptical
represented by a little band of clay.
this has
has been made, describing the boundary of the eye. Within
been placed an elliptical shaped mass of clay with a central depression,
a method of representing the eyeball not found except in a few other
In Fig. c a rectangular shaped ridge,
from this region.
specimens
the iris of the eye. The superorbital

downward, marks
prolonged
In Fig. d the eye
of
this
is
specimen
unusually well indicated.
ridge
has been formed by drawing out the clay and then making the cen?
treatment
tral region by an incision across the eyeball itself. This
of the eye is, so far as I am aware, not found in any of the other
from
specimens
La
Plata.
TREATMENT OF THE UPPER EXTREMITIES.

In
with
connection
already described,
which
probably
represent
On PI. LXXXVIII
has
some
special
of
several
I^have
spoken
the
vessels
or
of a device
fragments
fastened
of vessels
to the arms
amulets.
six fragments are shown, each one of which,
features
of
interest.
In Fig.
the
arms
are
en?
circled by a small fillet, while the fingers are very rudely indicated by
In Fig. b, in
in the soft clay.
means of three deep incisions made
which the arm is represented as resting on the leg near the knee,
there is fastened to the upper side a broad band bearing on its upper
This form of arm-band is one of
surface six button-shaped objects.
the most
common.
In Fig.
the
arm
bears
on
its
upper
surface
six
above as form?
objects exactly similar to those described
cup-shaped
in addition to
inasmuch
ear
d
is
ornaments.
as,
interesting
Fig.
ing
an attempt
has
been
there
the
encircle
which
five small bands
arm,
five
also
additional
there
the
to indicate the position of
thumb,
being
Field
274
Columbian
e bears
fingers.
Fig.
nences.
These
are
on
the
as
arm,
as
represented
II.
Vol.
two
ornaments,
emi?
rounded
to the wrist
attached
just
above
In Fig./we
the fingers, which are represented as unusually long.
have a very interesting specimen and the only one of its kind found
at La Plata.
It represents a portion of the dress of some hollow
figure, showing the hand resting on the leg, the upper arm itself, as
well as the breast, being covered with something which may be con?
sidered a mantle.
This
is decorated with a number of small, round
eminences.
TREATMENT OF THE LOWER EXTREMITIES.

as
the legs are represented
large majority of the vessels
a
a
out in front of
sitting body in circular form and in many
In a
extending
cases
highly
conventionalized.
few
of
fragments
feet,
however,
the figure apparently was represented as in a

we have represented a
In Fig. a, PI. LXXXIX,
standing posture.
part of feet which from their shape could hardly permit of a standing
figure. The toes are indicated by means of six incisions made with
were
found in which
some
instrument.
sharp
its lower edge being
sentation,
which
pellets
over
Down
perhaps
represent
the
knee
hangs
a kilt-like
bordered with numerous

In Fig.
beads.
b we
repre?
small round
have
two
boot
The figure of which they formed part was plainly

shaped objects.
intended to stand on its feet. Each one of the boots is encircled by
two
parallel,
incised
bands.
Within
are
a number
of
rounded
pro?
jections, the object of which I am not able to surmise.

On PI. XC are represented four feet differing in character from
those described.
Fig. a represents a rudely fashioned foot with a
it
well-defined heel and five fairly well made toes. This specimen,
on
an
treatment
unusual
the
found
be
is
for
noted,
solid,
may
figures
and has been treated
the island.
Fig. b is unusually well modeled
to a coat of red paint.
Both on the ankle and on the front of the leg
are represented
two parallel
ridges at a distance of one and one
quarter inches apart, which have been incised at short intervals.
of the
there being no indication whatsoever
Fig. c is boot-shaped,
are four flattened ornaments.

Fig. d is
Just above the foot
a
was
Four
also the foot of figure which
probably not made hollow.
toes.
toes
are
roughly
indicated.
This
is a fragment of some unusually large image.
one
as
a
is
the
breasts
of
inasmuch
female,
represented
On PI. XCI
probably
The
igoi.
April,
La
Plata?Dorsey.
in a realistic manner.
presented
of sex
cation
of
Island
is the only well-defined
This
in the
encountered
275
of
pottery
the
indi?
island.
OBJECTS FOUND IN THE HANDS OF THE IMAGES.

found in the hands of the images are few in number.
Objects
On PI. XCII,
Fig. a, is shown a small seated figurewith a representa?
to the indication of
tion of a bird resting on the left arm. Owing
the mammary glands here, it is possible that this was intended for a
female figure. It is interesting to note also that projecting out over
short
very
and
legs
to
almost
extending
the
an
is represented
feet,
The second figure of this plate is a small frag?

apron-like garment.
A rudely modeled
ment of a figure not unlike that just described.
bird is represented as resting on the right arm.
are fragments of figures consisting of three arms
On PI. XCIII
a
and
small
earthenware
detached
as
Inasmuch
vessel.
the
vessels
are all the same, it is possible

to believe
that we
here presented
forwater on the island.
It
have present the form usually employed
is
to
be
remarked,
were
these
that
however,
no
of vessels
fragments
such
as
found.
On PI. XCIV, Fig. a, we have a very interesting fragment of what

a very large image.
fashioned hands are
Rudely
probably
as
out
of
in
front
the
extending
body, bearing on them a
represented
five inches in length.
small solidly made human image, measuring
From the position of the arms of this figure, the small image, which
was
as
is represented
breast.
the
against
being
carried,
In Figs,
must
b and
have
c are
been
represented
up
pressed
two
similar
close
frag?
In Fig. b we have
ments, in which a human image is being carried.
the left hand bearing the head of a small image, the body of which
In Fig. c the treatment is
has been broken off just below the neck.
different.
somewhat
The
arms
are
as
represented
resting
on
the
legs
curved in front of the body. The hands hold a small image which
There
like the others is solid.
is nothing in the treatment of the
or in the treatment
in this or the figures just mentioned,
head-dress
of the parts of the body in general, to lead to the belief that the
attempt
was
made,
in these
carried
-XCV are four small
figures,
to
represent
children.
images which from their similarity to

those just described, may originally have been placed in the hands of
some of the larger figures.
In Fig. b of this plate the head is drawn
are
the
eyes
represented as closed, the hands are
unusually large,
the feet are not indicated, the region
while
only faintly represented,
On PI.
of the feet being perforated,
as if for suspension.
Field
276
Columbian
Vol.
II.
SERPENT HEAD-DRESSES.
to the various
In addition
been
described,
deserve
an
The
lid
upper
half an inch out over the eye, and

two
rounded
small
Plata.
There
The
is repre?
eye has received

t*o an
is prolonged
extent
the edge of the lid has

at
decorations
pellet
interest
great
we have one of the most
at La
found
their
from
left-hand portion of the head.
treatment.
unusual
which
In PI. XCVI
heads
of
fragments
sented the upper
which have already
forms of head-dress
several
consideration.
special
remarkable
are
there
extreme
the
of
received
sides.
the
Over
from the region of the ear

head is a broad ribbon-like band passing
On the
up on the forehead above the eye; this has a serrated edge.
of
extremities
has
surface
the
are
there
serrations
been
decorated
by
round
lines
while
masses,
and
the
front
circles.
perforated
The
band next the face bears a band of clay, terminating just in front of
the ear in a spiral and over the forehead in the open mouth, with the
On the lower side of this band are two
projectile fangs of a serpent.
A
close
lateral
feet.
inspection however, of the broad
reptilian
a
that
makes
the
itself
is
it
evident
band
component
part
appendage
of the serpent, there being an eye just above the mouth, while the
In the serration of the
band itself terminates in a double nostril.
we
band
have
may
in Yucatan
serpent
ear
project
up
over
out
over
in the preceding
In both specimens
pellets.
have
additional
the
and
the
side
of
the
America.
on
as
specimens
the other
in the
rather
being
in both
the con?
in which
specimens
down
face
South
here
common
serpent
plumed
and
form
A band
forehead
the
the
of Central
appears,
in detail.
than represented
the
regions
we
In PI. XCVII
ventionalized
of
representation
other
and
above
side.
suggested
The
specimen,
specimen, they are decorated with

the projection above the eye bears
from
passes
bands
and
incised
as
lines.
three rounded
are
In PI. XCVIII
three fragments all representing small por?

In Fig. b the arm rests on the
tions of the right side of the body.
curved legs, while just over the shoulder appears the conventionalized
In Fig. c only a portion of the shoulder
is repre?
serpent's head.
this
sented;
also
very large image;

ventionalized
In PI.
bears
also
serpent's
XCIX
we
serpent's
head.
like the other
Fig.
a must
two specimens,
have
been
it bears a con?
head.
four additional
of the
representations
In Fig. a we have a fragment possibly from some
The head in this specimen as represented is un?
very large image.
a
with
bifurcated nostril and large eyes.
The body is
usually large,
heads
have
of serpents.
of
Island
The
1901.
April,
La
277
Plata?Dorsey.
In Fig. b there is the

represented as serrated on its upper border.
head of the serpent represented with fangs
highly conventionalized
still more rudely conceived.
Fig. c is that of a fragment of pottery
a
thin reptile-like creature, with a large head similar to the
showing
one just described.
Fig. d consists of a head, triangular in shape,
a
wide grinning mouth, two clearly defined nostrils separated
with
a
by
deep incision, with eyes placed on the top of the head.
ANIMAL
to the representations
In addition
other
few
FORMS.
were
animals
On
found.
PI.
of serpents
C
are
shown
just mentioned,
four
representa?
tions of an animal resembling a fox. The body is long and tubular

and is resting on short conventionalized
legs. The heads in Figs, a
and b are rather carefully drawn; both of them, however, are devoid
that there has been an attempt to
In Fig. c it is possible
of eyes.
a
represent
the
of
caricature
animal heads, not unlike

In the heads
cylinder.
face.
human
In
Fig.
d we
two
have
those of a fox, extending out from a hollow

are well
of all the animals
just described
whistles.
made
BIRD FORMS.
In PI. CI
La
Plata.
considerable
pains,
but
are represented
Fig.
care.
do
not
such
a
represents
The
appear
feather
few bird forms as were
small
image
have
markings
to advantage
in the
of
an
owl,
been
made
found at
made
with
with
great
In Fig.
illustration.
we have represented the head of some young "bird, possibly that of a

the head is a whistle.
duck. Within
Fig. c also represents a bird
The wings are repre?
a
of
rather
and is
modeling.
spirited piece
seen
the
as
in
be
at
back
the
sented
young bird just about
they may
to attempt to fly. In Fig. d we have perhaps a combination of bird and
human
form.
In
front
of a
cylindrical-shaped
object
is represented,
at the specimen
of a man.
Looking
probably, the outstretched form
can
be
the
bill
bird
and
of
the
from above,
clearly distinguished.
wings
MISCELLANEOUS OBJECTS OF POTTERY.

As has been stated, nearly all the fragments of pottery found on
island were
images or portions of images either of man or of
in all being found which did not
animal forms, but six specimens
the
Field
278
Columbian
II.
Vol.
Museum?-Anthropology,
are all grouped

These
their origin in the above conception.
a
a
we
on
have
CIL
In
small
vessel.
PI.
dish-shaped
Fig.
together
This was painted red and showed evidence of having been subjected
to great heat.
Fig. b is a fragment, probably of a water bottle, a
have
portion of the globular surface being represented, as well as a small

This fragment ismarked with a number of deep
portion of the neck.
In Fig. c we have a small fragment of the edge or rim of
incisions.
This
is decorated with
what must have been a very large vessel.
rows
numerous
of
with
made
punctures*
parallel
sharp-pointed
instrument.
Fig. d may represent either a projection which origi?
as
an ornament on the body of some figure, or itmay be,
served
nally
as
it appears,
some
of
representation
fossil
spiral
form.
Figs,
e and
f are portions of small objects having short handles at one end, and
surfaces at the other, and near the center a slight
hollow globular
has
been perforated from side to side.
which
This swelling
swelling
is restricted both from the handle and the globular head by means of
an incision.
These probably were originally diminutive rattles.
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS CONCERNING THE POTTERY.

The most
a whole
is the
out in a survey of the pottery as
striking fact brought

almost
total
absence
or
of vessels
fragments
of vessels
having utilitarian character.

Practically all of the pottery may be
to
the
nature
of
be
of
said
images of the human form, ranging in
to
from
six
possibly twenty inches. Nearly all of these images
height
within
have secreted
them, either in the head or within the breast,
one or two whistles.
in the majority of the images
tThe workmanship
was
hurried,
and
in many
cases
crude,
at
but
the
same
time
there
is
of great ability on the part of the workmen

to produce
desired forms with great ease and rapidity. The range of expression,
as seen in the faces of the images for example, is extremely varied
and interesting, and yet in the majority of the cases the expression
evidence
has been brought about without showing evidence of labored effort.

The faces themselves vary in character from portrayals of excessive
beauty
to strange
and
grotesque
forms.
In
many
cases
the
counte?
is portrayed as decidedly hideous and repulsive.

Not the least
interesting feature of the pottery is the presence of what we may call
the plumed serpent, and in certain other examples of highly conven?
nance
Of interest also is the variety of nose

serpents' heads.
and ear decorations which are portrayed.
The ability of
the potters to produce different forms of eyes, each one expressive of
tionalized
ornaments
April,
The
igoi.
some phase
forms
Island
of character,
of arm
and
leg-bands
of
La
Plata?Dorsey.
279
cannot be too highly admired.

and
ornaments,
of vessels, as well as the many ways

are also worthy of mention.
revealed
in the
of fashioning
The many
fragments
the arms and feet
GENERAL CONCLUSIONS.
It seems probable
that we have on the island of La Plata
evidence,
first, of the long occupation
by a people who probably
resorted here during certain seasons
of the year, perhaps
for the
In no other way can I account for the
celebration of religious rites.
enormous
accumulation
of ashes
and
charcoal
which
was
revealed
in
our excavations at the foot of the triangle, and in no other way can I
account
for the great quantities
of engraved
stones and of the
thousands of fragments of earthenware
images, which, so far as I
can determine, did not serve a utilitarian purpose.
That
the island
was not a place of permanent occupancy
is shown, I think, from the
absence
of objects representing every-day phases
of domestic
life,
such as we might naturally expect to find. One statement that I
have been able to find after careful examination
of the early writers
on the west coast of South America
is in this connection of unusual
interest. Cieza de Leon,
after speaking of certain events on the
mainland,
says:
" In another small

island, at no great distance, the natives say
that in the time of their ancestors
there was a temple or Huaca,
where
their gods and performed
sacrifices.
they also worshiped
the temple they had quantities
Round
of gold, silver, and other
valuable
clothes and jewels, which had been
things, such as woolen
offered up at different times."
and perhaps
This, I believe, refers to the island of La Plata
solves the problem as to the presence on the island of the pottery
the engraved stones, I am still, after much
images.
Concerning
The
consideration, unable to offer any clew as to their probable use.
question that they might have entered into certain games has been
carefully considered, but they show practically no marks of usage.
There
is such
an
enormous
range
of variation
in
the
size,
character,
etc., of these stones that it is hard to conceive of any game or series

of games inwhich they might have been used.
The second conclu?
sion which, I think, may safely be made is that the graves discovered
in the explored
and myself
by General Flores
triangle, represent
I am inclined to believe
intrusive burials.
that the
Furthermore,
280
Field
Columbian
Vol.
II.
graves were not made by the people on the mainland, who resorted
to the island for ceremonial purposes and who practiced rites involving
great fires formany generations, but rather by some stray party from
to the Spanish
the conquering bands of Inca warriors, who, previous
their
had
of
extended
South
America,
operations north of
conquest
as
iswell known, made
the
these
Peru.
Quichuas,
During
operations
and at the time of its occupancy by
excursions to the coast of Ecuador
river
the Spanish they practically controlled the banks of the Guayaquil
to the coast
also descended
That parties of theQuichuas
to the ocean.
is entirely probable.
further north in Ecuador
on the island was quite
in excavation
That the time expended
of
to
the
exhaust
archaeological
discovery
inadequate
possibilities
there is no doubt, and it is greatly to be desired that some investiga?
tor may take up the work of solving some of the interesting problems
For such investigation, I believe, interesting
herewith presented.
results would
be the reward.
field
columbian
museum.
anthropology,
Gold
and
Silver
pl.
Images.
xl.
field
columbian
museum.
Images
of
anthropology,
Gold,
Stone
and
pl.
xli.
Bronze.
field
columbian
museum.
Earthenware
anthropology,
Vessel
pl. xlii.
from Grave.
field
columbian
museum.
anthropology,
Ceremonial
Stone
pl.
Axe.
xliii.
field
columbian
museum.
Perforated
anthropology,
and
Engraved
pl.
Stones.
lvii.
field
columbian
anthropology,
museum.
Perforated
Stone
pl.
lix,
Beads.
field
columbian
museum.
anthropology,
Perforated
Stone
pl.
Beads.
lx.
field
columbian
museum.
anthropology,
Rough
Mass
of
pl.
Serpentine.
lxm.
field
columbian
museum.
anthropology,
Rough
Mass
of
Green
pl.
Marble.
lxii II.
field
columbian
museum.
Beads
anthropology,
of
Pagodite
pl.
and Turquoise.
lxiv.
field
columbian
museum.
anthropology,
Beads
of
lapis
pl.
Lazuli.
lxv.
field
columbian
museum.
anthropology,
Beads
of
pl.
Agalmatolite.
lxvi.
field
columbian
anthropology,
museum.
a.
Small
Stone
Animal,
b. Cone-Shaped
pl.
Stone.
lxvii.
field
columbian
museum.
anthropology,
Two
Earthenware
Images.
pl.
lxix.
field
columbian
museum.
anthropology,
Two
Earthenware
Images.
pl.
lxx.
field
columbian
anthropology,
museum.
Image,
No
Head
pl.
Covering.
lxxi.
field
columbian
museum.
Head
anthropology,
of
Image, Pyramidal
pl.
Projections.
lxxii.
field
museum.
columbian
a.
Head
Head
and
of
Body
anthropology,
Image,
of
Image,
b. Body
of
Pyramidal
pl.
lxxiii.
Image.
Projections.
field
columbian
anthropology,
museum.
Head
of
pl.
lxxiv.
Image.
field
columbian
Heads
of
museum.
Images,
Face
anthropology,
Bounded
by Broad
pl.
lxxvi.
Bands.
field
columbian
museum.
Head
anthropology,
of
Image,
pl.
Ear Ornamentation.
lxxvii.
field
columbian
anthropology,
museum.
Heads
of
pl.
lxxviii.
Images.
field
columbian
museum.
Heads
anthropology,
of
pl.
lxxix.
Images
field
columbian
museum.
Heads
anthropology,
of
pl.
lxxx.
Images.
field
columbian
museum.
Portion
anthropology,
of
Female
Image Holding
pl.
lxxxi.
Club.
field
columbian
museum.
anthropology,
Grotesque
pl.
lxxxii.
Heads.
field
columbian
museum.
anthropology,
Grotesque
pl.
lxxxiii.
Heads.
field
columbian
museum.
Fragments
ANTHROPOLOGY,
of
PL. LXXXiV.
Vessels.
field
columbian
museum.
Fragments
anthropology,
Showing
Treatment
of
the
pl.
Nose.
lxxxv.
field
columbian
Specimens
museum.
Showing
anthropology,
Treatment
of
the
pl.
lxxxvi.
Nose.
field
columbian
museum.
Fragments
of
anthropology,
Images
Showing
Treatment
of
the
pl.
lxxxvii.
Eyes.
field
columbian
museum.
pl.
anthropology,
lxxxix.
Specimens
Showing
Treatment
of
Lower
Extremities.
field
columbian
anthropology,
museum.
Images
with
a Bird
Resting
on
the
pl.
xcii.
Arm.
field
columbian
museum.
Fragments,
anthropology,
with
Arms
Holding
Small
pl. xcih.
Jars.
field
columbian
museum.
Fragments
of
anthropology,
Images
Showing
Arms
Holding
Small
pl.
Image.
xciv.
field
columbian
museum.
anthropology,
Small
pl. xcv.
Images.
field
columbian
museum.
Fragment
anthropology,
of
Image Showing
Serpent
Head
Dress.
pl.
xcvi.
field
columbian
Fragments
museum.
of
Heads
pl.
anthropology,
Bearing
Conventionalized
Serpents'
Heaos.
xcvii.
field
columbian
Fragments
museum.
of
Bodies
pl.
anthropology,
Bearing
Conventionalized
Serpents'
Heads.
xcviii.
field
columbian
museum.
Fragments
anthropology,
Bearing
Conventionalized
Serpents'
pl.
Heads.
xcix.
field
columbian
museum.
Fragments
anthropology,
Representing
Conventionalized
Quadrupeds.
pl. c.
field
columbian
museum.
anthropology,
Bird
Forms.
pl.
Cl
field
columbian
anthropology,
museum.
Miscellaneous
Objects
of
pl.
Pottery.
Cll.

Archaeological Investigations On The Island of La Plata, Ecuador

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Archaeological Investigations On The Island of La Plata, Ecuador

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Archaeological Investigations on the Island of La Plata, Ecuador

Author(s): George A. Dorsey

grave and its contents,

stones without ornamentation,

and silver images.

of the island. He had discovered

vinced, however, was he that a rich deposit of gold was to be found

half the commercial value

of whatever gold or silver might be found.

to take this, my earliest opportunity, to make public

GEOGRAPHICAL POSITION AND PHYSICAL CHARACTER

fined to thick, scrubby underbrush and numerous varieties of large

my assistant, but although I made numerous excursions from one end

tirely destitute of vegetation and furnishes a vast breeding ground for

At what depth these objects had been found, or in

CHARACTER OF THE EARTH EXCAVATED.

earth (see Fig. 39) to a depth of a foot or more was of a

this material was, I believe, brought down from the highlands

THE GRAVE AND ITS CONTENTS.

images of gold and silver, small gold pins

burial and sustained

no relation either to the beds

found in the grave consisted

of three images of gold, one of silver and

remarkable stone axe. All this material

GOLD AND SILVER IMAGES.

are of the usual form such as are

It is also interesting to note

The silver and the two gold images

superimposed hair. The back seam is generally invisible throughout

to me to admit of no doubt and in Fig.

in the shape of the foot, the toes being

of the metals of which the images are

interesting, for it contains

sixth specimen from the grave to be described is a gold cup

copper, and it seems probable that itwas hammered out of a nugget

AND OTHER OBJECTS OF COPPER

A number of copper pendants were also found which are of in?

inch in length and

Of the large copper

usual number of metallic

found, and they differ in

the flat head

neck, broadly turned mouth and large,

CEREMONIAL STONE AXE.

to lead to the instant belief that it never could have been

surfaces were produced

sort of gong or bell in temple worship in different parts of the world,

II. REFUSE HEAPS OF THE PLATEAU.

fragments of pottery which were

for the source of this

On the following day I examined that portion of the plateau

RECTANGULAR AND CIRCULAR ENGRAVED STONES.

both in the refuse heaps on the plateau

for all of the squared and rectangular blocks

In fact when one first examines one of these lines,

largest stone measures

in length and breadth by

Of the circular specimens

by four by three and one-half.

eter by three inches in thickness.

In every specimen found

(see PI. XLVIII