Conventional figure derived from the alligator 176 267. Conventional figure derived from the alligator 176 268. Conventional figure derived from the alligator 177 269. Conventional figure derived from the alligator 177 270. Conventional figure derived from the alligator 177 271. Conventional figure derived from the alligator 178 272. Conventional figure derived from the alligator 178 273. Conventional figure derived from the alligator 178 274. Conventional figures derived from the alligator 179 275. Conventional figure derived from the alligator 179 276. Conventional figure derived from the alligator 180 277. Conventional figures derived from the alligator 180 278. Conventional figures derived from the alligator 181 279. Conventional figures derived from the alligator 182 280. Conventional figures derived from the alligator 182 281. Conventional figures derived from the alligator 182 282. Conventional figures derived from the alligator 182 283. Conventional figures derived from the alligator 183 284. Vase with decorated zone containing remarkable devices 185 285. Series of devices 185 [Illustration: BUREAU OF ETHNOLOGY SIXTH ANNUAL REPORT PL. I.] ANCIENT ART OF THE PROVINCE OF CHIRIQUI. By William H. Holmes. INTRODUCTION. GEOGRAPHY. Until comparatively recent times the province of Chiriqui has remained almost unknown to the world at large. The isthmus was traversed a number of times by the conquerors, who published accounts of their discoveries, but it was reserved for the period of railroad and canal exploration to furnish trustworthy accounts of its character and inhabitants. The situation of Chiriqui is unique. Forming, politically, a part of South America, it belongs in reality to the North American continent. It occupies a part of the great southern flexure of the isthmus at a point where the shore lines begin finally to turn toward the north.