A very good illustration of this class of vessel is given in Fig. 375. It is evidently intended to imitate a trimmed conch shell. The apex and a few of the surrounding nodes are shown at the right, while the base or spine forms a projecting lip at the left. A coil of clay forms the apex. This is carried outward in a sinistral spiral to the noded shoulder. We have here a suggestion of the origin of a favorite decorative motive, the scroll, a clew, however, which the paucity of examples makes it difficult to follow up satisfactorily. [Illustration: FIG. 375.--Bowl imitating a modified conch shell.--1/3.] Although we may not be able to arrive at any definite conclusion in regard to the origin and significance of the practice of modeling life forms in clay, we are certain of one thing, that it became an important feature in the potter's art, and that in due course of time the practice broke loose from the restraints of birth and tradition and asserted its freedom in the production of any form that superstition or fancy happened to select. The artist probably did not follow nature with great accuracy in all the details of species and varieties, but some definite model must have been in view, in nearly all cases, and such characters as came to be regarded as essential to that creature were never lost sight of, consistency being a most notable characteristic of the art of a savage or barbaric people. [Illustration: FIG. 376.--Frog-shaped bowl: Craigshead Point, Arkansas.--1/3.] [Illustration: FIG. 377.--Frog-shaped bowl: Pecan Point, Arkansas.--1/3.] [Illustration: FIG. 378.--Animal-shaped bowl: Arkansas.--1/3.] The sun-fish was a favorite model, but its form was generally employed in vessels with upright necks. A number of examples occur in the next section. Of reptilian forms the frog seems to have been the favorite. [Illustration: FIG. 379.--Bird-shaped bowl: Arkansas.--1/3.] [Illustration: FIG. 380.--Bird-shaped bowl: Arkansas.--1/3.] Few examples occur, however, in the shallower vessels. In the bowl illustrated in Fig. 376, the various members of the body are boldly modeled, and appear about the most expanded portion of the vessel. The rim is ornamented with a series of notches, and two small loops connect the rim with the head and tail of the creature. The legs are characteristic, and the long toes extend beneath the body. The bottom of the vessel is flat. The make and finish are as usual, but the surface has been painted red. A similar vessel is shown in Fig. 377, the view being taken from the front. It is well polished and has a rounded bottom. The color is dark. [Illustration: FIG. 381.--Bird-shaped bowl: Arkansas.--1/3.] [Illustration: FIG. 382.--Bowl with grotesque heads: Arkansas.--1/3.]