(1) The model of half a bivalve shell in light-green jadeite, very well
executed and polished both inside and out (pl. 16, _a_). On its outer
surface, following the contour of the outer edge, are seven glyphs, the
chief component of each of which is a grotesque human face.[39]
[Illustration: FIG. 35.--Inscription on mask, plate 16, _b_.]
(2) A small mask of light-green jadeite, well polished on both surfaces,
measuring approximately 7 cm. in both diameters (pl. 16, _b_). Inscribed
on the forehead in shallow lines are the glyphs shown in figure 35,
somewhat enlarged from the actual size. Around the edge of the lower
half of the mask are seven minute perforations, while running across the
back of the forehead from ear to ear is a larger hole, evidently used
for suspension. No doubt this mask was used as a breast ornament,
similar to those portrayed in the codices and on the monoliths, the
small holes being intended for the suspension of the alligator-head
beads found with the mask, which again may have been connected along
their outward-pointing snouts by the cylindrical beads.
(3) An ax head, or celt, of light-green stone, finely polished
throughout (pl. 16, _c_), 21 cm. in length by 6.5 cm. in breadth at the
cutting edge. One side is engraved with hieroglyphs done in shallow
lines, much less carefully and neatly than those on the shell. The lower
two-thirds of the engraved side have evidently been subjected to
considerable attrition, as the surface of the stone, especially along
the lower third of the ax, has been so worn away as to render the lines
almost undecipherable. This inscription, somewhat smaller than the
original, is shown in figure 36. With these engraved objects were a
number of cylindrical beads, pierced in their long diameter, made of
very pretty mottled light and dark green jade, well polished. They
varied from 1.2 to 1.6 cm. in length, and the substance of the stone
from which they were made was distinctly crystalline on fracture.
With them were a number of small alligator heads, made of similar stone
and about the same size as the beads, pierced at the base of the skull
for suspension, six celts of green and chocolate-colored stone, all
finely polished, varying from 9 to 18 cm. in length, and a circular disk
of iron pyrites 8 cm. in diameter by 5 mm. in thickness. This object was
milled round the edges like a coin and perforated in the center. With it
was the broken half of a similar ornament; probably both of these had
been used as ear ornaments. Trenches were dug through this mound in all
directions, but nothing further was found therein.
MOUND NO. 12
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