We have already given numerous extracts from the early writers concerning the use of mosaic shields as part of the paraphernalia of the deities. In figs. 16-17 are two representations of the god Paynal, holding in his right hand a mosaic shield. Fig. 16 is from the Florentine manuscript of Sahagun (lamina 8), while fig. 17 is from the Real Palacio manuscript of the same author. In the original the shield is painted blue. These are the only examples we have been able to find in the Mexican codices where the mosaic character of the shield is unquestionably delineated. [Illustration: FIG. 16] [Illustration: FIG. 17] We will now consider the two mosaic shields in Europe. On pl. XX is the shield in the British Museum. Its early history is unknown, other than that it was purchased in 1866 from a dealer who stated that it came from Turin. Quite a little of the mosaic is missing, but not enough to destroy the intricate and interesting designs. It has been described by Read, accompanied with a drawing of the figures.[95] The shield is of cedar, with a diameter of 12¼ inches. The material used for the mosaic is turquois and shell. The center of the design consists of a circle in relief, the edge of which is divided into four equal parts by angular points in pink shell, and each quarter of the circumference has three large but irregular pieces of shell at intervals. It is a _tonatiuh_, or sun disc, and a figure of a serpent is disposed meander-fashion vertically over the entire central portion. One edge of the snake is bordered with imitation studs formed of brown gum, of which a few still preserve a covering of very thin gold-leaf. The head is placed at the upper left side, the tail ending in three feathers at the lower right edge of the circle. On each side are two human figures, and at the center, near the top, projecting from the body of the snake, is a bifurcated design, probably a tree, upon which rests, in a pear-shaped enclosure, a human figure on its back. Through the shield are many irregular perforations, and twenty-five small holes are regularly disposed around the edge, possibly for the suspension of feathers, or bits of stone, gold, or gold-leaf, over gum, may have been inserted. Two larger holes are near the upper margin. [Illustration: PL. XXVII SHIELD OF WOOD (FRAGMENT) WITH MOSAIC DECORATION MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN HEYE FOUNDATION, NEW YORK]