OF THE MISSISSIPPI VALLEY. 63
The eyes of most of these figures were originaily filled with small pearls, some of which, though completely cal- cined by the fire, still retain their places. Among the ‘numerous sculptures are several of the human head, which, it may safely be concluded, from the fidelity to nature ob- served in the others, display not only the characteristic features of the ancient people, but also their modes of adjusting the hair, their style of ornament, dec. One of these, boldly carved from a dark-colored stone, is here pre- sented.
This specimen is distinguished from the others by its hardness and severity of outline. It has a singular head- dress falling in a broad fold over the back of the head, as far down as the middle of the neck. Upon either side of the head, this head-dress, which may represent some pecu- liar style of plaiting the hair, rises into protuberances or knots, corresponding to the style of wearing the hair adopted by the ancient Aztec women. Encircling the fore- head, is a row of small round holes, fifteen in number, placed as closely as possible together; which, when the head was
4m”
