OF THE MISSISSIPPI VALLEY. 65
Of a very different character, and doubtless of a very different origin, is a class of sculptures of which the follow- ing cut presents an example. It is carved from a dark-
colored sandstone, and represents a human figure resting upon its knees and elbows. The limbs, however, are barely indicated. The figure is boldly though roughly carved, with the exception of the face, which is better fin- ished and quite characteristic. It has peculiar markings, extending from the eyes diagonally across the cheeks. A large serpent is folded around the neck; the head and tail of the reptile resting together upon the breast of the figure. The head is surmounted by a knot, resembling the “stalp- lock” of the Indians. It is six inches in greatest length, five inches high, and has a broad, flat base. It was ploughed up, some years since, near Chillicothe, Ohio. Like
sculptured pearls upon the brow of the smail statue described by Humboldt (Researches, vol. i. p. 43), and denominated by him the “ Statue of an Aztec Priestess.”
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