Fig. 6—Image with Bell-shaped Bottom and Handle. | Fig. 7.—Image of a Warrior on Bell-shaped Support. | Fig. 8.—Decorated Handle of Utensil. |
An abundance of metates, or corn-stones, of a shape not now usual in the neighborhood were exhibited. Some of these were quite graceful, having several feet and highly ornamented. The vases of pottery were occasionally noteworthy for their symmetry and beauty, as that shown in [Fig. 9].
At the foot of the stairways to the summit of the mounds on each side were frequently the remains of tigers’ heads, well moulded in burnt clay.
Here and there the remains of wells were discovered, or of excavations which apparently were intended for the purpose of obtaining water.
Dr. Berendt mentions several tombs, but unfortunately does not specify their location or construction. He states that they usually contained several bodies, in a sitting posture, placed side by side with their arms and ornaments.
No trace of metal whatever was discovered, neither copper nor gold, which is rather unexpected, as the natives in the time of Grijalva were acquainted with both these substances.
Such is the brief account I am able to give of these extensive and interesting ruins from the fragmentary papers of their explorer. If any reader of these notes can inform this journal of the disposition Dr. Berendt made of his collection and the full memoranda of his surveys and excavations, the cause of American archæology will be further benefited.
Media, Penna.
[3-1] The authorities are: