b. DECORATION OF VESSEL FROM MOUND NO. 17
Fig. 61.—Larger pottery vase found in Mound No. 17.
Above these is a bird, possibly a sea hawk. The whole connotes water, or fertility. (b) A second vase, similar in shape, but somewhat larger (fig. [61]), is painted yellow and polished throughout. Upon this is depicted a cruciform object, with outgrowths from the upper and lateral limbs of the cross, probably a highly conventionalized tree. (c) A shallow circular plaque, 36 cm. in diameter, painted light yellow, and polished throughout. Upon its upper surface is painted, in red and black, a coiled plumed serpent (fig. [62]), doubtless intended to represent Cuculcan, the "Feathered Serpent." (d) Two circular objects of polished greenstone, somewhat resembling broad-brimmed hats from which the crowns have been removed (see fig. [57], b). Each has on the upper surface of the brim a small ovate piece of mother-of-pearl, firmly cemented to the stone. These objects were probably used as ear plugs; with them were five small perforated spherical beads of polished greenstone.
Fig. 62.—Coiled plumed serpent painted on plaque found in Mound No. 17.