Divesting the utensil of extraneous features, such as rims, handles, and legs, we have the following series of shapes, which shows a pretty full graduation of outline from extreme to extreme. Beginning with the simplest fundamental form, the shallow cup (Fig. 45, a), we ascend gradually to more complex outlines, such as are seen in the hemispherical bowl (b), the deep basin with slightly incurved rim (c), the globular form (d), and the elongated form (e). Occasionally we see an eccentric variation, such as is shown in f. Flat bottoms are unusual; a conical base is the rule. Outlines do not always exhibit these even, convex curves, but many are straight or concave in profile, as shown in Fig. 46. Complex
forms are shown in Fig. 47, a and b, and compound forms in Fig. 48, a and b. Examples of these classes are numerous and important. The compound shapes result from the union of two or more simple forms. Eccentric forms are numerous and result in a majority of cases from the employment of some animal as a model. Thus, if an alligator or almost any quadruped is embodied in the vessel, the form tends to become elongated; if a crab or a fish is imitated, there is a tendency to flatness &c. The base is almost universally more or less conical, is rarely flat, and never concave, excepting as the result of the addition of an annular foot or stand. The radical shapes do not undergo any considerable change when rims, necks, handles, legs, and other appendages are added. The rim or lip is in many cases incurved, but as a rule it is turned outward. The margin is plain,
symmetrical, and often considerably thickened. In a few instances the outline is rectangular or scalloped, as shown in Fig. 49, and the attachment of handles often leads to peculiar outlines, as will be seen further on.
The neck in its simplest form is a narrow upright band surrounding the orifice (Fig. 50, a) and is not differentiated from the rim. Variations in size and shape are shown in the remaining figures of the series. In b it is a narrow constricted band beneath an overhanging rim, in c it is upright and considerably elongated, and in d it expands, giving a funnel shaped mouth. The exterior surface is very generally decorated with relieved or painted devices. High necked bottles and pitcher shaped vessels are unknown.
Handles constitute a very interesting feature of this pottery and are much varied in shape and arrangement. In a few cases the handle is a single arch springing over the orifice, as seen in Fig. 51, a. Again, the handle is attached to one side, as in b, but as a rule handles occur in twos upon the shoulder, one on either side of the aperture. They are horizontally attached, as in c, or vertically placed, as in d, connecting the rim with the shoulder, or they occur low on the body, as in e. In rare cases there are four handles, which are arranged as seen in f or are set on in pairs. In the elaboration of handles, the use made of animal forms is perhaps the most notable feature. Grotesque figures are made to take the place of handles or are attached to or placed near
them. The treatment is so varied that I shall have to refer the student to the subsequent series of illustrations.
Annular bases or feet were not in very general use in Chiriqui, although in some cases they are modeled with a great deal of grace. The shape varies from a simple ring, barely deep enough to give a firm support to the vessel when placed upon a level surface, to a long, attenuated column with flaring base. The latter is perhaps one of the nearest approaches which America has furnished to the slender foot characteristic of the wheel made ware of Mediterranean countries.