65376. A mask-like wooden figure, the face being somewhat above life-size. [Fig. 198]. It is of a form not unusual in Peruvian graves. The features are fairly well shown. The eyes are formed by excavating oval depressions and setting in pieces of shell. First, oval pieces of white clam-shell are inserted, which represent the whites of the eye; upon these small circular bits of dark shell are cemented, representing the pupils. Locks of hair have been set in beneath the shell, the ends of which project, forming the lashes of the eye.
The back head is formed by a neatly-rounded bundle of leaves, held in place by a net-work of coarse cord. The edges of the wooden mask are perforated in several places; by means of these the back head, some long locks of fine flax which serve as hair, and a number of other articles have been attached.
Upon the crown a large bunch of brilliantly colored feathers has been fixed; behind this, extending across the top of the head, is a long pouch of coarse white cloth in which a great number of articles have been placed—little packages of beans and seeds, rolls of cloth of different colors and textures, minute bundles of wool and flax and cords, bits of copper and earth carefully wrapped in husks, bundles of feathers, etc.
Encircling the crown are long, narrow bands or sashes, one of which is white, the others having figures woven in brilliant colors. The ends of these hang down at the sides of the face. Attached to one side of the mask by long stout cords is a pouch of coarse cotton cloth resembling a tobacco-bag. It is about 6 inches square. Attached to the lower edge of this is a fringe of long, heavy cords. To the opposite side a
net is suspended, in which had been placed innumerable articles, probably intended for the use of the dead—a sling, made of cords, very skillfully plaited; bundles of cord and flax; small nets containing beans, seeds, and other articles; copper fish-hooks, still attached to the lines, which are wound about bits of cornstalk or cane; neatly-made sinkers wrapped in corn-husks, together with a variety of other articles.
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65380, 65382. Sinkers of gray slate, shaped somewhat like a cigar, one or more groves partially encircling the ends. These were carefully wrapped in corn-husks. [Fig. 199].
65383, 65384. Two copper fish-hooks and the cords to which they are attached. The hooks pierce the ends of the bit of cornstalk about which the cord is wound. [Fig. 200].
65387. A sling, 4 feet long. The extremities consist of a single cord, the middle part of 4 heavy, compactly-plaited cords.