Figs. 237 and 238.--Armlet of ivory, ornamented with representations
of human heads, birds and animals, carved on the surface, and also of
degenerate elephants' heads, the proboscis, in each case, terminating
in a human hand holding a palm branch; horses' heads; tortoises;
leopards, &c.; all of the most conventionalized forms. Bands of crotals
are carved at each end of the armlet. The armlet consists of two halves
connected by a thin brass plate and copper rivets on one side and on
the other by copper fastenings. The plate is ornamented by a floral
guilloche pattern, similar to that on the central band of Fig. 140, on
the wands, Figs. 209 and 211, and elsewhere. This pattern is figured
by Messrs. Read and Dalton in the "Journ. Anthrop. Inst.," Vol. XXVII,
Plate XXII. The carved figures represented on this ivory armlet are of
much greater rudeness than those on the bronze objects generally. Much
weathered and probably very old.
Fig. 239.--Quadrangular brass bell, with a degenerate face on one side;
the eyes of the face are converted into loops.
Fig. 240.--Quadrangular brass bell. The loops on one side are evidently
derived from the degenerate face on Fig. 239.
Fig. 241.--Brass bracelet, consisting of human heads linked together.
One of the heads has projections ornamented with concentric circles.
Fig. 242.--Necklet of cylindrical coral beads, four of which are
ornamented with straight line diaper pattern. One of the beads is
ornamented with a guilloche pattern, with pellets inlaid with lead.
Fig. 243.--Brass bracelet, of peculiar form, ornamented with small
circular punch-marks.
Fig. 244.--Brass bracelet, with clusters of rows of circular knobs or
shells.
Fig. 245.--Brass bracelet, with six quadrangular knobs having red agate
inlaid; similar to Fig. 38, Plate VII.
Fig. 246.--Ægis of bronze, representing a horse's head; edged with
eyelets probably for suspending crotals, similar to Fig. 112, Plate
XIX, and Figs. 126 and 127, Plate XXI. Engraved on one side of the back
is a broad leaf-shaped sword with ring pommel, similar to that on the
Ægis, Fig. 276, Plate XXXVI. These engravings are peculiar, and seem to
denote a badge or mark, perhaps of ownership of some kind.
[Illustration: BACK VIEW.]
Fig. 247.--Bronze plaque, representing figure standing; weapon or
implement resembling a ranseur of the sixteenth or seventeenth century
in right hand, point upwards. Hair combed straight out. Pot helmet.
Bodice fastened with three buttons and tags, perhaps armour. Left hand
on left side. Band with clasp round waist. Pleated kilt like Fig. 129,
Plate XXII; Figs. 235 and 236, Plate XXXI; Figs. 324 and 325, Plate
XLII, and Figs. 360 and 361, Plate XLVI. This figure has very thick
lips, but might not be negro. Ground ornamented with leaves in twos and
threes, incised, and dotted punch-marks. The figure somewhat resembles
in character the mounted figure, Fig. 129, Plate XXII.
Fig. 248.--Bronze plaque, representing a figure playing a drum with
sticks; quadrangular bell on neck, ornamented with a sinuous snake,
head downwards. Head-dress with two feathers. Hair combed straight and
coiled in plaits. A peculiar kind of straight line diaper pattern on
drum. This drum has pegs with nobs to fasten down the skin, similar to
that represented on the plaque, Fig. 181, Plate XXVII, and to the Jekri
drum figured in "Journ. Anthrop. Inst.," Vol. I, New Series, Plate
VIII, Fig. 5. Ground ornamented with incised leaf-shaped foil ornaments
and punch-marks.