A number of interesting articles were presented by Mr. G. H. Hurlbut.
These were obtained from ancient graves in the vicinity of Lima by an
agent sent out for the purpose by Mr. Hurlbut while the city was
invested by the Chilian army. Details of their occurrence were
consequently not obtained.
A study of this collection leads to the belief that all the specimens
are from one interment, that is, the grave of a single individual. The
fact that there is but one skull, one mask-like idol, and but a small
number of articles of each, of the classes represented, tends to confirm
this supposition.
65377. Skull retaining the scalp and hair. The latter is long, coarse,
and black. The lower jaw is missing.
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.
[Illustration: Fig. 198.]
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.
[Illustration: Fig. 199. 1/1]
[Illustration: Fig. 200. 1/2]
65387. A sling, 4 feet long. The extremities consist of a single cord,
the middle part of 4 heavy, compactly-plaited cords.
65389. Head-bands of coarse fabrication, having figures of red, yellow
and white.
65391. A large piece of cloth, possibly a mantle, made by piecing
together fragments of highly-colored cloths.
65390. A large piece of gauze-like white cotton fabric.
65385, 65386. Small nets containing a variety of articles.
65386. A head ornament of red feathers, skillfully attached to cords.