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5 All Other Remains

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 June 2018

Extract

Perhaps the most remarkable discoveries at the Browne site are the two effigy-like sculptures in-the-round. The larger of these was found in situ in undisturbed soil at a depth of one foot. It lay dorsal aspect uppermost in a portion of the site which yielded many of the grinding tools, and was within 10 inches of a mano. It measures 16.5 cm. in length, 11.8 cm. in diameter at the mid-point, and 7.5 cm. in height. It weighs 2,834 gr.

The figure is a thoroughly sophisticated work of art with masterly handling of the plane surfaces and a delicate balance from both front to back and side to side. Although at first glance it resembles a fish, the absence of fishing equipment and skeletal remains makes it improbable that fish were either economically or ritually important at the site and therefore would be unlikely subjects for the artist. It is more likely the representation of a toad or frog. The protuberant eyes, pointed jaw, and V-shaped mouth all suggest an amphibian or some intermediate evolutionary form.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Society for American Archaeology 1969

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