DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XXXII.

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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

Fig. 239.—Quadrangular brass bell, with a degenerate face on one side; the eyes of the face are converted into loops.

Fig. 240

Fig. 240.—Quadrangular brass bell. The loops on one side are evidently derived from the degenerate face on Fig. 239.

Fig. 241

Fig. 241.—Brass bracelet, consisting of human heads linked together. One of the heads has projections ornamented with concentric circles.

Fig. 242

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

Fig. 243.—Brass bracelet, of peculiar form, ornamented with small circular punch-marks.

Fig. 244

Fig. 244.—Brass bracelet, with clusters of rows of circular knobs or shells.

Fig. 245

Fig. 245.—Brass bracelet, with six quadrangular knobs having red agate inlaid; similar to Fig. 38, Plate VII.

Fig. 246

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.

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.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

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