Note 2 — X. On the Significance of the Geographical Distribution of the Practice of Mummification.—A Study of the Migrations of Peoples and the Spread of certain Customs and Beliefs.

Tylor (“On the Game of Patolli,” Journ. Anthrop. Inst., Vol. VIII., 1879, p. 128) cites another certain case of borrowing on the part of pre-Columbian America from Asia. “Lot-backgammon as represented by tab, pachisi, etc., ranges in the Old World from Egypt across Southern Asia to Birma. As the patolli of the Mexicans is a variety of lot-backgammon most nearly approaching the Hindu pachisi, and perhaps like it passing into the stage of dice-backgammon, its presence seems to prove that it had made its way across from Asia. At any rate, it may be reckoned among elements of Asiatic culture traceable in the old Mexican civilization, the high development of which ... seems to be in large measure due to Asiatic influence.”