(Table 1) Positions of the Mesocena elliptica zone in sediment cores from the Pacific and Indian Oceans

The Mesocena elliptica Ehr. zone in deep-sea sediments of the Pacific Ocean is characterized by a short vertical range at the base of the Pleistocene section. Depending on sedimentation rate this zone lies at various depths below the ocean bottom. M. elliptica is unknown in recent oceanic plankton. In fossil state known species indicate that sediments containing them are of Oligocene-Miocene age. New data obtained in early 1960's show that within a short interval, evidently in Early Pleistocene, M. elliptica was abundant in plankton, primarily in tropical regions. Correlation of paleomagnetic data with results of diatom analysis shows that the Mesocena elliptica zone always lies above the Pliocene-Pleistocene boundary, and that maximum contents of M. elliptica coincide with the Jaramillo event (0.85-0.95 million years ago).

(Table 1) Positions of the Mesocena elliptica zone in sediment cores from the Pacific and Indian Oceans

The Mesocena elliptica Ehr. zone in deep-sea sediments of the Pacific Ocean is characterized by a short vertical range at the base of the Pleistocene section. Depending on sedimentation rate this zone lies at various depths below the ocean bottom. M. elliptica is unknown in recent oceanic plankton. In fossil state known species indicate that sediments containing them are of Oligocene-Miocene age. New data obtained in early 1960's show that within a short interval, evidently in Early Pleistocene, M. elliptica was abundant in plankton, primarily in tropical regions. Correlation of paleomagnetic data with results of diatom analysis shows that the Mesocena elliptica zone always lies above the Pliocene-Pleistocene boundary, and that maximum contents of M. elliptica coincide with the Jaramillo event (0.85-0.95 million years ago).

The Vetlatori Dance: "Little Angels go to Heaven"

This paper discusses the vetlatori dance performed on the occasion of a baptised infant's death in the Valencia region of Spain until about fifty years ago. Analyses of historical sources that emphasise the noble spirituality of the vetlatori dance are shown to be based on romantic views of traditional culture and emotions related to the loss of an infant, rather than on authentic information. Ethnographic and ethnomusicological data are presented to illustrate that the music and dances performed during the vetlatori dance were meant for entertainment rather than for spiritual impact. Recourse is also had to oral sources, particularly interviews carried out in the 1960s and 1980s with former infant wake participants who experienced the vetlatori dance, and who confirmed the popular nature of the music, song, and dances that were performed. Analysis of written sources and of the choreographic and musical characteristics of the dance also shows that the kind of music performed was typical of festive celebration in the Valencia region. Functional outcomes for such wakes are also proposed.