Feb 15, 2011
Feb 15, 2011
Feb 15, 2011
Feb 15, 2011
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Feb 16, 2011
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Feb 16, 2011

Figure in a Litter

Figure in a Litter

500–900 (Thermoluminescence date, 590–1090)

Earthenware with colored slips

Overall: 26.3 x 21.6 x 24.8 cm (10 3/8 x 8 1/2 x 9 3/4 in.)

Leonard C. Hanna, Jr. Fund 1997.1

Location

Description

Whether a deity, ancestral mummy, or masked human, this figure signals power. The divided eyes and fangs are traits of supernatural beings. The hands are cupped around holes that once perhaps held staffs, symbols of human and divine authority. And the litter was a mode of travel reserved for those of high station; the knobs refer to poles that rested on the shoulders of human bearers.

See also
Collection: 
AA - Andes
Department: 
Art of the Americas
Type of artwork: 
Ceramic

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