Artwork Page for Thumb Rest of a Spear Thrower

Details / Information for Thumb Rest of a Spear Thrower

Thumb Rest of a Spear Thrower

600–1000

Andes, Wari people

Medium
Bone
Measurements
Overall: 7.1 x 2.1 cm (2 13/16 x 13/16 in.)
Credit Line
Severance and Greta Millikin Purchase Fund 2017.58
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
232 Andean
Print
?

Did You Know?

Spear throwers, also called atlatls, use leverage to propel a spear faster and farther.

Description

This object was lashed to a spear thrower, where it served as a thumb rest or grip. The imagery is suited to the use: a supernatural being throttles a human, turning its head to expose its throat to a knife the being holds in one hand. Thus, the scene captures the crucial moment of an offering likely intended to assure the benevolence of divine forces.

Thumb Rest of a Spear Thrower

600–1000

Andes, Wari people

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

    Contact Us

    The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@clevelandart.org.

    To request more information about this object, study images, or bibliography, contact the Ingalls Library Reference Desk.

    All images and data available through Open Access can be downloaded for free. For images not available through Open Access, or any image with a color bar, request a digital file from Image Services.