Bound Figure with Feline Headdress Maker: Unknown

A.D. 650–800

Art of the Ancient Americas

This standing male, a miniature figurine made of  a deep green stone, wears a snarling jaguar headdress. Similar figurines were excavated in two offerings in the administrative center of Pikillacta in Peru's southern highlands. Each offering contained forty turquoise figurines, shells, and copper objects. This figurine may have been placed in a comparable offering. Each figurine in such groups is unique, individualized by facial and costume variations that may identify lineage, place of origin, or position in the government hierarchy. Although shown in rich dress and standing erect, this figurine has his hands behind his back, possibly signifying deference to the powerful Huari administrative and military system.

Medium

Sodalite or turquoise

Dimensions

13/16 × 1/2 in. (2.1 × 1.2 cm)

Credit Line

Gift of Thomas De Mott, 1942

Accession Number

1940.590

Period

Middle Horizon

Classification
Disclaimer

Note: This electronic record was created from historic documentation that does not necessarily reflect the Yale University Art Gallery’s complete or current knowledge about the object. Review and updating of records is ongoing.

Object copyright
Additional information

Object/Work type

ceremonial objects, human figures (visual works), sculptures

Technical metadata and APIs

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Open in Mirador

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