Pendant Depicting Three Seated Figures

CultureMayan

Date1100-1400

MediumIncised and painted shell

DimensionsOverall: 3 3/8 × 1 1/4 inches (8.57 × 3.18 cm)

Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. Donald F. White

Object number81-68/1

On View

Not on view

Collections

Central American Indian Art

Terms

DescriptionOne of a pair of Mayan shell gorgets depicting scenes of palace life and probably a part of a royal or noble's grave offering. On one is shown two lords dressed in elaborate headdresses seated with a sacred object or book placed between them. The other depicts a similar scene, but the headdresses are less complex. This latter shell gorget has a corner broken off, but the scene is complete. It has original, ancient red cinnabar in the engraving.

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