Sacrificial Victim Pendant

Probably Cornelius Costello, Sr., Kansas City, MO, by August 27, 1957-1958 [1];

Purchased from Costello, Sr., through Cornelius Costello, Jr., Mexico City, by The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, MO, 1958.

NOTES:

[1] Cornelius Costello, Sr. was a Kansas City attorney who served in numerous local roles during his career, including as a state representative from the 6th District in Missouri’s Jackson County (1957-1959). The purchase of this object was transacted with his son, Cornelius Costello, Jr., although a letter to Costello, Jr. from G. F. Crabtree, Curator of Native Arts, January 16, 1958, Nelson-Atkins curatorial files, seems to indicate the object belonged to Costello, Sr.: “I’m sure your father told you the good news. He should have the check in a few days. …Everyone here agrees with me that the four pieces are a most handsome addition to our collection.”