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Pre-Columbian Art :
Art of the United States : Pre-Columbian Art / Hopewell Green Slate Pendant
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Pre-Columbian Art / Hopewell Green Slate Pendant - PF.0334
Origin: The Mississipi Valley, USA
Circa: 200
BC
to 200
AD
Dimensions:
6.5" (16.5cm) high
x 4.25" (10.8cm) wide
Catalogue: V1
Collection: Pre-Columbian
Medium: Slate
Location: United States
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| Description |
Around 100 B.C. the Hopewell people
settled in the northern woodlands. By
the first century A.D. their culture had
flourished, influencing a wide area as
far as the lower Mississippi. The
society of the Hopewell, as well as
other tribes, were essentially
hierarchical--comprising a chief, ruling
elite and high ranking shamans; all of
whom required specialized objects for
domestic and ritual use. This unusual
object features a drilled hole through
the center, suggesting that it was once
worn as a pendant by a high priest
during a ceremony or perhaps attached to
a wooden staff. The ovul shape with
pointed edges appears to imitate a
weapon of sorts. Clearly, this gorgeous
work must have played a central role in
a long forgotten ceremony one practiced
by the Hopewell many centuries ago. Its
polished surface and perfect balance
attests to the carver's expertise in
working with stone instruments. There is
such elegance in this work it almost
seems to be a result of an act of
nature; though we can readily see the
experienced hand of an artist who
created something of power for the sake
of his gods.
- (PF.0334)
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