Elite individuals, especially chieftains and priests
(shamans), were privileged to wear magnificent
gold jewelry and to use such objects as staffs
topped with brilliant knobs. This beautiful
crocodile knob was used as a crowning ornament
during ceremonial processions. It would have
been placed in an important burial chamber
along with other magnificent works of gold.
Rituals were extremely important to the social
fabric of society and public offerings of gold
would be made at famous ceremonial centers
such as Finzenu. It has been recorded that even
trees surrounding the temple were festooned
with golden bells. This fantastic knob shows a
crocodile clinging to its sides as if it were a log
floating in a river. The crocodile's anatomical
detail is quite superb and very realistic, even with
a few abstract elements such as the two
charming twin bands on the head, cleverly
suggesting scutes. The eyes are very watchful,
on the lookout for danger or a meal, with double
rows of very long and sharp teeth! A few
delicately placed appliquéd beads give the
impression of the crocodile’s scaly hide. The
knob itself is ornamented with two "windows" on
either side, designed in an arrangement with
double vertical lines intersected by double
diagonal bands. The base is in a pattern similar
to a woven cord, adding further texture to the
overall object. As a crowning ornament this
knob is both functional and a symbol of
mysterious beliefs; beautifully blended into a
work of art.
- (FJ.6200)
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