Central Andes, Wari style / 600–1000
Ornament with Figure
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Ornament with Figure as jewelry (Central Andes, Wari style · 600–1000).
Affixed to a section of white shell is the image of a Wari dignitary, assembled of carefully carved mosaic elements. The purple and pink shapes are made of shell, while the green is serpentine.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this jewelry as shell, stone, and metal (silver?).
The museum's collection notes: Affixed to a section of white shell is the image of a Wari dignitary, assembled of carefully carved mosaic elements. The purple and pink shapes are made of shell, while the green is serpentine. The spots on the figure's tunic are probably pyrite, which was originally smooth and reflective.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtOrnament with FigureOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.