Pre-Columbian, South America, Colombia, Tairona, ca. 1000 CE. A breathtaking shell ornament created by the Tairona peoples, an ancient and now extinct culture of Colombia, depicting a crocodilian head in a characteristically abstract manner with skillfully carved and incised details. Notice the delineated jagged teeth and the triangular motifs encircling the openwork pupil Contributing greatly to its beauty is the iridescent quality inherent to the mother of pearl coating the inner shell itself, imbuing it with silvery, green, and lavender hues. Size: 4.5" W x 3.625" H (11.4 cm x 9.2 cm); 4.75" H (12.1 cm) on included custom stand.
Iconographic references to crocodiles were quite symbolic in the Pre-Columbian world. The crocodilian order, comprised of crocodiles, smaller alligators, and yet smaller caymans (all treated similarly in Pre-Columbian mythology) was highly symbolic to the ancients of the Americas. The crocodile being the oldest (approximately 55 million years old) was understood as a crocodilian earth monster and is oftentimes shown giving rise to what was known as the World Tree. Partial to a watery habitat, the crocodile is also a metaphor for fertility. A beautiful piece with an openwork eye that could be used for suspension.
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection
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#132523
Condition
Normal wear and some loss to outer layer of shell, particularly on the snout. Small chips to periphery of snouth. Wonderful rainbow iridescence to the mother of pearl interior surace as well as areas of deposits.