Bell Item Number: Sf686 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
A spherical metal bell with a wide split in the bottom. One half has the raised features of a human face, the other half is blank. Opposite the split is a slender shank surmounted by a loop. Smaller loops flank it. Fragments of red alpaca yarn and off-white cotton yarn remain tied through the loop.
History Of Use
This object is similar to bells found on a tree-like arrangement of cast metal figures and pendant bells. Complete examples appear to have early Chimu themes in the assemblage of cast figures. These jangling ornaments were fixed to the upper ends of staffs and probably were used as a sign of authority or carried in dances as musical accompaniment.
Narrative
Early Chimu Style ? Middle Horizon; 600-900 C.E.
Item History
What
- Name
- Bell
- Identification Number
- Sf686
- Type of Item
- bell
- Material
- copper metal, alpaca wool fibre, paint ? and cotton fibre
- Manufacturing Technique
- cast, spun and plied
- Overall
- height 1.0 cm, width 1.9 cm, depth 1.3 cm
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Peru
When
- Creation Date
- between 600 and 900
- Collection Date
- between 1949 and 1966
- Ownership Date
- before May 4, 1981
- Acquisition Date
- on May 4, 1981
Other
- Item Classes
- metalwork
- Condition
- poor
- Accession Number
- 0711/0188