Finial Item Number: Sf548 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
A small figure of a quadruped, possibly mythical, stands on a socket which is now flattened. The animal has a central crest of several forward tilting plumes situated between its ears. A large tongue protrudes from the mouth and sweeps around to one side of the muzzle. It has a down curving tail and four thick, slightly bent legs.
History Of Use
May be the socketed finial from a chisel, such as the example from a Moche grave (Jones). The detailed, cast sculpture is typical of both Moche and Vicus.
Iconographic Meaning
This may be a version of the moon animal, a mythical crested creature with some feline/canine characteristics. The crest, the tail and the protruding tongue are features of the moon animal which occur in Moche, Recuay and Vicus art. The associations of this creature are lunar or astral.
Narrative
Vicus/Moche Style, Early Intermediate Period; 0-200 C.E.
Item History
What
- Name
- Finial
- Identification Number
- Sf548
- Type of Item
- finial
- Material
- copper metal
- Manufacturing Technique
- cast
- Overall
- height 3.1 cm, width 1.1 cm, depth 3.1 cm
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Peru
When
- Creation Date
- during 200
- 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
- 0711/0051