Plaque

Item number Sf579 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

Public

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Data
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Description

A roughly circular plaque with two rounded protuberances. The plaque has the appearance of a frontal view of a simplified animal head with ears at the top. Slightly convex with a gilded surface. There are four equally-spaced holes at the outer edge. There is a single v-shaped cut in the centre of the plaque, representing a mouth or a beak, which is flanked by two circular repousse eyes with indented centres. Slightly raised lines angle outward above the eyes.

History Of Use

The holes around the edge suggest this plaque was made for attaching to a backing, perhaps a cloth one.

Narrative

Pre-Inca, before 1476 C.E.

Iconographic Meaning

The v-shaped cut suggests a beak. Coupled with the brow-line, it appears to have the rudimentary modelling of owl features. The owl is frequently represented in north coast art, usually in a context that suggests he is a shaman.