Large, curved rectangular stamp with hollow handle and deeply incised, geometrical designs. Used for transferring designs. Condition: good; edges slightly chipped, small hole in handle so rattles are lost.

Rectangular stamp with a hollow, rattle handle and deeply incised geometrical designs. Used for transferring designs. Condition: good.

Large, slightly curved, rectangular stamp with a solid, trapezoidal- shaped handle and deeply incised geometrical designs. Used for transferring designs. Condition: good.

Rectangular stamp with solid handle and deeply incised geometrical designs of two monkey-like animals. Used for transferring designs. Condition: good

Gift of Mrs. Eugene Schaefer

Carved jade spoon with incised designs filled with red pigment (probably cinnabar). The spoon's slim handle widens into a bowl and then narrows into a smaller concave extension. The bowl is incised with a face in profile with typical Olmec features including the thick, drooping lips. Two other abstract, eyeless profiles appear in front of and behind the main profile head suggesting a mask that has been cut away to reveal a human face. Behind the head, a hand-paw-wing motif represents an abbreviated version of the Olmec dragon. The three, lobed designs incised in concentric lines on either side of the bowl have been interpreted as jaguar fur. Based upon representations of clothing, ornaments and ceremonial paraphernalia on stone sculptures, spoon-like objects appear to have been used by high-status individuals as insignia and worn (when there are drill holes) as pectoral ornaments. These spoons may have also been used by shamans for the consumption of hallucinogens to induce visions.

Ella C. Woodward Memorial Fund

Alfred W. Jenkins Fund

These ivory figurines may be high-status versions of the miniature clay examples that have been found in burial contexts throughout the Andean region of South America. The small and delicate male and female carvings are decorated with stone and shell inlays that suggest that they possibly functioned as treasured talismans or ritual offerings.


Estas figurillas de marfil pueden tratarse de versiones de alto rango de los ejemplos de miniaturas de barro que se han encontrado en contextos funerarios a través de la región Andina de Sudamérica. Los pequeños y delicados tallados masculino y femenino están decorados con incrustaciones de piedra y concha, sugiriendo que tuvieron una función como amuletos atesorados o como ofrendas rituales.

Small, rectangular, tanned-hide bag with fringe and beaded flowers and leaves in green, red, blue, yellow, and orchid. Spot stitch technique used for attaching beads. Surface wear.