Figural Pendant
Artist
Unknown
Datecirca 750–1550
MediumGilded metal and cast gold
Dimensions2 x 1 3/4 in. (5.1 x 4.4 cm)
ClassificationsMetal
Credit LineGift of Dr. Clifton F. Mountain and Mrs. Marilyn T. Mountain
Object number96.4.79
On View
Not on viewThis pendant was worn as an emblem of prestige and power. It portrays a fully animal-form eagle, which spreads its wings and extends its talons in an attack pose. Note the double-headed serpent emerging from the eagle's head. Images such as these are thought to depict various stages of the transformation of a shaman, a religious practitioner with magical powers. Object Rights Statement
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