Sacrificer
400–1000
- Medium
- carved bone
- Dimensions
- Overall: 5.1 cm (2 in.)
- Genre
- sculpture
- Museum
- Cleveland Museum of Art
Styles
Tags
Bolivia, Peru or Chile, Southern Highlands, early Tiwanaku style, 400-1000
About
Holding an axe in one hand, a human head in the other, this figurine depicts a ritual sacrificer. His fierce mask probably portrays either a puma or a fox. Incised patterns on the figure's body and headdress indicate elaborate tapestry garments. The ancient rituals embodied by this small carving must have been both visually spectacular and emotionally powerful.