Strombus Shell

About the Art

An elite male figure adorns this large conch shell. His hands grasp a serpent-headed staff, a symbol of human and divine sovereignty. High status is conveyed by his three-panel tunic, large ear disks and four-cornered hat featuring the three-plume motif of the Staff Deity’s headdress.

FEATURED IMAGE
Artist(s) unknown (Peru, Central Coast, Wari), Strombus Shell, 600–900, conch shell with inlay of jade, spondylos shell, and other shell, height 7 1/2 inches (19.1 cm). Museum purchase, 1970.32