2 spiral-shaped sections of shells; holes at center; off-white with light brown areas

Pair of Ear Ornaments, c. early 1st century

Unknown artist, expand_more

Shellexpand_more

Gift of the Asian Art Councilexpand_more  2001.6.5.2a,b

Before the adoption of jade, metal, and beads for fine jewelry, in much of Southeast Asia polished shell was the material of choice for personal ornamentation. Excavations reveal that shell ornaments were not funerary offerings; instead, they were adornments worn during people's lifetimes. The use of shell also provides evidence of an active maritime trade, as inland shells would have been too small and thin to fashion into jewelry. Here, we see how the highly valued material was cut to enhance its naturally spiraling pattern.

Details
Title
Pair of Ear Ornaments
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2001.6.5.2a,b
Curator Approved

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2 spiral-shaped sections of shells; holes at center; off-white with light brown areas