1200-1350 A.D.; excavated at Temple Mound (LaFlore, OK) in 1940s

Gorget, c. 1200-1350

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The William Hood Dunwoody Fundexpand_more  91.37.1

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These large gorgets were carved out of conch shell traded all the way in from the Gulf Coast. Worn as chest ornaments, they were a marker of influence and standing in ancient Mississippian culture. Each has prominent celestial imagery, depicting important elements of the Above World. The sun is the chief divinity, represented in this realm by fire. The Hand and Eye motif signifies the constellation that marks the entrance to the Path of Souls in the sky, the Milky Way. Each has significant supernatural power, power that was extended to the individual wearing their symbol. Whether they indicated rank, membership in a special society, warrior status or something else is unknown, but the context in which they have been found, the expensive material and the high quality of the carvings confirm their role as prestige objects.

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Spiro, Sun Gorget (#604)
Details
Title
Gorget
Role
Artist
Accession Number
91.37.1
Curator Approved

This record is from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator, so may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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1200-1350 A.D.; excavated at Temple Mound (LaFlore, OK) in 1940s