Tufaexpand_more
The Putnam Dana McMillan Fundexpand_more 2004.104.2
One of the earliest sculptural traditions of the ancient Americas was that of the Valdivia culture, which began around 3550 BC and lasted until approximately 1500 BC along the Pacific Coast of present-day Ecuador. Valdivian artists created figures out of both stone and ceramic, portraying men, women and animals in a variety of sizes. Sculptures such as this one are believed to depict a stylized owl, perhaps with supernatural associations relating to the bird's nocturnal habits.
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
Does something look wrong with this image? Let us know