Sacrificer

Description

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.

Provenance

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Sacrificer

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400–1000

Accession Number

1996.293

Medium

carved bone

Dimensions

Overall: 5.1 cm (2 in.)

Classification

Sculpture

Museum

The Cleveland Museum of Art

Cleveland, United States

Credit Line

John L. Severance Fund