The Study of Objects
Numerous cultures around the world do not put their religious practices in writing. For others, including Pre-Columbian cultures in Mesoamerica, there are only a few surviving texts. When the University libraries don’t possess any primary documents, the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art and the Anthropology Collections in McGraw Hall can help fill the gaps. The items in this case, all on loan from the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, represent cultures for which we have no documents.
Pregnant Female “Venus” Figurine, Ecuador. 2300-2000 BCE.
Jade Avian Axe-God Pendant, Costa Rica. 500 BCE-800 CE.
Bat-god Urn, Mexico. 250-550 CE.
This Zapotec urn, like the other example in this case, was likely placed at the entrance to a tomb or within the interior. It could have contained perishable offerings such as food or beverages.
Zapotec Funerary Urn, Mexico, 750-1200 CE.
Rubbing Oracle (Itombwa) and Implement, Kuba. Circa 1900s.
A diviner uses this instrument in order to determine the guilt of a person, generally applied to those believed to be witches. The diviner rubs a round, handled disk (now missing) across the smooth surface of the “belly” of the carved figure. If the disk sticks, the accused is believed to be guilty; if the disk slides easily, the accused is innocent. Craftsmen carve divining implements in various shapes; the crocodile and dog forms are most common. The male figure depicted here with Kuba scarification, is simply a human form. It does not represent either the accused or a deity.
Divination vessel. Yoruba, Nigeria.
Feline effigy mortar, carved from bone. Manteno culture.
Incense burner or mortar. Volcanic rock, Central America. Undated.