Who created "Bird ornament"?

Bird ornament was created by Maya artist(s) in 600–800.

When was "Bird ornament" created?

This artwork was created 600–800.

Is "Bird ornament" in the public domain?

Yes, Bird ornament is in the public domain and available for free download under CC0 license.

Bird ornament

Maya artist(s)

600–800

Medium

Shell

Dimensions

H. 2 1/2 x W. 2 1/2 x D. 1/2 in. (6.4 x 6.4 x 1.3 cm)

Classification

Shell-Ornaments

Culture

Maya

Department

Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas

Museum

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY

Credit

The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Purchase, Mrs. Gertrud A. Mellon Gift, 1963

Accession Number

1978.412.103

Tags

Birds

Art Historical Context

This delicate *Bird Ornament*, crafted by Maya artist(s) between 600 and 800 CE, exemplifies the exquisite artistry of the Classic Maya civilization at its zenith. Carved from shell—a precious material often sourced from coastal regions and traded across Mesoamerica—this small jewel measures just 2½ x 2½ x ½ inches, suggesting it was worn as a pendant, ear ornament, or ritual accessory. The bird form, a recurring motif in Maya iconography, likely evoked spiritual or natural symbolism, connecting the wearer to the avian world revered in Maya cosmology. Shell's brittleness made it a challenging...

Bird ornament

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