Thumb Rest of a Spear Thrower
Unknown Artist
600–1000
Medium
Bone
Dimensions
7.1 × 2.1 cm, l. 2.6 cm
Classification
Implements
Department
Art of the Americas
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Severance and Greta Millikin Purchase Fund
Accession Number
2017.58
About this artwork
This object was lashed to a spear thrower, where it served as a thumb rest or grip. The imagery is suited to the use: a supernatural being throttles a human, turning its head to expose its throat to a knife the being holds in one hand. Thus, the scene captures the crucial moment of an offering likely intended to assure the benevolence of divine forces.