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Object Number
99-12-70/53603
Display Title
Quadruped figure in wood (moko)
Descriptions
Indigenous Term
moko
Object Description
Grotesque quadruped in wood (moko). This figure combines abstracted features such as the head and tail of a lizard with the arms and body of a man. The arms are bent at the sides and drawn up towards the chin on the ventral side. The dorsal side of the spine has a serrated ridge. There is a hole pierced through this ridge in the middle of the back probably for suspension. The decorative carvings on the face are asymmetrical. The circular indentations on the head were probably meant to contain eye inlays that are no longer present.
Inventory Description
Sculpture, carved reptile, stylized face, curled legs, ridged back, pointed tail
Classification
- Sculpture
Department
Ethnographic
Date
before 1899
Geography/Provenience/Site Name
Oceania
/
Chile
/
Rapa Nui
Materials
Wood
Dimensions
Overall: 34 x 4.7 x 3.3 cm (13 3/8 x 1 7/8 x 1 5/16 in.)
Quantity
1
Label on object
53603
Credit Line
Gift of the Heirs of David Kimball, 1899
Provenance
Provenance
Boston Museum
Donor
David P. Kimball
Donor
Augusta K. Horton
Donor
L. Cushing Kimball
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