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
Rights
Public Domain
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.