Description:
Figure carved in sperm whale tooth in the shape of a feline with crocodile features and parts of its body covered with embossed gold sheets. Conte style.
The animal´s body is adapted to the shape of the tooth in which it is carved so that both limbs, ending in five-finger claws, close slightly forward. The head is large, with a not very prominent snout, and short, wide ears with rounded margins. The nose is wide and flattened. The eyes are big and round. The mouth, threatening, shows teeth that are square and does not have fangs. A crest, composed of small triangles, runs along the centre of its back from head to tail. This crest is typical of crocodiles in style, but is also used simply as a marker of supernaturality. The eyes, mouth, extremities, and dorsal crest are covered with embossed gold sheets.
MG