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Digital Object 446
Description:
Discoidal breastplate of embossed gold alloy with the design of a supernatural hybrid being of squid and bird. Conte metallurgical group. The image, organized with bilateral axial symmetry, is presented from a dorsal view.. From the bottom up the figure has a triangular mantel from which emerge some prolongations with curved patterns (feathers). These prolongations bend over the mantel and correspond to the extended fin of the animal. There follows a marked nape structure and a head represented as the result of the union of the two bird heads profiles that are pointing upward. They lack the inferior mandible. Its beak-shaped mouth is open showing the toothed radula. Only four of the eight squid arms are visible. The suction cups are replaced by a curved symbol that resembles feathers, the tongues and crests of the birds make up the unfolded head. The figure is completed by a large triangle occupying the central part of the body and two concentric circles at the junction point between the body and the fin. Furthermore, the bird heads have bulging eyes formed by two concentric circles accompanied by a curved triangular shape, large mouths with long beaks, triangular teeth and tongues that are bent over the head. Crests grow from the bottom of the beaks. The last two elements are ornamented with the feather pattern. The figure as a whole is a hybrid being at once one and double, squid and bird. The piece has no rim and has four orifices for suspension in the central crests. 18x17.3 cm. MG.
Conservation treatment:
 
The breastplate has been restored by Kim Cullen Cobb.
Excavation campaign:
 
2010
Record type:
 
Metal artifacts
Context-based browsing of El Caño repository
Archaeological site:
 
El Caño
Operation:
 
Operation 1
Stratigraphic group:
 
Tomb 1
Stratigraphic unit type:
 
Interment
Stratigraphic unit (finds):
 
105
Individual´s funerary attire:
 
I01
Calibrated Age Range:
 
Cal AD 780 to 900 (Cal BP 1170 to 1050)/Cal AD 910 to 970 (Cal BP 1040 to 980)
Finds-based browsing of El Caño repository
Artifacts
Metal artifacts:
 
Breastplate
Measurements
Dimension 1:
 
height mm
=:
 
204
Dimension 2:
 
width mm
=:
 
180
Dimension 3:
 
thickness mm
Weight:
 
g
=:
 
61.1
Other specific measurements:
 
Two silver fragments were weighed. They weigh 0.6 g.
Digital Object 446
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