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Gorget

ca. 1200–1350
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
Shell neck ornaments, or gorgets, were ancient badges of high rank and office. This example depicts a warrior involved in a ritual observance. He wears a kilt, moccasins, garters, and wristbands, and his hair is elaborately styled. He also carries a raccoon pelt (indicated by the ringed tail) and a rattle. These details of dress are seen in other gorgets that depict rituals involving transformation, especially that of bird-men and raccoon-men.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Gorget
  • Artist: Unrecorded Caddoan artist
  • Date: ca. 1200–1350
  • Geography: United States, Spiro area, Oklahoma
  • Culture: Caddoan
  • Medium: Busycon whelk shell
  • Dimensions: D. 3/4 × Diam. 4 1/4 in. (1.9 × 10.8 cm)
  • Classification: Shell-Implements
  • Credit Line: Eugene and Clare Thaw Collection, Fenimore Art Museum, Cooperstown, NY (T0001)
  • Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing