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Hollow bead
Moche
A.D. 50–800
Object Place: Peru, North Coast
Medium/Technique
Gold alloy
Dimensions
Overall: 6.7 x 6.7 x 3.8 cm (2 5/8 x 2 5/8 x 1 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Landon T. Clay
Accession Number1970.590
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Pendants
DescriptionLarge hollow bead of hammered gold, with small pellets inside to produce a rattling sound. One side is embossed with the representation of a supernatural being, perhaps the so-called Decapitator. Serpents sprout from his shoulders and waist. The reverse side is divided into 8 sectors, alternately stippled or plain. Each side of the beaad is pierce with a double set of holes for stringing onto a necklace, likely composed of similar hollow beads.
Provenance1970, gift of Landon T. Clay, Boston, to the MFA. (Accession Date: December 16, 1970)