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Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
Parrot
Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
© Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami. All rights reserved.

Parrot

Artist/Maker (Panama)
Dateca. 800-1200
Mediumvolcanic stone
DimensionsOverall: 3 7/8 x 5 x 2 5/8 in. (9.8 x 12.7 x 6.7 cm)
ClassificationsVisual Works
Credit LineGift of Greta Gurr
Terms
    Object number90.0126.87
    DescriptionThis parrot is a fine example of zoomorphic, sculpted stone made by the Gran Chiriquí culture. The Gran Chiriquí resided in western Panamá, where the Baru Volcano provided materials to create such figures, many of which are birds. In some pre-Columbian indigenous groups, the parrot is believed to be associated with acute hearing, clever speech, seeing into the future, and eavesdropping, activities that are typical of shamans and healers. Images of birds usually vary in size and complexity. This small example holds its wings in a nesting position at its side, and looks down with expressive eyes, giving it a life-like quality. This parrot sculpture is an excellent example of the fragility of stone art, as the tail was once broken off and has subsequently been repaired.
    On View
    Not on view
    Collections
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Face
    Gran Chiriquí
    ca. 800-1200
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Feline
    Gran Chiriquí
    ca. 800-1500
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Jar
    Gran Chiriquí
    ca. 800-1200
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Hour Glass Vessel (Salvilla)
    Gran Coclé
    ca. 200-500
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Mola
    Guna people
    ca. 1950
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Footed Bowl
    Gran Coclé
    ca. 850-1000
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Pendant
    Sinú
    500-1500
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Female Figure
    Gran Chiriquí
    ca. 800-1200
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Dog
    Artist Unknown
    ca. 200-1550 CE
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Jar
    Gran Coclé
    ca. 850-1000
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Bowl
    Gran Coclé
    ca. 750-850
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Mask
    Teotihuacán
    ca. 250-550
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