Wednesday, December 26, 2012

The Ghost of the Gulf

The Mississippian period ranged from about 900AD to1650AD. The height of this cultural horizon peaked around 1350, and drastically declined with the arrival of the European Contact Period. During this time some of the most artistic shell engravings and other ornaments, implements and utensils were manufactured by the aboriginal craftsman of the eastern part of what is now the United States.


Engraved Turtle Mask

A Mississippian marine shell mask gorget manufactured from the outer surface of a conch shell. It has a wonderful engraving of a turtle on the concave side and the convex side has a mask face with nose column, eyes, and mouth. It has very symmetrical double step side carvings. Measurements are: 3 7/8" tall, and 3 5/8" wide. Found in Bracken County, Kentucky.




Copy and photos from Aboriginal Antiquities.

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