Shamans, Supernaturals & Animal Spirits: Mythic Figures From the Ancient Andes

293
Votive or Dance Ornaments
Snakes
South or Central Coast culture
AD 1000-1476
Camelid wool; tubular construction, braiding
19" long (each)
These sinuous three-dimensional artifacts (ceremonial slings or dance/ritual
ornaments) convey the Andean fascination with snakes, as well as this shamanic
creature’s association with individuals of worldly and ritual power.
The undulating forms register a sly connection between the coiling and striking motions
of the snake and the manner in which slings were held and unfurled at their targets.
Open mouths (doubly so in cat. 295) vividly capture the way in which snakes unhinge
their jaws to attack and seize their prey.
Similarly, their decorative diamantine and zigzag markings have some basis in reality,
possibly deriving from certain deadly species found in the South America tropical and
cloud forest regions, such as the lethal pit vipers.
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