An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Backrest of a Litter1185–1275 (radiocarbon date, 95.4% probability)
This rare, dramatic object served as the back support of a litter carried by human porters, a mode of transport reserved for honored members of many societies without draft animals or wheeled vehicles. The simple, bold figures—perhaps a Chimú lord and four officials—all wear wide collars, tunics, and crescent headdresses that are either brightly painted or covered with golden but now-corroded sheet metal. The holes at the bottom probably served as lashing points for a beam that supported the litter's seat.
Cinnabar, a toxic mercuric sulfide, was used to color the red background and faces of the figures.
mixed media: wood, gold alloy, pigment, shell inlay
Overall: 60.4 x 95 cm (23 3/4 x 37 3/8 in.)
John L. Severance Fund
In the tranquil embrace of the past, there lies an extraordinary artifact—an object imbued with the essence of stories untold. This rare treasure once cradled the weight of royalty, resting against the sturdy backs of human porters who bore honored souls across lands untouched by wheels or beasts of burden. It speaks of a time and place where every journey was a testament to reverence, a solemn procession reserved for the most esteemed members of society.
Imagine the scene: the gentle sway of a litter as it glides through a sun-drenched landscape, its carriers moving with grace and purpose. At its heart, this remarkable back support cradles not only the comfort of a lord but also the whispers of loyalty and duty.
Carved in bold simplicity, the figures depicted on this artifact whisper tales of power and formality. Picture the Chimú lord, resplendent in his wide collar, standing proud beside four dignified officials. Their bodies draped in finely woven tunics, they wear striking crescent headdresses, a testament to their status, bright with the hues of life and history. Some bear the faded remnants of golden sheets, now corroded with time, reminders of the glory they once held.
As you gaze upon the bottom of this object, you'll find small holes—a deliberate design. These spots, once lashing points, held the beams that secured the litter’s seat, ensuring the esteemed guests journeyed in utmost stability. Here lies a silent yet powerful connection to the past, enveloping you in the grace of an age long gone, where every journey was steeped in honor, and every object carried a story waiting to be remembered.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
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