Decorated foot shaped pendant
Kniegrotte, Thüringens, Germany
Mammoth ivory
Length: 8.3 cms
Museum für Ur-und Frühgeschichte Thüringens, Weimar
This mammoth ivory pendant is generally thought to be a foot because of its shape and proportions. The asymmetric outline shape is suggestive of a foot and the five prongs are correctly proportioned in relation to the overall length of piece for toes although some archaeologists have also suggested it could be a roosting owl although the inward curve of one side goes against this idea. The piece has two complete holes at the sides of narrower end to indicate that it was suspended as a pendant. These replaced older perforations that broke on the narrowest part of the heel. This repair of the suspension holes and the wear on the convex surface caused by rubbing against clothing or in the hand suggest the pendant was valued and worn for a long time.
The pendant is a skilfully made from a 5mm thick external platelet of mammoth ivory. Cutting the shape, separating the ‘toes’ and polishing the edges from such a hard material took many hours to work. Both sides are decorated with lines of complex motifs engraved into well organised patterns. It is unique among the ornaments and art of this period. Was it an amulet made to cure illness, bring luck or protect against evil, a talisman charged with magic by the person who made or wore it or the imprint of an imaginary being or ancestor who might assist in all such matters?
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