Name/Title
PictographEntry/Object ID
2018.3.161Description
Property C54: Rattlesnake Pictograph Discus
Object: ceremonial palette, Artist/Maker: unknown (Moundville: AL), Title/Model: Engraved Rattlesnake Stone Palette, Date/Region: unknown / Alabama, Medium/Technique: carved and engraved stone / handmade, Edition/Series: unique, 1 of 1, Size: 12.5" diameter, Condition: poor - broken and poorly restored, Signature/Inscriptions: n/a, Exhibitions/Literature: n/a, Description/Notes: The rattlesnake is used in a lot of mythological prophecies and godlike symbolism having a multitude of meanings usually in the form of warnings and fear. The emblem on the hand may symbolize extended vision or insight all of which is carved into the stone and uniquely notched along the edge like a modern blade. These stones have also been suggested to have been used in the application of war paint with the horned snake possibly a reference to the Great Serpent of the Southeastern Ceremonial Complex. The stone was not removed from its glass encasement to inspect the backside.Collection
NATIVE AMERICANLexicon
Nomenclature 4.0
Nomenclature Primary Object Term
PictographNomenclature Sub-Class
Graphic DocumentsNomenclature Class
Documentary ObjectsNomenclature Category
Category 08: Communication Objects
