Funereal Hero

Object/Artifact

-

The Civilization of Llhuros

FUNEREAL HERO | circa 1966-71 | Photo by Ann Cady, 2024 | ©2026 Cornell University: A wooden object with a symmetrical design, featuring a central vertical element that tapers towards the top, where a circular opening is present, while the lower portion has two curved legs, suggesting the appearance of a triangular frame or support structure; the object has a rustic, aged appearance with visible wear, displaying different shades of brown and black, decorated with beads; hinting at its possible functional purpose in a historical or cultural context.
FUNEREAL HERO | circa 1966-71 | Photo by Ann Cady, 2024 | ©2026 Cornell University

A wooden object with a symmetrical design, featuring a central vertical element that tapers towards the top, where a circular opening is present, while the lower portion has two curved legs, suggesting the appearance of a triangular frame or support structure; the object has a rustic, aged appearance with visible wear, displaying different shades of brown and black, decorated with beads; hinting at its possible functional purpose in a historical or cultural context.

Name/Title

Funereal Hero

Entry/Object ID

COL.33

Description

Hero figure used by the Pilkug tribesmen in their annual hero celebration. The elders of the tribe performed as mourners and the elective role of the dead war hero was awarded to the finest hunter-athlete of the tribe. The verses of the mourners were given in learned succession, reciting the attributes of the hero. The dead man's verse, however, was both extemporaneous and random. The senberien attached to the back of the votive has been translated by the young Oxford paleographer, Phillip Ewing-Kershaw.

Category

Archaic, Pilkug

Made/Created

Artist

Norman Daly

Date made

circa 1966 - 1971

Place

Academic Institution

Cornell University

City

Ithaca, New York

Continent

North America

Ethnography

Cultural Region

Region

Asia Minor

Culture/Tribe

Llhuros

Dimensions

Height

26 in

Width

12-3/8 in

Depth

8 in

Materials

Material

Wood, Beads

Material Notes

Fictional medium as described by Norman Daly in the 1972 catalog and exhibition tags (1972-2019)

Acquisition

Notes

This object is a unique element of the "Civilization of Llhuros" collection given to the Cornell University Anthropology Collaboratory in 2026.

Web Links and URLs

Read and Listen to "Harp Song-Pilkug Funeral Ceremony"

Exhibitions

Cornell University | A.D. White Museum of Art (1972)
Romische-Germanisches Museum | "Projekt '74" | Cologne Germany (1974)