Stele of Aar-Tenn

Object/Artifact

-

The Civilization of Llhuros

STELE OF AAR-TENN (Side A) | circa 1966-71 | Photo by Ann Cady, 2024 | ©2026 Norman Daly Art: A rectangular bas-relief with engravings and textures on its surface, displaying a range of brown and beige hues with scattered perforations; the engravings consist of linear and curved motifs that suggest figurative forms, while the overall texture reflects a blend of natural erosion and intentional carving, evoking a sense of timelessness and human expression captured in stone, making it an intriguing piece for contemplation and interpretation. It is mounted on a polished wooden base.
STELE OF AAR-TENN (Side A) | circa 1966-71 | Photo by Ann Cady, 2024 | ©2026 Norman Daly Art

A rectangular bas-relief with engravings and textures on its surface, displaying a range of brown and beige hues with scattered perforations; the engravings consist of linear and curved motifs that suggest figurative forms, while the overall texture reflects a blend of natural erosion and intentional carving, evoking a sense of timelessness and human expression captured in stone, making it an intriguing piece for contemplation and interpretation. It is mounted on a polished wooden base.

Name/Title

Stele of Aar-Tenn

Entry/Object ID

COL.68

Description

This double-sided bas-relief stele from the Late Archaic period displays one of earliest known images of Aar-Tenn, the bird god. Found during an excavation of Vanibo.

Category

Late Archaic (Lamplӧ), Vanibo

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

10-1/2 in

Width

22 in

Depth

5-5/8 in

Materials

Material

Marble

Material Notes

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

Acquisition

Notes

This object is a unique element of the "Civilization of Llhuros" collection given to the Cornell University Anthropology Collaboratory in 2025.

Exhibitions

Akron Art Institute (1972)
Cornell University | A.D. White Museum of Art (1972)
Cornell University, Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art (2004)
Indianapolis Art Museum (1972)
Istanbul Biennial, 16th | "The Seventh Continent" (2019)
Memorial Art Gallery | University of Rochester (1972)
Roberson Center for Art and Science, Binghamton, NY (1974)
Romische-Germanisches Museum | "Projekt '74" | Cologne Germany (1974)
SUNY Albany | Art Gallery (1973}
University of Pennsylvania Art Museum, Philadelphia (1974)