Woodlands, Deptford culture. Effigy Plummet, In Shape of Bird's Head, 200–500 C.E. Stone, 3 3/4 x 3 1/2 in. (9.5 x 9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Mrs. William B. Parker, 64.211.3. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: , 64.211.2_64.211.1_64.211.3_PS9.jpg)
Woodlands, Deptford culture. Effigy Plummet, In Shape of Bird's Head, 200–500 C.E. Stone, 3 3/4 x 3 1/2 in. (9.5 x 9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Mrs. William B. Parker, 64.211.3. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: , 64.211.1_64.211.2_64.211.3_acetate_bw.jpg)
Effigy Plummet, In Shape of Bird's Head
Arts of the Americas
These plummets (hanging weights, sometimes used on fishing lines) are among more than three hundred that have been found in a site north of Weeden Island, Florida. Their abundance has led to the theory that they were probably not simple fishing tools but ornaments suspended from the neck or waist of high-status individuals (or perhaps commoners) during special ceremonial dances. Often they are plain tapered stones, but rare figurative examples such as these three represent local wildlife.
CULTURE
Woodlands, Deptford culture
MEDIUM
Stone
DATES
200–500 C.E.
PERIOD
Middle Woodland Period
DIMENSIONS
3 3/4 x 3 1/2 in. (9.5 x 9 cm) (show scale)
COLLECTIONS
Arts of the Americas
ACCESSION NUMBER
64.211.3
CREDIT LINE
Gift of Mrs. William B. Parker
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
Plummet in the form of a carved bird head. The end is tapered possibly for tying on a cord for suspension. Some uses for these types of plummets are: weights to be used in weaving, sinkers for fishing, personal talismans or ornaments. This plummet is deeply carved head of a bird. The feathers are indicated sweeping around the neck. The eyes are perhaps characteristic of the bird’s species. The end is tapered possibly for tying on a cord for suspension. There is an early sketch of several dancers wearing such plummets dangling from their waists entertaining what appear to be elite people. Hundreds of these plummets have been found mostly just tapered so these are especially fine as carved to represent local fauna.
EXHIBITIONS
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is not on view
CAPTION
Woodlands, Deptford culture. Effigy Plummet, In Shape of Bird's Head, 200–500 C.E. Stone, 3 3/4 x 3 1/2 in. (9.5 x 9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Mrs. William B. Parker, 64.211.3. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: , 64.211.2_64.211.1_64.211.3_PS9.jpg)
IMAGE
64.211.2_64.211.1_64.211.3_PS9.jpg.
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RIGHTS STATEMENT
Creative Commons-BY
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