Collection record · Small worlds
Insect Bell Pendant
The collection record classifies this work as metalwork. It is dated 400–1100. Recorded culture or place: Isthmian Region (Panama), Coclé, 5th century-12th century.
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A closer look at the details.
- Museum title
- Insect Bell Pendant
- Date
- 400–1100
- Culture / origin
- Isthmian Region (Panama), Coclé, 5th century-12th century
- Materials and technique
- gold, cast
- Dimensions
- Overall: 2.2 x 1.1 cm (7/8 x 7/16 in.)
- Artist / maker
- Not specified by the museum
- Museum
- The Cleveland Museum of Art
- Accession number
- 2015.12
FROM THE MUSEUM
In the museum’s words
The following description is reproduced from the Cleveland Museum of Art’s original English record.
Ring, ring! What do these four objects have in common? They are all bells! The turtle with ruby eyes (1966.473) and small gold insect (2015.12) were likely inspired by imaginary creatures. Fabergé (say: fab-er-zhay) probably modeled the turtle after small Japanese figurines called netsuke (say: nets-kay). The insect with 14 legs may combine features of marine animals and bugs. The wooden figure (1975.190) was used in healing rituals. Notice the patterns on the body of the bell. Similar shapes are found on other Kongo-style carvings and textiles. The bronze bell (1998.77.2) looks like a tall helmet topped by a pair of horns. It is decorated with a diamond that probably symbolized a southern Chinese tribe. Look closely at each bell’s shape and material. How might those details affect the sound it makes?
FOLLOW THE SOURCE
Text and image sources
The Cleveland Museum of Art · Severance and Greta Millikin Purchase Fund · CC0
The summary is based on public collection data. Refer to the museum’s latest record for the title, date and attribution.
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