3. Camelid sacrum in the shape of a canine

 

Camelid Sacrum in the shape of a canine; bone; Tequixquiac, Mexico; 14,000–7000 B.C.E.

The shape was created by using subtractive techniques and utilizing already apparent features in the bone, like the holes for

eyes. It was a first look at how people began manipulating their environment to created what they wanted.

Form:

• made from the now fossilized remains of the sacrum—the triangular pelvic bone—of a camelid (now extinct), a member of the camelidae family (along with alpacas, llamas, camels)

Function:

• Intended function and original meaning unknown
• prehistoric artisans drew/painted/carved/sculpted what they saw in their everyday life
• so, choice to render image of a canine makes sense
• study and depiction of animals was common in prehistoric art

Content:

• head of a canine
• natural shape of sacrum bone probably suggested image of canine to the carver
• nostrils, mouth, other details added by carver

Context:

• There is not much known about this work, because:
• No stratigraphic analysis from site of discovery, so date of creation is difficult to determine
• Prehistoric, so no written records of artisan, purpose, meaning, date, etc.
• Lost to scholars for about 60 years (1895-1956) because it was privately owned during that time
• it was, for a time, questioned whether this sculpture was actually made by human hands, or if its likeness to a canine head was just its natural shape
• art historians have resolved that it was indeed carved by a human
• proven by symmetrical, precisely cut nostrils (precision and sharp cut indicate someone using tools, carving with a purpose)
• spiritual significance of the sacrum
• by looking at later Mesoamerican cultures, which viewed the sacrum as spiritual and sacred, it can be inferred that this sacrum was chosen for similar spiritual reasons
• pelvic bone is the fulcrum of the body, and central to internal organs
• in particular, reproductive organs
• sacrum could be symbol of fertility, or connection to ancestry and posterity
• The English word "sacrum" is derived from Latin: "os sacrum," meaning "sacred bone."

Cross culture comparisons: 

Tuffery, Pispupo Lau Afe (corned beef 2000) 

Muybridge, The Horse in Motion 

Cotsiogo, Hige Painting of a Sun Dance