Marble
University of Notre Dame
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Bell with One Trophy Head on Each Side

Date

1480-1536

Creator

Unrecorded Santa María artist

Location

Raclin Murphy Museum of Art

This bell has disarticulated (separated) heads on either side, possibly representing what are called trophy heads. Only the Santa María culture produced triangular bells of this type, and there are only around a dozen examples known. The orientation of the depicted heads and wear patterns covering the lower sides of the bell suggest the bell might have been mounted with its mouth pointing up. The bell was made using the lost-wax casting technique.

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This bell has disarticulated (separated) heads on either side, possibly representing what are called trophy heads. Only the Santa María culture produced triangular bells of this type, and there are only around a dozen examples known. The orientation of the depicted heads and wear patterns covering the lower sides of the bell suggest the bell might have been mounted with its mouth pointing up. The bell was made using the lost-wax casting technique.
Open external viewer application
Unrecorded Santa María artist
1480-1536
Tools, Implements, and Weights
Lost-wax cast copper alloy
2005.033
Raclin Murphy Museum: 205A
9 x 9 1/4 x 3 5/8 in. (22.86 x 23.5 x 9.21 cm)
Robert E., ND ’63 and Beverly, SMC ’63 O’Grady Fund

Our collection information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. If you have spotted an error, please contact Raclin Murphy Museum of Art at RMMACollections@nd.edu.