Mapuche. <em>Two Figurines, Male and Female</em>, 19th century. Silver, a: 7 7/8 x 3 1/2 x 11/16 in. (20 x 8.9 x 1.7 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Museum Expedition 1941, Frank L. Babbott Fund, 41.1274.9a-b. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 41.1274.9.jpg)

Two Figurines, Male and Female

Artist:Mapuche

Medium: Silver

Geograhical Locations:

Dates:19th century

Dimensions: a: 7 7/8 x 3 1/2 x 11/16 in. (20 x 8.9 x 1.7 cm) b: 7 15/16 x 3 9/16 x 11/16 in. (20.2 x 9 x 1.7 cm)

Collections:

Museum Location: Luce Visible Storage and Study Center, 5th Floor

Exhibitions:

Accession Number: 41.1274.9a-b

Image: 41.1274.9.jpg,

Catalogue Description:
Pair of male and female silver figurines, which were probably suspended from individual pins or tupus. In the Mapuche language, the female figurine is called "pillan kuze" or "spirit woman" and the male figurine is called "pillan fücha" or "spirit man." The female figurine is worn to the right of the male one because Mapuche women stand to the right of their husbands. These figurines may represent the spirits of dead ancestors. Condition: one of the man's earrings is missing.

Brooklyn Museum