2008.69 Disk

In the distant past, medallions with embossed decoration like this one were probably given to warriors as a hunting trophy for each severed head. They were also offered at marriage ceremonies as an important part of the bride price, or objects given to the bride’s family by the groom, and they could be used in payment for fines resulting from serious social violations. In some cases, compensation with golden disks was the only means by which a man’s reputation could be rectified. Seldom seen today, ornaments such as this disk are viewed primarily as sacred family heirlooms and displayed only on special occasions.

Roslyn A. Walker, Label text, 2013.

2008: Dallas Museum of Art, gift of the Nasher Foundation in honor of Patsy R. and Raymond D. Nasher

Notes:

The main source for this provenance is the copy of the Deed of Gift in the Collections Records object file (2008.52-73).

Apply to objects where number equals 2008.69