Artwork preview

Scraper

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The image depicts a fossilized tooth with a light-colored, smooth surface featuring darker brown areas near the tip, which is pointed. The object is titled "Scraper" by an unknown artist. The tooth has a distinctive shape, with a curved end and a flat base. The surface of the tooth displays several black etchings or engravings. The etchings on the tooth depict various scenes and figures. On the curved end of the tooth, there are several stick-like human figures, some of which appear to be engaged in activities such as hunting or gathering. There are also some abstract designs and patterns etched into the surface of the tooth. The background of the image is a plain white surface, providing a neutral backdrop for the fossilized tooth. Overall, the image presents a unique and intriguing artifact that showcases the artistic and cultural expression of an ancient civilization.

Artwork Details

Medium
Nephrite, spinach-green
Culture
North America (Alaska)
Dimensions
600 × 400 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette