3. Camelid Sacrum 14,000-7,000 BCE Tequixquiac, Mexico - Central America
Materials and Techniques: Ensized, scored, surface of a now focalized Sacrum (bone at the base of the spine) of a Camelid (animal related to Camels, Lamas, and Alpacas but now extinct).
Description (Form): A bone carved to look like the head of a Canine and other engravings.
Content: It is a sculpture carved to represent and articulated head of an animal
Context: No stratigraphy was done at the time of discovery so dating is not precise; Plus it was kept in a private collection for several years. Because of the lac of specific evidence many scholars question the authenticity of the object in general. Can't tell if the markings were made before or after the bone fossilized.
Intended Purpose: unknown for sure however may have been made for a ritual for hunting or spiritual/religious artifact or mask.
Innovations and Conventions: Evidence of hunter-gatherers settling and having more time for creating artwork.