DISCOVERART

Colima

Ear Spools

200 BCE–200 CE
Spondylus shell and greenstone
3.2 × 7.6 cm (1.3 × 3 in)

SEE IT IN PERSON

Not currently on view

In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of July 2026

View at artic.edu ↗Plan a visit ↗

Discussion

FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

Figures and jewelry made of spondylus (spiny oyster) shell developed as a specialization in what are today the Mexican states of Colima and Jalisco. Like greenstone, jade, and colorful feathers, this bright orange shell was a luxury item sought by maritime merchants from Ecuador and Central America, who found it in warm Pacific waters as far north as the West Mexican coast. As emblems of authority and status, exotic materials were displayed by rulers during ceremonial events. Spondylus-shell jewelry carved with symbolic designs found in West Mexican tombs indicates the high esteem in which this valued material was held.

Source ↗

Be the first to share your thoughts.

Sign in to join the discussion.

Community guidelines

More by Colima

NecklaceNecklaceSeated Male Figure with One Arm RaisedSeated Male Figure with One Arm RaisedNecklaceNecklaceSeated Female Figure Holding a BowlSeated Female Figure Holding a BowlLong-Stem PipeLong-Stem PipeSeated Female Figure Giving BirthSeated Female Figure Giving BirthCircular PendantCircular PendantNecklace with a Pendant Depicting a Large Fish Eating a Smaller FishNecklace with a Pendant Depicting a Large Fish Eating a Smal

More like this

Cake moldArtist unknown — Cake moldPair of Ear Plugs with Face of Figure in InteriorTeotihuacan — Pair of Ear Plugs with Face of Figure in InterChunkey StoneMississippian — Chunkey StoneMiniature Tray Depicting a FrogInca — Miniature Tray Depicting a FrogModel of a Counterweight (Quan or Huanzhen)China — Model of a Counterweight (Quan or Huanzhen)Fragmentary Bowl, with clay firing cushionChina, Fujian Province, Jian ware kiln site — Fragmentary BoDouble-Chambered VesselTeotihuacan — Double-Chambered VesselVessel in Form of Stacked Bowls of Fruits, Vegetables, and PeanutsMoche — Vessel in Form of Stacked Bowls of Fruits, VegetableModel of a Bell (Goudiao)China, probably Zhejiang or Jiangsu province — Model of a BeVesselAncient Egyptian — VesselWhistle with an Iguana or Saurian Sculpted on its SurfaceTairona — Whistle with an Iguana or Saurian Sculpted on its Feathered Gift BasketPomo — Feathered Gift Basket