Bead in the Shape of a Frog c. 501 - 800

Editor: This delightful object is a bead carved into the shape of a frog, dating back to around 501-800 AD. It's currently housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The orange color of the bead is quite striking, almost luminous against the black background. How would you interpret this piece, especially considering its purpose as a bead? Curator: This unassuming little sculpture opens a window onto the fascinating world of belief systems in the ancient Americas. We have to ask ourselves: What did the frog symbolize to the people who created and wore this bead? Frogs were often associated with water, fertility, and the cycle of life and death in many indigenous cultures. A bead, furthermore, wasn't merely adornment; it might have functioned as an amulet, a status symbol, or a conduit to spiritual power. Museums frame how we view such pieces, sometimes losing the intimate, personal relationship the owner likely had with it. Editor: That's fascinating! I hadn't thought about the frog's symbolic weight. Does its miniature size affect how we understand its purpose? Curator: Absolutely. Think about the labour and skill required to carve such detail on something so small. It suggests a value placed on craftsmanship and perhaps specialization within the society that produced it. The small size also implies portability and personal connection, it was designed to be kept close. Also, let’s consider the legacy and accessibility this society granted this imagery? How can museums engage more with current indigenous populations to bring back a sense of legacy to their works? Editor: So much to consider for something so small! Thank you; I see the frog, and beads, very differently now. Curator: My pleasure. Examining even small objects through a socio-political lens shows us a broader picture of the lives and beliefs of the past.