Medallion

Medallion with etching.  Photograph by Ryan Gray, Courtesy of UNO Department of Anthropology and Sociology.

This medallion was described in the initial report of discovery as “an oval ornament (4.50 x 6.25 cm) made with a silver-plated metal and gold-filled wire.  Glass covered each face of the medallion.  The glass was broken on one side, and an etching of a religious figure, possibly the Virgin Mary, can be seen on the copper plate behind the glass.  Gilt rays extend outward from the figure’s head, but no other details can be discerned.” (Owsley and Orser 1985:86).  Although professional conservation efforts have helped to preserve this piece, they still have not revealed additional details in the etching on the copper plate.