Umbilical Effigies

This lizard effigy holds the umbilicus of a child.  Similar effigies were suspended where the bright colors and movement of the feathers could entertain the infants.  At the appropriate age, which varied with place and time but typically coincided with weaning from the breast, the effigy was placed in a secret location and allowed to return to nature; the secrecy protected the child from potential and real enemies.