Coclé Chief

Sharif Tarabay illustrates a chief of the Coclé People of Ancient Panama for an archaeological exhibit.

The illustration appeared on the cover of Expedition magazine and is also used as a life size cut-out to announce the exhibition 'Beneath the Surface' at The Pennsylvania Museum. The Coclé people lived in Panama around 700-900 AD and Sharif's task was to show a mature 50 year old chieftain with the correct proud stance and attire. He did a few quick pencil sketches to make sure the figure had all the elements correctly placed:- elements and artefacts which are exhibited in the museum.  Sharif says "To maintain the high realism associated with my style, I fabricated the gold headdress, arrows, spear thrower and the tunic. These props really helped me shoot the photographic reference I needed for the final illustration."