3
keywordPath%20%3D%20%22GYHC%22%20and%20Period%20%3D%20%22Precolumbian%22
Metalwork
Burial Mask
Chimú artist, (active )
Chimú artist
Peru
Primary
9 5/16 x 17 3/8 x 9/16 in. (23.7 x 44.1 x 1.5 cm)
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overall
overall
Gold, silver and copper alloy
Gold, silver and copper alloy
Chimú; made in Chicama Valley, Peru
1100-1470
1100
1470
1000-1400, 1400-1600, Chimu, funerary objects, masks, metalwork, Pre-Columbian art of Central & South America
Metalwork
This Burial Mask was created by a Chimu artist in the Chicama Valley on the North Coast of Peru between 1100 and 1470. Ruling from their capital city of Chan Chan, the Chimú state controlled a vast empire in the north and central coasts of Peru. They employed tens of thousands of artists, including skilled metalworkers that produced objects of precious metal for the nobility.
Masks such as this would never have been worn by the living. They played an essential role in death and burial and were placed on the funerary bundle. These decorative masks helped indicate the rank of the deceased.
The ornate, circular ear ornaments may have held actual feathers. The upper portion of the mask is decorated with puma heads and bent, stylized figures of warriors wearing elaborate feathered headdresses. Separate ornaments may have been attached to the mask near the eyes, around the nose and along the side of the face. The nose, which was raised in relief, has been lost.
[Gallery label text, 2009]
1947.9
item
Memorial Art Gallery
11/21/2000
47.9TR1
transparency
4 x 5
00/00/00
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Graphics/blank.gif
47.9SL1
slide
full
2 x 2
00/00/00
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Graphics/blank.gif
neg
4x5
00/00/00
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Graphics/blank.gif
neg
8x10
00/00/00
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Graphics/blank.gif
glossy
8x10
00/00/00
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Graphics/blank.gif
47.9DI1
digital image
4 x 5
00/00/00
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Media/images/47.9_A1.jpg
47.9DI2
digital image
00/00/00
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Graphics/blank.gif
Jewelry
Figure Pendant
Greater Nicoya or Diquis artist, (active )
Greater Nicoya or Diquis artist
Costa Rica
2 3/8 x 1 11/16 x 1/2 in. (6 x 4.3 x 1.3 cm)
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overall
overall
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with mount
overall
Copper
Copper
Greater Nicoya or Diquis Culture Zone; made in Costa Rica
700-1550 CE
700
1550
metalwork, Pre-Columbian art of Central & South America
Jewelry
Gold was associated with immortality in the Ancient Americas. Its unchanging nature made it a symbol of continuity, permanence and power, and it was prized for its ability to shine like and reflect the sun. Southern Central America is one of the world’s largest gold sources, and the gold found there was highly prized by the Spanish explorers. Much of the goldwork produced by Ancient Americans was melted down and taken back to Spain as currency.
[Gallery label text, 2009]
1954.37
item
Memorial Art Gallery
2/3/2001
54.37SL1
slide
w/ 54.36, 54.38, 54.66
2 x 2
00/00/00
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Graphics/blank.gif
54.37DI1
digital image
00/00/00
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Media/images/54.37_A1.jpg
Metalwork
Decorative Plaque with Geometric Repoussé Motifs
Chimú artist, (active )
Chimú artist
Peru
Primary
2 5/16 x 5 1/2 x 1/2 in. (5.9 x 14 x 1.3 cm)
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overall
overall
Chimú; made in Peru
1100-1470 CE
1100
1470
Chimu, jewelry, metalwork, Pre-Columbian art of Central & South America
Metalwork
1960.26.6
item
Memorial Art Gallery
7/23/2001
60.26.6DI1
digital image
00/00/00
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Media/images/60.26.6_A1.jpg