Aug 31, 2011
Aug 31, 2011

Headdress Ornament

Headdress Ornament

c. 300 BC-AD 200

Hammered and embossed gold-copper alloy

Overall: 6.8 cm (2 11/16 in.)

Dudley P. Allen Fund 1938.432

Location

Description

Gold ornaments have been discovered among the innermost wrappings of Paracas mummy-bundles, and were probably personal possessions of the deceased. The embossed image in the center of each ornament is a deity face, characterized by protruding eyes and a grinning, toothy mouth. Snakelike appendages emanate from the face. Figures embroidered on Paracas garments are frequently depicted with similarly shaped ornaments, either worn above the forehead or brandished in one hand.

See also
Collection: 
AA - Andes
Department: 
Art of the Americas
Type of artwork: 
Jewelry
Credit line: 
Dudley P. Allen Fund

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