Aug 31, 2011
Aug 31, 2011

Ornament

Ornament

c. 300 BC-AD 100

Hammered and embossed gold-copper alloy

Overall: 8.8 x 4.8 cm (3 7/16 x 1 7/8 in.)

The Norweb Collection 1940.513

Location

Did you know?

Tumbaga is an alloy made by blending gold with copper, which may give the gold a rosy hue.

Description

With its grinning mouth and long, protruding tongue, the face embossed on this fragmentary ornament resembles linear images painted on mummy masks and woven on doublecloth tunics and mantles. Both painted mummy masks and doublecloth garments are most often found in the Ica Valley, a short distance south of the Paracas Peninsula. The ornament's original function is uncertain.

See also
Collection: 
AA - Andes
Department: 
Art of the Americas
Type of artwork: 
Jewelry
Credit line: 
The Norweb Collection

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