Oct 18, 2011
Oct 18, 2011
Oct 18, 2011
Oct 18, 2011

Male Figurine

Male Figurine

1400–1532

Hammered gold

Overall: 6.4 x 2.3 x 1.5 cm (2 1/2 x 7/8 x 9/16 in.)

Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1945.31

Location

Description

Precious metal was a major Inka artistic medium, but most was melted down after the conquest to fund the Spanish court. The sole remains are small-scale objects from tombs and offerings. Figurines like this have been found at shrines on sacred mountain peaks, where they accompanied child sacrifices in offerings made during times of crisis, such as famine.

See also
Collection: 
AA - Andes
Department: 
Art of the Americas
Type of artwork: 
Metalwork
Medium: 
Hammered gold

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