Apr 7, 2011
Apr 7, 2011

Plaque

Plaque

c. 500–200 BC

Hammered and cut gold

Overall: 21.8 x 10.8 cm (8 9/16 x 4 1/4 in.)

Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1946.117

Location

Description

These plaques showing a powerful Chavín deity may come from a group of gold objects found in a lavish tomb in the 1920s. One is shaped as the deity’s fanged head, its fur transformed into sixteen serpents that edge the plaque. On the other, the deity’s visually elusive body also appears: the clawed hands over the chest may clutch a horizontal staff, an emblem of authority; across the waist is a belt that sprouts serpents; and beneath are the legs and feet, which stand atop fanged masks.

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

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