Artwork Page for Head Beaker

Details / Information for Head Beaker

Head Beaker

900–1100

Central Andes (Peru), Lambayeque (Sicán) people, 10th century-12th century

Medium
gold, hammered
Measurements
Overall: 23.5 x 19.8 cm (9 1/4 x 7 13/16 in.)
Credit Line
Severance and Greta Millikin Purchase Fund 2015.6
Public Domain
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Location
232 Andean
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Did You Know?

This drinking vessel holds close to 62 oz of fluid—almost half a gallon!

Description

Metalworking flourished among the Lambayeque people of Peru’s north coast. Artists made large objects, including containers, in unprecedented numbers; one Lambayeque tomb contained nearly 200 gold or silver beakers. The head on this beaker has been interpreted as the visage of either the culture’s principal deity—its divinity signaled by its feline-like fangs—or the deified founder of the Lambayeque ruling dynasty. It is not known why the head is upright only when the beaker rests on its rim.
Hammered from gold, this vessel is shaped like a head. A stylized face features large, almond-shaped eyes and a broad nose above a rectangular mouth area containing a central raised element. Thick horizontal bands wrap around the forehead and the flared base, while semi-circular ears protrude from the sides. The warm yellow surface shows subtle indentations from the metalworking process, lending the piece a luminous and textured quality.

Head Beaker

900–1100

Central Andes (Peru), Lambayeque (Sicán) people, 10th century-12th century

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