The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of December 13, 2025

Plaque with Figures

900–1470

Peru, North Coast, Chimú style

(900-1470)
hammered gold alloy
Overall: 10.7 x 12.3 cm (4 3/16 x 4 13/16 in.)
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1945.129
Location: Not on view

Description

Frontal figures flanked by profile attendants have a long history in the Andes. This is the quintessential group of authority and power, here a Chimú lord and two creatures perhaps from mythology. Ancient Andean cultures did not use writing, so it is difficult to know more about the scene's meaning. Additional elements, probably also of gold, originally were tabbed through the slots on the surface.
  • Americas."
    Treasures of Peruvian Gold. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (February 23-April 3, 1966).
    Art of the Americas. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (November 9, 1945-January 6, 1946).
    Cleveland, OH: The Cleveland Museum of Art; November 9, 1945-January 6 ,1946. "Art of the
  • {{cite web|title=Plaque with Figures|url=false|author=|year=900–1470|access-date=13 December 2025|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1945.129