Diadem
Artist/Maker
Artist Unknown
(Artist Unknown)
Date1-700
Mediumgold and cinnabar wash
DimensionsOverall: 13 1/8 × 19 5/8 × 1/8 in. (33.3 × 49.8 × 0.3 cm)
ClassificationsCostumes and Accessories
Credit LineMuseum purchase
Terms
Object number91.0019
DescriptionPrecious metal finds in southern Peru are scarce, perhaps because metal deposits were less abundant and accessible in ancient times than in the north. The South Coast objects are quite distinct in form and surface decoration. This sizable ornament beongs to a group of about twenty that have the same shape and similar overall surface design (none were excavated by archaeologists). The ornaments are usually attributed to the South Coast Nazca culture (1-700). Recent research suggests, however, that they may come from the Camana and Sihuas Valleys, west of Lake Titicaca, where independent traditions, which are not well understood at this time, flourished. The ornaments may have been worn as diadems attached to turbans or headdresses, although there are no depictions in the art to confirm this.On View
Not on viewCollections
