Chimú Idol

Room 3, Vitrine 27

Wood
Peruvian Northern Coast
Imperial Epoch (1300 AD – 1532 AD)
ML400669

A wooden sculpture representing a high dignitary from the Chimú culture wearing a funerary mask and holding a ceremonial vessel.

Sculptures like this decorated the main patios of Chimú citadels. In this way a kind of stage design was created within which these figures continued to preside over society’s principal ceremonies.