Chimú Gold Headdress and Ear Ornaments

Room 12, Vitrine 151

Ceramic, metal
Peruvian Northern Coast
Imperial Epoch (1300 AD – 1532 AD)
ML013563, ML100001, ML100002, ML100006

This set of gold Chimú adornments includes a headdress with lateral elements which resemble the crests or wings of birds. The main design of the headdress is composed of a feline face with a bird’s beak. Serpents hang from the ear ornaments.

Here we see the trinity formed by a feline, bird and serpent, the three sacred animals of ancient Peru. This piece displays the supreme power enjoyed by the great lords of the past.

Gold Chimú headdress and ear ornaments; Mochica ceramic depicting an individual wearing a headdress with lateral plumes.