Silver Shirt

Room 9, Vitrine 112

Metal, ceramic
Peruvian Northern Coast
800 AD – 1532 AD
ML100862-ML100864, ML001846

Shirts covered with metal plaques formed an important element of the clothing of the great lords of the north coast. During ceremonies, the rulers appeared to shine like celestial bodies. Silver was associated with the moon and stars, which were inhabitants of “the upper world”, or realm of the gods.

The square plaques were sewn on to cloth without any other form of decoration. The metal plaques moved during dances and processions and glittered as they reflected the light. It is easy to imagine the amazement these gleaming objects would have produced among ordinary subjects, who would have seen them as evidence of the supernatural character of their leaders.

Square and rectangular silver Chimú plaques; Mochica pottery with representation of ceremonial attire.