Funerary mask, ca. 900 - 1100 AD · Peru, Lambayeque · ID: 3052489
A. & B. Schirmer, Berlin, Germany (2002)
Description
metal, ornamental disc: gold sheet (20 kt, 1.5 g), two-part (nose crafted separately), red pigment (cinnabar), textile remains on the reverse (from the wrappings that once encased the mummy bundle)
This mask once adorned the body of a deceased ruler from the north coast of Peru.
Between the 8th and 14th century AD, powerful dynasties arose in this region, amassing great wealth in gold and silver before being conquered by the Inca Empire at the end of the 15th century.
Upon their death, rulers were buried deep within monumental adobe platform tombs, accompanied by a vast array of objects made of precious metals, shells, and textiles. In addition to cups, discs, and other ornaments, large sheet-gold masks have also been found. In a tomb at Batán Grande, an important center of the Lambayeque culture (also known as Sicán), one such mask was discovered covering the face of a mummy, while four others were placed at the foot of the deceased.
Comparing literature
Pimentel, Victor (ed.), Peru, Kingdoms of the Sun and the Moon, Montreal 2012, p. 98 f.
Notices
This object is subject to the UNESCO Cultural Heritage Protection Act. Export documents are required for export (subjected to a fee).