Collar

WW-1200-013563

1200·Gold alloy·26.8 × 34.1 × 1.8 cm (10 9/16 × 13 7/16 × 3/4 in.)

<p>A leader from the kingdom of Chimor might have worn this golden collar, or pectoral, directly on their chest, or it may have been attached to a larger fabric garment that has since deteriorated. Each plaque was hammered with the motif of a seabird in relief, evoking the coastal setting of Chimor in modern-day Peru. Chimú sovereigns, who ruled the kingdom of Chimor from their capital at Chan Chan, amassed staggering amounts of wealth, especially in precious metals. Here, the dangling spangles demonstrate the opulence—and even ostentation—that Chimú rulers enthusiastically embraced.</p>

Catalogue

Year: 1200
Medium: Gold alloy
Dimensions: 26.8 × 34.1 × 1.8 cm (10 9/16 × 13 7/16 × 3/4 in.)
Collection: Art Institute of Chicago

Fragment

1470 · Plain weave of paired warps with supplementary patterning and brocading wefts and supplementary patterning warps. Attched plain weave border and weft fringe.

WW-1470-116413