1989.W.2429 Bag with tassels (Peru, south coast)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
This square bag represents a distinctive pattern common to tunic and mantles, the “S”-scroll and step design. The square design with a long strap handle is most typical of coca bags.
1989.W.2390 Bag with tassels (Peru, south coast)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
This square bag represents a distinctive pattern common to tunic and mantles, the “S”-scroll and step design. The square design with a long strap handle is most typical of coca bags.
1989.W.2436 Bag (Peru, Inka)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Coca has been cultivated and consumed by Andean societies for thousands of years. The leaves of the coca plant contain alkaloids that suppress hunger and fatigue, especially at high altitudes. In Andean societies past and present, the plant has functioned as an integral part of social interaction and reciprocal exchange within communities and with the natural environment through ritual use and caching of the precious coca leaves.
1976.W.2097.a-b Tunic fragment with “Inca key motif” (Peru, Inka)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Inca (Inka) tunics, or uncu (unku), were often decorated in grid blocks of distinct designs, called tocapu (tucapu), that alternated in color and orientation across the tunic.
Benin Kingdom
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The prosperous West African kingdom of Benin flourished from the 13th until the late 19th century. Located in what is now Edo state in southwest Nigeria, the Benin Kingdom came to control trade between Europe and the inland peoples during the 15th century, at the end of Oba Ewuare's reign. The power of its Obas depended largely on long-distance trade.
1984.W.148 Jar with human figure holding sling (Peru, Nasca)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Slings were common weapons for ancient Andean populations since the Formative Period (c. 300 BCE). This Nazca (Nasca) vessel shows a sling held in the figure’s hands, while other Nazca and Huari (Wari) vessels illustrate slings wrapped around the head. Lightweight and portable, slings provided effective tools for combat in a rock-filled Andean landscape.
1989.W.2349 Sling (Peru, Andean coast)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Slings were common weapons for ancient Andean populations since the Formative Period (c. 300 BCE). Some Nazca (Nasca) vessels show a sling held in the hands, while other Nazca and Huari (Wari) vessels illustrate slings wrapped around the head. Lightweight and portable, slings provided effective tools for combat in a rock-filled Andean landscape. The wide central band would support the stones used as weapons.
1983.W.2167 Sling (Peru, Andean coast)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Slings were common weapons for ancient Andean populations since the Formative Period (c. 300 BCE). Some Nazca (Nasca) vessels show a sling held in the hands, while other Nazca and Huari (Wari) vessels illustrate slings wrapped around the head. Lightweight and portable, slings provided effective tools for combat in a rock-filled Andean landscape. The wide central band would support the stones used as weapons.
1983.W.2168 Sling (Peru, Andean coast)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Slings were common weapons for ancient Andean populations since the Formative Period (c. 300 BCE). Some Nazca (Nasca) vessels show a sling held in the hands, while other Nazca and Huari (Wari) vessels illustrate slings wrapped around the head. Lightweight and portable, slings provided effective tools for combat in a rock-filled Andean landscape. The wide central band would support the stones used as weapons.
1976.W.1774 Star-shaped club head (Peru, Andean coast)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Star-shaped mace heads were a common form for clubs and weapons from at least the Early Intermediate Period (200 BCE-600 CE). The first examples appear in stone, associated with Chavín and Salinar cultures. The succeeding Moche and Nasca developed copper mace heads, which they depict in painted scenes of hand-to-hand combat on ceramic vessels.