Object Notes

1976.W.321 Ceremonial mask (Calima, Colombia)


GENERAL DESCRIPTION  
The pre-Hispanic goldwork of Colombia is traditionally classified by archaeological zones, or regions, each with stylistic associations, varying in iconography and technology: Calima, Quimbaya, Tolima, and Nariño in the southwest; Zenú (Sinú) and Tairona in northwestern Colombia; and Muisca in the central highlands southeast of Bogotá. The Calima re

1976.W.319 Headdress ornament with heads flanked by crested crocodiles (Calima, Colombia)


GENERAL DESCRIPTION  
The pre-Hispanic goldwork of Colombia is traditionally classified by archaeological zones, or regions, each with stylistic associations, varying in iconography and technology: Calima, Quimbaya, Tolima, and Nariño in the southwest; Zenú (Sinú) and Tairona in northwestern Colombia; and Muisca in the central highlands southeast of Bogotá. 

2001.262 Blue and yellow featherwork panel (Peru, Wari)


GENERAL DESCRIPTION  
In 1943 workers digging near the Peruvian village of La Victoria found eight ceramic jars, each featuring a portrait face on its neck. The jars, which are some of the finest ceremonial pottery produced by the coastal Huari (Wari) culture, contained ninety‑ six feathered panels like this one.

1969.2.McD Stirrup-spout vessel deer hunting (Peru, Moche)


GENERAL DESCRIPTION  
The Moche culture dominated the north coast of Peru from the first to the eighth century CE. At its peak, about 400 CE, the Moche realm encompassed ten contiguous river valleys. Moche artists were sophisticated metallurgists in gold, silver, and bronze, and their prolific ceramic tradition often made use of molds.