Lot 28, Auction 4/12/2026: Large Chimu Silver Headdress w/ Repousse Deity Head

$5,200.00

In stock

Pre-Columbian, Peru, North Coast, Chimu culture, ca. 1100 to 1470 CE. An impressive Chimu ceremonial metal headdress or pectoral hammered from thin silver sheet and centered by a boldly repousse anthropomorphic mask. The broad wing-shaped lower panel and tall vertical crest are reinforced along the edges with rows of repousse domes, a hallmark of Chimu sheet-metal construction. The central face, formed in high relief, features wide circular eyes, a rounded brow, and a simplified open mouth, all typical of Late Intermediate to Late Horizon North Coast iconography, in contrast to the almond-shaped eyes associated with Sican imagery. The object’s dimensionality, composite form, and repeated border elements strongly align with Chimu regalia worn by elite figures or placed upon funerary bundles. Such silver ornaments symbolized status, divine affiliation, and the metallurgical sophistication for which the Chimu empire was renowned. Size: 10″ W x 8.25″ H (25.4 cm x 21 cm); 10″ H (25.4 cm) on included custom stand.

This item has been XRF tested and shown to be composed of 97.5% silver, 1.4% copper and .9% gold – all consistent with pieces from this culture and time period.

Condition: A few areas of professional repair as well as tearing, creases, and indentations commensurate with age. Otherwise, very nice with good remaining detail.

Provenance: private Thornton, Colorado, USA collection acquired from Robert Morris Fine Arts, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all purchases.

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