Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Chimu culture, ca. 900 to 1470 CE. Twelve impressive and large gold gilded copper hand hammered circular disks with central repousse hemispheres surrounded by concave ring-shaped regions, each one embossed with stylized bird head forms resolving in a raised flat "frame". Precious metals were so plentiful on Peru's northern coast that large, ornate personal ornaments worn by the elite grew in demand. These disks, given the textile remains evident on some and the pair of drilled holes at the top of each, were once attached to the regalia of an ruler or shaman intended to impress and/or prepare the deceased for eternal exaltation! Custom, museum-quality stand. Each disk measures approximately 3-1/8" to 3-1/4" in diameter. Without stand - 9-1/8"W x 9"H, with stand 11-1/8"H. The three rows create a subtle, outward curve.

Provenance: Ex-Chicago private collection, acquired prior to 1970.

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#107326

Surface wear and deposits as shown. One disc has some repair.