Pre-Columbian, north coast of Peru, Sican/Lambayeque culture, ca. 10th to 11th century CE. An incredible copper crown made to be placed onto a mummy bundle. The band has several drilled holes on its edges to sew it together into the crown form. The encrusted patina around the band includes an impression of woven textiles, giving an idea of how the crown wrapped around a stuffed, woven head, probably one with a mask attached to it. Cast as part of the thick band are two raised panels that curve at the top, made to imitate feathers, which were worn as a sign of weath and prestige in the society. The surface was once gilded on this magnificent piece, and remains of gilding can be seen in several areas. Size: 12.35" W x 16" H (31.4 cm x 40.6 cm)

This crown was made to adorn the body of a deceased elite member of the Sican society - gold was for lords, silver for noble women, and copper for wealthy commoners. It probably once had many appliques and attachments, perhaps made of gold or special stones; there may also have once been bright pigment on it. Sican elites were patrons of workshops that made fine metal objects like this one, and they took their wealth with them when they died. Buried in mounds, they would be entombed in high style.

Provenance: ex collection of a prominent doctor, Ft. Myers, Florida, USA, acquired before 1980

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#123599

Piece is fragile, with some tears and losses. Top of one "feather" is lost and one side of the band is also partially lost. Extensive encrusted grey-green patina. Some small areas of gilding remain.