Beaker
10th–11th century
Medium
Gold
Dimensions
H. 6 × W. 4 1/4 × D. 4 in. (15.2 × 10.8 × 10.2 cm)
Classification
Metal-Containers
Culture
Lambayeque (Sicán)
Department
Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Jan Mitchell and Sons Collection, Gift of Jan Mitchell, 1991
Accession Number
1991.419.63
Art Historical Context
This exquisite gold beaker, crafted by Lambayeque (Sic) artists in Peru's northern coast during the 10th11th century, exemplifies pinnacle of pre-Columb metallurgy. The Sicán culture, flourishing after the decline of the Moche, was renowned for its mastery of goldworking, transforming the precious metal into symbols of elite status and spiritual power. Measuring just 6 inches tall, this vessel's elegant, slightly flared form suggests it served as a ceremonial drinking cup, likely used in rituals honoring deities or ancestors. Gold held profound cultural significance for the Sicán, representin...