Bird Plaque Ornament
Unknown Artist
3rd century BCE–2nd century CE
Medium
Copper, gilt
Dimensions
H. 2 x W. 2 in. (5 x 5 cm)
Classification
Metal-Ornaments
Culture
Vicús
Department
Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Bequest of Jane Costello Goldberg, from the Collection of Arnold I. Goldberg, 1986
Accession Number
1987.394.395
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite Bird Plaque Ornament crafted by an unknown Vicús artist between the 3rd century and 2nd century, exemplifies the masterful metalworking of ancient Peru's northern coast. Measuring just 2 x 2 inches (5 x 5 cm), this copper plaque, enhanced with gilding—a technique that applied a thin layer of gold to mimic the luster of solid precious metal—likely served as a decorative pin, ear ornament, or garment attachment. The bird motif, a recurring symbol in Vicús art, may evoke spiritual or natural themes central to their worldview, rendered with fine detail on the diminutive surface. Ha...