Copper Face Ornament with Dangles
Unknown Artist
3rd century BCE–2nd century CE
Medium
Copper, gilt
Dimensions
Height 3-15/16 in. (10 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
1987.394.252
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite Copper Face Ornament with Dangles hails from the Vicús culture of ancient Peru's north coast, dating to the 3rd century BCE to2nd century CE. just under 4 inches (10 cm) tall, delicate metal piece likely adorned the face or forehead of an elite individual, its dangling elements swaying with movement to create a mesmerizing effect. The Vicús people, known for their early mastery of metallurgy in the Andes, crafted such ornaments as symbols of status and spiritual power during a time of vibrant regional trade and ritual practices. Forged from copper and enhanced with gilding—a te...