Round Plaque
Unknown Artist
3rd century BCE–2nd century CE
Medium
Copper (hammered), gilt
Dimensions
Diameter 2-3/8 in. (6.1 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
1987.394.509
Art Historical Context
This exquisite Round Plaque, crafted by an unknown Vicús artist between the 3rd century and 2nd century, hails from the ancient Vicús culture of Peru's north coast. Flourishing in the Piura region during's Early Intermediate Period, the Vicús people were renowned for their sophisticated metallurgy, blending functionality with spiritual symbolism in everyday and ritual objects. At just 2-3/8 inches (6.1 cm) in diameter, this small copper ornament likely adorned jewelry, clothing, or ceremonial items, reflecting the culture's mastery of portable, precious artifacts. Hammered from thin copper sh...