Square Plaque
Unknown Artist
3rd century BCE–2nd century CE
Medium
Copper (hammered), gilt
Dimensions
Height 3 in. (7.6 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
1987.394.520
Art Historical Context
This delicate **Square Plaque** from the Vicús culture of ancient Peru (3rd century BCE–2nd century CE) exemplifies the mastery of early Andean metalworking. Crafted by an unknown artist, the small ornament—measuring just 3 inches (7.6 cm) high—likely served as a personal adornment, such as a pectoral or ear ornament, reflecting the Vicús people's status and spiritual beliefs in the fertile Piura Valley region. Hammered from copper and then gilded, the plaque showcases sophisticated techniques like repoussé (hammering from the reverse to create raised designs) and gilding, which fused a thin ...