Earflare

Unknown

9th–11th century · Gold, turquoise · Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas

The religious-funerary precinct of Batan Grande, the presumed center of the Sican kingdom, comprised many stepped pyramids and temples built on platforms. Archaeologists recently excavated a temple platform, Huaca Loro, where, almost forty feet below the ground, they found the tomb of a mighty Sican lord laid to rest with all the trappings of his power and wealth. His face was covered by a sheet-gold mask painted with bright red cinnabar. It had earspools with filigree work similar to these attached to its "ears."

Artist

Unknown

Date

9th–11th century

Medium

Gold, turquoise

Culture

Lambayeque (Sicán)

Department

Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas

Credit line

Gift and Bequest of Alice K. Bache, 1966, 1977