Figure Item Number: Sf538 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
A solid cast sculpture of a miniature female in standing position with hands clasped on her breasts. The disproportionately large head has long, carefully dressed hair which ends in tassels. Digits, genitalia and facial features are rendered in the casting.
History Of Use
Both cast and hollow figurines of males and females occur and can be made of gold, silver or bronze. From well preserved examples (Emmerich), it appears that originally the figures may have been clothed in miniature versions of the garments worn by Inca aristocracy. Some figurines were interred in burials, like the clothed example from the mountain top interment on Cerro el Plomo, Chile.
Narrative
Inca Style, Late Horizon; 1476- 1532 C.E.
Iconographic Meaning
Emmerich suggests the tiny figurines played a part in ancestor worship, like the larger 'pucarinas' who represent the founders of the clan.
Item History
What
- Name
- Figure
- Identification Number
- Sf538
- Type of Item
- figure
- Material
- bronze metal
- Manufacturing Technique
- lost wax cast
- Overall
- height 3.2 cm, width 1.0 cm, depth 1.1 cm
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Peru
When
- Creation Date
- between 1476 and 1532
- Collection Date
- between 1949 and 1966
- Ownership Date
- before May 4, 1981
- Acquisition Date
- on May 4, 1981
Other
- Item Classes
- metalwork; carvings & sculpture
- Condition
- poor
- Accession Number
- 0711/0041