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Data
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This information was automatically generated from data provided by MOA: University of British Columbia. It has been standardized to aid in finding and grouping information within the RRN. Accuracy and meaning should be verified from the Data Source tab.

Description

A conical metal shaft with a bulbous feline head. The head has rounded ears, incised circular eyes and a grimacing mouth with teeth and triangular fangs. There is a hole through the shaft 1 cm from the head. The gilded layer is particularly thick and distinct from the brown metal base.

History Of Use

In Pre-Columbian Peru pins were most frequently used as closures on women's mantas. The shaft on this pin is somewhat thicker than the shafts on Inca Period tupus or pins (Bingham).

Iconographic Meaning

The crossed fangs are interpreted as a feline attribute in Peruvian art.

Narrative

The thickness of the gild surface suggests a layer of gold leaf was applied, a technique not used in pre-Conquest Peru; therefore it's probably Colonial, after 1532.