A Huari Sheet Silver Pendant, ca. 700 - 1000 CE

A stylized silver idol pendant with conical headdress, the arms bent and hands placed above the wide collar, with good definition of facial features; a suspension loop at the top of the headdress.  In ancient Peru gold and silver were accorded equal importance, while weavings and seashells such as Spondylus enjoyed equal prestige.  The attire of the leaders of ancient Peru was composed of a number of metal decorative elements made from gold, silver, copper and alloys. In nature, during the height of the Chimú Empire, from the 12th to the 15th century, that such exploitation reached its greatest level of technological sophistication.  Silver is not easily found in its pure metallic state, and great skill and technical knowledge are required for its processing.  Dimensions:  Height: 1 3/4 inches (4.4 cm) Condition:  Intact and in excellent condition overall.  Provenance:  Hirsch Collection, Germany, thereafter private Canadian collection acquired from the trade in 2010.