Art Institute of Chicago

Collar

Metalworker unknown (Chimú)

Date

1200–1470

Medium

Gold alloy

Culture

Peruvian North Coast

Department

Arts of the Americas

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

A leader from the kingdom of Chimor might have worn this golden collar, or pectoral, directly on their chest, or it may have been attached to a larger fabric garment that has since deteriorated. Each plaque was hammered with the motif of a seabird in relief, evoking the coastal setting of Chimor in modern-day Peru. Chimú sovereigns, who ruled the kingdom of Chimor from their capital at Chan Chan, amassed staggering amounts of wealth, especially in precious metals. Here, the dangling spangles demonstrate the opulence—and even ostentation—that Chimú rulers enthusiastically embraced.

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