Earflare Frontal
Ear ornaments with wide decorated frontals were fashionable on Peru's northern coast from Moche times on. During the ensuing Chimu era, the decoration on the frontals became complex and detailed. This example shows a frontal human figure in a central medallion; the two birds above its head stand on a serpent bar. The spiky motifs between the birds depict spondylus shells; this marine bivale was of great ritual importance in the ancient Andes.
Artwork Details
- Title: Earflare Frontal
- Date: 12th–15th century
- Geography: Peru
- Culture: Chimú
- Medium: Gold
- Dimensions: D. 3/8 × Diam. 4 1/8 in. (1 × 10.5 cm)
- Classification: Metal-Ornaments
- Credit Line: The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Bequest of Nelson A. Rockefeller, 1979
- Object Number: 1979.206.719
- Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing
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Moche artist(s)
400–700 CE
Moche artist(s)
400–700 CE
Lambayeque (Sicán) artist(s)
900–1100 CE
Moche artist(s)
500–850 CE
Moche artist(s)
200–900 CE
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