Ceremonial Bowl with a Spondylus Scene

1300–1470 CE
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
The base of this silver bowl features a central figure with a crescent headdress. The small three-pronged shape just below its right hand represents a Spondylus shell, as do the designs around the rim. Three larger figures hold cords connected to Spondylus divers.



La base del cuenco de plata es una figura central con un tocado en forma de media luna. La forma con tres dientes afilados que se encuentra en la parte inferior representa una concha Spondylus, así como también lo hacen los diseños en los bordes. Otras tres figuras, más grandes, sujetan cuerdas conectadas con los buzos que van en búsqueda de Spondylus.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Ceremonial Bowl with a Spondylus Scene
  • Date: 1300–1470 CE
  • Geography: Peru, North Coast (possibly Chan Chan)
  • Culture: Chimú
  • Medium: Silver
  • Dimensions: H. 3 1/4 × Diam. 4 5/8 in. (8.3 × 11.7 cm)
  • Classification: Metalwork-Vessels
  • Credit Line: Museo Larco, Lima, Peru (ML100754)
  • Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing