Sican Gold Janiform Beaker - PF.1196, Origin: Peru, Circa: 850 AD to 1100 AD, Dimensions: 4" (10.2cm) high, Catalogue: V6, Collection: Pre-Columbian, Style: Sican, Medium: Gold. Fabulous golden treasures were buried in the tombs of the Sican lords along the La Leche river in Peru. Beakers like this probably served a ritual function during the liftime of the Sican nobility, and were then placed in the tombs to accompany their owners through eternity. Looking at the proud, artistocratic features of the Janus-like pair on this vessel, we can easily understand the individuals for whom such radiant objects were created. The beaker exudes a powerful air of magic, the regal confidence of a people very sure of their elevated place in the cosmos.

Antiquities
Ancient South America