16th century, after 1532
Inca Probably vicinity of Cuzco, Peru
Peru
[This] flat sheet of gold ornament...demonstrate(s) the continuity of style and technique in the goldwork of Peru. The piece is important because it can be dated by the representation of a Spaniard in armor, seated on a horse, as having been made just at the time of the conquest. The artist indicated his unfamiliarited with a horse by portraying it with the cloven hooves of a llama. The feline, monkey, and bird motifs, all of which ad been used from the time of the Chavin horizon, are depicted with more assurance.
Gold