
Collection Online as of January 22, 2021
Hammered and embossed gold-copper alloy
Dudley P. Allen Fund 1938.432
not on view
Gold ornaments have been discovered among the innermost wrappings of Paracas mummy-bundles, and were probably personal possessions of the deceased. The embossed image in the center of each ornament is a deity face, characterized by protruding eyes and a grinning, toothy mouth. Snakelike appendages emanate from the face. Figures embroidered on Paracas garments are frequently depicted with similarly shaped ornaments, either worn above the forehead or brandished in one hand.