Ceremonial earrings; Moche Culture, Peru, 400-700 AD.

Ceremonial earrings; Moche Culture, Peru, 400-700 AD.
Copper and lapis lazuli.
Measurements: 8 cm (diameters, x2).
Circular earrings of copper and lapis lazuli with decoration of lines in whose interior is placed the schematized figure of a jaguar. The jaguar is the largest feline in America, so its figure has become a symbol of strength and masculinity that can be extrapolated to mythical aspects of it. The abilities of this animal were interpreted supernaturally. Thus, the image of the jaguar was associated with magical and religious rites and ceremonies.
The Mochica is an archaeological culture developed along the northern coast of Peru, having as its capital the territory that today is called Huacas del Sol y de la Luna. The Moches were great architects and masters in goldsmithing, and developed an advanced irrigation system. Their ceramic production was especially rich and creative, and through it the Moches portrayed daily life and their religious beliefs. In fact, theirs is considered the best quality pottery of all ancient pre-Columbian cultures. The pieces were made of red clay or, exceptionally, orange or black smoke, generally molded, which allowed for mass production and a wide iconographic range.