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Golden Monkey Head
gold, copper, gemstones
c. 100-400 CE
Moche (Mochica) culture
Peru

#handmade #gold #copper #chrysocolla #sodalite #turquoise #shell #mokeyhead #cabezademono #moche #mochica #culture #peru #precolumbian #ancientart #art #bead #pendant #ancientjewelry #wearableart #prehhispanic
A famous ancient pre-Columbian artifact known as the Moche Golden Monkey Head (or Cabeza de Mono). It is an exceptional masterpiece of metallurgy crafted by the Moche civilization (also called Mochica) of northern Peru, dating to approximately 100- 400 AD. Type & Function: Rather than a mask, this object is a large necklace pendant bead designed to be strung with other elaborate jewelry. Dimensions: It is relatively small, measuring approximately 1¾ inches high by 2¼ inches wide. Materials: It is finely modeled from gold and copper alloy (tumbaga). The eyes are made of green chrysocolla and shell, the nose is crafted from blue sodalite (or lapis lazuli), and traces of turquoise remain inside the mouth. Interactive Design: The bead features an open mouth with visible teeth and a tongue. Inside the hollow structure is a small metallic ball that creates a rattling sound when moved. In the Moche religion and worldview, forest animals like the capuchin monkey were highly revered. They were believed to occupy a transitional or intermediate space between the human realm and sacred spirits. Elaborate funerary jewelry like this bead was reserved exclusively for the elite ruling class and nobility to demonstrate their divine authority and wealth.
September 7, 2026 at 3:05 PM