How Moche artisans crafted a masterpiece of metalwork centuries before the Inca empire
In short: This digital reconstruction reveals the intricate construction of a Moche shield featuring an owl figure. By examining this artifact, we gain insight into the sophisticated metalworking techniques developed in the Piura region of Peru during the first millennium CE.
The shield, dated between 500 and 800 CE, showcases the technical prowess of Moche metalsmiths. It is composed of gilded and silvered copper, accented with shell, beads, and fibers. Measuring approximately 10.5 by 10.5 inches, the object demonstrates a mastery of materials that predates the rise of the Inca civilization by centuries.
The digital project, led by curators and conservators at The Met, highlights how the shield's design conveys a sense of movement. This reconstruction provides a modern lens through which to appreciate the artistic and technical legacy of ancient Andean cultures.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Gilded Predator: A Digital Reconstruction
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