Chimú Gilt Copper Shawl Pin (Tupu) with Birds Parthian The Incas and Their Ancestors

The Incas and Their Ancestors : The Archaeology of Peru

sharing their tapered silhouette and refined finish

were primarily used for religious and ceremonial purposes

This compelling example—closely aligned with the Kasongo style—stands upright with long tubular arms extending downward

much of the original coloration has been preserved

Chimú Gilt Copper Shawl Pin (Tupu) with Birds Parthian The Incas and Their AncestorsPre Columbian Era, Chim Culture, c. 8001470 AD, Moche Valley, Trujillo, Peru This absolutely magnificent and rare gilded copper tupu is an exceptional example of Chim craftsmanship. The pin features three intricately designed birds, joined together to form the finial or head of the tupu. Each bird is beautifully detailed, with a long pointed beak, circular eyes, and feathered bodies and wings. The flat tails of the birds point slightly downward and