The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of April 16, 2024

Llama Figurine

Llama Figurine

1400–1532
(1400-1532)
hammered gold
Overall: 5.2 cm (2 1/16 in.)
Gift of W. J. Gordon 1955.374
Location: 232 Andean

Description

Precious metal was a major Inka artistic medium, but most was melted down after the conquest to fund the Spanish court. The sole remains are small-scale objects from tombs and offerings. Figurines in gold, like this one, have been found at shrines on sacred mountain peaks, where they accompanied child sacrifices in offerings made during times of crisis, such as famine.
  • Treasures of Peruvian Gold. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (February 23-April 3, 1966).
    Cleveland, OH: The Cleveland Museum of Art; February 23-April 3, 1966. "Treasures of Peruvian Gold."
    Juxtapositions. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (September 11-October 10, 1965).
    Cleveland, OH: The Cleveland Museum of Art; June 8-September 4, 1956. "Monumental Sculpture in Miniature."
    Dallas, TX: Neiman-Marcus Co.; October 19-31, 1959. "South American Fortnight."
  • {{cite web|title=Llama Figurine|url=false|author=|year=1400–1532|access-date=16 April 2024|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1955.374