Shamans, Supernaturals & Animal Spirits: Mythic Figures From the Ancient Andes

279
Adornment for a Feathered Crown or Headdress
Warrior in Conical Helmet
Chimú culture
AD 1300-1476
Cut and glued macaw and parrot feathers
3½" x 2"
Literature
de Lavalle 1988, 246.
280
Adornments for a Feathered Crown or Headdress
Stylized Faces
Chancay culture
AD 1300-1476
Cut and glued macaw and parrot feathers
3" x 1"
Brilliantly iridescent tunics, tabards, headdresses, ear spools
and other regalia adorned with featherwork designs were
among the most luxurious and prestigious items of dress
created for the Chimor and Chancay elite.
These tiny mosaic faces, executed with finely cut, multicolored
feathers, probably once topped elaborate plumed headdresses
or crowns placed over the "false heads" of important mummy
bundles. Feathered crests were also affixed to the large ceramic
male and female effigies for which the Chancay culture is
famous.
The two vibrant figurative ornaments in cat. 280 were possibly
originally attached to the same object, but their distinct colors
and features (rounded or square eyes and mouth) yield a variety
of facial expressions, which are generally absent from the static
visages common to Chancay figuration. The Chimú head
(above) wears a distinctive type of conical helmet, possibly
associated with warriors.
255