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Miniature human and animal figurines were often deposited as offerings, which sometimes accompanied human burials or sacrifices. The male and female figurines were composed of high-value gold, silver, or Spondylus shell. The female hair is often tied behind the back while the males bear distinguishing headdresses. This male figure wears a distinctive headdress and also exhibits a bulge in the right cheek, which suggests the chewing of a coca quid.

Examples found archaeologically are often associated with sacrifices of male and female juveniles preserved at high-altitude sites through a ritual known as capacocha (qhapac hucha). The figurines are clothed in miniature elite Inca textiles, such as feather headdresses, mantles, and dresses with miniature metal pins (tupu). The small-scale clothing may closely parallel that worn by the juveniles themselves.

Details

  • Title: Seated man
  • Date Created: 1400–1540
  • Physical Dimensions: 1 1/4 × 3/4 × 5/8 in. (3.18 × 1.91 × 1.59 cm)
  • Type: Sculpture
  • External Link: https://www.dma.org/object/artwork/4258061/
  • Medium: Silver
  • period: Late Horizon
  • culture: Inca (Inka)
  • Credit Line: Dallas Museum of Art, collection of Andrew D. Christensen, gift of J.D. Christensen

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