An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Plaquec. 500–200 BCE
These plaques showing a powerful Chavín deity may come from a group of gold objects found in a lavish tomb in the 1920s. One is shaped as the deity’s fanged head, its fur transformed into sixteen serpents that edge the plaque. On the other, the deity’s visually elusive body also appears: the clawed hands over the chest may clutch a horizontal staff, an emblem of authority; across the waist is a belt that sprouts serpents; and beneath are the legs and feet, which stand atop fanged masks.
Hammered gold ornaments have been produced in the Andes since 1500 BCE.
hammered and cut gold
Overall: 12.5 x 13.8 cm (4 15/16 x 5 7/16 in.)
Dudley P. Allen Fund
In the quiet corners of history, where whispers of ancient civilizations linger, we find a glimpse into a time long gone—a time where the sacred and the powerful coexisted under the watchful eyes of deities. Imagine a tomb, lavishly adorned, unearthed in the 1920s. It was a treasure trove, cradling gold artifacts that spoke of a civilization's reverence for its gods and the mysteries of the cosmos.
Among these treasures were remarkable plaques, each telling a tale of strength and mystique, each a portal into the Chavín culture. One plaque captured the fierce visage of a deity, its fanged head emerging from the surface like a guardian of secrets. From its fur sprouted not one but sixteen serpents, sinuous and alive, curling around the edges, reminding us of the intertwining of life and death, fear and reverence.
But the allure of this entity did not end there. The second plaque unveiled the deity in a form that challenged perception—a body both present and elusive. With clawed hands clasped over its chest, it seemed to clutch a horizontal staff, an emblem of authority and the weight of divine rule. A belt encircled its waist, gushing forth serpents that whispered of wisdom and the natural order of existence. Beneath this powerful figure, two legs emerged, grounded firmly atop fanged masks—a striking reminder of the thin veil between the sacred and the earthly realm.
These artifacts, drenched in history and enigma, serve as a powerful connection to a time when humans sought meaning in the divine, their stories carved in gold and serpents, echoing through the ages. Each plaque not only displays raw artistry but also holds within it the essence of ancient beliefs—a dance between fear and awe, life and death. In gazing upon them, we are invited to ponder our own place within the tapestry of existence, reflecting on the stories we weave and the legacies we leave behind.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
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