Fragment of a Band with Raised Relief Depicting Felines and Fish c. 1000 - 1470

This fragment of a band with raised relief depicting felines and fish was created by the Chimú people of ancient Peru. It’s fashioned from a humble metal, but the images are anything but simple. The Chimú civilization, which flourished from around 900 to 1470 AD, left behind a legacy deeply intertwined with their environment. Living along the arid coast, they ingeniously mastered irrigation to sustain agriculture, and their art often reflects this close relationship with the natural world. Notice the stylized felines and fish which may have held symbolic importance, possibly representing power, fertility, or the interconnectedness of life. While the exact meaning of these motifs remains open to interpretation, the craftsmanship speaks volumes about Chimú artistry and their sophisticated understanding of metallurgy. Though small, this fragment offers a glimpse into a complex society, inviting us to contemplate the stories they wished to tell and how their environment shaped their cultural identity.