Finial Possibly 1100 - 1470

This bronze finial, standing at 4 1/2 inches tall, was crafted by the Chimú people who lived in what is now Peru. The Chimú civilization, flourishing from around 900 to 1470 AD, was known for its sophisticated metalworking, and this piece is an exquisite example of their skill. The finial depicts a bird perched atop a cylindrical base. Birds often held symbolic importance in Chimú culture, and this piece likely adorned an important object, perhaps used in religious rituals or to signify social status. Consider how the finial reflects the Chimú’s deep connection to their environment and belief systems. As you look at it, try to imagine the hands that shaped this bronze, and the world in which it held meaning. It serves as a reminder of the complex societies that thrived in the Americas long before European contact.