Feline Figurine Possibly 250 - 550

This small, solid gold figurine of a feline, likely a jaguar, is a prime example of the artistry and craftsmanship of the Moche culture, who flourished in ancient Peru between 250 and 550 CE. The detailed rendering of the animal's features, particularly the spots and the curled tail, speaks to the Moche’s close observation of nature and their skilled use of precious metals. This figurine, now housed at The Art Institute of Chicago, is a testament to the Moche's artistic achievements and their reverence for the jaguar, a powerful symbol in their mythology.