Pair of Ear Spools Possibly 1100 - 1470

These are a pair of ear spools fashioned by the Chimú people out of metal, and displayed at the Art Institute of Chicago. Notice how the circular form dominates, structured with concentric bands of geometric patterns. Each band, made with repeated shapes such as triangles and circles, frames a central square. The patina of the metal gives it a tactile quality, inviting us to consider the craftsmanship. This piece operates as more than mere adornment. The formal arrangement suggests a structured cosmology where the square and circle, potent symbols, might represent the earth and the cosmos, mirroring the Chimú worldview. The very act of wearing such a piece transforms the wearer, embedding them within a structured universe. Ultimately, the visual harmony of these forms invites ongoing interpretation and reflection on the cultural and philosophical values they embody.