Armband Depicting Horse and Rider with Animals after 16

This Inca gold armband, now at The Art Institute of Chicago, is a beautiful example of ancient Andean metalwork. The intricate repoussé design, a technique where the metal is hammered from the back to create a raised image, features a procession of mythical creatures and a horse and rider. This type of armband was likely worn by a high-ranking official as a symbol of status and power. The gold, a precious metal that held great significance in Inca culture, reinforces the importance of this artifact.