#Chimuan

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Feathered Tunic made by the Chimú people of the Kingdom of Chimor (modern-day Peru) (circa 1470-1532)

The knee-length, sleeveless garment is composed of a plain-weave cotton cloth completely concealed by thousands of brightly coloured feathers. These coveted plumes were taken from macaws, parrots, toucans, cotingas, and tanagers from the tropical forests of South America. Because they were transported across the treacherous peaks of the Andes, the feathers were extremely rare and valuable and would only have been available to the most elite members of pre-Hispanic society. Thus, the feathered tunic—with its stylised felines, birds, and fish—would have been a sumptuous emblem of power, wealth, and prestige. Like many other pre-Hispanic textiles, it was buried with its owner in a subterranean tomb on the southern coast of Peru. The dark and arid conditions in these tombs protected the tunic, thereby allowing its vibrant colours and bold motifs to endure.

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Cup in the Form of a Figure Holding Enlarged Penis made by the Chimú people of the Kingdom of Chimor (modern-day Peru) (circa 1100-1470)

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Wall Decorations within the Nik An Citadel in Chan Chan, La Libertad, Peru

The precolonial city of Chan Chan was founded by the Chimú people of ancient Peru sometime around 850 AD. It soon became the capital city of their territory, the Kingdom of Chimor. In 1470, they were conquered by the Inca Empire and by that time Chan Chan had become the largest city in South America. It was constructed entirely from adobe mud and had ten citadels/palaces with walls that featured intricate designs and carvings.

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Loincloth Panel made by the Chimú people of the Kingdom of Chimor (modern-day Peru) (circa 1250-1470)

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Fragment of a Loincloth made by the Chimú people of the Kingdom of Chimor (modern-day Peru) (circa 1250-1470)

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Ceremonial Knife (Tumi) made by the Chimú people of the Kingdom of Chimor (modern-day Peru) (circa 1100-1470)

Naymlap, the heroic founder-coloniser of the Lambayque Valley on the north coast of Peru, is thought to be the legendary figure represented on the top of this striking gold tumi (ceremonial knife). It would have been carried by dynastic rulers during state ceremonies. Here Naymlap stands with his arms to his abdomen and his feet splayed outward. His gold headdress has an elaborate open filigree design. Turquoise—for the peoples of ancient Peru, a precious gem related to the worship of water and sky—is inlaid around the headdress cap and in the ear ornaments.

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Breastplate made by the Chimú people of the Kingdom of Chimor (modern-day Peru) (circa 1000-1470)

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Stirrup Spout Vessel Depicting Erotic Scene made by the Chimú people of the Kingdom of Chimor (modern-day Peru) (circa 1100-1470)

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Loincloth Panel made by the Chimú people of the Kingdom of Chimor (modern-day Peru) (circa 1250-1470)

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Tunic Fragment made by the Chimú people of the Kingdom of Chimor (modern-day Peru) (circa 1470-1532)

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Fragment of a Loincloth made by the Chimú people of the Kingdom of Chimor (modern-day Peru) (circa 1250-1470)