Peru (Northern Coast)

Feline-Serpentine Gold Ear Ornaments of the Cupisnique-Chavín Culture

2939

Date: Created circa 800–550 BCE, during the Initial Period / Early Horizon transition in Andean prehistory. Period: Cupisnique / Early Chavin Culture Period (Northern Coast of Peru).

Elite Regalia and Status Marker: Worn by high-ranking priests, shamans, or political rulers during sacred rituals to project divine authority and supernatural status. Shamanic Transformation Amulet: Acted as a spiritual protective medium. The shimmering gold reflected solar and lunar energy, while the feline-avian imagery symbolized the shaman's ability to undergo spiritual transformation into powerful apex predators.