Description

The Pre-Columbian Andes has a rich metallurgical tradition that was distinct from that of Europe. Instead of using metal primarily for tools and weapons, Andean metal workers focused on ornaments, vessels, and other items that were often ritually important and markers of high status. They paid particular attention to the colour and lustre of objects, often experimenting with different kinds of bronze alloys after 600 AD. This staff head, however, is likely made from just copper and could date to earlier in the first millennium AD.  As still seen in the region today, staff were symbols of power and were often capped by a figure like this bird.