These figurines are claimed to derive from a cache of offerings found on the southern coast of Peru. These miniature camelid figurines, which are composed of marine Spondylus shell, stand out as popular offerings created and used by Inca populations during the Late Horizon (1400-1532 CE). Cached along with objects of north coast design, the camelid figurines appear to demonstrate the movement of peoples and material goods during the Late Horizon, perhaps under Inca imperial rule.

Adapted from

Kimberly L. Jones, PhD, Inca: Conquests of the Andes / Los Incas y las conquistas de los Andes, Label text [1972.23.2.McD; 1972.23.1.McD; 1972.23.4.1.McD; 1972.23.4.2.McD; 1972.23.5.1.McD; 1972.23.5.2.McD], 2015.

• The cache of offerings found on the southern coast of Peru included a number of works in the DMA’s collections, a ceremonial rod (1972.23.2.McD), a featherwork neckpiece (1972.23.1.McD), a pair of coca spoons with bird and animal finials (1972.23.4.1.McD; 1972.23.4.2.McD), a pair of miniature camelid figurines (1972.23.5.1.McD; 1972.23.5.2.McD), and a set of small spoons with bird finial (1972.23.3.1.McD; 1972.23.3.2.McD).