This commemorative plate of Peruvian manufacture attests to a lively nineteenth-century revival of interest in the culture's colonial history—a phenomenon that paralleled a growing North American fascination wIth the indigenous cultures of Central and South America. Set within the formal coat of arms are portraits of the last Inca emperor Atahuallpa (on the left) and the Spaniard Don Francisco Pizarro, who led the conquest of Atahuallpa's Peru from 1532 to 1541. The inscription pays homage only to the conqueror, however, suggesting the degree to which the Spanish Invasion was accepted as an illustrious period in history even in the nineteenth century era of Peruvian independence.
Catalogue Description:
Large silver basin made as a memorial to Francisco Pizarro. In the center is a coat of arms showing: Atahuallpa, the last Incan emperor (upper left), Pizarro (upper right), lion (lower left), tower (lower right). On the scalloped rim is an inscription in Spanish. There are ring handles in the form of clasped hands at each side.
Condition: Good, see conservation report on file. Care should be taken in handling the object since the metal is severely distressed, especially in the central part. Evidence of old repairs inside and soldering of handles.
