Collection
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Arts of the Americas

Neckpiece, Fragment

Chimú

Brooklyn Museum photograph

Object Label

This elaborate, multi-strand necklace of beads carved from turquoise, Spondylus shells, and clamshells was likely a luxury item worn by elite members of Chimú society. The administrative capital city of Chan Chan was also a center of trade and craft production. Spondylus shells came from warmer Pacific waters farther north, but we do not know the source for the turquoise used by ancient Andean artisans. Perhaps it was traded from distant mines in what are now Chile, Bolivia, and Argentina.

Caption

Chimú. Neckpiece, Fragment, 1000–1532. Spondylous and clam shell beads, turquoise beads, cotton., 7 7/8 x 7 1/2in. (20 x 19cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of the Ernest Erickson Foundation, Inc., 86.224.181. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)

Gallery

Not on view

Culture

Chimú

Title

Neckpiece, Fragment

Date

1000–1532

Period

Late Intermediate or Late Horizon

Medium

Spondylous and clam shell beads, turquoise beads, cotton.

Classification

Ornament

Dimensions

7 7/8 x 7 1/2in. (20 x 19cm)

Credit Line

Gift of the Ernest Erickson Foundation, Inc.

Accession Number

86.224.181

Frequent Art Questions

  • Tell me more.

    The Chimú neck ornament is made from Spondylous shell, clam shell, and turquoise beads. Because of the rarity of the materials, it was likely worn by a person of high social rank in Chimú society.

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Artists and makers

Chimú

299 works in the collection