Inca gold statue, female

Made:
1401-1600 in Peru
maker:
Inca people
Gold statue

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Gold statue
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Gold statue, depicting a female with long hair and her hands resting on her chest, Inca. Gold is a yellow precious metal that has always been one of the most valued materials. Not only is it rare, but it can be exposed to the atmosphere for a long time without tarnishing, and can be repeatedly melted without much loss in weight. Gold, and to a lesser extent silver, were coveted for their monetary value and the possession of these metals was a measure of wealth. Gold jewellery and artefacts have been made for more than 6000 years.

Details

Category:
Ethnography and Folk Medicine
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A642254
Materials:
gold
type:
statue