The piece is a ceramic reproduction of the Known "Plaque of Echenique" which is a chest ornament made of gold, silver and copper alloy and about 5.3 inches in diameter, is thought to originate from Cusco, Peru, sometime in the last 3,000 years. The exact origins and purpose of this chest ornament remain a mystery. Thought to date from 800 B.C. to A.D. 1, various scholars through the years have speculated that its design contains icons that could include everything from a lunar calendar or zodiac, to spirits of Andean plants and flowers around its border, to the face of a “feline sun deity” at its center. The original gold piece exhibited in several museums has some perforations that suggest that they were intended to allow it to be hung around the neck by means of ropes or straps, is considered the maximum symbol of power that survived the thirst for gold of the Spanish conquerors, and at the same time would be a jewel that would represent and concentrate all the power of the Incas. It is considered that the today called "Plaque of Echenique" was carried on the chest by the sovereign of Tahuantinsuyo, as a symbol of being the authentic "son of the Sun" According to the chroniclers, when the first conquerors arrived at the capital of the Empire, they found among the fabulous treasures of the mythical Koricancha Temple, the lavish replica of the "Intip Inti" an immense solid gold sun, on the front of the temple; The chroniclers tell us that this fabulous reply fell to Mancio Sierra de Leguízamo in the distribution of the loot from Cusco; Pizarro himself arranged for such a magnificent medal to be given to him. The soldier, an inveterate gambler, lost it on the same night, betting it. It is not known why he received it. Likewise, what happened to it is unknown, it is believed that it was melted.
- Material: Ceramic, Ideal to decorate different areas of your home or studio.
- Dimensions: 7" Diameter Weight: 1lb 0.5oz
- Imported. Made by Peruvian Artisans.