The Wari were exceptional metalworkers, demonstrating advanced and sophisticated metallurgy. In ancient Peru, a person’s status was often reflected in the size and use of their ear ornaments: the larger they were, the more significant the individual. Here is an extraordinary ear ornament discovered at Castillo de Huarmey crafted from gold, silver, and turquoise. The vibrant green semiprecious stone was adhered to the metal surface using dark resin. The tubular silver stem, designed to fit through the earlobe, is quite big, with a diameter of about one inch. The front of the ear ornament is notably heavy due to the extensive use of gold and inlaid stones.
Bands were likely used, either positioned at the back of the neck or attached to a headdress, to keep these ear ornaments in place and to help alleviate some of the weight on the ear. As such, these ornaments were not meant for everyday wear but were reserved for ceremonial occasions and special festivities. High-ranking individuals with numerous responsibilities might have worn them more frequently than one might expect.
Roberto Pimentel Nita