Excavations at the so-called Gallery of Elite Craftmen have yielded a significant assemblage of personal adornment items within funerary contexts. These archaeological discoveries attest to the quantity and variety of the ornaments, emblems, and clothing the high-ranking individuals owned and used to celebrate various ceremonies that befitted their rank. Upon death, these goods constituted part of the grave goods accompanying the deceased on their journey to the afterlife, where, according to the ancient Andean beliefs, they would continue to serve the same purposes.
The investigations at Castillo de Huarmey unearthed an impressive collection of prestigious Wari metal objects. Gold, silver, and copper, along with their alloys, were employed in various combinations. Among the most outstanding artifacts is a gold plume, distinguished by its intricate design and craftsmanship. The decoration was likely produced using a carved wooden matrix with the intended design, over which a metal sheet was placed, with the design being transferred using repoussé tools. This piece depicts a profile figure, featuring an almond-shaped eye from which a tear-like motif with circular bumps emanates. The pin-like configuration suggests that this adornment was affixed to clothing, possibly within a crown or headdress.
Roberto Pimentel Nita