A rare Inca Silver Corn Figurine, Inca Empire, ca. 1400 - 1533 CE

This fine silver figurine possibly depicts a corn deity or a figure associated with a corn ceremony, a plant considered sacred to the Incas. As is frequently found with such figurines, the head is disproportionately large for the body with exaggerated facial features; the wide, staring, almond-shaped eyes gaze impassively at the viewer above a broad nose and a mouth that consists of an expressionless incised line. The figure is frontally oriented and stands rigidly, the legs separated slightly with her arms outstretched and holding a kero, a beaker used for the ceremonial drinking of chicha (corn beer). As the figure wears ear spools, and both a headdress and cloak represent ears of corn, it is possible it was included as part of the Inca ritual performance of Capac Hucha, a Quecha term meaning ‘royal obligation’.

According to 16th-century Spanish chroniclers, Capac Hucha involved annual celebrations in Cusco where prophecies were given for the coming year as well as sacrificial offerings of llamas, maize, and children, whether as a dedication to the Sun or for particular royal events, including the Sapa Inca’s death. As part of this performance, in some cases, juveniles were ritually married in Cuzco and then sent on processions to points as far north and south as Isla de la Plata in Ecuador and Cerro El Plomo in Chile, respectively, where they were sacrificed and buried, wearing textiles, and accompanied by dressed metal and Spondylus spp. shell figurines, ceramic vessels, and other shell and metalwork. The motivation of the Capac Hucha was to commemorate particular royal events and to mark the expansion of the Inca Empire.

Condition:  Wear to the figure that does not detract, otherwise intact and in very good condition overall.

Dimensions: Height: 1 inch (2.5 cm)