Stirrup-spout bottle with palace scene

Made of pieces of silver sheet that were cut, embossed, and soldered together, this bottle evokes an architectural structure within a palace at Chan Chan, the Chimú capital. A central figure with a conical headdress and large ear ornaments is seated within a nichelike space, flanked by two figures, one wearing similar attire and the other bearing what may be a sack over his shoulders. The scene is repeated on the opposite side of the vessel. Whether the figures with sacks were intended to represent long-distance traders or bringers of tribute is unknown, but they surely speak to the importance of exchange in this wealthy city.