160. Maize Cobs. Inka. c. 1440- 1533 CE Sheet metal/repousse, metal alloys.

• Technique and Form
  • Repousse technique
  • Hollow metal object
  • Life-sized
• Function
  • May have been part of a garden in which full-sized metal sculptures of maize plants and other items were put in place alongside actual plans in the Qorikancha garden
  • May have been used to ensure a successful harvest
• Context
  • Maize was the principal food source in the Andes
  • Maize was celebrated by having sculptures fashioned out of sheet metal
  • Black maize was common in Peru; oxidized silver reflects that