The Chimu culture was established on the northern coast of Peru, 1100 to 1400 AD. The centre of this culture was the city of Chan Chan. The ruins of the city cover almost an area of 20 square km.
The Chimu were an expansionist centralized state with clear divisions of class and a very complex bureaucracy. The economic and social system operated through a network of rural towns and the state was administered in the capital Chan-Chan.
The Chimu ceramics fulfilled both functions, for daily use or household and for ceremonial offerings. Chimu artisans worked in metal workshops divided into sections for each of the specialized treatment of metals.
With all these techniques, the Chimu produced a large quantity of objects such as cups, knives, containers, bracelets, pins, crowns, etc. Textiles were adorned with feathers and plates of gold and silver colors that were taken from certain plants .
The garments were made of four animals, the guanaco, the llama, alpaca and vicuña and from a native cotton plant that grows in a natural way in seven different colors. The clothing consisted of loincloths, sleeveless shirts with or without fringes, small ponchos, tunics, etc.
Moche Culture
Mochica or Moche culture emerged and developed in the centuries I and VII, taking place in the long and narrow strip of desert on the north coast of Peru where the remains of their pyramid temples, palaces, fortresses and irrigation systems are proof of their high artistic development and technological and complex organization.
The Moche innovated technology and metallurgical production with intensive use of copper in the manufacture of ornaments, weapons and tools.
Moche Culture and Art
Chavin Culture
The art of the Chavín culture (900-200 B.C) influenced all its neighbours and was felt long after its decline. The Chavín was not a warlike culture and spread its influence through peaceful interaction.
The Chavin influenced an area covering most of the northern Peru’s highlands and coast. It is believed they worshipped the jaguars, since this animal appears in many of their pottery.
This period represents the greatest early development in weaving, pottery and agriculture.
Chavin Culture and Art
Chimu Culture
The Chimu Culture built a capital at Chan Chan, north of Trujillo. Chan Chan is the largest pre-Columbian city in Peru, covering about 20 sq km, and is estimated to have housed about 50,000 people.
Pottery from the Chimu Culture was mass-produced and manufactured from readily available clay found along the coast of Peru. Head cups, head vases, etc. are typical of the Chimu Culture. The winged eyes used in their artwork are said to be the eyes of dead souls, and it looks like they were meant to be funerary items. Designs on the cup rim, back, and sides resemble Mesoamerican writing.
Chimu Culture and Art
Peruvian Bracelets
The unique materials and beautiful designs used to create Peruvian bracelets make it ideal for both personal adornment and loving gifts for friends and family.
Peruvian Hats
The beautiful Peruvian hats offer shelter and comfort. They are made in Peru using Andean naturals colors. The smoothness of the inca hats impress you and the thermal protection is perfect for low temperatures.
