Simbolismo de las narigueras peruanas y aproximación a su manufactura durante el Periodo Intermedio Temprano

Abstract

This work provides an overview of the importance and meaning of nose rings (narigueras) for the Pre-Columbian cultures of Peru. We related these ornaments with the nose rings produced in Colombia and Mexico and discussed their symbolism. Based on the known narigueras, we outlined the variety of their colors and the diversity of technologies employed in their manufacture. In this first approach to this production technology, 39 narigueras in several Peruvian collections, dated to the Early Intermediate Period (circa 200 AD-600 AD), were studied using optical microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, with a handheld equipment. By using the data obtained, including the silver, gold and copper amounts in the alloys, we establish the use of different technologies for the production of both the single-color and the bicolor narigueras.

Keywords

• Early Intermediate Period
• alloys
• nose ornaments
• nose rings
• narigueras
• use