Gold and silver metallurgy in the Andean Area began three thousand years ago, and objects of this material were used in association with political power, social ostentation and beliefs. Although distribution of these artifacts was limited to great lords, we know that the value of these precious metals was not intrinsic, since most of them were not solid gold or silver, but were gold or silver plated using different techniques. Their value lay in their appearance, their color and their reflected shine.
Related cultures:
Moche
Inka
Vicús
Chimú
