Tupu
Physical Object
1986.008.0056
Nuestra Señora de Atocha (1622)
circa 1600
Indigenous women of all classes used long metal pins, known as tupu in the Quechua language, to secure a cloak or shawl at about their shoulders. Functional but also decorative, these jewelry items were often employed in pairs, joined by a string or chain. Tupu were worn by women throughout the region of the Andes, including present day Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, and Chile. The earliest examples date from about 300 B.C.E.
This tupu is made of hammered silver, but different metals, such as gold, copper or bronze might be used, depending on the owner’s circumstances.
The connection of tupu with spirituality predated the arrival of the Spanish. Traditionally, tupu were used as offerings at the huacas (shrines) of the Quechua and Inca, and added to the burials of significant women and girls, including those subjected to human sacrifice.
This tupu is made of hammered silver, but different metals, such as gold, copper or bronze might be used, depending on the owner’s circumstances.
The connection of tupu with spirituality predated the arrival of the Spanish. Traditionally, tupu were used as offerings at the huacas (shrines) of the Quechua and Inca, and added to the burials of significant women and girls, including those subjected to human sacrifice.