The spirit of ancient Peru : treasures from the Museo Arqueológico Rafael Larco Herrera / edited by Kathleen Berrin ; with essays by Elizabeth P. Benson [and others].

New York, N.Y. : Thames and Hudson, 1997.

216 p. : ill. (some col.) ; 29 cm

This book includes works from all of ancient Peru's major cultures - pieces that have long been considered icons of Peruvian art. Spectacular ceramics from Moche, Chimu, and other cultures portray scenes of ritual drama, shamanism, mythology, and warfare. The working of precious metals reached its zenith in ancient Peru, and stunning gold and silver jewelry, headdresses, and ceremonial vessels are featured. A fearsome copper mask of a fanged deity, exquisite mosaic earplugs with inlays of precious shell and stone, an intricate Lambayeque textile featuring elaborate beings - these are just a few of the masterworks that are illustrated and described.