Toy llama

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This toy llama was excavated by German antiquarians Reiss and Stuebel during the 1880s at the necropolis at Ancon, on the Peruvian coast. It had been a toy, buried with a child. Llamas were sacred animals.

This tiny figure is made of whitish and brownish plaited cotton twine; in shape it is a very approximate representation of a llama.

The Ancon necropolis contained hundreds of 'mummy bundles' - people buried crouched, and wrapped in textiles, with a false head attached, and accompanied by possessions, in underground chambers. They span several centuries to around 1500.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-004-296-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1902.526
• Date: 14th - 16th century
  Between the 14th and 16th century
  
• Material: Cotton twine
  Figure / llama
  
• Dimensions: 2.75" L
  
• What: Figure / llama
  
• Subject: Clothing and textiles
  
• Who:
• Where: South America, Ancient Peru, Ancon
  
• Event:
• Description: Figure of a llama made from white and brown plaited cotton twine: Ancient Peru, Ancon, 14th - 16th century
  
• References:
  • W Reiss and A Stuebel. The Necropolis of Ancon in Peru. Berlin: Asher 1880-1887. 
• Translations:
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