Transition Period, 2nd-12th century AD. An intact copper repoussé crown or headdress with broad band and arched central panel depicting a warrior figure, or Nylamp, wearing a headpiece decorated with geometric motifs; the warrior has wide, lentoid eyes, an open mouth, round chin and wears ear spools and neck ornamentation; the band comprises a series of six panels featuring geometric openwork in the form of x's with stepped arms; brown-green patina; Lambayeque Valley, circa 200-1100 AD. See Newton, D. et al., The Pacific Islands, Africa, and the Americas, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 1987, for discussion; see Pillsbury, J. et al., Golden Kingdoms: Luxury Arts in the Ancient Americas, Los Angeles, J. Paul Getty Museum, 2017, for discussion. 229 grams, 21cm (8 1/4"). From a private Belgium collection, formed in the 1990s; ex diplomat M.I. Polak collection; acquired in the 1960s-1990s; previously in a private European collection, acquired 1950s-1960s; thence by decent; formerly in a Spanish collection, acquired before 1950s. Archaeological investigations have revealed that Moche cities were governed by warrior-priest figures, as attested on their pottery. Only kings or other high-status individuals wore such adornments. Pre-Columbian metalworkers excelled in their craftsmanship. Repoussé is a metalworking technique in which a malleable metal is ornamented or shaped by hammering from the reverse side. There is no loss of metal in the process and the surface remains continuous. Direct contact with the metalworking tools is often visible in the end result.