Pre-Columbian Chimu Silver Alloy Royal Diadem & 2 Rings (ca. 800-1200 CE). The Chimu worshiped the moon, and silver (preferred over gold by their culture) was thought to be tears of the moon. The 6” silver diadem is an amazing and complete example of superb ancient Chimu meta-lcraft. It was worn with a cord or textile band fastened to the pierced ends and wrapped around the back of the head. Precious silver metal-craft body adornments like this example were only worn by Chimu royalty. The primary metal used for the diadem (and possibly the rings) was silver. The alloy also contains copper, and possibly gold. Hammered of thin silver alloy sheet using both repousse? and chasing skills, the designs were embossed in 3- dimensional form by working both sides of the metal sheet. Complete pieces of jewelry from Pre-Columbian times are extremely rare and rarely preserved whole, especially for objects of such delicate designs as these. Provenance: ex-Robert and Marianne Huber (of Dixon, IL & NYC); ex-Dr. Gerald A. Smith collection. A large portion of’ this collection of antiquities is now housed at the Museum of Us (former Museum of Man) in San Diego, CA & Gemological Institute of America in Carlsbad, CA.