Decapitator nose ornament: 1,500-year-old gold jewelry depicting a bloodthirsty South American god

A gold figurine holds an axe in one hand and a severed human head in the other; he is accessorized with small bits of turquoise.

QUICK FACTS

Name: Nose ornament with Decapitator

What it is: A gilded copper nose ornament

Where it is from: Peru

When it was made: Between A.D. 200 and 900

This gilt-copper nose ornament, discovered at the archaeological site of Loma Negra in northern Peru, depicts the important Moche deity Ai Apaec, also known as the Decapitator. The ornament is inlaid with accents of turquoise and black stones for his pupils.