Weight Representing a Llama Possibly 1450 - 1532

This small "Weight Representing a Llama" was crafted by the Inca people using stone. The sculpture is defined by its smooth, rounded shape, immediately creating a sense of tactile simplicity. The formal structure is quite striking, with the body of the llama reduced to an almost spherical form, contrasting with the slender neck and diminutive head. This choice in form serves not just an aesthetic function; it acts as a signifier, highlighting the essence of the animal rather than its detailed likeness. The subtle undulations and the strategic removal of material help define the llama's anatomy, transforming the stone into a symbolic marker of cultural identity and economic importance. Notice how the physical weight of the stone itself plays into the sculpture's meaning. As a weight, the object embodies ideas of balance, measurement, and value.