The “Tembladera” figurines: ritual, music, and elite identity in Formative Period north Peru, circa 1800–200 B.C.

Abstract

Despite featuring in numerous publications and exhibitions since the 1970s, Tembladera figurines have never been studied in and for themselves. This article collects together all published as well as some previously unpublished examples in order to describe the features that characterize these figurines. Groupings and a chronological attribution are suggested based on formal characteristics (size and iconography). In light of lacking proveniences, the subsequent discussion picks out themes such as gender, adornment, and music, and investigates the insight which can be gained from a formal study of the figurines. It concludes that the figurines can significantly inform our understanding of the role of music and the nature of emergent elites in Formative Period north Peru, 1800–200 B.C.