Possibly Chimú

The material designated "Possibly Chimú" refers to cultural works produced between 1000 and 1250 CE, corresponding to the Middle Sican and Chimú periods in the Andean region of South America. The surviving artifacts indicate sophisticated mastery in both metallurgy and textile fabrication, disciplines central to Pre-Columbian artistic output.

Five works are represented in museum collections, comprising three metal objects and two textiles. The metalworks include two examples of the traditional ceremonial implement, titled Ceremonial Knife (Tumi), along with a related object identified as a Ceremonial Knife (Tumi) or Pendant. A further example of metal artistry is documented as a Fragment of a Band with Raised Relief Depicting Felines and Fish. Textile production is represented by a Fragment and a Panel.

All five documented objects associated with the "Possibly Chimú" designation are currently held by the Art Institute of Chicago. The preservation of these unique artifacts establishes them as museum-quality works vital for understanding Andean archaeology. Given the cultural age of the material, digital records of the textiles and metalworks are often made available as downloadable artwork, allowing scholars and the public access to high-quality prints and documentation.