The Artful influences of Shadow of the Tomb Raider

Written by Emma aka Okh Eshivar 11/07/2018

When you play through the game Shadow of the Tomb Raider you will notice many pre-Columbian influences. They are everywhere. Mostly in the same representation in little groups or separately, however, with these items in place in the game, it is easy to understand they did research the style and people of pre-Inca as well as the time of the Inca empire. even though they took license and brought the Maya into the mix. Afterall they brought them into the story through a fabled city.

Anyway, this area shall be expanding. It takes much research and digging to find comparison objects and such to use from museum collections to demonstrate this fabulous influence. So, sit back while I explore the first few items among many to come. Let’s kick things off with a funerary mask. Take note, this is a art comparison article and shall focus on the counterparts of each item. There shall be a historical account for the pre-Columbian Andean tribes who created these items in Part 3. 

The following artifacts are from the Lambayeque aka the Sican, as well as the Moche and Chimu Andean tribes. 

Additionally, each artifact has a new page devoted to it. Just follow the page links on the bottom of each page. Thanks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Actual Funerary Mask

Date:10th–12th century

Geography:Peru, North Coast

Culture:Lambayeque (Sicán)

Medium:Gold, silver-copper overlays, cinnabar

Dimensions:H. 11 1/2 in. × W. 19 1/2 in. × D. 4 in. (29.2 × 49.5 × 10.2 cm)

Classification:Metal-Sculpture

Credit Line:Gift and Bequest of Alice K. Bache, 1974, 1977

Accession Number:1974.271.35

As you can see, the mask is exquisite. It comes from the north coast of Peru and more than likely would have been worn by a deceased person of high society.  During the eighth and fourteenth centuries A.D. there were some strong cultures that arose in northern Peru. They acquired a large amount of wealth in the form of gold and other precious metals. These civilizations had this wealth up until the Inca conquered them.

This mask is composed of 74 percent gold, 20 percent silver, and 6 percent copper. It is hammered into a sheet and formed into a face in this case.

If you notice the eyes are an ovoid shape, that end in a point. This style is telling of the Lambayeque or Sican culture. These people are famous for intricate metal work that ranged from funerary masks and ornaments, jewelry that adorn the body, headsets clothing etc.

According to the beliefs from northern Peru men were associated with gold and women with silver and commoners with copper. So, we know that this mask was made for a man of the highest status in their society.

If you havent already, check out the infromation about this mask on the museum site HERE

Continued on page 2 … (Spider Decapitator god from the Moche )