Cutout Disk, Crab and Fish 2nd-3rd century Moche This impressive gilded copper disk depicts a crab, surrounded by alternating plain and embossed circular gold bands. The ornament was originally cut from a larger sheet of hammered copper and was subsequently gilded (Schorsch, 1998). Portions of the sheet were removed to create the central figure plus five concentric rings connected by six radiating bands or rays. The first, third and outermost circular bands are unworked, while the second and fourth bands have been embossed to depict six fish in profile. The central repoussé crab is masterfully represented with embossed eye stalks, mouth parts, pinchers, carapace, walking legs and tail. Even the articulation points of the leg joints are indicated. As with the crab, each fish in the inner band has been delicately embossed to indicate the piscine facial anatomy, scales and fins. The fourth circular band depicts spotted catfish illustrated in a dorsal view depicting eyes, fins and scales.