Lion Head Chest
Artifact IDMO 63.1895
Object Type
Chest
Date
17th -18th century
Date Presented9/19/1961
Place MadePeru, South America
Medium
Silver
DimensionsOverall H 10 in x W 14 in x D 9 1/2 in (25.4 cm x 35.6 cm x 24.1 cm)
Physical DescriptionAntique silver coffer with lions' heads on clasp and handles. The chest is decorated with floral and scroll ornamentation on sides and on lid. The interior is lined with a red velvet.
Historical NoteSometimes a beautiful object can dazzle us with its craftsmanship, while also telling a story of oppression and exploitation. This is the case with the silver chest presented to President John F. Kennedy by the President of Peru, Manuel Prado Ugarteche, during Ugarteche's state visit to the White House on September 19, 1961.
Spain's colonization of the Peruvian highlands began in 1532 and lasted until 1800. The silver mines seized from the defeated Inca Empire became the foundation of Spanish colonial wealth, funding Spain’s wars of expansion; decorating its Catholic churches; and leading to the creation of many fine silver objects. The chest given to JFK shows a blending of Iberian designs and forms with indigenous influences that trace back to pre-Hispanic times.
The silver that created these objects of splendor was extracted, refined, and transported by Indigenous laborers known as "mitayos"; enslaved Africans; debtors; free laborers; and children. Indigenous people worked under the mita draft system, a forced labor system instituted by the Spanish government. Other workers were often indentured servants. Historians estimate that more than 8 million workers may have died in these work sites, which became known as the “mines of death.” The exploitation of these workers was the foundation of Spanish colonial wealth for centuries.
Additional DetailsSpain's colonization of the Peruvian highlands began in 1532 and lasted until 1800. The silver mines seized from the defeated Inca Empire became the foundation of Spanish colonial wealth, funding Spain’s wars of expansion; decorating its Catholic churches; and leading to the creation of many fine silver objects. The chest given to JFK shows a blending of Iberian designs and forms with indigenous influences that trace back to pre-Hispanic times.
The silver that created these objects of splendor was extracted, refined, and transported by Indigenous laborers known as "mitayos"; enslaved Africans; debtors; free laborers; and children. Indigenous people worked under the mita draft system, a forced labor system instituted by the Spanish government. Other workers were often indentured servants. Historians estimate that more than 8 million workers may have died in these work sites, which became known as the “mines of death.” The exploitation of these workers was the foundation of Spanish colonial wealth for centuries.
Custodial History NoteItem was a gift from a foreign official to the President and First Lady received through the Executive office during the Kennedy Administration and transferred to the General Service Administration where it was held until donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by the Estate of President John F. Kennedy in 1965.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of the Estate of President John F. Kennedy
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from Heads of State (National Archives Identifier 1677008)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.In Collection(s)
Not on view
