This magnificent goblet probably had gemstones or shell fragments as inlays on the upper rim. One sees a seated dignitary with an overhanging headgear holding a staff. Underneath is the wave motif. In pre-Hispanic Peru everything revolved around water and fertility. Most of the central Andean region is very dry, sometimes even desert-like. It was therefore of vital importance that the rainy season in the Andes not only started on time, but that it rained sufficiently during these three months, December to March, to make irrigation agriculture possible on the coast. For this purpose they sacrificed to the fertility gods in great public rituals. Only members of the nobility were allowed to drink from such cups, as only they were allowed to wear gold jewellery and to use objects that at least looked like gold. Gold was a symbol for the sun and had no material value.