Gold and the Incas reveals the splendor of ancient pre-Hispanic cultures of Peru featuring art made of gold, silver, turquoise, shell, stone, textile, and ceramic. More than 200 objects are covered, showing the aesthetic depth, drama, and beauty of the famous Incan empire and its predecessors. As well as deities, lively depictions of animals, birds, and fish decorate the works.

Treasures from the Museo Nacional de Arqueología, Antropología e Historia del Perú, Museo Arqueologico Rafael Larco Herrera, Fundacion Museo Amano, Museo Oro del Perú and the National Gallery of Australia are discussed and illustrated in color.