This monograph reports compositional and metallurgical studies of seven very similar hollow gold jaguars that had been located by the authors in museum and private collections around the world. The similarity of the jaguars indicated they were from the same region and time period, and acquisition records on some of them suggested a provenience in the Lambayeque Valley on the north coast of Peru. Comparative stylistic analysis suggests that the jaguars could be Chavinoid, but are instead considered proto-Mochica (Moche) or Early Vicus culturally, thus dating to around 400-100 B.C. They are more naturalistic than typical Chavin representations. In terms of technical style, however, the specimens resemble certain Chavin gold artifacts. X-ray fluorescence and neutron activation analysis was used to determine proportions of gold, silver, and copper, and indicated that all were made of a similar sheet metal whose surface were enriched in gold. Detailed examination revealed that each was constructed of twelve distinct pieces. The sequences and techniques of joining were determined; both sweat welding and soldering were used. Assuming the dating of the jaguars between late Chavin and early Moche is correct, they provide evidence of continuity from the metallurgical tradition of the Early Horizon Chavin smiths to the later metallurgical traditions of coastal Peru. The burst of metallurgical creativity at the beginning of the Early Intermediate Period was thus based solidly on earlier developments rather than reinvention.