Colombia, 3 Muisca Cast Gold Snakes
The Muisca people of Eastern Columbia were known for their famous myth, El Dorado. El Dorado refers to a Lord on riding on a golden raft and covered in gold dust. Serpents are featured prominently in the Muisca creation myth, which describes two snakes emerging from the Iguaque lagoon as a women and child. Transmutation was an important theme to the Musica; these snakes are all cast using the lost wax technique as well as the manipulation of alloys to create the three different hues of gold.
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Length: 1. 7/8, 2. 3/16 & 3. 9/16 inches; Total Weight: 5.2 grams
$2,400
n8006
Peru, A Rare Recuay Gilt Scepter
This scepter is very rare with an unusual motif of three animals standing on three flayed feline skins. The central animal is a deer flanked by an unknown four-legged animal. The shaft of the scepter has two channels attached by a series of triangular soldered stock. Each channel has a suspension hole towards the top. This scepter must have belonged to a high status individual as its manufacture is very elaborate and technically sophisticated. Only one other known similar Recuay scepter is illustrated in Kultur Von Peru by Max Schmidt, pg. 392. The accompanying two tupus with decorated tops (longer and shorter) each have a different motif.
The longer tupu is decorated with a band of four stooping animals in low relief, each with a serpent emanating from its head. The inside of the the longer tupu’s upper cup is decorated with a frowning face, perhaps a mask. This is one of the largest known intact tupus. The smaller tupu has a rich gilt surface and is decorated with a band of two face masks. Inside the upper cup of the small tupu is the head of the same animal flanking the deer on the scepter. Both tupus have finials that are decorated with both an outside band and an inside head. The larger one has a band of 3 double headed serpents with a fox head inside. The smaller one has a band of a double-headed arched feline and a face inside.
Four tupus excavated at Pashash, the earliest known Recuay site, are illustrated in The Art and Archaeology of PSAHASH by Terence Grieder, figs. 114-117, and fig. 7. These tupus were originally sold by Alan Lapiner in the early 1970s along with a classic Recuay vessel of a lord flanked by arched felines on each side.
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Scepter Length 9" x Width 3"
Longer Tupu Length 8 ½ x diameter 1 ½â€
Shorter tupu: Length: 7 ½†x diameter 1"
Price Upon Request
M3023
Bolivia, Bolivian Bronze Axe with jaguar on the blade
Bronze axes from Bolivia were often surmounted with the figure of a collared jaguar, with an erect tail and tongue protruding between the fangs of the lower jaw. Similarly stylized Peruvian examples are shown in Carcedo de Mufarech (1999: fig. 157; and Posnansky 1896: v. 3/4: pl. 87). Although this piece is technically provincial Inca, the form of the collared jaguar came from regional cultures in Bolivia.
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Height: 4 1/4" / Width of Blade: 5"
$6,500
MM037B
Colombia, Calima Gold Lime Spoon with a Royal Bird Holding a Double-Headed Serpent
When held upside down, this elaborately crafted bird transforms into a mask. Jan Mitchell collection, prior to 1970's, by descent to his sons.
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Height: 4 1/8" Weight: 22.7 grams.
Price Upon Request
p1052
Colombia, Calima Tupu with Condor on top
Tupus were used to fasten the shawls of upper class women as well as the garments on votive offerings of small figures. The tops were often decorated with images which related to its owner, such as a Shaman, Cacique (warrior) or favorite animal. This tupu has the condor's male snood and incised feathers on the wing and tail.
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Length 9 1/8" Weight: 45grams
Price Upon Request
M8033
Peru, Chavin Gold Crown With Embossed Design
Chavin artists hammered gold sheets over wooden molds to make crowns and pectorals for the ruling elite. This crown was cut down and repaired in antiquity, but it originally had two profile faces on the sides and two frontal images of the feline deity so often seen in Chavin art. A cuff from the same grave lot is on display at the Houston Museum of Fine Arts with faces separated by diagonal designs. This crown is published in Jose Antonio Lavalle "Oro Del Antiguo Peru" (1992: pl. 10). Samuel K. Lothrop was the first scholar to analyze gold crowns and plaques that came from two tomb lots in Chongoyape, "Gold Artifacts of Chavin Style" (American Antiquity 1951, 3: 226 - 240). His work and other tomb finds are reviewed by Richar L. Burger in "Chavin and The Origins of Andean Civilization" (1992: 204 - 206) A number of crowns similar to this one are known to have come from these tombs, which also yielded gold cuffs, ear spools, nose pendants, chest plaques and tweezers. Examined and approved by Robert Sonin and Henri Reichlin in 1976. Ex-collection Marcel Ebnother, Switzerland.
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Length 11. 1/2" x Height 2"
Price Upon Request
M6075
Peru, Chavin Pair of Gold Ear Ornaments and a Gold Nose Ornament with double chevron
The pair of gold ornaments, each with a double headed serpent with cut-out facial details, suspended by a twisted wire loop, and a suspension plaque dangleA gold nose ornament with cutout design and a central suspension plaque. The single nose ornament has a cut-out design sign in an abstract avian face or that of opposing chevrons, suspended by a twisted gold wire loop. pl. 15.
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Widths 1 1/2 inches each; Width 1 3/4 inches
Price Upon Request
94157
Peru, Chimú Gold 29" Necklace of Large Hollow Beads
The Chimú inherited a taste for hollow gold bead necklaces from their Moche predecessors. In both cultures, each bead was cast and hammered in two halves that were then joined together by soldering. In the Chimú technique, the edges of the two halves were nested together. These beads are extremely light with a greater percentage of silver than gold. They used depletion gilding to bring the gold to the surface by using of heats and salts. This allowed the Chimu to make the gold available for a large and growing ruling class. Private Florida collection prior to 1980.
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Necklace Length: 29"; largest bead 2 1/4" diameter - smallest 1 1/2"
$27,000
M7991
Peru, Chimu Gold Cuff with 3 bands of 4 Repousse Stars Each
The cuff has two tie holes. A cuff with a similar star design is illustrated in the Gold Museum of Peru page 127. Ex- collection, Camilla Dietz Bergeron, N.Y.
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Height 4 1/2" Weight: 65.5 grams
$10,000
N2064
Peru, Chimu Lost Wax Cast Bronze Finial with Four Warriors
Metal objects that are cast with rings or bells that move to make a sound are known as idiophones. Each warrior wears a loincloth and holds a club in one hand and a shield in the other. Each of the loops around the shaft holds a bell, which when moved, clanks against the shaft.
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Height: 2 3/4" x Width: 3:
$5,500
P1038
Peru, Chimu silver balance with 2 warriors
A rare Chimu silver balance beam decorated with two bag carrying individuals followed by a perched bird. This depiction could explain how the balance beams were used by exchanging feathers of different birds of equal weight. Trade across long distances of exotic materials was a key element in the ancient economy. The balance beam is made of both cast and soldered elements. It is true soldered filigree work of curls decorating the edge. The individuals and birds were cast. It is also extremely rare to find balance beams in silver, as most of them are of wood or bone. There is a single suspension hole in the top bar center and one hole for a net on each side of the lower bar.
Media: Metal
Dimensions: H: 2" W:3.5"
$4,500
98361
Peru, Chimu Silver Tupu with Ornate Rattle
Tupu pins were used by high status individuals to fasten their garments. The level of fine detail and craftsmanship indicates that this silver tupu would have belonged to an extremely important person. The shaft is completely incised with a repeating diamond motif. The rattle at the top is constructed with two incised discs, soldered to a curved band. Inside is a delicate suspended cylinder. This rare tupu is in good condition and has been professionally cleaned and stabilized.
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Length:10" x Weight: 25 grams
$2,650
MM615
Peru, Chimu/Inca Copper Lime Spoon with Long-Billed Bird
An unusually large lime spoon decorated with a cast long-billed marine bird on top. The bird has turquoise beads for eyes. Lime spoons were used to extract powdered lime from containers for participants in coca rituals. The lime (powdered burned limestone or shell) was the catalyst that released the cocaine alkaloids from the coca leaves chewed during these ceremonies. Coca rituals were important to Andean cultures, but were restricted to elite, high-ranking lords. Birds represented souls flying to the otherworld to communicate with the supernatural. For similar examples, see Baessler (1906: pl. 13; Nordenskiold 1921: fig. 19, c; Carcedo de Mufarech 1985: fig. 89; and Schindler 2000: 202 and 203).
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Height: 4 3/4"
Condition: Good. The tip of the spoon has been restored.
Price Upon Request
95102
Costa Rica, Chiriqui Cast Gold Miniature Flute Player
This miniature gold shaman is seen playing a flute and holding a rattle in the left hand. Music was known to facilitate trance states and psychological healing during psychedelic shamanic rituals. A similar piece is illustrated in THE ART OF PRECOLUMBIAN GOLD - THE JAN MITCHELL COLLECTION on page 101. From the collection of Karin Ashburn by descent from her father Benno Mattel of Uruguay.
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Height: 1 1/16" ( 2.7cm) Weight: 4.9grams
$1,900
n4027C
Chile, Classic Mapuche Trapezoidal Silver Ear Ornaments
This Mapuche ear ornaments are made from one continuous piece of hammered silver and feature the classic Mapuche trapezoidal shape. According to Mapuche tradition, these earrings would have been handed down to family members through multiple generations. They would likely have been repaired using primitive means by the family they belonged to.
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Width 3 3/4: x Height: 3" Weight: 1.06 oz.
$2,900
M9042
Panama, Classic Veraguuas Cast Gold Frog with Serpents
This beautiful cast gold frog has large spherical eyes and a ribbon down its back and bordering its flippers. There is a modern suspension loop hung from the original suspension arrangement. Jan Mitchell collection, prior to 1970, by descent to his sons.
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Length: 2 7/8" x Width: 1 3/4" Weight: 32.4 grams.
$6,500
p1045a
Panama, Cocle Cast Gold Pendant of Pair Anthropomorphized Bats
Lost Was cast depicting paired figures with bat faces, human hands, and a corcodilian body and tail. Duality was a known belief of the natural world: male and female, night and day, heaven and earth. Bats are nocturnal creatures and ruled the darkness. There are two cast suspension loops behind each outside shoulder. Ex. New York collector, prior to 1970.
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Width 2 3/4" x Length: 3 1/8" Weight 100.6 grams
XRF
Price Upon Request
n7027
Chile, Diaguita Style Gold Mask with Repoussé Eyes, Mouth and Border
The eyes and mouth have pierced holes to attach turquoise eyes and a shell mouth. The six holes on the side of the mask were for tying the mask to the mummy. There are very few gold masks found in Chile because partly because that there was little gold available from rivers. The little-known gold that has been found in Chile was probably traded with Bolivia or even Peru. This mask is one of three that were supposedly found in Northern Chile near Arica. Very few masks from Arica are known as the area was poor and gold had to have been imported. The tradition of these simple masks goes back to the Chinchorro culture (circa 7,000 BC) of Northern Chile. I have found one gold diadem now in the American Museum of Natural History in New York which has a similar nose design. It is safe to say that this mask most closely resembles the same facial designs on the Diaguita ceramics from La Serenna - the round eyes, straight vertical nose and the horizontal mouth. The repousse design around the edge relates to the painted spots on the ceramic face. With this mask came a gold headband or turban, measuring 36" x 3/8" in width. The headband has the same repousse design on the edges. The gold content was tested at 17KT. and has been annealed and burnished to a thickness of 1/128"
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Width 6" x Height 5 1/4" Weight: 4.6 grams
XRF Au.69%, Ag.26% Cu. 4%
Price Upon Request
M7166
Panama, Diquis Gold Frog With Large Hind Flippers and Bulbous Eyes
The Frog has a classic body with his front legs becoming the suspension loops. From the mouth emanate two saurian heads back to back, with a mythological significance. The eyes each have a solid pellet inside to make noise when the frog is being worn. A similar example is illustrated in the Catalog, BETWEEN CONTINENTS/BETWEEN SEAS: Precolumbian Art of Costa Rica, fig. 287. A similar frog is also the Rockefeller Collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Originally photographed by Justin Kerr #3081, 2001.
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Length: 3 3/4" x Width:3 1/2" Weight: 65 grams
XRF Au.68.5% Ag.03%, Cu. 31%
Price Upon Request
n4028
Colombia, Early Calima Gold Forged Maskette of a Deity with Dangles
This is a second type of a Calima face that appears less frequently. The features are reduced to the essentials: a small, modeled nose and brow, hemispherical eyes, and a rectangular mouth with prominent teeth. A slightly smaller gold face (9 centimeters) is illustrated in CALIMA AND MALAGANA, by Marianne Cardale Schrimpff, page 170. There are dangles for the eye, ears, and chin; the illustrated Maskette is missing the eye dangles. Ex. New York collector, prior to 1970.
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Height: 3 3/4"(9.5cm) x Weight: 39 grams.
Price Upon Request
P1005
Peru, Early Moche Gold Owl Ornament or Necklace Element
This ornament portrays a stylized horned owl. The owl was revered by the ancient people for its special characteristics, such as silent flight, strong talons, and its ability to rotate its head 180 degrees. This gold owl has two suspension holes to the lower rear, which would have allowed it to hang looking downward. It is constructed from flat pieces of sheet gold that were hammered and beaten into repoussé parts, and then soldered together. Such three-dimensional forms were characteristic of the Transitional phase of gold work on the North Coast after the collapse of the ChavÃn culture. The eyes are made from Spondylus beads.
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Height: 1 1/4" X 1 1/4"/ Weight: 10 grams
Price Upon Request
M7015
Peru, Early Moche/Vicus Head of a Tucan with Dangles
This object is quite rare and is from Northern Peru, by the Maranon river valley where other Vicus style objects have come from. It is fashioned from a heavy sheet, bent, soldered, and has dangles. It would have fit front and center onto a headdress, attached using the tabs at the back. The rods that hold the dangles are soldered, along with the bottom of the beak. The eyes are soldered rings with turquoise inlays. A similar object is illustrated in the GOLD OF PERU, Mujica Gaillo collection.
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Length 3 3/4" Weight 32.8 grams
$8,500
91055
Peru, Inca Gold Hollow Llama
These Llamas, along with other miniatures in gold, silver and spondylus were found at high altitude sacrificial burials sites, used in a ceremony known as the Capac Hucha ceremony to praise the Inca. A similar llama is illustrated in ANCIENT AMERICANS, Art From Sacred Landscapes p. 362. This hollow llama was assembled from hammered gold sheets which were soldered together. One seam can be easily seen along the underside. Ex. New York collector, prior to 1970.
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Height: 2.5" Weight: grams 9.6
XRF: Au. 66.4%, Ag. 24.6% , Cu8.8%
Price Upon Request
n7053
Peru, Inca Gold Pin Topped with Bird Perched on Corn Cob
Gold from the Inca period is rare as most has been melted down by the Conquistadores. These pins are mostly found made of silver and were used to pin a garment closed. What appears to be a simple pin is complicated in its manufacture. The pin with the corn cob is cast. The bird is made of a separate stamped sheet, designed head to head, bent, and soldered to itself. The bird was then fitted over the top to appear as one piece. Private Florida collection, prior to 1980. A similar piece appears in "Kunst Und Kultur von Peru" (Art and Culture of Peru) by Max Schmidt, p.396.
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Length: 5" Weight: 4.7 grams
Price Upon Request
MM625
India, India- Gangetic Bronze Harpoon Point
A classic example of a Gangetic bronze harpoon point, which has been cast and chased with three additional sets of barbs. Ex Belgium collection prior to 1996.
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Height 11"
$2,750
94200a
Chile, Large Mapuche Classic pair of Trapizoidal Shaped Ear Ornaments
Made out of one piece of hammered silver and are handed down in the family. Often The Mapuche word for this design of ear ornaments is "Upul" and are 19th century. They both have a repair with primitive mean indicating that they have had a lot of use over many years. Very large pairs hardly survived.
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Width 6"
$9,500
M9043
Peru, Late Chavin Hammered and Soldered Gold pendant with a Feline Head
This is a rare Chavin gold work that has been soldered - the ears to the head and the head to the body. There are two sets of suspension holes on each side of the mouth. There are two more suspension holes for danglers by each paw. There is repousse depicting the mouth and nose and on each paw. Estate of Bill Simmons, acquired at Sotheby's Sale # 7996, May 2004, lot 107.
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Height: 7cm x Width: 8.3cm Wt. 24.3 grams.
XRF Au 85%, Ag 13.3%, Cu 1.08%.
Price Upon Request
n8011
Peru, Late Nasca Gold Cuff with Embossed Faces
A hammered and repousse gold cuff decorated with two rows of faces, probably representing masks. I have not seen many cuffs embossed, as most Late Nasca art consists of simple wrought gold, occasionally with a geometric pattern. These embossed masks are quite rare. There are two tie holes on each edge of the cuff. Similar Nasca gold cuffs are illustrated in the THE GOLD OF PERU, MUJICA GAILLO COLLECTION. Ex-Collection Jean Eugene Lions, St. Tropez, since 1970.
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Height 2 1/4' Weight 40 grams
Alloy: Au.32.7, Ag. 55.3 & Cu.11.6 = 99.6%
$6,750
M5078
Peru, Loma Negra Copper Applique of the Decapitator
Appliques of this supernatural were sewn in series on woven textiles such as tunics and banners. The figure is known as the Decapitator, who has a distinctive mouth and often fangs, and whose right hand holds a tumi knife (blade lost) and a trophy head in the left. There are two holes in each diagonal of the ornament for attachment to a garment. A similar example is on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York, NY); more are illustrated in Lapiner (1976: figs. 350 and 382) and Carcedo de Mufarech (1999: 364). Loma Negra was a royal cemetery discovered about 1968 near the modern day city of Piura on the far north coast of Peru. From the tombs came exquisite Moche works in metal, mostly copper, with silver and gold objects as well, in sets of different sizes. The Decapitator is also called Ai Apec, the god who took off the heads of captives with his crescent bladed tumi knife. In another guise, he is Wrinkle Face, an aged deity with the same open mouth and fangs. The plaques seem to have been specific to the Loma Negra region, although the theme of the Decapitator dates back to the Chav�n period (Bawden 1999: 150-151). Scholarly research indicates that the overall form of the Decapitator on Loma Negra plaques was based on the body of an outstretched spider.
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Height: 5 1/2" x Width: 6"
Price Upon Request
98249
Peru, Loma Negra Gilt Copper Pair of Hoverflies
The flies are examples of a highly skilled gilding technique over copper. The construction is of tab and hammered and shaped parts to create a three-dimensional body. This was preferred in Peru over lost wax casting. Loma Negra Royal tombs were found in Northern Peru in the 1960's. The largest holdings of this material are in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Other examples of critters are illustrated in PRE-COLUMBIAN ART of South America by Alan Lapiner, fig 376. There is a Loma Negra fly in the Met Museum ref 1981.459.28 in poor condition. Hoverflies are among the largest flies and have colorful bodies and are harmless. They often imitate bees or wasps as a survival technique to appear dangerous to their predators. The Peruvian favored animals that metamorphose, (eggs, large, maggots to flies) as proof that humans can transcend into spirits. Since hoverflies have colorful yellow and black bodies they connect with gold of the sun. These flies are considered large for Loma Negra creatures and have no apparent function.
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Length 4 1/2" x Width with wings 4" Height :1 1/2"
$15,000
M9067
Mexico, Mixtec Gold Figural Pendant of Xochipilli with ornate headdress.
Superbly cast pendendt of Xochipilli, the price of flowers in the lost wax tradition. This is a particularly fine but small example of exqusit detail.
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Height 2 1/4"
Price Upon Request
99307
Peru, Moche Cast Copper Gilt Handled Mirror Surrounded by Ten Pumas
Hand-held mirrors are rare from any Peruvian cultures, and those few that are known are carved from wood, except one other gilt copper one that is in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Mirrors were important objects for high status individuals and symbolized the power of the sun. Both mirrors were found at the Loma Negra site of far North Peru, excavated in the 1960’s, and were made by the same workshop. The mirrors have different themes: the Met’s with birds, and this one with felines.
Both mirrors were constructed in the same manner - cast frames are mechanically attached to the handle with a separate sheet of copper backing to hold pyrite mirror fragments in place. The Met’s mirror has lost most of its original gilding. This mirror has more of the original gilt surface intact and has a reconstructed mirror of ancient pyrite, whereas the Met’s mirror was restored with wax and coated with silver foil. The felines surrounding the frame were individually modeled and cast as one with the frame, an extremely difficult technical accomplishment. Each puma has carved turquoise eyes. The few other known mirrors with handles which have been found were carved from wood. There are no other known mirrors with metal frames according to Dr. Christopher Donnan formerly at UCLA and the world expert on Moche Art.
To read an essay about this mirror, click here.
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Height: 9 1/4"(23.5cm) x Width: 5"(12.6cm)
Price Upon Request
n7005
Peru, Moche Copper Spatula of a Warrior-lord with staff and shield
A warrior lord is spledidly dressed in full regalia wearing a helmet with feather crescent headdress, woven tunic, semi-circular nose ring and ear ornaments. He holds the standard long war club and round shield, such as appear in scenes of battle on fineline painted vessels. A small feline is splayed across the figure's back, wearing a necklace or belt of small owl heads. This work was cast in one piece in the lost-wax process. Spatulas were symbols of power for the high status Moche and were used in coca rituals to communicate with the ancestors and spirits of the otherworld. There is a suspension loop under the upper platform to be hung from a belt or the neck.
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Height 8 1/2"
$5,500
98343
Peru, Moche Cylindrical Container with 6 Decapitators in High Relief
The container has a cover with an incised drawing of a weapons bundle. It’s a very rare object and is constructed with a complicated double wall technique. The outer wall was embossed by hammering the thin copper sheet against a wooden form carved with the figures. The inner wall is a plane sheet and annealed to the outer sheet and hammered around a form in the shape of bottom disc.
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Height: 2 1/4" x Diamerter: 3" Circumfrence: : 10"
$12,000
n4013
Peru, Moche Gold Bead in the Form of a Tree Snail
The tree snail, Strophoceheilus, is featured in drawings on the sides of Moche ceramic vessels. The drawings depict "snail hunters" from low hanging trees in the foothills of the Andes. The emergence of snails signals the start of the rainy season. This bead is made in two parts, with the bottom expertly soldered to the spiral cone-shaped shell. The bottom is decorated with the snail’s foot, exposed inside the shell. There are two copper beads inside the shell, which rattle when worn. This bead originally belonged to a necklace of snail beads, each with two sets of suspension holes on the bottom. It is illustrated in Oro del Antiguo Peru, lam.183. Ex-collection Benno Mattel by descent to his daughter Karin Ashburn.
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Height: 5cm x Width: 6cm Weight: 36.4 grams
$35,000
n8018
Peru, Moche Gold Nose Ornament with Hummingbird in a Tree
Delicately crafted hummingbird figure with inlaid turquoise eyes and danglers. This is an example of Moche soldering and filigree workmanship.
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Width 1 1/2"
XRF: Au. 78.7%, Ag. 14.6%, Cu. 6.5% & Ga. Gallium .05%, Pt. Platimum .06%
$12,000
90166
Peru, Moche Gold Nose Ornment Surrounded with 18 Spheres
Each of the spheres are individually soldered to the base. Illustrated in Oro del Antiguo Peru, Lam. 134. Ex collection Benno Mattel, prior to 1970, by descent to his daughter Karin Ashburn.
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Height: 5.5cm x Width: 7cm , Weight: 27.3 grams
$27,500
n8020
Peru, Moche Gold Tweezers With Embossed Large Eared Bat Face
Pincers have been found from as early as the Vicus period (pre-Moche), circa 300 BC and were thought to be used to pluck facial hair. Few are known from the Moche period and most of the pincers that have been found were from the Chimu and Inca periods. This particular pincer has an embossed face of a bat with fanged teeth. This pincer was made from one hammered sheet of high carat gold and embossed twice on a carved wood form of a bat face and bent in the middle. There is also a suspension hole in the middle. The blades of the pincer flare out in the form of a Moche back flap. Ex. collection Eduwardo Aldunate, Santiago, Chile-prior to 1970.
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Length: 2 3/8" x Width: 1 1/2" Weight: 16.6 grams
XRF: Au62.5%, Ag. 34.7%, Cu. 2.5%
$9,750
n7012
Peru, Moche Lost Wax Cast Bronze Tumi of a Warrior Capturing a Feline Deity
This classic tumi was lost wax cast using a single mold. There are two figures: a warrior and his victim, whom he holds by the hair. The victim, a feline deity, holds a tumi in one hand and a trophy head in the other.
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Height: 7 1/4" x Width: 2 1/2"
$6,000
P1037
Peru, Moche Small Gold Male Condor Bead with Turquoise Eyes
This gold bead is identifiable as a male eagle by the caruncle on the beak. The beak itself is crated in a slightly reddish colored gold. It is made in two parts, expertly soldered. There are four suspension holes that allow for the bead to be hung upright. Ex Collection Benno Mattel, prior to 1970, by decent to his daughter Karin Ashburn.
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Height: 3.3cm x Depth: 3.2cm x Weight:10.2 grams
$5,000
n8021
Colombia, Muisca Cast Gold Erotic Male and Female
The female has her legs wrapped around the standing male as he holds her waist, creating the impression that the figures are making love. This sculpture has an ancient solid carbon core, which is still intact.
Jan Mitchell collection, prior to 1970's, by descent to his sons.
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Height: 3 3/8" x Width: 1" Weight: 30 grams.
Price Upon Request
p1049
Colombia, Muisca Cast Gold Seated Warrior
This cast gold warrior holds a spear and spear thrower in one hand and a slingshot in the other. He is wearing a hat, a necklace, and one ear hoop. Jan Mitchell collection, prior to 1970, by descent to his sons.
Media: Hardcover
Dimensions: Height: 1 5/8" Weight: 22.1 grams.
Price Upon Request
p1051
Colombia, Pair of Sinu Gold Ear Ornaments with Cutout Step Design
Around the outer rim is an embossed design. Each ornament is almost the same size and weight. Ex-Jan Mitchell collection, prior to 1970.
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Diameter 5" each. Weight: 40.7grams & 40.4 grams.
Price Upon Request
P1004
Colombia, Pair of Sinu Gold Fan-Shaped Ear Ornaments
These beautiful lost-wax cast "False Filigree" style pendants each feature six sections of latticework separated by simple bands. The false filigree technique was favored by the Sinu goldsmiths. The larger the ornament, the higher the status of the wearer. These ear ornaments are illustrated in the Met Museum's Catalog, THE ART OF PRECOLUMBIAN GOLD: The Jan Mitchell Collection, pg. 164. Estate of Jan Mitchell, prior to 1970.
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Height: 2 1/2" x Width: 4 3/8" Weight: 67.5 grams
$23,500
p1022
Bolivia, Pre-lnka Broze Bola for Throwing Weapon
Figurative bolas are rare, originating near Lake Titicaca, which straddles the border between modern Peru and Bolivia. These ornate weighted bronze heads high prestige versions of utilitarian bolas, which were used as counterweights at the end of length of rope or rawhide to form a hunting weapon or lasso. Referred to ayllas in the Quechua language or boleadoras in Spanish, these weapons were used to capture game such as llamas and guanacos by entangling their legs and knocking them down to the ground. Each weight is cast with an opening at the top for inserting and knotting cord. This bola features a stylized but characterful face portrays a highland dignitary sporting distinctive headgear, a marker of ethnic identity across the Andean world. Arthur Posnansky discusses related styles of bronze cudgels and boleadaras in his 1986 text, Tihuanacu: The Cradle of American Man. vol. 3/4, pages 84 and 88.
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Height: 1 3/4"
$2,200
M7005A
Colombia, Quimbaya cast gold pendant of a Lord in a Trance
The personage is wearing a crown, elaborate nose ornament, and necklace. He has an ancient casting repair to the lower left knee. The Uruba region is located on the Colombian/Panamanian border and had received early influences from the Quimbaya people and later influences from the Sinu. A similar pendant is illustrated in the article THE DARIEN GOLD PENDANTS OF ANCIENT COLOMBIA AND THE ISTHMUS, figure 35, and in the catalog of the Banco de Oro de Colombia # 414, Lam 46.
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Height: 6 3/8" ( 16.3cm) Weight 91.4 grams
XRF Au. 62% Ag. 22%, Cu16%
Price Upon Request
n4033
Colombia, Quimbaya Style Gold Pendant of a Tumbling Shaman with Two Rectangular Dangles
Cast figural pendant of a feline-headed Shaman tumbling in a trance. The shaman holds bars with large rectangles in each hand. This pendant is extremely well sculpted with curved limbs arching upward at the back, legs bent, and toes curled, with suspension loops on each sole. This example was purported to be found in the Uruba region of North West Colombia. The subject is a very rare subject for Colombian gold work.
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Width: 2 5/8 inches
Price Upon Request
99120
Peru, Recuay Gilt Copper Pin Decorated with the Moon Animal
This is a short tupú with a filigree design of the Moon creature, a North Coast deity invented by the Recuay and adopted by later societies. The creature may have been modeled after the Pampas Cat or the Andean Mountain Cat, a small feline that inhabits the region. The Recuay and Moche associated the Moon Animal with the crescent moon, stars and human sacrifice. There is a turquoise bead in the eye; other recessed areas of the casting also had inlays, which have been lost. Few Recuay gilded works have survived because the gilt tends to fall off over time. The Recuay had sophisticated techniques of metalworking, and this example is extremely well crafted. The gilding is thick (about 1mm). A similar pin was found at a Recuay site, and is on display at the American Museum of Natural History.
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Length: 3 1/2" x Width at top: 5/8"
$1,700
M2029
Peru, Salinar-Early Moche Gold Nose Ornament With Dangles in the Form of Bird Feathers
Unusual and rare nose ornament from the Salinar culture with stylized bird heads at each end and six dangles imitating feathers. A similar example is illustrated in "Oro del antiguo Peru" by José de Lavalle (1992: pl. 94).
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Width 4" x Height 1 3/4"
Price Upon Request
96164
Peru, Sican Gilt Silver Miniature Double Spouted Vessel
The vessel was made for a child's tomb. It has an arched bridge with four marine birds embossed on each side and is made from 6 components that are soldered together. The base metal is copper, and there is a thin outer layer of silver, which is worn in a few places. Gilding, the method used to create this vessel, was a much more difficult process then sculpting with pure silver.
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Height: 5" x Width: 4 3/4"
Price Upon Request
n8036
Peru, Sican Gold Beaker with Mask and Frog Motif
The Sican cache of gold came from the largest burial in the Americas at hacienda Batan Grande near the Chimu City of Chan Chan. These beakers were used to drink the ceremonial Chicha (Corn Beer). The masks and flared beakers were the most notable objects from this burial. The beakers came in various designs from frogs to Warriors. This beaker is unusual in that it has both masks and frog motifs. Illustrated in THE ART OF PRECOLUMBIAN GOLD, pg.227 the on the right. Exhibited in 1964, Los Angles # 202. Ex-Jan Mitchell collection, prior to 1980.
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Height: 5. 1/8" Diameter at top: 4 3/8" Weight: 184 grams
Price Upon Request
n7054
Peru, Sican Gold Mask of the Third Type
A classic type of mask from the 3rd Phase, constructed in 3 parts and held together by ancient gold staples. The eyes have turquoise bead pupils with gold hemispheres. Traces of the original cinnabar remain. Sicán masks are discussed in THE ART OF PRECOLUMBIAN GOLD - The Jan Mitchell Collection, page 66 - see example(s). The Sicán culture was extremely wealthy and was known to have built the largest city in the Americas, Chan- Chan, outside of the modern city of Trujillo. The Sicán were excellent gold workers, and when the Incas conquered them, they brought the metalsmiths to the Inca capital of Cuzco. Similar masks are illustrated in THE GOLD OF PERU-MUJICA GAILLO Collection. Ex. Private New York Collector.
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Height: 7.75" x Width 10 1/8"
Price Upon Request
n4001
Colombia, Sinú Gold Pectoral of Mushroom Shaman in Trance
Called "Darien pectorals," these ornaments are one of the most fascinating and enigmatic in the corpus of Sinú gold work. They are not confined to one region, although their greatest concentration is in the Sinú area of northwestern Colombia, near the border with Panama's Darien Province. They are also found in the Quimbaya region of Colombia further south. The consensus of opinion on these pectorals is that they represent shamans in trance decorated with references to natural psychoactive hallucinogens (Shultes and Bright 1981, Reichel-Dolmatoff 1988). In this work and most such figures, the bell motifs above the face represent hallucinogenic mushrooms, and on some pieces, the mushrooms are realistically represented. Similarly, the mask of spiral curls in front of the face here is a stylized frog with hallucinogenic glands behind its eyes, but in some examples, the frog is completely realistic. Lastly, the vertical spirals on either side of the face are stylized bird wings, since shamans thought of their souls as flying to the otherworld to seek advice and knowledge from the ancestors and deity spirits.
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Height: 4 1/2" x Width: 3 1/2" Weight 119 grams
Price Upon Request
M7027
Colombia, Tairona Gold Cast Frog Pendant with Rattle
This expertly crafted gold pendant depicts a frog hunched on its back flippers. The frog has spherical eyes and a delicate braided ribbon that slopes down its back and borders its flippers. There is a modern suspension loop hung from the original suspension arrangement. Jan Mitchell collection prior to 1970, by descent to his sons.
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Length: 1 7/8" x Width: 1 5/8" Weight: 21.2 grams
Price Upon Request
p1045b
Peru, Three Chavin Gold Plumes for Headdress
Three hammered gold plumes were used as headdress or turban ornaments with tapering shafts. They were each fabricated from an individual nugget by repeatedly hammering and annealing. They are illustrated in TRUJILLO Precolumbino, Odebrecht-Lavalle, Editores 1990, pg 293. Other similar examples are illustrated in Oro del Antiguo Peru, pl. 51. These plumes are considered very large for early Peruvian goldwork.
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Height: 9", 11", 12" Weight for the three 90 grams
XRF: Au.81, Ag. 9.5%, Cu. 10.1% average for the 3
Price Upon Request
94192
Peru, Three Moche Bi -Metallic Nose Ornaments
These ornaments are excellent examples of the Moche metalsmiths’ ability to use depletion gilding to vary the surface area with both gold and silver decoration. The Moche believed that metal possessed sacred power, and according to their cosmological myths, the process of bringing the silver and gold colors to the surface revealed the metal’s spiritual qualities. A similar nose ornament is illustrated in ANTIGUO ORO DEL PERU, pg. 15. Private collector, Florida, prior to 1980.
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Width 4 3/4" Weight 24 grams
Width 3 5/8" Weight 13.8 grams
Width 3 1/8" Weight 11.3 grams
$12,500
M5027
Peru, Two Chavin gold nose ornaments with openwork coils and dangles
One is fashioned from one continuous wire curled into double spirals and twisting into another set of doublle spirals flanking a central suspension plaque and two triangular dangles. The other has double spirals in the center framed by serpents heads, end to end, each with two suspended circular dangles. A similar one is illustrated in Oro Del Antiguo Peru, plate 42.
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Height 1 3/4 inches; Width 2 1/2 inches
Price Upon Request
94154
Peru, Two Inca Miniature Cast Gold Standing Figures
These two solid cast gold figures are highly unusual subjects. Each figure has exaggerated hands and elongated legs. Both figures have cast suspension holes above the ankles. The top of each figure has a hollow shape that could have been used to insert feathers. The only other example illustrated is in Oro del Antiguo Peru, lamina 210 (7 cm or 2.75"). One figure is wearing a headdress with a feline motif and the other one with a simple cylindrical shape. Ex. New York collector, prior to 1970.
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Height:1.5" and 1.75"; Weight: 24 grams for pair.
Price Upon Request
n7028
Colombia, Uruba Style Bird Pendant with Square Plaque Dangles
The bird has its wings arched to its sides, a flared tail, and four dangles suspended on two bars. The small suspension holes are inside the back of the neck. The bird has bead-like eyes and is a generalized composite of various birds. This piece is well cast, with evidence of the carbon core intact. There is a similar bird in The Gold Museum of Colombia in Bogota. Ex. Louisiana professor acquired prior to 1980s'.
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Height 3 1/2" x Width 4 1/2" Weight 33.6 grams
XRF: Au 63% , Ag 26%, Cu 9.4%
$14,750
MM068
Costa Rica, Veraguas Cast Gold Eagle Pendant With Intertwining Serpents
This lost-wax cast gold miniature eagle is adorned with finely crafted scrolls around its head. In its claws, the eagle grasps a pair of intertwined serpents. There is a suspension loop behind the eagle’s neck, indicating that it was used as a pendant. This eagle is illustrated in The Met Musuem's THE ART OF PRECOLUMBIAN GOLD: The Jan Mitchell Collection, pg.110. Estate of Jan Mitchell prior to 1970.
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Height:1 3/4" x Width:1 1/2" Weight: 13.2 grams
$12,750
p1020
Panama, Veraguas Cast Gold Shark with Serpent and Crocodile Appendages
This is a variation of the classic Veraguas shark, with three sets of dorsal fins and four sets of Saurian appendages. On the underside of the mouth are two rows of intricately modeled teeth. There are two suspensions loops underneath the mouth. From the Jan Mitchell collection, prior to 1970, by descent to his sons. The top left serpent appendage is missing its eye.
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Length: 3 1/4" x Width: 1 7/8" Weight: 65.5 grams.
Price Upon Request
p1046
Peru, Vicús Gilt Copper Mace Head with four Levels of Six Pointed Stars
The mace has a richly gilded surface with traces of malchite corrosion inside and out. A similar mace with only three layers of stars and less intact gilt is illustrated in Mufareche (1999: #132). Mace heads were attached to wooden shafts and used as weapons. This is a particularly fine example from the early Vicús culture.
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Diameter 3" x length 3 5/8"
Price Upon Request
M3053
Peru, Vicús Gold Crescent Tweezers with Four Spirals on Each End
An elegant gold nose ornament with four wire spirals expertly soldered on each end. Made of two oblong sheets of gold with soldered filigree spirals reveals a high degree of craftsmanship. Tweezers were status implements fabricated in copper, silver and gold, with gold reserved for the highest level of status. Tweezers are often confused with nose ornaments, however they are spring loaded by annealing the metal, and were used to pluck the thick facial hairs of the Andean people. Shaving was not done in the New World, but was widely practiced in Europe and the Middle East.
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Width 6" Weight: 36.5 grams
XRF: Au. 83.8%, Ag. 20.0%, Cu.5.1%
Price Upon Request
96050
Peru, Wari Double-headed Gold Feather Plume with Embossed and Cutout Decoration
The feather plume is worked with embossed designs of two cutout birds standing on Puma heads and holding serpents in their beaks. The Puma Head can also be seen as a Condor head facing in the downward direction and seen in the classic Wari Tunics. The surfaces are beautifully burnished. A similar plume in the Berlin Museum measures 8 ¾†and is illustrated in WARI - Lords of the Andes, fig. 216. This plume is unusual in that it has two "branches" and is worked with both cutout and embossed designs while the others only have embossed work. Formerly in the collection of Robert Sonin.
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Height 10 1/2"
$12,500
M7122b
