Pre-Columbian, Ecuador, Manteno, ca. 600 to 1533 CE. An amazing copper and gilt disk pendant with a repousse face of a jaguar. This disk shows a feline face in relief on the domed center and flat undecorated edges around the peripheries. The stylized face consists of small, bean shaped eyes, a rectangular snout that curves over the eyes as a brow. Under the nose are lines that create whiskers or the wrinkled lips of a snarling mouth. Two perforations through the mouth secure the rectangular articulating tongue, now attached with modern thread. When worn as a pendant, the tongue would move, and strike the disk and emit a jangling sound. When gently pulled and released, a pleasing tone is produced by the striking of metal pieces! Two piercings at the top of the disc are perhaps for suspension to wear as a pendant or pectoral. Size: 4.5" Diameter (11.4 cm); 8" H (20.3 cm) on included custom stand.

The Manteno lived on Ecuador's coast, with two main temples, one located on the mainland coast and the other on Puna Island, which is protected by the coast. At these temples, people came to worship a goddess, using many of the methods known from elsewhere in ancient South America - shamanism associated with transformation in jaguars and other animals, the burning of incense for ceremonies, and veneration of rulers. The disk was made from a copper sheet: first hammered sheet to the current thickness, then a metal or bone tool punched and hammered the repousse face, and finally a layer of gold gilt was applied on the surface. The verso was left bare of gilt. This metal disk, possibly a pectoral or pendant, belongs to the groups of artifacts sometimes referred to as tincullpas.

For a similar example please see the Metropolitan Museum of Art accession number: 1987.394.231.

Provenance: private collection, Santa Clara, California, USA, acquired prior to 2010

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#164637

Age commensurate surface abrasions and minor nicks, otherwise intact. Losses to gilt but retains a nice amount. Separate piece attached to mouth with modern thread. Stunning blue and green patina.