Pre-Columbian, Peru, Inca Empire, ca. 1400 to 1533 CE. An elegant 61% gold (equivalent to 14K+) Inca tupu, an ancient Andean version of a brooch or shawl pin, solid cast and quite rare. The long-pointed pin presents an integral flat circular finial with two outfacing llamas atop the orb, each one finely modeled on both sides and standing in profile. While the rest of the pin is smooth and undecorated, the llamas are delineated with cross-hatched bodies, curled horns and tails, as well as prominent snouts that exude character! Weight: 25.8 grams. Gold quality: 61%, equivalent to 14K+. Size: 1.625" W x 4.9" H (4.1 cm x 12.4 cm); 6.125" H (15.6 cm) on included custom stand.

Llamas were an important camelid for the ancients of the Andes. They not only provided the Inca with food and wool, but also a means of transportation. Although llamas were not worshipped per se, they were coveted and cared for. Interestingly, some scholars posit that the Inca believed that in a past life, llamas could actually speak!

In addition, we know that the Inca created small stone figures, called "canopas," that typically depicted llamas, alpacas, or other camelids. These canopas were often buried in the animals' corrals to protect the herds and increase their fertility. The cavity on a canopa’s back would have been filled with offerings like coca leaves, maize, or animal fat in order to appease the gods. The existence of canopas also suggest that the llama was a special animal to the ancient peoples of the Andes.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-Ian Arundel collection, California, USA, the Old Curiosity Cabinet, Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, California, USA, collected 1950-1970

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#159622

Perforation at lower end of the circular face that was perhaps intentional. Slight surface wear and minute nicks to the periphery of the circular finial to either side of the pin. Overall excellent!