Pre-Columbian, North Coast of Peru, Sican / Lambayeque, ca. 10th to 11th century CE. A fabulous and impressive number of 14K gold - 691 to be exact - of gold dress appliques - all circular with the exception of the U-shaped copper ornament at the center. This luxurious ensemble was made to adorn the body of a deceased elite member of the Sican society; gold was for lords or kings, silver for noble women, and copper for wealthy commoners. The face most likely was not intended to represent an individual, but rather a stylized deity, as all of the known masks from the region follow a very similar formula. In this way, the deceased could readily assume a godly identity. Sican elites were patrons of workshops that made fine metal objects like these appliques, and they took their wealth with them when they passed away. Buried in mounds, these individuals would be entombed in high style. These appliques are sewn to a modern tunic that imagines how these beautiful pieces were attached to clothing. Size of tunic: 25" W x 16" H (63.5 cm x 40.6 cm); 16.5" H (41.9 cm) on included custom stand; average applique size: 0.5" W (1.3 cm); quality of gold: 58%

This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world’s largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-Arundel Collection "Old Curiosity Cabinet" Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, California, USA, collected 1950-1970

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#136578

Tunic cloth fabric is modern. Appliques are attached to modern fabric with modern thread. Normal areas of surface wear and patina to gold. Some bending of forms. Minute nicks and tears to areas of peripheries. Excellent presentation.