Pre-Columbian, Colombia, Tairona culture, ca. 1000 to 1500 CE. A beautiful nose ornament hammered from a sheet of 81% gold (equivalent to 18K+). The open-ended annular accessory features an openwork tubular body that curves in a relatively ovoid manner and has a ridged end cap crimped onto each terminal. The surfaces are graced with matte honey yellow patina, and lustrous reflections shine through in scattered areas. Although gold was not a currency in pre-Columbian South America, it had great symbolic power, used by elites in life and in death to demonstrate their place in society. Size: 2.375" W x 1.9" H (6 cm x 4.8 cm); 5.5" H (14 cm) on included custom stand; quality of gold: 81% (equivalent to 18K+).

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-Jane Susskind-Narins collection, acquired from Sotheby's, New York "Pre-Columbian, American Indian, African and Oceanic Art, Egyptian, Classical, Western Asiatic, and Later Works of Art" auction (sale no. 4807Y, February 24, 1982, lot 106); ex-private California, USA collection

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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.

#166955

Nose ornament cannot be removed from display arm and therefore cannot be weighed accurately. Slight bending to overall form, with small indentations to exterior surfaces and terminals, with a couple of very small and stable fissures along peripheries, otherwise intact and very good. Lovely age-commensurate patina throughout.