**Originally Listed At $1000**

Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Moche, ca. 100 BCE to 600 CE. An impressive copper rattle/bell depicting Ai-Apec in the center holding a tumi and a trophy head in both hands. The instrument includes nine round rattles at the lower periphery. Ai Apec's wing-like arms spread wide, and he is surrounded by an openwork section of plants and animals. Although time has made them difficult to discern, we can make some educated guesses as this is Ai Apec, the chief deity of the Moche (Mochica) culture. He is often surrounded by fish, cacti, and snakes. He bears the identifying marks of the god, with feline fangs extending from his fierce mouth, wide, staring eyes, and a large headdress. Ai Apec was associated with the protection of the food supply of the Moche people. Scholars have posited that rattles bearing his visage were likely believed to have shamanic, healing power in this ancient culture. Size: 4.75" W x 2.8" H (12.1 cm x 7.1 cm); 4.125" H (10.5 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-private Hans Juergen Westermann collection, Germany, collected from 1950 to 1960s

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

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.

#161532

Repaired from two large pieces vertically across midsection, with resurfacing and light overpainting along break lines. Heavy encrustations across surfaces, with softening to some finer details, and slight separation between both halves. Great sparkling patina throughout.