Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Mixtec culture, ca. 1200 to 1500 CE. A charming ensemble of 4 silver bells, all in the form of monkey heads. Each of the adorable simians presents annular eyes beneath an arched brow, large, openwork nostrils, and a smiling open mouth, all flanked by a pair of coil-form ears, each suspending a spherical bell. A spiraling adornment projects from the center of each brow, while an additional bell hangs from each chin. All of the ancient animals feature a sizable suspension loop at the top of their heads and produce lovely music when shaken! Size (all about the same): 1.8" W x 2.5" H (4.6 cm x 6.4 cm)

The Mixtec artisans were masters of metallurgy, surpassing other Mesoamerican cultures in craftsmanship. Metallurgy was introduced into the region around 900 CE. Mesoamericans used metals for ornamentation, though their tools and weaponry remained Neolithic. Many experts agree that Mixtec metal wares set the standard for Mesoamerican cultures.

Monkeys were prevalent in the Mesoamerican lowlands, with the two most common species being the howler monkey and the spider monkey. However, the monkeys depicted on hachas are highly stylized, abstracting the monkey's essential characteristics. Monkeys were represented often in various art forms, including stone pedestal sculptures, mushroom stones, architectural reliefs, ceramic figures, whistles, and effigy vessels, as well as hachas for the traditional ballgame.

Provenance: private Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA collection; ex-Dr. David Harner collection, Springdale, Arkansas, USA, acquired between the 1950s and 1960s

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#168938

All are intact, excellent, and still functional with nice patina. Wearable as pendants.