Latin America, Mexico, Mixtec culture, post-Conquest period, ca. mid-16th century CE. A fine trio of brass danglers, all in the form of monkey heads. Each of the adorable simians presents annular eyes beneath an arched brow, sizable, openwork nostrils, and a smiling open mouth, all flanked by a pair of coil-form ears with suspension loops. An additional spherical dangle hangs from each chin. All of the ancient animals feature a sizable suspension loop at the top of their heads and produce a soft jingle when shaken! Size (all about the same): 2.7" L x 1.6" W (6.9 cm x 4.1 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-private Arkansas, USA collection, via descent in 2021; ex-private Florida estate, USA, acquired from the 1960s to 1970s

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#176286

All have expected surface wear as shown, but are otherwise intact and in excellent condition with rich patina throughout.