**First Time At Auction**

Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Moche, ca. 100 to 500 CE. A lovely and large shell and wood earspool displaying a discoid form and inlaid with delicate carved nacre (mother of pearl) and Spondylus shells. The face features an inlaid design of a central bird in profile surrounded by 4 rectangular shells in a starburst motif, as well as ovoid and circular shell inlays arranged in symmetrical patterns. The ancient avian centerpiece is made of nacre with turquoise stone eyes. The verso is left bare. Earspools such as this were commissioned by a powerful lord who wanted to display his prestige and animal attributes. Size: 2.125" in diameter (5.4 cm); 4" H (10.2 cm) on included custom stand.

Spondylus shells have been revered by Andean peoples since the Pre-Columbian era. In addition to being featured in their artwork and used as currency, Spondylus pieces served as sacred offerings to Pachamama, the earth/time mother, a version of Mother Nature. The Spondylus shell carries numerous symbolic meanings. A symbol of fertility and elite social status, it was also believed to be an omen of rain, warning the indigenous of El Nino. In fact, the Spondylus shell only appears when the water becomes warmer during December - the time of the El Nino current - immediately before the rainy season.

Provenance: private Healy collection, Studio City, California, USA, acquired 1995-2015; ex-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.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#178454

Professionally repaired with break line visible on verso. Missing 1 shell inlay on periphery. Some nicks to shells and periphery. Otherwise, very nice with light earthen deposits.