Pre-Columbian, Central Coast Peru, Chancay, ca. 800 to 1400 CE. A lidded box made of thick reeds bundled and sewn together with vegetal threads that contains a collection of ornaments and tools made of copper and silver alloys, shell, and stone. The necklace is comprised of 64% to 65% silver & copper beads on modern thread. The copper implements consist of tiny tweezers, a bell, ear spools, beads, a 49% silver parrot pin finial fragment, and a llama head pin with a vegetal thread. The tiny shell bead, and nacre shell discs that may have been jewelry or earspool inlays, and the greenstone figural charm / bead is in the form of a man. Remains of iridescent feathers are strewn within; these may have been prized just as much as precious metals. Perhaps this container was deposited in a grave, filled with offerings or personal belongings for the deceased. Size of box: 14.5" L x 6" W x 1.5" H (36.8 cm x 15.2 cm x 3.8 cm); necklace strand doubled: 23" L (58.4 cm); silver beads: 0.2" Diameter (0.5 cm); silver quality: 49% to 65%

Provenance: private Carroll collection, Georgia, USA, by descent; ex-private Jim Carroll collection, Maryland, USA, acquired in the 1960s

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#181641

Losses to reeds along rim of box and lid. Some fraying and unraveling, but overall good condition for age. Remains of feathers with fraying and fading. Abrasions and tears to copper tweezers and spools, mineral deposits, and green patina. Parrot finial is a fragment with clear coating added to protect surface. Llama pin is excellent. Chips to shells. Necklace is restrung in modern times on modern thread, perforations and indentations to beads with dark patina.