South America, Colombia, ca. 20th to 21st century CE. A stunning emerald carved into a head in profile of an indigenous chief wearing a feathered headdress, likely a representation of Chief Calarca. The stone size is 3 grams, about 15 carats, and a nice B grade quality with a pretty coloration. The included Colombian coin currency is a clue to the carved head's identity and significance in Colombian history. The Colombia 10 centavos dated 1966 is a copper-nickel coin, the reverse has a coat of arms and the obverse with the head of Chief Calarca. He was a legendary chief of the Pijao people in the late 16th and early 17th century, who fought and resisted the Spanish conquest. He was shot and killed during a raid on a Spanish fort in 1607, however, there is a common legend that he was killed by another indigenous warrior and recent Catholic convert. Colombia is one of the largest emerald producers in the world. Size of emerald: 0.5" L x 0.25" W x 1" H (1.3 cm x 0.6 cm x 2.5 cm); 15 carats; weight: 3 grams; coin: 0.75" Diameter (1.9 cm)

Provenance: private Cripple Creek, Colorado, USA collection

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#184199

Emerald is intact. Natural dark inclusions in the surface. Natural internal fractures and low clarity, B grade. Coin has some dark toning and patina, good circulated condition. Included to identify the emerald as Chief Calarca.