Pre-Columbian, Peru, Chavin culture, ca. 1200 to 500 BCE. A hand-carved shell applique of discoid form with a slight convex bulge on the obverse. Inlaid around the front are carved fragments of turquoise or greenstone that create a quartet of processional skulls, each with bared teeth and mounded brows. The minimalist skulls are each connected to their neighbors with a curved band of similar stone that represents the life force shared between all living things, even in death. Size: 2.01" W x 1.93" H (5.1 cm x 4.9 cm); 3.8" H (9.7 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, acquired from 2000 to 2010; ex-Merrin Gallery, New York, USA

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#184718

Professionally repaired with plaster material on verso holding in some carved stone pieces. Abrasions and small nicks, with softening to some finer details, otherwise in great condition. Nice contrast in colors between stone and shell. Previous inventory label on verso.