Pre-Columbian, Northern Peru, Moche, ca. 500 to 1000 CE. An impressive Moche stone and copper collar/necklace, its beautiful design comprised of four sections divided via copper bar spacers, each quadrant including 26 strands in total amounting to approximately 5500 petite, flat round Spondylus shell and natural and colored stone beads, the central two sections features a depiction of a proud warrior wearing a grand tumi headdress and wielding a spear, shield and weapon, the two flanking sections each feature a large weapon made from rich, chocolate-brown hued beads. Stone and Spondylus shell beaded necklaces have been found in elite level Moche tombs and Moche copper work is considered among the finest metalwork of the cultures of the central Andes. Size: 12.75" W x 8" H (32.4 cm x 20.3 cm)

A note accompanying the piece reads, "According to Lowell Collins (an appraiser and specialist in Pre-Columbian and African art), A.S.A (Sept. 2001), 'This is a rare and highly desirable item in this condition.' E. (excellent?) subject matter. (He estimates it's FMV ~20K). A sleeper @ recent River Oaks Estate Auction."

Provenance: Ex-Private Houston, TX collection acquired locally at River Oaks Estate Auction before 2000.

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#108018

Copper at termini has lovely green patina. Beads all there and collar quite intact. Excellent.