Pre-Columbian, Peru (North Coast), Moche Culture, ca. 100 to 700 CE. An elegant, simple hammered silver bowl, its sides possessing a light texture from the hammering process that captures the light in intriguing ways. The exterior has the remains of gilding on it, and the interior may also once have been gilded. This silver bowl replicates a form commonly seen in pottery for domestic use, and was probably brought out for feasting or used exclusively by very elite members of society. Silver, mostly mined in northern Chile, had to make an arduous trade journey to reach Incan workshops, representing a significant cost. It was worth it to demonstrate wealth and power - imagine how beautiful this piece would look piled high with carefully prepared, rich food. Size: 4.7" W x 2.25" H (11.9 cm x 5.7 cm); 50.2 grams

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex Butterfield's

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#131973

Patina on surface from age and handling. Slight bending to form, mainly on one side. Some gilding remains on exterior. Some encrustation on exterior.