Pre-Columbian, north coast of Peru, Sican / Lambayeque culture, ca. 750 to 1370 CE. A pair of appliques made from an alloy of 85% copper and 15% silver, each hammered and cut into the form of a crouched jaguar with a long face and curved tail. Each is made to be worn, sewn onto a tunic or other textile. Ancient Peruvian iconography often focuses on powerful predator animals: jaguars, caimans, eagles. In jaguar depictions, the eyes and the snarling mouth are often emphasized, focusing on the tools that the predator uses in the hunt. Why focus on these attributes? Some scholars believe that, as with the other predators, images of the jaguar were an aesthetic response to the mingled terror - this animal could kill a man - and admiration - this animal dominated its landscape - that ancient people must have felt. Size: 1.65" W x 1.7" H (4.2 cm x 4.3 cm); 5.25" H (13.3 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex Hirsch collection, Germany

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#131955

Slight bending to form, otherwise excellent!