Pre-Columbian, Northern Peru, Sican, Lambayeque Valley, ca 800 to 1100 CE. A very large, hammered silver head ornament of a circular, medallion-like form, adorned by an amphibian - frog or toad - in repousse with outspread legs, bumpy skin, and an expressive happy visage presenting round bulging eyes, pierced nostrils, and a wide smile. In addition to the piece's impressive artistry, it is a richly symbolic piece, as the frog (rana) was associated with rain, water, the sustenance that it brings, spring, fertility, and rebirth in the Pre-Columbian world. Size: 5.125" W x 5.375" H (13 cm x 13.7 cm)

Silver working is a two thousand year old tradition in Peru. To the ancients of Peru, precious metals indicated special status. Both silver and gold were symbols of power and prestige worn exclusively by the elite. They signified high social status and respected political authority during life as well as after death when placed as votive offerings in tombs with the honored deceased. Silver was used to create numerous types of objects, ranging from personal ornaments like this example to effigy vessels shaped in the likenesses of human figures, animals, and birds.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex private Eugene Lyons collection, Geneva, Switzerland

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#132552

Normal surface wear/tarnish. Divot to right periphery near rear leg. Tiny nicks/losses to upper and lower protruding appendages. Perforation through center. Firmly attached to its stand and difficult to remove.