Pre-Columbian, Peru, Nazca, ca. 300 to 500 CE. A lovely piece of wearable art with a ~20K gold face and a silver back, possibly used as a labret or an earspool, depicting an intricate composition in repousse that is comprised of four quadrants with a spiral perhaps representing the sun at the center. Adorning each quadrant is an abstract rendering of a seated seabird, appearing to sit on an egg. The entire composition is neatly surrounded by a 'beaded' border. Nazca metalworkers beat gold into thin sheets which were then cut and modeled to create imagery. These artisans preferred to keep surfaces smooth and reflective, with nice repousse work to provide attractive decoration. Masks and ornaments like this example were produced which were worn to make the wearer appear to possess a golden features, this transforming the wearer to an almost otherworldly status. Size: 1.625" in diameter (4.1 cm); 5" H (12.7 cm) on included custom stand. Weight: 5.2 grams

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-H. J. Westermann Collection, Germany, acquired 1960 to 1970

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#132625

Perforation on back panel for attachment or suspension. Minor surface wear commensurate with age. Old inventory label taped to back end.