Pre-Columbian, Peru (North Coast), Moche Culture, ca. 100 to 700 CE. A stunning 18K gold nose ring of a double crescent form, comprised of skillfully hammered and cut 18 karat gold sheet of a gorgeous glistening hues. The crescent form of this object mirrors that of many known Moche gold items - headdresses and pectorals also presented the crescent form, and these all derive much of their impressiveness from the wide reflective surface they present to the viewer. This object most likely was the possession of a male, because in ancient Peru, gold was traditionally reserved for elite men, while silver was reserved for elite women. The crescent may have symbolized Si, the moon goddess, considered more powerful than the sun because she could be seen both in the night and the day. Size: 1.25" L x 1.625" W (3.2 cm x 4.1 cm); weight: 2.4 grams

Provenance: ex-private Honolulu, Hawaii, USA collection

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.

#134226

Slight dents and areas or tarnish. Otherwise intact and excellent.