Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Sican/Lambayeque, ca. 800 to 1000 CE. A gorgeous 14K gold crown decorated with four figural panels in repousse, each one depicting a highly decorated warrior who dons a crested, plumed helmet, large beaded ear ornaments, and a beaded pectoral. The four warriors stand proudly in profile while presenting a spear/scepter in their extended grips. Each corner of the panels features an openwork angular detail. The entire length of panels is framed by a beaded border, and vertical passages of beaded motifs separate one from the next. Size: 24" L x 3.125" H (61 cm x 7.9 cm); opening measures 7" L x 8" W (17.8 cm x 20.3 cm); weight: 178.6 grams

To create this piece, the ancient metalsmith hammered a gold piece into a very thin sheet, approximately the size of the finished work or trimmed to that size. Then the artisan used fine-grained stone anvils and hammer stones made of hematite or green porphyry, sometimes with animal hide attached, and a wooden template to create the form and its repousse ornamentation, as the metalsmith hammered the gold sheet upon the wooden template. An elegant piece created by the ancients of the Andes.

Provenance: private Hawii, USA collection; ex-Ian Arundel, California, USA; ex-Colin Arundel, California, USA

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.

#132617

Expected surface wear and dents, though relatively minor. A few minute nicks and tears. Otherwise excellent.