Pre-Columbian, north coast Peru, early Moche, ca. 100 to 300 CE. A petite and fine avian figure carved from orange and white spondylus shell. The figure rests with its curled feet and folded wings held against its abdomen, its rounded head peering forward with a pair of drilled eyes set just above the base of an elongated conical beak. This piece would likely have been worn as an amulet or pendant based on the biconically-drilled suspension holes situated laterally on the neck. Size: 1.625" L x 0.875" W x 0.875" H (4.1 cm x 2.2 cm x 2.2 cm).

Provenance: private Los Angeles County, California, USA collection; ex-private Los Angeles, California, USA collection

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#134844

Surface wear and abrasions commensurate with age, small losses to sides of neck above both suspension holes, small chips and nicks to body, wings, head, and beak, and some light encrustations and pitting holes. Light earthen deposits throughout. Old inventory label beneath abdomen.