Pre-Columbian, Peru (North Coast), Moche Culture, ca. 100 to 700 CE. A copper tupu topped by a delightful figure of a fox, with two tiny, round shell discs for eyes. The fox perches, its fluffy tail curled upward, its ears erect and at attention, as if the animal is about to leap upon its prey. In Pre-Columbian Andean cultures, the fox was associated with plant fertility and was seen as the bearer of grains and plants. The tupu is an ancient Andean version of a brooch or shawl pin. These are still used today to fasten lliqlla, a shawl pinned at the front; Pre-Columbian people presumably wore something very similar. With its decorative design, this probably belonged to an elite woman, perhaps a priestess. Size: 1.1" W x 9.1" H (2.8 cm x 23.1 cm); 10.2" H (25.9 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Southern California, USA collection, acquired in the 1970s to mid-1980s

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#140732

Intact with a pretty dark turquoise patina on surface.