**First Time At Auction**

Pre-Columbian, Oaxaca, Mexico, Mixtec culture, ca. 900 to 1500 CE. A beautiful, cast copper bell decorated with intricate spiraled and geometric motifs. The Mixtec artisans were masters of metallurgy, surpassing other Mesoamerican cultures in craftsmanship. Metallurgy was introduced into the region around 900 CE. Mesoamericans used metals for ornamentation, though their tools and weaponry remained Neolithic. Many experts agree that Mixtec metal wares set the standard for Mesoamerican cultures. The Oaxaca master metalsmiths created pendants, masks, beads, buckles, and bells such as this example employing hammering and lost wax process techniques. Size: 1.3" W x 3.6" H (3.3 cm x 9.1 cm)

Provenance: private Colgate, Wisconsin, USA collection, acquired 1970s to 1990s; ex John Montovan collection, Dekalb, Illinois, USA

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#156764

Minor separation to one area of body coils and light encrustations, otherwise intact and very good. Nice patina throughout, and original clapper ball still retained within body. Bell produces low-pitched sound when jostled.