**Originally Listed At $900**

Pre-Columbian, northern Chile, Mapuche people, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A heavy, gorgeous tupu, made of (92%) silver, featuring a cross hammered into the center of a large disc with two hammered borders around it. A large, long pin ending in a hook is attached to the back of the disc by a silver pin and a silver staple. The tupu is an ancient Andean version of a brooch or shawl pin; they are still used today to fasten lliqlla, a shawl pinned at the front. The Mapuche acquired silver from Spanish colonists in the 18th century in the form of coins; they melted these down to make a variety of beautiful objects, notably ornaments for women that signified their wealth and status. Size: 6.55" W x 11.6" H (16.6 cm x 29.5 cm); 13.7" H (34.8 cm) on included custom stand; silver is 92%; total weight: 171.9 grams

Provenance: ex-private San Francisco, California, USA collection

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#148850

Light patina on surface. Slight bending to edges. Overall in beautiful condition.