Description:

Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Lambayeque or Sican culture, ca. 800-1000 CE. The Sican made significant technical advances in metalwork and focussed their artistic proclivities in this medium. This high karat gold kero or drinking vessel presents a portrait-like face. The artist meticulously brought the precious metal to life with his repousse technique. The visage captures a regal and characteristically Lambayeque countenance, with his noble hooked or beak-like nose, serious somewhat somber expression, stylized ears, and bulging, upturned, crescent-shaped eyes. His avian features are likely related to Naylamp, the key figure in Sicán mythology. The repeated circular impressions probably represent a fanciful headband or bejeweled headdress. A slender and elegant form of wonderful condition. 6.5"H x 2"W

Provenance: Ex-Eugene Lions collection, Geneva, Switzerland. Mr. Lions built his collection in the 1950s-60s.

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.

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  • Condition: Excellent condition!

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October 24, 2014 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000