Description:

Pre-Columbian, North Coast of Peru, Moche culture, ca. 6th to 7th century CE. A lovely nose ring of a crescent form that is shaped from a thin sheet of 92.1% to 93.3% silver. The broad ornament features projecting exterior corners, a pair of flared septum tabs with an ovoid central hole, and an outline of triangular peaks along the bottom and stippling on the top formed along the verso via repousse. Additionally formed with repousse techniques is the central image of Ai Apec (also Ai Apaec) - god of the Moche underworld - who presents in portrait with outstretched legs and a grimacing face as he brandishes a ceremonial tumi in his left hand and the hair of a severed trophy head in his right. The entire nose ring is enveloped with lustrous patina that glints in the light and creates a sumptuous presentation. Size: 3.78" W x 2.18" H (9.6 cm x 5.5 cm); silver quality: 92.1% to 93.3%; weight: 7.3 grams

Cf. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession numbers 1978.412.243 and 1979.206.1236.

Provenance: private Lumberton, Texas, USA collection, acquired before 2010

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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PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#169569

  • Condition: Slight bending to overall form of body and septum tabs, with minor abrasions and softening to some repousse details, light tarnishing, and one petite black mark on verso made in modern times, otherwise intact and excellent. Great patina throughout.

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January 27, 2022 9:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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