Description:

Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Chavin, ca. 1200 to 500 BCE. An impressive tupu, an ancient Andean version of a brooch or shawl pin, carved from camelid bone (llama or alpaca) with the head of a jaguar as the finial - brandishing sharp fangs and a fierce countenance - as well as incised concentric circular motifs representing the jaguar's spotted coat adorning the upper half of the tupu pin below. The jaguar symbolized power and might throughout the Pre-Columbian world. Warriors, rulers, hunters, and shamans alike associated themselves with this king of beasts, the largest and most powerful feline in the New World. I wonder who wore this special jaguar tupu. Size: 6.25" H (15.9 cm); 6.75" H (17.1 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-private Hans Juergen Westermann collection, Germany

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#145241

  • Condition: Two pieces reattached to lower undecorated end of tupu. Expected surface wear and ossification to the camelid bone. Details of face and spotted coat are still relatively strong.

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November 14, 2019 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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