Description:

Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Moche, ca. 300 to 800 CE. A fabulous bead pendant in the form of a highly-stylized head, hand-carved from mottled sage-hued stone with dark inclusions. The expressive countenance is defined by almond-shaped eyes formed with inlaid spondylus shell fragments and drilled pupils, a bulbous triangular nose, a grimacing mouth carved from inlaid mother-of-pearl, and several incised scarification marks brought forth with vivid red cinnabar. Two tight spirals are incised on the sides of the head and imbue the head with a wondrous presentation evocative of ancient Peru. A modern silver-filled wire is twisted through the biconically-drilled suspension hole atop the pate. Size: 1.5" W x 1.125" H (3.8 cm x 2.9 cm); 3.1" H (7.9 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Probst collection, Monterey, California, USA, acquired in the mid-1970s to mid-1990s

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#145025

  • Condition: Light fading to some cinnabar details, and minor abrasions, otherwise intact and excellent. Light earthen deposits within some recessed areas.

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April 4, 2019 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$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 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000