Lot 34B
Pre-Columbian, Peru, Inca Empire, ca. 1470 to 1532 CE. A beautiful group of miniature mace heads, made from 60-70% silver/copper alloys. Each has two human figures, one on each side, shown in contorted positions, as if performing feats for the viewer's pleasure. Luxury crafts like these demonstrate the incredible skill that Incan metalsmiths achieved - these were specialized, full-time artisans who worked for the Inca emperor or other important elites. The Inca employed sumptuary laws, so that only people at the pinnacle of society could commission such objects. However, they could be given as gifts, and thus find their way into the possession of people outside the nobility - small items like these were probably given out for services rendered to the ruling class, precious for their association with the emperor. Size of one: 0.45" W x 0.45" H (1.1 cm x 1.1 cm); 4.45" H (11.3 cm) on included custom stand.
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex Hirsch collection, Germany
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#131932
- Condition: Patina on surface. Very nice preservation of details.
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
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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 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $25,000 |