Description:

Pre-Columbian, South Coast Peru, Paracas, ca. 500 to 300 BCE. An impressive pectoral comprised of hundreds if not thousands of petite seashells of creamy white hues, sewn to a black fabric backing and mounted to a museum quality stand. Given its size and the sheer number of shells included, this piece was likely created for the Paracas elite. Shells as well as other beings from the sea were highly symbolic to the ancients of the Andes. Scholars believe that they played a major role in indigenous religious beliefs, and they were oftentimes used to create jewelry and decorative ornaments as symbols of rank. Size: 27.5" L x 2.75" W (69.8 cm x 7 cm); 11" H (27.9 cm) on included custom stand.

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

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.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#145400

  • Condition: Shells are ancient. Sewn to a modern black fabric and mounted to museum quality stand.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

May 23, 2019 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

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