Description:

Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Moche, ca. 200 to 500 CE. A lovely and large shell, turquoise, and wood earspool intended for an elite member of Moche society. The spool is comprised of a thick wooden disc with pieces of pink and orange Spondylus and nacre (mother of pearl) inlaid on the face in a radiating pattern from the central rondel as sun beams. At the center are five birds in profile inlaid with turquoise eyes surrounding a stone. Earspools such as this example, were commissioned by the wealthy and elite lords or kings who wanted to display their prestige. These earspools are replete with powerful symbolic value, for in the Pre-Columbian world, the birds as sky animals were regarded as messengers between humankind and the deities of the celestial realms. Size: 2.25" Diameter x 0.5" W (5.7 cm x 1.3 cm); 4.25" H (10.8 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-private Hans Juergen Westermann collection, Germany, collected from 1950 to1960s

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.

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.

#164515

  • Condition: Chips and nicks to shells. Mineral and earthen deposits. Nice coloration and iridescence on shells.

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January 20, 2022 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$300 $999 $50
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$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
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