Description:

Pre-Columbian, Peru, Chimu or possibly Inca, ca. 1100 to 1470 CE. A charming group of eight matching silver (ranging from 90-95% purity) beads, each in the form of a bird with wings spread, incised eyes and tail feathers, and an applied head with a pointed beak. Two tiny perforations, each on the right wing near the head, served to sew these ornaments to clothing. Two are larger than the others. To the Chimu, birds signified prestige. They are never anthropomorphized, but instead appear in stylized, repeated, geometric patterns. Pelicans, in particular, were thought to have the ability to dive into the world of the ancestors, and were common decorations on Chimu artwork. Size of larger: 1" W x 0.75" H (2.5 cm x 1.9 cm); silver purity ranges from 90-95%; total weight of all: 20.8 grams

Provenance: ex-private Grotte collection, Quincy, Illinois, USA

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#145014

  • Condition: All have dark patina. Several have deposits on their surfaces as shown. Nicely preserved details.

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April 25, 2019 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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