Description:

Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Moche, ca. 100 BCE to 100 CE. A fierce bat head pendant cast from 84% silver. The bat face is comprised of almond-shaped eyes recessed under a pointed brow, a squarish snout with bared fangs, and a protruding tongue. The round ears have a small stylized spiral relief shape to indicate the interior ear canal. Two small perforations drilled between the ears and through to the underside, enabled the head to be worn as a proud pendant to indicate, power, wealth, or warrior status. This stunning silver pendant has developed a rich patina over the ages and has retained the fine details of the grimacing bat. Size: 1.25" W x .75" H (3.2 cm x 1.9 cm); 2.5" H (6.4 cm) on included custom stand; quality of silver: 84%; total weight: 29.3 grams.

When the Spanish invaders discovered the metal work of the Andean cultures, they saw only profit in the precious gold and silver and melted much of the art down. A surviving silver pendant with fine details is a fabulous find!

Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection; ex-Arte Primitivo, New York, New York, USA

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#159717

  • Condition: Minor nicks and surface wear commensurate with age. Rich patina and fine details!

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January 7, 2021 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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