Description:

Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Moche, ca. 500 CE. A grand Mochica sterling silver breast plate comprised of sixty-four small rectangular silver boxes strung together to form a stairstep design. When viewed upside down, the design resembles that of a pyramid, which is poignant given that the Moche civilization built monumental pyramidal mounds, ie the Huaca del Sol, that displayed characteristic traits of their architecture such as multiple levels, slanted roofing, and diagonal access ramps. The fact that the design program of this chest plate recalls that of Moche architecture sets it apart. What's more, the pectoral manifests expert technique and marvelous artistry, as the Moche were gifted metalsmiths and created fine metal jewelry, headdresses, drinking vessels, tumi knives, and chest plates like this exquisite example. Comes with a case that has a hanger on the back side for suspension. Size: pectoral itself measures 11" L x 3-1/2" W; each silver box measures 1/2" x 3/4"; 12-3/8" x 8-1/4" in case.

Provenance: Ex-private Houston, TX collection acquired at auction or local gallery between 1982 and 1994.

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#108189

  • Condition: Normal tarnish, but overall breathtaking!

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October 22, 2015 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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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 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000