Description:

Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Moche, ca. 200 to 850 CE. A wonderful nose ornament hammered from 95.17% silver to feature a central crescent flanked by 2 repousse feline figures. Both facing outward, the fierce animals sit with their back touching and front paws extended outward. Their snarling faces present sharp fangs, huge, almond-shaped eyes, and delineated fur projecting from the top and bottom, each crowned by round ears. Their bodies are adorned with spots and stripes, indicating that they may be jaguars. A nocturnal animal, the jaguar sleeps in caves and dark places and creeps quietly in the forest, evoking great mystery. Oddly enough, few Moche artists would have seen jaguars as they are not indigenous to the coast; jaguars prefer moist forest conditions. However, scholars believe that some cubs were transported over the mountains for Moche rituals, and it is also possible that some jaguars wandered down the coast. Size: 4.3" W x 2.9" H (10.9 cm x 7.4 cm); silver quality: 95.17%; weight: 11.4 grams

  • Provenance: private Lumberton, Texas, USA collection, acquired before 2010
  • Condition: Some light bending, but none affecting overall form. Areas of flaking and encrustations to verso. Otherwise, intact and excellent with rich patina and nice remaining detail.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

8. IN-HOUSE SHIPPING: All buyers will receive an invoice detailing their purchases, sales tax (if applicable), buyer's premium, and shipping/insurance charges. Items will be shipped only upon receipt of payment in full and will be insured for their full value. We are currently experiencing shipping delays due to staff shortages, please allow up to 15 days for shipping after payment is received. If you prefer to work with a third-party shipper, we can assist with recommendations.

**Please note, we are currently unable to ship to Australia, Germany and Switzerland due to customs clearance issues. If you are in one of these countries, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase.*

**For shipments outside of the USA, customs and duties may apply upon entry into said country; this fee, if any, is the buyer's responsibility. Also, please be aware that Artemis Gallery will NOT falsify customs value on any international shipments - what you pay is what we declare, no exceptions. There are a small number of international countries we cannot ship to. If you have questions about this, please inquire BEFORE bidding**

January 25, 2024 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 27.5% 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