Description:

Pre-Columbian, Peru, Moche III to Moche IV (Classic Period), ca. 450 to 650 CE. A fascinating hollow pierced tumbaga ornament in the form of a human face with a dramatic, grimacing expression. Tiny owls with huge eyes and sharp beaks form a border around the neck, and another owl rests between the face's heavy eyebrows which are, on second inspection, actually the spread wings of the bird. These eyes once would have contained inlays of precious stone. The placement of the owl on the forehead suggests either a mask or a shamanic incarnation of the animal - perhaps the face is a shaman who is in a trance as an owl. To the Moche, the owl sacrificed war captives, creating trophy heads. Size: 1.375" H (3.5 cm); 2.8" H (7.1 cm) on included custom stand; 7.3 grams.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-W. Steinberg collection, UK

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#141379

  • Condition: Slight bending to form with light patina on surface. Likely once had inlays that are now lost. Cannot be removed from stand.

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November 29, 2018 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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