Description:

Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Moche, ca. 100 to 700 CE. Two gorgeous high karat nose rings - 20 karat for the larger and 14 karat for the smaller - both of a stunning crescent shape, skillfully hand-hammered, and decorated. The larger example is adorned with four concentric circles in repousse arranged in a lovely symmetrical design and has beautiful red cinnabar on the surface highlighting the contours of this design. The smaller nose ring features a pair of repousse circular motifs on the face and a beaded border. Size: larger measures 2.375" W x 1.5" H (6 cm x 3.8 cm); smaller measures 1.75" W x 1.25" H (4.4 cm x 3.2 cm) Weight: 1.5 grams (four circle design) and 1.9 grams (two circle design)

The crescent form of these examples was a favorite of the Moche - various goldworks from headdresses to pectorals also had the crescent form, and they derive much of their impressiveness from the wide reflective surface they present to the viewer. Beyond the aesthetic, this shape may also connect to beliefs about the moon. We know that among the later Inca, Si, the moon goddess, was thought to be more powerful than the sun because she could be seen both at night and during the day. This object probably belonged to a male, because in ancient Peru, gold seems to have been reserved for elite men, while silver was reserved for elite women.

Provenance: private Hawaiian collection, ex Splendors of the World Gallery

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#125077

  • Condition: Minor bending and areas of mineral deposits. Inventory numbers on the versos. Both are in overall excellent condition.

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August 31, 2017 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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