Description:

Pre-Columbian, Peru to Bolivia, Inca, ca. 1400 to 1500 CE. A rare type of Inca weaponry known as a bola or an ayllo made from heavy cast-copper with single loop ring at base that would be tied to the end of a rope and swung with great velocity. Atop and protruding from the solid mass of metal is a pair of spikes and highly stylized animals; high relief tails, crouching limbs, ring shaped ears, and snarling snouts. These animals are abstract and could be any number of ferocious beings: jaguars, pumas, or some type of underworld hybrid creature. This is a substantial and deadly item that could take down a large animal, or a Spaniard wearing armor when whipped about. The ornate qualities of this example however suggest a ceremonial function. Size: 3.5" L x 3.5" W (8.9 cm x 8.9 cm); 3.75" H (9.5 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, before 2010; ex-private Hans Juergen Westermann collection, Germany, acquired in the 1950s to 1960s

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#173454

  • Condition: Surface is cleaned and polished. Areas of green patina remaining. Age and use expected surface wear, with pitting and softening to surface, but animals are well preserved. Rare type!

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August 11, 2022 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$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