Description:

Pre-Columbian, Northern Peru, Moche culture, ca. 200 to 600 CE. We have handled hundreds of incredible pieces of Pre-Columbian gold and silver. This pair ranks among my favorites! Created from pure silver on one side and a high karat gold mix on the other fused together to create symbolism of the sun and the moon. Each is quite large and very heavy in an almost perfect circular disc thinning to the section that was inserted into the nasal septum. Size: 2.925" W (7.4 cm). Combined weight of the two rings is 99.2 grams.

Each nose ring has been tested using XRF technology. The gold areas are comprised of approximately 56% gold, 25% silver and 18% copper. The silver areas are about 93% silver, 5% copper and 1% gold. All results are consistent with ancient gold and silver objects from this time period.

Provenance: private British Columbia, Canada collection, gifted from aunt in Tucson, Arizona, USA, acquired prior to 1980

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.

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#182687

  • Condition: Each intact and choice with minor areas of wear. Silver has oxidized to a deep almost black which could be cleaned.

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December 7, 2023 8:00 AM MST
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 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000