Description:

Pre-Columbian, north coast of Peru, Sican/Lambayeque culture, ca. 10th to 11th century CE. An attractive, paper-thin, hammered gold applique in the form of a bird - perhaps an eagle - shown flying in profile with beak open as though letting out a high-pitched whistle. Sican elites were patrons of workshops that made fine metal objects like this one, and they took their wealth with them when they died. Buried in mounds, they would be entombed in high style. Birds were precious resources in the economy of Andean societies and their feathers often adorned the sumptuous garments of rulers and kings. Beyond their economic importance, birds also inspired craftsmen creating colorful textiles, ceramic vessels, and elegant metal adornments, as seen in this example. Size: 1.5" W x 1.25" H (3.8 cm x 3.2 cm); 4.75" H (12.1 cm) on included custom stand; gold quality: 65% (equivalent to over 15 karats); weight: 1 gram

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, acquired from 2000 to 2010

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#179927

  • Condition: Slight bending to form and abrasions in areas, but otherwise intact and excellent. Nicely preserved.

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July 21, 2023 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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