Description:

Pre-Columbian, Peru, Chimu, ca. 1100 to 1450 CE. A fabulous pair of Chimu ear spools, each one hand-carved from wood and extensively inlaid with chrysocola, spondylus and abalone shell, as well as turquoise on the circular face to depict an animated flute player in profile. These painstakingly rendered mosaic compositions present the indigenous flute players' expressive visages and opulent mode of dress with fancy eagle headdresses, striped tunics, and sashes. Personal ornamentation was a significant mark of status for ancient Peruvian cultures, and sizeable ear ornaments like these were reserved for nobles. In fact, when the Spanish invaded Peru, they called the Inca elite orejones meaning big-eared. Size: each ear spool is 3" L x 3.125" in diameter (7.6 cm x 7.9 cm); 3.625" H (9.2 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: ex-Ancient Resource, Los Angeles, California, USA, purchased in 2007

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#149928

  • Condition: Wood shows expected darkening and age wear with a few minute chips. Some cracks, chips, and abrasions to inlays, but the earspools still present strong figural imagery.

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November 14, 2019 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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