Lot 93D
Pre-Columbian, Colombia, Tairona culture, ca. 10th to 16th century CE. A delicate gold 60% (equivalent to 14K+) bell with intricate wire work that forms an anthropomorphic face. The body is a hollow hourglass shape that contains the clapper ball with a flat top and a horizontal slit on the bottom for emitting sound. The front side of the upper half presents a stylized face comprised of braided and twisted wirework that form a triangular nose ornament, projecting lips, granulated eyes, and spiraling granulated earrings that jut from the sides of the bell. Two wires behind the earrings provided suspension loops. The Pre-Columbian Tairona, a group of chiefdoms in a mountainous part of Colombia, are renowned for their distinctive gold pieces. This bell's human face probably represents a Tairona ruler or chief who were often depicted highly adorned with jewelry and piercings. Size: .6" W x .8" H (1.5 cm x 2 cm); 2.25" H (5.7 cm)on included custom stand; quality of gold 60% (equivalent to 14K+); weight: 3.8 grams.
The Tairona peoples created distinctive goldworks. Although gold was not a form of currency in Pre-Columbian South America, it had great symbolic power, and was used by elites in life and in death to demonstrate their place in society.
Provenance: Private New York Collector from 1966
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.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#159201
- Condition: Losses to the left side of wirework. Surface wear commensurate with age. The clapper ball is inside and rattles but does not make a clear sound. Light patina and intricate wirework!
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| 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 |