Description:

Pre-Columbian, Colombia, Tairona, ca. 1000 to 1500 CE. A remarkable tumbaga bell pendant in the form of a seated zoomorph resembling a monkey. The charming animal displays a piriform body adorned with elaborate, openwork decoration comprised of 3 horizontal registers of triangular motifs. Gazing forward, the sweet simian presents bulging, annular eyes, a round snout, and a slightly open mouth, all flanked by a pair of spiraling, annular ears and capped with flared horns. The animal's petite legs bend before him, exhibiting detailed feet with delineated toes. A spherical clapper is contained within this cute creature, allowing him to produce a lovely jingle when shaken, while a circular suspension loop is featured on the verso of the neck and strung with a modern strand for the dazzling bell to be worn as a pendant. Size (of bell pendant): 1.1" W x 2.3" H (2.8 cm x 5.8 cm); Size (of modern strand): 22" L (55.9 cm)

Provenance: ex-McDonald collection, Houston, Texas, acquired from Houston auction before 2000

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#108024

  • Condition: Ancient bell strung on modern strand to be wearable. Still functional as a bell. Repair to middle front register of openwork with break line visible. Possible loss of diagonal piece on 2 registers of openwork. Otherwise, excellent with impressive remaining details. Collection label on verso.

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August 4, 2022 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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