Description:

Pre-Columbian, Peru (North Coast), Moche Culture, ca. 100 to 700 CE. Three gorgeous, matched cast copper birds, probably made by the same metalworking shop. The birds are depicted in flight. Each has S-shaped wings with two open circles on their ends. Their heads project upward from the body, big-eyed and big-beaked, and their tail feathers stretch outward from their backs at a ninety-degree angle. Each wing dips sharply downward at its tip, with two small, ring-like hooks hanging off of them, presumably so the birds could be sewn onto tunics or otherwise attached decoratively. Birds in Moche culture - as in many others - were seen as powerful creatures because of their ability to fly. All displayed together on a pretty tree-shaped custom stand. Size of one: 1" W (2.5 cm); 4.7" H (11.9 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex H. J. Westermann collection, Germany

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.

#132601

  • Condition: Encrusted deep turquoise patina on surface, with nicely preserved form and some details remaining.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

September 13, 2018 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

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

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 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000