Colombia, Tairona Cacique With Bird Headdress
This is a small pendant of its type, a classic cacique wearing an elaborate headdress crafted with traditional swirls resembling animal heads in profile. The details are well done for such a small piece. Ex. Jan Mitchell collection, prior to the 1970s.
Period: Colombia, Tairona, Santa Marta c. AD 1000 - 1500
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Height 3 1/4" x Weight: 55.1 grams.
$18,000
P1003
Colombia, Darien Tumbaga Classic Mushroom Style Figural Pendant
This pendant is published in The Darien Gold Pendants of Ancient Colombia and the Isthmus, by Anna Maria Falcetti, Metropolitan Museum Journal No. 43, 2008, page 39. There is a high amount of gold in the casting. Ex-Jan Mitchell collection, prior to 1970.
Period: Colombia, Darian/Sinu, Northern Region, c. AD 400 - 1500
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Height: 2 5/8" x Weight: 36.2 grams.
$14,000
P1016
Panama, Veraguas Lost-Wax Cast Gold Figural Pendant with Triangular Tail
The figure holds a short staff in each hand and wears an elaborate Saurian headdress. Illustrated in Pre-Columbian Art of Mexico and Central America, by Hasso Von Winning, in 1968 on page 379. Also illustrated in The Art of Pre-Columbian Gold, published by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1985, (page 107), and in Beyond El Dorado: power and gold in ancient pre-colombia (page 77). Originally from the Estate of Jan Mitchell, by descent to David Mitchell, prior to 1968. From a Texas collector, acquired prior to the 1970s. The upper left extension was professionally bent and welded back into proper place.
Period: Panama, Diquis, c. AD 1000 - 1500
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Height: 3 3/8" x Width 3.8: Weight: 127 grams. Au 55.4%, Cu 40.2%,
$57,000
N7048
Colombia, Uruba Style Bird Pendant with Square Plaque Dangles
The bird has its wings arched to its sides, a flared tail, and four dangles suspended on two bars. The small suspension holes are inside the back of the neck. The bird has bead-like eyes and is a generalized composite of various birds. This piece is well cast, with evidence of the carbon core intact. There is a similar bird in The Gold Museum of Colombia in Bogota. Ex. Louisiana professor acquired prior to 1980s'.
Period: Colombia, Gulf of Uruba, c. AD 500 - 1000
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Height: 3 1/2" x Width: 4 1/2" Weight 33.6 grams.
$12,500
MM068
Panama, Diquis Lost Wax Cast Gold Eagle Pendant
This is a classic representation of a Harpy eagle, with pointed ears and large, curled claws, decorated with a neck band and elaborate bead design under each wing. Exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1985. The eagle was ceremonially "killed" with the wings and tail bent over. There are solder marks on the right wing, below the torso, and on both tips of the tail. From the estate of Jan Mitchell, acquired prior to 1970. Restoration to cracks to the wings and tail tips done by Pre-Columbian expert Robert Sonin. Strong enough to be worn.
Period: Panama, Diquis, c. AD 1200 - 1500
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Height: 3 7/8" x Width; 4 3/4" Weight 152.7 grams.
$28,000
p1019
Colombia, Large Darien/Uruba Cast Gold Shaman
The Darien style is identified by the mushroom-shaped domes depicted atop the heads of shamanic figures. This male shaman is wearing a lunate nose ornament and has facial markings which may represent tattoos. He holds a bird in each hand, which could represent spiritual projection or physic flight. The spiral iconography is associated with the otherworld. The Uruba region borders Panama and was a major trading center with exposure to the stylistic traditions of surrounding cultures.
Period: Colombia, Gulf of Uruba, c. AD 500 - 1000
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Height: 6" x Width: 3 7/8" Weight: 199 grams.
$145,000
N8010b
Colombia, Darian Cast Gold Smiling Shaman with Headdress of Two Hemispheres with Spirals
This is a very large example of a Darien pendant with strong influences of neighboring Sinu and Quimbaya styles. The shaman has the typical Darien hemispherical headdress with filigree spirals, and a zoomorphic triangular snout that shows two rows of teeth. The projecting side ornaments are intended to represent a headdress made of feathers and are adorned with additional spiral scrolls. The legs are represented by a single metal plaque with curved sides and a vertical groove in the center – a stylistic influence from the earlier Quimbaya culture. Two similar images are illustrated in Darien Gold Pendants of Ancient Columbia and the Isthmus, by Ana Maria Falchetti -figures 30 and 31 on page 49.
Period: Colombia, Darian/Sinu, Northern Region, circa AD1-500
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Height: 5"(12.7cm) x Width: 3 3/4"(9.5cm) Weight: 187.5grams. (6 troy oz)
$150,000
n6003
Costa Rica, Costa Rican Gold Shaman Holding a Bell
Shamans often use music to assist in inducing a trance. In this case he uses a bell. Lost-wax cast, with a suspension loop at the back. A similar example is illustrated in The Gold of Ancient America, by Alan Wardwell, figure 92, page 111. From the Jan Mitchell collection, acquired prior to 1970, by descent to his sons.
Period: Costa Rica, Diquis Delta, Period V-VI, c. AD 1000 - 1500
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Height: 2" x Weight: 14.2 grams.
$3,000
p1255
Colombia, Chiriqui /Diquis Gold Pendant with Framed Twin Musicians
Gold pendant with twin musicians, side by side. There are two sets of Saurian animals in profile, along the figures’ heads and knees, encircled by the typical braided goldwork frame. Illustrated in The Art of Pre-Columbian Gold, page 102, and exhibited in 1976 in the Leningrad Museum. Also published in Pre-Columbian Art of Mexico and Central America, 1968, by Hasso Von Winning, plate #189 on page 378. From the estate of Jan Mitchell, by descent to his son Oliver Mitchell, prior to 1968.
Period: Panama, Diquis, c. AD 700 - 1550
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Height: 2 7/8 x Width: 3 in. Weight: 116 grams.
$85,000
p4165
Colombia, Muisca Cast Gold Seated Warrior
This cast gold warrior holds a spear and spear thrower in one hand, and a slingshot in the other. He is wearing a hat, a necklace, and one remaining ear hoop. Contains an intact carbon core. From the Jan Mitchell collection, acquired prior to 1970, by descent to his sons.
Period: Colombia, Muisca, c. AD 700 - 1500
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Height: 1 5/8" Weight: 22.1 grams.
$3,500
p1051
Colombia, Muisca Cast Gold Erotic Male and Female
The female has her legs wrapped around a standing male as he holds her waist, creating the impression that the figures are engaged in sex. This sculpture has an ancient solid carbon core, which is still intact.From the Jan Mitchell collection, acquired prior to the 1970s, by descent to his sons.
Period: Colombia, Muisca, c. AD 700 - 1500
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Height: 3 3/8" x Width: 1" Weight: 30 grams.
$4,800
p1049
Colombia, Quimbaya Cast Gold Pendant of a Male Shaman
This is the largest known gold Quimbaya shaman. The shaman is in a state of trance or meditation, and wears elaborate ornaments, including: a crown with 24 birds facing downwards, a large pair of double-spiral ear ornaments, a crescent-shaped nose ornament, and a special gold necklace with a curly-tailed animal pendant. There are two suspension loops on the back. The casting is extremely well executed, with fine details on the crown and the necklace. A similar ornament is in the Museo del Oro and only measures 7 1/2" in height. A pair is illustrated in The Dora Janssen Collection catalogue, which measures 7 1/2" in height. Similar examples are also illustrated in MASTERWORKS OF PRE-COLUMBIAN GOLD: The Glassell Collections of The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, p.151, and in The Art of Pre-Columbian Gold:The Jan Mitchell Collection, p.59. Similar examples are also published in The Gold of Eldorado, by Warwick Bray, on p. 218. From a Texas collector, acquired prior to the 1970s. Ex. Jan Mitchell collection, acquired prior to the 1980s by descent to his son David Mitchell.
Period: Colombia, Quimbaya, Uruba, Antioquia-c. AD 400 - 700
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Height" 8 1/2" x Width: 3 2/4" Weight: 192 grams.
$165,000
n7061
Costa Rica, Chiriqui Cast Gold Miniature Flute Player
This miniature gold shaman is seen playing a flute and holding a rattle in the left hand. Music was known to facilitate trance states and psychological healing during psychedelic shamanic rituals. A similar piece is illustrated in THE ART OF PRECOLUMBIAN GOLD - THE JAN MITCHELL COLLECTION on page 101. From the collection of Karin Ashburn by descent from her father Benno Mattel of Uruguay.
Period: Costa Rica, c. AD 1000 - 1500
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Height: 1 1/16" ( 2.7cm) Weight: 4.9grams., 15 kt
$1,900
n4027
Colombia, Large Cast Gold Sinu Pendant with Two Royal Faces
This unique pendant features classic Quimbaya iconography. The design depicts twin faces side by side, wearing crowns and earring ornaments, with large spirals framing the twin faces on both sides. Twins were considered lucky in Pre-Columbian cultures. On the back are a pair of vertical suspension tubes. This ornament was found in the Uruba region on the Panamian border, an area of varied trade with neighboring cultures, especially the Sinu, Darien, and Quimbaya. Formally in the collection of a private Texas collector, prior to 1970. The top of upper right plumb was broken and soldered back together. Acquired from a Texas collector.
Period: Colombia, Gulf of Uruba, c. AD 500 - 1000
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Height: 4 1/4" x Width: 8 5/8" Weight: 282 grams.
$167,500
N6004
Colombia, Quimbaya Cast Gold Pendant Depicting a Seated Queen in a Trance
This seated queen is elaborately dressed, to include a crown with 19 birds facing downwards, a U-shaped nose ornament, two sets of spiral-shaped ear ornaments, and a five-strand necklace. Her face is delicately sculptured with her eyes closed as if she were in a trance, and she holds a popuro in each hand. This is fine example of an early cast gold piece of good size. Similar pendants in museum collections include: the Museo del Oro in Bogota, the Museo de las Americas in Madrid, the Glassell Collection at the Houston Museum of Fine Arts, and the Dora Janssen Collection in Antwerp. Private Texas collection, prior to the 1970s.
Period: Colombia, Uruba N.W. Darian, circa AD1-700
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Height: 7" x Width: 2 1/4" Weight: 91.8 grams.
$145,000
N6009
Panama, Classic Veraguas Cast Gold Frog with Serpents from its Mouth
This beautiful lost-wax cast gold frog has oval eyes and a ribbon down its back with hammered hind legs. Two elaborate serpents extend from the frog’s mouth. Gold castings are often finished with hammered extensions like flippers, arms, or serpents. There is a similar example at the Metropolitan Museum of Art from the Jan Mitchell collection. This is frog was also formerly in the Jan Mitchell collection, acquired prior to 1970, by descent to his sons.Shows signs of ancient wear. The suspension loops are quite worn.
Period: Panama, Veraguas, c. AD 1000
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Length: 2 7/8" x Width: 1 3/4" Weight: 32.4 grams.
$8,500
p1045
Panama, Veraguas Cast Gold Shark with Serpent and Crocodile Appendages
This is a variation of a typical Veraguas shark, with three sets of dorsal fins and four sets of appendages. There are two teeth on the top and bottom jaws, with two suspensions loops underneath the mouth. From the Jan Mitchell collection, acquired prior to 1970
Period: Panama, Veraguas, c. AD 800 - 1500
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Length: 3 1/4" x Width: 1 7/8" Weight: 65.5 grams.
$22,500
p1048
Panama, Diquis Lost Wax Cast Gold Frog or Toad Decorated with a Band Along His Back
The animal is in a resting, crouched position, with small hind legs and distinctive suspension loops supporting the front legs. There is a thin edge around the mouth, and the complex eyes suggest that this is from the Diquis region of Panama/Costa Rica zone. The frog is more realistic than most Diquis gold frogs, which are generally depicted with large hind legs. The cast has signs of over-casting at the rear underside. Overcasting is a complicated technique, used to repair casts which had areas of loss during the first casting. Inside, the rear still has sections of the carbon casting core. The suspension loops show wear, indicating that the frog was heavily worn on a pendant in ancient times. From the Jan Mitchell estate, collected prior to 1970.
Period: Panama, Diquis, c. AD 1000 - 1500
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Length: 1 5/8" x Height: 15/16" Weight: 36.5 grams.
$7,500
P1028
Panama, Veraguas Cast Tumbaga Pair of Composite Animals
This pendant was found in Panama, along the Panamanian border with Colombia, but was influenced by the Darien aesthetic, which spread from eastern Columbia all the way to Honduras. These stylized anthropomorphic figures, representing shamans or priests in hybrid animal form, feature thin arms and simple faces, with birds representing celestial wanderings. There are two suspension loops behind the heads. Lost wax cast of copper and gold alloy. From the estate of Jan Mitchell, prior to 1970. There is an ancient repair to the band that holds the creatures together. A similar piece is reported and displayed in the classic book - Oferbereria Prehispanica de Columbia - Estillo Quimbaya Otras by Jose Perez de Baradas.
Period: Panama, Veraguas, c. AD 1200-1500
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Length: 3" x Width: 2 5/8" Weight: 62.8 grams.
$8,750
p1026
Peru, Sican Gold Flared Beaker with Embossed Toads
Bufo Marinus toads, depicted on this vessel beaker, are found on the dry coastal desert coast of Northern Peru. These toads are identifiable by their highly textured skin, represented by six sets of incised circles. Acquired from a private Texas collector, prior to the 1970s. Some traces of cinnabar.
Period: Peru, North Coast, Sican, Batan Grande,
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Height: 51/2" x Width: 4.2" Weight: 118 grams.
$32,000
N6001
Peru, Moche Gold Pincer with Embossed Large-Eared Bat Face
Pincers have been found from as early as the Vicus period (pre-Moche), circa 300 BC and were thought to be used to pluck facial hair. Few are known from the Moche period and most of the pincers that have been found were from the Chimu and Inca periods. This pincer has an embossed face of a bat with fanged teeth. The bottom of the pincher features a beautiful, flared design, representing a Moche back-flap. It was made from one single hammered sheet of high carat gold and then embossed twice on a carved wood form, then bent at the middle to create an identical front and back. There is a suspension hole in the middle. Ex. collection Magret Brenner, Zurich.
Period: Peru, Moche, North Coast, c. AD 200 - 700
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Height: 2 1/4" x Width: 1 1/4" Weight: 16.5 grams.
$9,750
n7012
Colombia, 3 Muisca Cast Gold Snakes
The Muisca people of Eastern Columbia were known for their famous myth, El Dorado. El Dorado refers to a lord riding on a golden raft and covered in gold dust. Serpents are featured prominently in the Muisca creation myth, which describes two snakes emerging from the Iguaque lagoon as a women and child. Transmutation was an important theme to the Musica; these snakes are all cast using the lost wax technique as well as the manipulation of alloys to create the three different hues of gold.
Period: Colombia, Muisca, c. AD 700 - 1500
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Length: 1. 7/8, 2. 3/16 & 3. 9/16 inches Total Weight: 5.2 grams.
$2,400
n8006
Peru, Moche Gold Bead in the Form of a Tree Snail
The emergence of snails signals the start of the rainy season, indicating prosperity and abundance. The tree snail, Strophoceheilus, is featured in fineline drawings on the sides of Moche ceramic vessels depicting "snail hunters" in the foothills of the Andes. This bead is made in two parts, with the bottom expertly soldered to the spiral cone-shaped shell. The snail's foot is exposed inside the shell. The shell also functions as a bell, with two copper beads inside that rattle when worn. Originally from a larger necklace of snail beads, each with two sets of suspension holes on the bottom. Illustrated in Oro del Antiguo Peru, lam.183. Ex. collection Benno Mattel, by descent to his daughter Karin Ashburn.
Period: Peru, Moche, Loma Negra, North Coast, c. AD 100 - 400
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Height: 2" x Width: 2 1/2" Weight: 36.4 gm.
$27,500
n8018
Peru, Moche Gold Nose Ornament with Hummingbird in a Tree
This delicately crafted hummingbird figure features inlaid turquoise eyes and geometric danglers. This is an excellent example of Moche soldering and filigree workmanship
Period: Peru, Moche, North Coast, c. AD 100 - 300
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Width: 1 1/2" x Depth: 1 1/2" Weight; 8 grams.
$12,000
90166
Colombia, Tairona Gold Cast Frog Pendant with Rattle
This expertly crafted gold pendant depicts a frog with large eyes hunched on its hind legs. A delicate braided ribbon slopes down its back and borders its legs. A modern suspension loop is attached to the original ancient suspension arrangement. From the Jan Mitchell collection, prior to 1970, by descent to his sons.
Period: Colombia, Tairona, Santa Marta c. AD 1000 - 1500
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Length: 1 7/8" x Width: 1 5/8" Weight: 21.2 grams.
$4,500
p1046
Colombia, Pair of Sinu Gold Fan-Shaped Ear Ornaments (SOLD)
These beautiful lost-wax cast "False Filigree" style pendants each feature six sections of latticework separated by simple bands. The false filigree technique was favored by the Sinu goldsmiths. The larger the ornament, the higher the status of the wearer. These ear ornaments are illustrated in the Met Museum's Catalog, THE ART OF PRECOLUMBIAN GOLD: The Jan Mitchell Collection, pg. 164. Estate of Jan Mitchell, prior to 1970.
Period: Colombia, Sinu, Cauca River Valley, c. AD 1000 - 1500
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Height: 2 1/2" x Width: 4 3/8" Weight: 67.5 grams.
$27,000
p1022
Colombia, Early Calima Pair of Gold Hour-Glass Shaped Ear Spools
These spools are made from high karat gold sheets formed on balsa wood cores. The side seams were nailed shut, and the circular ends were crimped to the sides. These ends of the spools have embossed designs radiating around the central shaft. This style of earspool was worn in the ancient Americas by hanging from the ear lobe, suspended by a cord through the shaft. These were clearly intended to be a pair, weighing only a 1/2-gram difference. A very similar pair is illustrated in THE ART OF PRECOLUMBIAN GOLD: The Jan Mitchell Collection, page 194. Ex-collection Jan Mitchell, acquired prior to the 1980s.There are dents in the spool, and separated crimped edges.
Period: Colombia, Calima, Yotoco Phase, Cauca River Valley, c. AD 100 - 5000
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Height:2 1/4 " x Diameter: 2 " Gram Weight: 12.5 & 13 grams. each (total 25 grams.)
$8,500
p3066
Peru, Wari Pair of Gold and Silver Ear Plugs
This pair of ear plugs has gilt gold fronts attached to silver plugs. The silver plugs were made using a wood matrix, which can be seen in a few exposed areas on the back. It is quite rare to see the wooden matrix intact underneath the gold as it usually disintegrates within a few hundred years. Similar ear spools are illustrated in PRE-COLOMBIAN ART OF SOUTH AMERICA by Alan Lapiner, plate 566.
Period: Peru, Wari, South Coast, c. AD 600 - 750
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Diameter: 2 5/8" x Depth: 3 1/8"
$7,500
n8032
Ecuador, 7 La Tolita Gold with Platinum Miniature Ear Ornaments with Turquoise Inlays
Each ornament has an inlayed turquoise stone and a suspension ring. These are excellent examples of early granulation and sintering techniques. Sintering is the process of melting gold foil over platinum which can then be reheated and annealed to fashion small objects. Similar ear ornaments are published in The Gold of Eldorado, by Warwick Bray and in Charms in Pre-Columbian Ecuador by Christian Mesia Montenegro. Acquired in 1994 from an old estate auction.
Period: Ecuador, La Tolita, c. 1500 BC
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Approx. Length: 1" each. Weight: 4 grams.
$4,600
94203
Peru, Salinar Group of Fourteen Gold Filigree Ear Ornaments
A group of 14 Salinar gold filigree nose ornaments of various designs and sizes. The Salinar people preceded the Moche on the North Coast of Peru in the Trujillo region. Ancient coastal Peruvians did not have access to bees or beeswax due to the dry coastal desert environment and were unable to use the lost wax casting method employed in ancient Colombia. Instead, they used soldering to create elaborate filigree ornaments. Soldering is technically complex, requiring carefully controlled temperatures along with the right mix of flux. This group of 14 individual gold filigree ear ornaments demonstrates the great level of skill and artistry achieved by the Salinar metalsmiths. Many of these filigree works are similar those illustrated in Trujillo Precolombino, by Jose Antonio de Lavalle, page 297. Three similar nose rings from the same region are also illustrated in RAIN OF THE MOON: Silver in Ancient Peru, published by The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2001, fig. 1. Acquired in 2000 from a private New York collector.
Period: Peru, Salinar, North Coast, c. 300 BC - AD 100
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Range: 7/8" to 1 1/2" Width
$8,000
MM087
Peru, Moche Gold Nose Ornament Surrounded with 18 Spheres
Each of the spheres are individually soldered to the base. Illustrated in Oro del Antiguo Peru, plate 134. From a Texas collector, acquired prior to the 1970s.
Period: Peru, Moche, Loma Negra, North Coast, c. AD 100 - 400
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Height: 2 1/4" x Width: 2 3/4" Weight: 27.3 grams.
$18,000
n8020
Ecuador, Narino Gold Annealed Nose Ornament with Four Diamonds within a Square
This nose ornament is one of the largest examples from a cache of gold artifacts found in a tomb in the 1950s in Ecuador. The ornament uses an optical illusion to create the appearance of diamond-shaped cutouts, which are made of multiple quadrangle cut-outs. There are suspension holes for dangles above each square. This ornament is an excellent example of depletion gilding, a technique which brings the gold in the metal alloy to the surface through repeatedly heating the metal and rinsing it with acid. Similar examples are illustrated in MASTERWORKS OF PRE-COLUMBIAN GOLD: The Glassell Collections of The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, p.151, and in The Art of Pre-Columbian Gold: The Jan Mitchell Collection, p.59. Similar examples are also published in The Gold of Eldorado by Warwick Bray, on p. 218. Ex-Jan Mitchell collection, acquired prior to the 1980s, by descent to his son David Mitchell.
Period: Ecuador, Narino, Capuli, Southern border with Ecuador, c. AD 700 - 1500
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Height: 2.75" x Width 7.9" Weight: 41.5 grams.
$16,000
n7050
Ecuador, Tolita Gold Labret with Granulated Design and Turquoise Center
This small but early example of granulation of eight separate granulations section fitted on a gold plate on top of the stem. This is a tour de force of early metal working in the Americas.
Period: Ecuador, La Tolita, c. 1500 - 400 BC
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Depth: 1/2" x Face: 3/4" X 3/4"
$2,200
99600
Peru, Three Moche Bi -Metallic Nose Ornaments
These ornaments are excellent examples of the Moche metalsmiths’ ability to use depletion gilding to vary the surface area with both gold and silver decoration. The Moche believed that metal possessed sacred power, and according to their cosmological myths, the process of bringing the silver and gold colors to the surface revealed the metal’s spiritual qualities. A similar nose ornament is illustrated in ANTIGUO ORO DEL PERU, pg. 15. Private collector, Florida, prior to 1980.
Period: Peru, Moche, North Coast, c. AD 100 - 600
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Width 4 3/4" Weight 24 grams.Width 3 5/8" Weight 13.8 grams.Width 3 7/16" Weight 14.8 grams.
$12,500
M5027
Peru, Chimu Gold Cuff with Three Bands of 4 Repousse Stars Each
This gold cuff would have been worn as an adornment by a high-status male warrior. It features three rows of repousse starts, with four stars in each row, and two tie holes. A cuff with a similar star design is illustrated in the catalog of the Gold Museum of Peru on page 127. Formerly in the collection of Camilla Deitz Bergeron, New York antiquaire, acquired prior to the 1980s.
Period: Peru, Chimu, Early Phase, North Coast, c. AD 900 - 1100
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Height 4 1/2" Weight: 65.5 grams.
$9,500
N2064
Peru, Wari Embossed Gold Feather Plume Decoration Depicting a Pair of Vultures
This double-headed design features two cutout birds of prey holding serpents in their beaks. This style of gold plume would have been attached to the headdress of a high-status individual, signifying strength and power. A less elaborate gold plum by the same artist is illustrated in WARI: Lords of the Ancient Andes, page 227. Acquired from a New York collector prior to 1990.
Period: Peru, Wari, Central Coast, c. AD 650 - 1100
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Height 11 1/4" Weight: 26 grams.
Price Upon Request
m7122
Peru, Loma Negra Gold Crescent-Shaped Headdress Frontis Piece
The headdress ornament has two sets of attachment points which would have been used to attach it to an elaborate headdress for an important personage. The Loma Negra archaeological site was discovered in the early 1960s and was later understood to be an early royal Moche tomb complex. Acquired by descent from Jan Mitchell to his sons, prior to the 1980s.
Period: Peru, Moche, Loma Negra, North Coast, c. AD 100 - 400
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Height: 7 1/8 " x Width: 9 " Gram Weight: 50.8
$7,500
p3064
Colombia, Capuli Hammered Gold Pectoral Disk
This pectoral has two sets of horizontal suspension holes toward the top. The suspension holes suggest that the disc was originally part of a more elaborate stringing with multiple strands. A very similar pectoral with four suspension holes is illustrated in THE ART OF PRECOLUMBIAN GOLD: The Jan Mitchell Collection, page 202. From the estate of Jan Mitchell, acquired prior to the 1970s.
Period: Ecuador, Capulio, Northwestern, c. AD 700 - 1200
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Diameter: 3 3/4 " Weight: 44.6 grams.
$6,500
p3062
Peru, Chavin Gold Pin with Simple Twisted and Hammered Diamond Design
This unusual diamond-shaped pin was made from one flat sheet that was hammered and twisted.
Period: Peru, Chavin, North Coast, c. 200 - 500 BC
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Length: 5 1/8" x Weight: 3.1 grams.
$1,200
N5041
Peru, Vicus Gold Necklace of Soldered Discs and Rolled Oblong Beads
The necklace has been restrung to resemble the original ancient necklace. The beads were strung so that the necklace hangs flat. The roundels each have two sets of holes on either edge. The oblong beads are made from hemispheres and rolled, creating an elongated oblong shape. A necklace with similar shaped beads was found at the early Vicus site of Ayabeca in the far north of Peru.
Period: Peru, Vicus, Ayabeca, North Coast, c. 100 BC - AD 300
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Length: 23" without clasp. Height: 12" atcenter. Weight: 88 grams.
$17,000
88121
Colombia, Calima Rayed Gold Headdress Ornament with an Embossed Face
Similar style headdress ornaments are in the gold Museum in Bogota. It appears that the ornament was ceremonially "killed". Ex. Jan Mitchell collection, prior to 1970, by descent to his sons. From a Texas collector, acquired prior to the 1970s.
Period: Colombia, Calima, Yotoco Phase, Cauca River Valley, c. AD 100 - 1000
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Height 10 1/2"
$28,500
P1001
Colombia, Calima Gold Tupu (Lime Dipper) of a Deity Seated on a Serpent
The deity has an elaborate face mask and holds the tail of the serpent upon which he is seated. This is a known motif, but rarely seen with a human, as most are found with a cayman or feline as the primary figure. According to the research, only limited types of images were used for lime dippers, usually shamans or warriors. A similar example is illustrated in Calima and Malagana, by Marianne Cardale Schrimpff, page 116, plate 111.37.
Period: Colombia, Calima, Yotoco Phase, Cauca River Valley, c. AD 100 - 1000
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Length:5 1/4 " x Weight: 34 grams.
$8,250
M8031
Colombia, Calima Gold Lime Spoon with a Royal Bird Holding a Double-Headed Serpent
When held upside down, this elaborately crafted bird transforms into a mask. From the Jan Mitchell collection, acquired prior to the 1970s, by descent to his sons.
Period: Colombia, Calima, c. AD 600 - 1000
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Height: 4 1/8" Weight: 22.7 grams.
$7,500
p1052
Peru, Inca Gold Fastening Pin Topped with Bird Perched on Corn Cob
Gold works of art from the Inca period is rare, as most Inca gold was confiscated and melted down by the Conquistadores during colonization. This apparently simple cast pin is quite complicated in its manufacture. The pin and the corn cob were cast, whereas the bird is made of a separate stamped sheet - designed head-to-head, bent, and soldered to itself. The bird was then fitted over the top to create the appearance of a single cast object. A similar piece appears in Kunst Und Kultur von Peru (Art and Culture of Peru) by Max Schmidt, page 396. From a private Florida collection, acquired prior to 1980.
Period: Peru, Chimu, North Coast, c. AD 900 - 1350
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Length: 5" Weight: 4.7 grams.
$1,950
MM625
Colombia, Calima Cast Gold Lime Dipper of a Warrior with Animal Perched on Back
This finely cast gold lime dipper features a warrior with an animal perched on his back and a tapering shaft terminating in two bands of granulation. The warrior wears an elaborate mask, a curving headdress, and holds a staff with both hands. Gold lime dippers often featured warrior figures and were reserved for important personages. For further reading, see Calima and Malagana, by Marianne Cardale Schrimpff. A similar lime spoon is illustrated on p. 115, plate 111.34. This is an excellent example of lost wax casting. Acquired in 2000 from private New York collector.
Period: Colombia, International style, AD 700 - 1000
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Length:(8 1/4" Weight 15.9 grams.
$12,000
MM618
Colombia, Early Calima Gold Lime Dipper
A fine lost wax cast lime dipper with a mythological monkey deity on the tip. The monkey wears a helmet, ear spools, and an elaborate headdress which falls down the back of his body. Lime dippers were used to mix lime with crushed leaves from the Erythroxylum coca plant (from which cocaine is derived) to create a drug compound that functioned as a psychoactive stimulant used in ritual ceremonies. According to the research, only limited types of imagery was used for lime dippers, usually shamans or warriors. See Calima and Malagana, by Marianne Cardale Schrimpff for further reading. A similar but not exact motif is also illustrated in Orfebreria Prehispanica de Colombia on page 84, plate # 5232.
Period: Colombia, Calima, Yotoco Phase, Cauca River Valley, c. AD 100 - 1000
Media: Metal
Dimensions: Length: 8 1/2" Weight: 25 grams.
$9,500
97146
