Ecuador | Mother of Pearl Fish Ornament | 33

Ecuador, Mother of Pearl Fish Ornament

This shell was carved to represent a highly abstracted fish. Drill holes indicate that it was worn as a pendant. Ancient Ecuadorean coastal societies often depicted local fauna, both naturalistically and as abstract shapes. Shells, which grew in abundance in the warm coastal waters off Ecuador, were coveted as prestigious items throughout the Andes. A similar example is illustrated in Francisco Valdez and Diego Veintimilla’s Amerindian Signs: 5,000 Years of Pre-Columbian Art in Ecuador (1992: fig. 63).

Media: Shell

Dimensions: Width: 4 1/4" x Height: 3 3/4"

•SOLD

94302b

Dominican Republic, Six Taino Bone and Shell Bracelet Elements

These ornaments have two drilled holes at either end. They were used as either bracelet elements or necklace clasps. It is hard to find shell ornaments with such good patina still intact.

Media: Shell

Dimensions: From left: 1 1/4, 1 3/4", 2.5", 1.5", 1 1/4", 1"

$2,400

98372B

Bolivia, Tiahuanaco basket with geometric polychrome band

Woven basket with polychrome band of alternating zigzag design pattern in red, navy blue, green and gold. Zigzag pattern is alternated with vertical double stripe.

Media: Textile

Dimensions: Height: 4" / Diameter of rim: 6 3/4"

$3,750

MM040