Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Chavin, ca. 900 to 200 BCE. An incredible collection of gold headdress decorations made from hammered gold sheets 72.33% to 88.79% (equivalent to 18K+ to 21k+), and a pair of carved sodalite fish. The headband is cut in a zigzag, the ends pierced for securing the gold or sewing to a cloth head covering- the shape relates to similar patterns used in weaving and may represent lightning or weather / water related phenomena. The finial plume has a slender pin (inserted into stand) which could be stuck into textile and nestle at the forefront of a headdress / crown. The sodalite fish ornaments may have been pendants rather than earrings, their bodies pierced for suspension and a groove across the body that may have aided in stringing or held additional gold and silver inlays. Size of headdress plume: 5" L x 4" W (12.7 cm x 10.2 cm); 14.5" H (36.8 cm) on included custom stand; headband: 9.5" L x 1" W (24.1 cm x 2.5 cm); fish: 2" L x 1" W (5.1 cm x 2.5 cm); gold quality: 72.33% to 88.79% (equivalent to 18K+ to 21k+)
An overall impressive display piece that demonstrates how these pieces may have been worn together. These items represent some of the earliest gold work from the Andes. The first known extraction of ore comes from the Initial/Formative period, ca. 1800 to 900 BCE; during the Early Horizon (ca. 900 to 200 BCE), when these were made, the Andes seem to have been united under the cult propagated out of Chavin de Huantar. Metalwork was still quite rare, and almost exclusively of gold. Sodalite is one of the primary elements of lapis lazuli, and mined from the Andes and cherished since antiquity.
Provenance: private Hawaii collection, acquired 2000 to 2010
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#179816
Condition
Surface pitting and light mineral deposits on the stone fish. Some bending and small creasing to the gold plume and areas of red patina. Small chips to pointed tips of headband, otherwise intact. Light mineral deposits and patina. Overall great condition.