Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Chavin, ca. 1000 to 500 BCE. A gorgeous strand of beads depicting highly-stylized anthropomorphic trophy heads which are mold-formed from 66% gold (equivalent to 15K+ gold). Each face has a hemispherical profile with thin peripheral edges, beady eyes beneath slender brows, a bulbous nose, and full lips surrounded by smooth facial contours. The beads have been perforated twice on each side and strung together with modern thread which terminates with a pair of modern loops on each end. Custom museum-quality display stand included. Size necklace: 8.25" L (21 cm); size of largest bead (all are relatively similar): 0.625" H (1.6 cm); quality of gold: 66% (equivalent to 15K+); total weight: 7 grams.
Beads like these examples 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 beads were made, the Andes seem to have been united under the cult propagated out of Chavin de Huantar. Examples of precious metalworking are still quite rare, and are almost exclusively crafted from gold.
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-private Hans Juergen Westermann collection, Germany
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#144352
Condition
Slight bending and indentations to most beads, with light softening to some finer details, otherwise intact and excellent. Light earthen deposits within versos, and light patina throughout.