Latin America, Mexico, ca. 19th century CE. A stunning iron buckle with silver inlays, made in the form of a snake. This intricate piece is made from one thick rod, twisted and coiled as a snake body, twining into a looping shape, the slender head resting near the center. A second separate piece is hooked around the center coil and forms an articulating pin or prong. The length is inlaid with high quality 81% silver that creates a linear and circular patterning along the length of the snake. This is a massive buckle and may have been used as riding tack for a saddle. The two protruding coils to the left of the head have a slightly worn surface, suggesting a cord was attached to these pieces. Size: 4.5" L x 5" W (11.4 cm x 12.7 cm); 5.75" H (14.6 cm) on included custom stand; silver quality: 81%
Provenance: ex-Lusher Gallery, New York, New York, USA
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#167062
Condition
Chipping and nicks to iron body and silver inlays. Surface potting and areas od russet patina. Prong still articulates. Intact and very good.