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THBLarge & Fabulous Sinu Gold Shaman Finial - 113 g
Lot 141a
About Seller
Artemis Gallery
686 S Taylor Ave, Ste 106
Louisville, CO 80027
United States
Selling antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art online since 1993, Artemis Gallery specializes in Classical Antiquities (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern), Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal / Oceanographic art. Our extensive inventory includes pottery, stone, metal, wood, glass and textil...Read more
Live Auction in Progress ... Currently on Lot Estimate:
$25,000 - $35,000
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About Auction
Live
By Artemis Gallery
Feb 21, 2019
Set Reminder
2019-02-21 10:00:00
2019-02-21 10:00:00
America/New_York
Bidsquare
Bidsquare : Exceptional Antiquities, Asian, Ethnographic
https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/exceptional-antiquities-asian-ethnographic-3858
An important one-day auction featuring museum-worthy examples of Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Etruscan, Near Eastern, Far East / Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal, Oceanic, Native American, Spanish Colonial, Russian, Fossils, Ancient Jewelry, Fine Art, so much more! Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
An important one-day auction featuring museum-worthy examples of Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Etruscan, Near Eastern, Far East / Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal, Oceanic, Native American, Spanish Colonial, Russian, Fossils, Ancient Jewelry, Fine Art, so much more! Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
View Full Catalog (472)
- Lot Description
Pre-Columbian, Colombia, Sinu, ca. 1000 CE. A fabulous finial comprised of 61% gold (equivalent to 14K+ gold) depicting a kneeling shaman or cazique/lord playing a wind instrument and holding a scepter/staff of power in his right hand. Though nude with delineated genitalia, he is highly decorated with a magnificent headdress comprised of a 'plaited' band with upraised elements (perhaps feathers or locks of hair) rising above, and a long bent extension behind; a pair of large crescent-shaped earrings presenting a similar plaited motif, nose plugs, a magnificent necklace of that same plaited pattern with numerous tooth-shaped danglers, a sash or belt around his waist, and matching knee bands. Behind the feet is a hollow extension for fitting to a ceremonial instrument or scepter. Most mesmerizing is his visage with closed coffee-bean shaped eyes, evidently focusing on playing his instrument and engaged in a trance. Size: 3.5" H (8.9 cm); 4.25" H (10.8 cm) on included custom stand. Weight: 113 grams. Precious metal quality: 61% gold (equivalent to 14K+ gold).
The Sinu resided along the Caribbean Coast of Colombia and in the river valleys from approximately 200 to 1600 CE. Scholars have noted that they were quite skilled and talented, as they created an extensive irrigation system as well as exquisite gold work like this example. During the 16th century, the Spaniards were lured by their particularly enticing ceremonial and funerary gold.
This piece, like many Sinu goldworks, was created via the lost-wax (cire perdue) technique that involved first making the form in wax, then coating it in a layer of refractory material made from powdered charcoal, lime, and caliche. When this material hardened, the mold was heated and the wax melted. Following this, molten precious metal, in this case gold, was poured into the mold. Once it cooled, the refractory was removed and the beautiful cast piece was revealed.
Provenance: ex-Howard Rose Gallery, New York, ex-private West Coast collection, acquired 1970’s
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#144370A few casting flaws - one to the back and a few to the backs of the legs and the extension behind the feet. A couple of the hairs/feathers rising from the headdress are missing. Areas of earthen deposits. Attractive age patina.Condition
- Shipping Info
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