Pre-Columbian, Colombia, Sinu, ca. 700 to 1400 CE. Cast via the lost wax (cire perdue) process, a beautiful gold bell with a zoomorphic figure - perhaps a monkey - standing on two legs with an applied loop atop its head. On the body of the bell are decorative applied loops and twisted bands of gold as well as the relief visage of a creature similar to the fellow atop the bell. The ancient artists cast gold pendants in the form of animal effigies as well as composite creatures. Size: 1.375" in diameter x 1.875" H (3.5 cm x 4.8 cm); weight: 44.4 grams; gold quality: 56%, equivalent to ~ 12K
Pre-Columbian art is well-known for its impressive goldworks. Gold became the preferred material for creating fashionable ornaments sometime after 500 CE replacing jadeite and other green stones from which artists had made impressive jewelry for centuries. Indeed the ancient cultures of the New World created countless gold ornaments and ceremonial objects. Unfortunately, the Spanish conquistadors melted nearly all of these to convert them to gold bars and coins for Spain. Due to this, surviving genuine pre-Columbian gold is rare and highly coveted by collectors.
Provenance: private Los Angeles, California USA Collection; acquired at Heritage Auctions, Auction #5135, May 10, 2013, Lot #54313
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#145429
Condition
Two small cracks to the lower end of one of the bell's faces. A few minute casting flaws. Otherwise excellent. Strung on a modern cord.