Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Moche, ca. 300 to 500 CE. An impressive miniature jaguar maskette, its fierce visage made from adeptly hammered copper sheet with skillfully modeled bold facial features and white shell inlays accentuating its eyes, teeth, and fangs, presumably for decorative ornaments. The dramatic visage of this jaguar mask - with those leering eyes and that ferocious mouth full of fangs and gnashing teeth - suggests that the artist who created it was more interested in capturing the powerful symbolism associated with this formidable King of Beasts rather than putting forth a naturalistic representation. Size: 2.375" W x 2" H (6 cm x 5.1 cm); 3.125" H (7.9 cm) on included custom stand.
The jaguar symbolized power and might throughout the Pre-Columbian world. Warriors, rulers, hunters, and shamans alike associated themselves with this king of beasts, the largest and most powerful feline in the New World. The principal Moche god wears a headdress adorned with a jaguar head and paws and important mortals donned similar headdresses. A nocturnal animal, the jaguar sleeps in caves and dark places and creeps quietly in the forest, evoking great mystery. Oddly enough, few Moche artists would have actually scene jaguars as they are not indigenous to the coast. Jaguars prefer moist forest conditions. However, scholars believe that some cubs were transported over the mountains for Moche rituals, and it is also possible that some jaguars wandered down the coast.
Provenance: ex-private Orlando, Florida, USA collection
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#150769
Condition
Small losses to peripheries as shown, including the two perforations at the upper peripheries. Chips and losses to shell inlays in mouth and eyes as shown, but nice remains have survived. Normal surface wear with expected indentations commensurate with age. A tiny perforation inside the mouth. Attractive patina of aqua and forest green hues. Piece may be easily removed from the stand if so desired. In addition the metal component of the stand may easily be removed from the lucite base if desired.