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THBMoche Gilt Copper Silver Jaguar Head Lapis Inlays
About Seller
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
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About Auction
LiveNov 10, 2022
Museum-worthy examples of classical antiquities (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern), Viking, Far East / Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal, Oceanic, Native American, Spanish Colonial, Nautical, Fossils, Ancient Jewelry, Fine / Visual Arts, so much more! Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
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- Lot Description
Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Loma Negra region, Moche culture, ca. 6th to 7th century CE. A miniature jaguar maskette made from adeptly hammered gilt copper sheet, silver, and modeled bold facial features and lapis stone and white shell inlays accentuating the eyes! The head is a hemispherical shape with a stylized visage, molded feline features: squared nose, tiny protrusions as whiskers, and lips pulled back in a snarl revealing his jagged teeth that are cut from 97.6% silver sheets to contrast with the gilt. A tongue panel protrudes from the lower jaw and remains of dangling copper ornaments are attached to the chin. Piercings along the periphery for suspension suggest this was worn and/or buried with a special person allowed to wear such precious and symbolic ornament. The head is displayed in a custom acrylic case to protect this superb artifact. Size (head): 2.75" L x 1.5" W x 3.5" H (7 cm x 3.8 cm x 8.9 cm); (case): 8" L x 7.6" W x 9.125" H (20.3 cm x 19.3 cm x 23.2 cm); gold quality: 12.33% to 13.03%; silver quality: 97.6%; weight: 90 grams
The jaguar is the largest cat species of the Americas, symbolizing power and might throughout the Pre-Columbian world. Warriors, rulers, hunters, and shamans alike associated themselves with this king of beasts and the principal Moche god wears a headdress adorned with a jaguar head and paws – the most important mortals followed this style and donned similar headdresses. A nocturnal animal, the jaguar sleeps in caves and dark places and creeps quietly in the forest, evoking great mystery. Few Moche artists would have actually seen jaguars as they are not indigenous to the coast- preferring the lowland rainforest conditions, however scholars believe that some cubs were transported over the mountains for Moche rituals. The Andean puma is also a cat of legendary strength and stealth and a much more common feline species of Peru that the Moche certainly encountered and revered. Legends and rituals involving both of these elusive cats inspired artisans, who likely drew upon the vivid descriptions of both creatures to create effigies that conveyed power and ferocity.
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, before 2010; ex-Eugene Lions collection, Geneve, Switzerland, collected 1960-2000
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.
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#173427Indentations and misshapen upper side. Mineral encrustations and heavy green patina on interior and exterior gilt as shown. Surface wear and abrasions and losses to dangling ornaments and whisker protrusions. Eye inlays are intact and great remains of gilt throughout. Displayed in protective acrylic case.Condition
- Shipping Info
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Artemis Gallery will no longer be able to offer in-house shipping for most international orders, as well as all oversized orders, including most paintings. These items are clearly marked in the listing as “3rd Party Shipping Required” in the listing. We have a list of recommended third party shippers to assist you in shipping to and from, and would be happy to assist you in working with them. We require a written authorization from the client to release property to any third party. You may fax a Shipping Release Form to 303-828-3235 or email your authorization to kristen@artemisgallery.com. Please note the all property must be removed from our premises within seven (7) business days following the last day of the auction.
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