Pre-Columbian, Peru (North Coast), Moche Culture, ca. 100 to 700 CE. A stunning 62% gold (equivalent to greater than 14 karat) nose ring in a flat, ovoid form with a round aperture at its top for suspension to one's septum. The outer border of this gorgeous ornament is lined with twenty-six openwork dots, while the center displays two seated jaguars facing away from one another and separated by a jaguar mask that sits atop their curling tails. Both felines are adorned in raised dots to represent their spots and feature circular eyes, huge, triangular ears, and giant, roaring mouths that display long teeth. The inner aperture of this lovely piece of jewelry is lined with a fine border of raised dots. Gold quality: 62% gold (equivalent to 14 K+), 31.5% silver, 2.8% copper; Weight: 1.6 grams; Size: 2.125" W x 1.125" H (5.4 cm x 2.9 cm); 2.375" H (6 cm) on included custom stand.
The crescent form of this object mirrors that of many known Moche gold items - headdresses and pectorals also had the crescent form, and they derive much of their impressiveness from the wide reflective surface they present to the viewer. Beyond the purely aesthetic, this shape may also connect to beliefs about the moon - we know that among the later Inca, Si, the moon goddess, was thought to be more powerful than the sun because she could be seen both at night and during the day. This object probably belonged to a male, because in ancient Peru, gold seems to have been reserved for elite men, while silver was reserved for elite women.
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-Eugene Lions collection, Geneve, Switzerland, collected 1960 to 2000
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#161537
Condition
Collection label on verso and base of stand. Expected light abrasions in some areas and barely visible scratch on left periphery. Otherwise, excellent with some light earthen deposits in recessed areas.