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THBRare Moche Turquoise Jaguar Bead w/ Gold Inlay
Lot 112
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
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Live Auction in Progress ... Currently on Lot Estimate:
$5,000 - $7,500
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| $0 | $25 |
| $300 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 | $20,000 |
About Auction
Live
By Artemis Gallery
Jul 14, 2022
Set Reminder
2022-07-14 10:00:00
2022-07-14 10:00:00
America/New_York
Bidsquare
Bidsquare : Exceptional Antiquities Ethnographica Fine Art
https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/exceptional-antiquities-ethnographica-fine-art-9692
Museum-worthy examples of classical antiquities (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern), Viking, Far East / Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal, Oceanic, Native American, Spanish Colonial, Fossils, Ancient Jewelry, Fine / Visual Arts, so much more! Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
Museum-worthy examples of classical antiquities (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern), Viking, Far East / Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal, Oceanic, Native American, Spanish Colonial, Fossils, Ancient Jewelry, Fine / Visual Arts, so much more! Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
View Full Catalog (380)
- Lot Description
Pre-Columbian, North Coast of Peru, Moche, ca. 100 to 550 CE. A fabulous and rare example of a hand-carved turquoise bead in the shape of a fierce jaguar head bearing intricately incised decorations, stylizations, and a pair of inlaid eyes. The sumptuous blue-green stone hue lends itself nicely to the otherworldly feline presentation as it exhibits ovoid eyes beneath heavily furrowed brows, a petite nose above snarling jowls, and rows of bared teeth and sizable fangs. Light cinnabar pigment has been rubbed into some of the incised details, and the cinnabar-laden areas around the mouth create an appearance as if the jaguar had just killed fresh prey. The proper left eye is inlaid with a button formed from 61% gold (equivalent to 14K+), and the inlay in the right eye is a modern gilt brass replacement. The bead is biconically drilled lengthwise through the mouth to be worn as a pendant on a necklace cord. Size: 1.09" L x 0.74" W x 0.98" H (2.8 cm x 1.9 cm x 2.5 cm); gold quality: 61% (equivalent to 14K+)
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 seen 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: private Boynton Beach, Florida, USA collection; ex-Artemis Gallery; ex-Geo Fowler collection, United Kingdom, acquired in Peru before 1935
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.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#172473Replacement to original gold button within proper right eye with modern gilt brass button. Abrasions and small nicks, with light fading to cinnabar pigment, and very light softening to some finer details, otherwise intact and excellent. Great surface smoothness throughout, and nice luster to original gold eye.Condition
- Shipping Info
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