Pre-Columbian, Northern Peru, Chavin, ca. 900 to 200 BCE. Perhaps the single finest ensemble of early Pre-Columbian gold we have had the pleasure of offering. A set of three perfectly matched appliques, created from hand-hammered sheet gold, each representing a jaguar human transformational being that later morphed into Ai Apec in the Moche culture and Naylamp in the Sican world. Comprised of two sheets of gold in high relief with wide toothy grins, fangs emerging from both upper and lower jaws, human-form noses, ears, and slit eyes. Absolutely incredibly rare and incredibly important. This would have only been owned by the highest ranking royal member of the clan. Comprised of approximately 63% gold with the remainder silver and copper and accompanied by an XRF report showing gold content consistent with age and culture. Each weighs approximately 28 grams. Size: 2.125" W x 2.125" H (5.4 cm x 5.4 cm); 7.5" H (19 cm) on included custom stand.
These items represent some of the earliest goldwork from the Andes. The first known extraction of gold ore comes from the Initial/Formative period, ca. 1800 to 900 BCE; during the Early Horizon (ca. 900 to 200 BCE), when these were made, scholars believe that the Andes were united under the cult propagated out of Chavin de Huantar. Metalwork was still quite rare, and almost exclusively of made of gold.
This piece has been tested for the presence or absence of particular elements via XRF elemental analysis. A full XRF report identifying the quantity of each element present in the sample will accompany purchase. The report certifies that the element composition is consistent with antiquity and will be included with the purchase.
Provenance: Ex private Texas, USA collection, acquired in 2001; Ex. J. D. Diaz collection, Los Angeles, California, USA acquired in 1965; Ex. Robert Chorost, Tucson, Arizona, USA, acquired in 1918
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.
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#162176
Condition
Each is intact and near choice. One has been reassembled from the two pieces joined at the ancient weld running between front and back.