Pre-Columbian Metalwork (gold, silver, bronze)
From its probable origins in the northern Central Andean Area about 700 BC, metalworking spread to the Intermediate Area and finally was transmitted to Mesoamerica about 1000 A.D. Because of European greed for gold and silver, most unburied or unhidden objects of these materials were melted down by the Spanish conquerors and exported to Spain as ingots.
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Inca Silver Tupus, Cloak Pins
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Fine lot of Inca silver cloak pins - or Tupus - from northern Peru, ca 1400 AD. Each pin is made from high-grade silver and each with upper finial in geometric...
$195.00 /ea.
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Rare Huari Bronze Atl Atl Finial
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Rare because bronze was supposed to be invented by the Inca, but it was actually the Huari who first developed it... From ancient ancient Peru, ca. 700 to 1000 AD,
$575.00 Reserved
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Moche Bronze Tupu - Kissing Birds
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How romantic! Ancient Pre-Columbian Bronze Tupu, Moche culture, ca. 300 - 700 A.D. Long, straight clothing pin having a crown-type finial decorated with two kissing...
$695.00
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Ancient Peruvian Silver Head Kero
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One of the most sought-after ancient silver vessels of the Peruvian cultures! From the Chimu culture of northern Peru, dating between 1000 and 1300 A.D., this vessel is a
$2,895.00
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Peruvian Chimu Silver Diadems - Pr.
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Ancient Pre-Columbian Diadems from Peru, Chimu culture, ca. 800 - 1425 A.D. Made from sheets of silver, headbands like these were the symbol of power of warrior priests who...
$345.00
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Inca Copper Tumi - Man, Monkey
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Larger and more detailed than most... From ancient Peru, Inca culture, ca. 1400 – 1500 A.D. Cast and hammered solid copper knife / ceremonial blade featuring a standing man figure
$2,595.00
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Chimu Pre-Columbian Silver Kero
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Large and impressive! From the north coast of Peru, Chimu culture, ca. 1000 A.D. Handcrafted silver kero / drinking vessel formed by hammering a piece of sheet metal over...
$4,650.00
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Set of 4 Mochica Silver Lime Spoons
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Rare and fine set of 4 Mochica / Moche Lime Spoons, from ancient Peru, ca. 0 - 400 A.D. Made from cast silver, three depict hummingbirds and one depicts a stylized...
$4,650.00
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Although iron and steel were unknown, copper was widely worked and the alloying of bronze was discovered about 1000 AD. Tumbaga, an alloy of copper and gold, was employed in Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador. Many techniques were used for working metal, including the lost-wax process (cire perdu), soldering, and repoussé or embossing. Metalwork was frequently engraved, gilded, or inlaid with various stones and shells.