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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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 Bronze Lime Dipper, Bird Finial
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Ancient Pre-Columbian Bronze Lime Dipper, from ancient Peru, Chimu culture, ca. 200 - 499 A.D. Cast bronze capped with a crouching bird with curved beak at top of the...
$195.00
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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.
