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.

Chimu Pre-Columbian Silver Kero 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

Pre-Columbian Gold Turtle - Chiriqui-Diquis Ancient gold turtle from the Chiriqui-Diquis region of Costa Rica, ca. 800 to 1200 A.D. With unusual split tail, legs ceremonially "killed" in ancient times. $4,995.00

Set of 4 Mochica Silver Lime Spoons 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

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.