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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Pre-Columbian Gold Eagle - Costa Rica
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Small, high-karat gold eagle pendant from Costa Rica, Diquis region, ca. 700 to 1400 A.D. Representing a harpy eagle, with wings and talons outstretched, small...
$995.00 SOLD
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Inca Silver Diadem
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Fine example of silver workmanship from the Inca culture that stretched between Ecuador to the north and Chile/Bolivia to the south. Ca 1300 to 1450 AD.
$795.00
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Inca Solid Silver Male Offering
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A very fine example of the offerings the Inca made for the gods! Ca. 1300 to 1500 AD. Made of solid silver, weighing 46 grams, in the form of a nude male, wearing typical...
$2,795.00
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Chavin Gold Pectoral Disc
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Ancient Pre-Columbian Gold Disc from the north coast of Peru, Chavin culture, ca. 900 - 200 B.C. Of sheet gold in circular form (decorative symbol for the sun), relief...
$4,995.00
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Moche Copper Figure of Warrior
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Ancient miniature copper figure of a warrior from north-coastal Peru, Moche culture, ca. 200 and 500 A.D. In the form of a kneeling warrior in full military regalia;
$2,795.00
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Costa Rican Cast Copper Harpy Eagle
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Ancient Pre-Columbian copper eagle pendant from Costa Rica, of the style most commonly associated with Tumbaga (gold mixed with high copper concentration), ca. 800...
$595.00
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Incredible Chimu Copper and Wood Tumi
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Another truly spectacular piece! Ancient ceremonial tumi (knife blade) made from wood and copper with copper inlays, from the Chimu culture of north coastal Peru,
$1,795.00
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Rare Moche Wood and Copper Atl Atl
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Very rare to find intact! Complete wood and copper Atl Atl - spear thrower - from the Moche culture of northern Peru, ca 500 to 600 AD. This deadly implement is comprised...
$1,895.00
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Moche Bronze Finial of an Atl Atl
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Ancient Pre-Columbian Finial, Moche / Mochica, Peru, ca. 100 - 500 A.D. Bronze finial of a Atl Atl (spear thrower) depicting a jaguar or tiger looking over shoulder.
$1,345.00
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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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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.
