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.

Inca Silver Diadem 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

Chavin Gold Pectoral Disc 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

Moche Copper Figure of Warrior 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

Costa Rican Cast Copper Harpy Eagle 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... $795.00

Incredible Chimu Copper and Wood Tumi 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

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.