Bolivian Silver Tupu Pin | Heart-Shaped Finial | Glass Inlay, ex-Holler & Saunders (Auction 2026-05-15, Lot 177)

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South America, Bolivia, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A magnificent silver tupu pin with vivid semi-translucent faceted glass inlays set within a heart-shaped finial. The slender pin features a twisted section at the junction with the large finial panel, with the stem riveted and welded along the verso and terminating in a curved hook. The heart-shaped finial is decorated in repousse with geometric shapes and floral motifs, topped by trumpet-shaped flowers likely representing Cantua buxifolia, the national flower of Bolivia and Peru, long associated with Incan myth and Andean identity. Women used tupu pins to fasten and adorn garments, inserting tupu pins into wrap-around dresses at the chest and to fasten mantles draped around the shoulders. Size: 13.75″ L x 5.2″ W (34.9 cm x 13.2 cm); silver quality: 84% to 85%; weight: 170.4 grams

Provenance: private collection of S. Saunders, Nogales Arizona, USA collection

Excellent. Dark patina and toning with some minor bending to flower petals. Glass has some minor scratches and nicks. Overall excellent.