Lot 220a, Auction 4/20/2026: Large Bolivian Silver Tupu Pin with Glass Inlays

$1,040.00

In stock

South America, Bolivia, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A tupu (also known as a ttipqui pin) crafted from silver and inlaid with faceted and polished glass elements. The long pin stem tapers to a point, with a hammered section decorated with stippled and etched floral motifs, flanked by curved side supports under an openwork circular head composed of quadrant and petal-like forms. The center holds a cobalt blue glass inset, surrounded by alternating green and translucent glass accents, while the verso also includes a hook for securing the large finial. In the Andes, women used metal 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″ L x 4.5″ W (33 cm x 11.4 cm); silver quality: 84% to 88%; weight: 92.7 grams

Condition: Wear from age and use, with some crafting imperfections. Abrasion to petal on openwork finial center. Dark patina and toning. Stable and nice presentation!

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

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