Lot 83, Auction 4/26/2024: Chavin Shell Applique w/ Turquoise Skull Inlays
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Lot 83, Auction 4/26/2024: Chavin Shell Applique w/ Turquoise Skull Inlays

$2,295.00

In stock

Pre-Columbian, Peru, Chavin culture, ca. 1200 to 500 BCE. A hand-carved shell applique of discoid form with a slight convex bulge on the obverse. Inlaid around the front are carved fragments of turquoise or greenstone that create a quartet of processional skulls, each with bared teeth and mounded brows. The minimalist skulls are each connected to their neighbors with a curved band of similar stone that represents the life force shared between all living things, even in death. Size: 2.01″ W x 1.93″ H (5.1 cm x 4.9 cm); 3.8″ H (9.7 cm) on included custom stand.

Condition: Professionally repaired with plaster material on verso holding in some carved stone pieces. Abrasions and small nicks, with softening to some finer details, otherwise in great condition. Nice contrast in colors between stone and shell. Previous inventory label on verso.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, acquired from 2000 to 2010; ex-Merrin Gallery, New York, USA

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all purchases.

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