Moche Bone Finial w/ Turquoise & Chimu Copper Ornaments (Auction 2026-06-05, Lot 77B)

$642.50

A carved bone implement or finial inlaid with blue chrysocolla and turquoise, modeled as a pair of canine or feline figures with mouths touching, possibly depicting nurturing or feeding behavior. Accompanied by two flat copper sheet appliques cut and impressed with abstract bird-like silhouettes and pierced for suspension from clothing or jewelry.

Provenance: private Colorado, USA collection

Condition: Fair. Large fragmentary piece, with repairs. Losses to bone, and several pieces of bone are reattached with adhesive. Losses to stone inlays, but nice remaining stones. Copper panels have heavy green patina, but otherwise intact.