Moche Silver, Turquoise & Lapis Jaguar Warrior Pendant
Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Moche, ca. 100 BCE to 100 CE. A very rare cast silver (94%) pendant depicting a standing jaguar warrior wielding a mace and shield. His jaguar mask is beautifully delineated with almond-shaped eyes inlayed with turquoise sclera and lapis lazuli pupils, an open mouth revealing teeth made from spondylus shell of red hues perhaps to signify his out-for-blood demeanor, raised alert ears, and a pronounced nose. A long tail hangs behind his body, and a pair of double loops for suspension and/or attachment protrude from the figure's back. During the mid-twentieth century, archaeologists labeled the period when the Moche came to power as the "Mastercraftsman Period" due to this culture's striking technological innovations in the arts. Indeed Moche artists are known for their fine metalwork as demonstrated by this example. Size: 1.375" H (3.5 cm); 3.125" H (7.9 cm) on included custom stand. Weight: 28.7 grams. Silver quality: 94%.
King of Beasts in the Pre-Columbian world, infamous for possessing high speed and massive strength, the jaguar was believed to dominate nature inspiring respect and awe throughout the ancient Americas. Jaguars were also associated with strength and leadership, whether in regard to spirituality or martial skill. Warriors, rulers, hunters, and shamans alike associated themselves with this King of Beasts, the largest and most powerful feline in the New World whom they viewed as their spirit companion and protector. Warfare and warriors are recurrent themes in Moche art, a strong testimony to the violence of Moche society, which was rife with intense combat and competition.
Provenance: ex-private Hirsch collection, New York City, New York, USA, collected from 1950-1970
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 winning bids.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#150915
Condition Report: Minute nicks to inlays. Otherwise intact and generally excellent save a few minor casting flaws. Pieces have developed a rich, lustrous patina over the centuries.
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Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Moche, ca. 100 BCE to 100 CE. A very rare cast silver (94%) pendant depicting a standing jaguar warrior wielding a mace and shield. His jaguar mask is beautifully delineated with almond-shaped eyes inlayed with turquoise sclera and lapis lazuli pupils, an open mouth revealing teeth made from spondylus shell of red hues perhaps to signify his out-for-blood demeanor, raised alert ears, and a pronounced nose. A long tail hangs behind his body, and a pair of double loops for suspension and/or attachment protrude from the figure's back. During the mid-twentieth century, archaeologists labeled the period when the Moche came to power as the "Mastercraftsman Period" due to this culture's striking technological innovations in the arts. Indeed Moche artists are known for their fine metalwork as demonstrated by this example. Size: 1.375" H (3.5 cm); 3.125" H (7.9 cm) on included custom stand. Weight: 28.7 grams. Silver quality: 94%.
King of Beasts in the Pre-Columbian world, infamous for possessing high speed and massive strength, the jaguar was believed to dominate nature inspiring respect and awe throughout the ancient Americas. Jaguars were also associated with strength and leadership, whether in regard to spirituality or martial skill. Warriors, rulers, hunters, and shamans alike associated themselves with this King of Beasts, the largest and most powerful feline in the New World whom they viewed as their spirit companion and protector. Warfare and warriors are recurrent themes in Moche art, a strong testimony to the violence of Moche society, which was rife with intense combat and competition.
Provenance: ex-private Hirsch collection, New York City, New York, USA, collected from 1950-1970
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 winning bids.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#150915
Condition Report: Minute nicks to inlays. Otherwise intact and generally excellent save a few minor casting flaws. Pieces have developed a rich, lustrous patina over the centuries.
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Time, Location
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