Chavin Spondylus Shell Bead and Silver Brooch

**First Time At Auction**

Pre-Columbian, Peru, Chavin, ca. 1200 to 500 BCE. A beautiful brooch featuring eight danglers comprised of a 95% silver setting inlaid with a beautiful shell of a symmetrical form that was skillfully cut with a notched edge, presents a striking striated pattern of caramel and chocolate brown hues, and is adorned with a central silver granule. Attached below are ten danglers comprised of disc-shaped spondylus shell beads of coral and rosy beige hues as well as silver disc-shaped beads. A pin on the verso makes this brooch perfectly wearable. Total weight: 23.5 grams. Silver quality: 95%. Size: 1.75" W x 1.5" H (4.4 cm x 3.8 cm)

Spondylus shells, also known as spiny or thorny oysters, have been revered by Andean peoples since the Pre-Columbian era. In addition to being featured in their artwork and used as currency, Spondylus pieces served as sacred offerings to Pachamama, the earth/time mother, a version of Mother Nature.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-private Hans Juergen Westermann collection, Germany, collected from 1950s to 1960s

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.

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#159514
Condition Report: Shell elements are ancient. Silver elements are modern. Minute nicks to peripheries of spondylus shell beads. A few scuffs/surface nicks to large shell inlay. Collection label on verso. Pin works. Beautiful and wearable!