Inca Copper Atl Atl Catch Finial - Llama Head

**First Time At Auction**

Pre-Columbian, central Peru, Inca Empire, ca. 1200 to 1532 CE. A cast-copper catch finial for an atl atl depicting a disembodied llama head. The narrow camelid head presents holding a petite object in its mouth, with incised ovoid eyes flanking the snout, and a projecting pair of ears on the verso. Fine patina covers the object in matte green and brown hues. Atl atls were ingenious devices that increased the aim and achievable velocity of a thrown spear, and catches like this example aided the warrior in perfecting their throw. Size: 1.4" L x 0.7" W x 0.875" H (3.6 cm x 1.8 cm x 2.2 cm); 2.9" H (7.4 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Matrisciano collection, Thousand Oaks, California, USA, before 2002

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#156458
Condition Report: Losses to one ear and area of backward projection as shown. Light abrasions and encrustations to head and base. Nice patina throughout.