Moche Gilded Copper Maskette, Shell and Lapis Eyes
Pre-Columbian, Peru, North Coast, Moche, ca. 100–300 CE. A small human face stares out with unnerving directness, its gilded surface still bright across brow and cheek. The maskette was raised and hammered from sheet copper, the features pushed up from behind into a broad nose, downturned mouth, and flaring ears pierced for attachment. Ovoid eyes are inlaid with white shell set with round lapis pupils, a costly combination reserved for high-status regalia. Paired slots at the hairline and tabs at the ears indicate it was once fixed to a larger object, most likely the headdress of a full-scale mask or a ceremonial ensemble. Gilding on North Coast copper was achieved by depletion techniques that drew precious metal to the surface, lending modest alloys the appearance of solid gold. Size: 3.875" W x 5" H (9.8 cm W x 12.7 cm H).
North Coast metalsmiths of the Early Intermediate Period were the most technically ambitious in the ancient Americas, mastering annealing, repousse, soldering, and the surface enrichment now called depletion gilding: an object of copper-gold or copper-silver alloy was treated with mineral acids to strip base metal from the outermost layer, leaving a skin of gold or silver that could be burnished to a mirror. The result carried the visual authority of solid precious metal at a fraction of its weight and cost, and it allowed large composite regalia to be assembled from many thin, gleaming plates.
Inlay materials mattered as much as the metal. Spondylus and other marine shell came north from Ecuadorian waters, and lapis lazuli was traded from the far southern Andes, so a face of this scale gathered exotic substances from opposite ends of a long exchange network. Set into the eyes, they animated the countenance in firelight, an effect deliberately exploited in the elaborate costumed performances that dominate the region's painted and modeled iconography.
Provenance: Private American collection. Ex. H. J. Westermann Collection, Germany, 1950 - 1960.
SHIPPING: We coordinate worldwide shipping in-house through specialist international forwarders experienced with fine art and antiquities customs manifests. International buyers must confirm, prior to bidding, that their country's customs authority will accept the item. All duties, taxes, clearance fees, and any costs arising from customs delays, seizures, re-export, returns, or loss in transit are the buyer's sole responsibility. Artemis assumes no liability for items refused entry, detained, or lost after export. We cannot ship ancient items to their country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).For those not using LiveAuctioneers' Live Ship program, Artemis Fine Arts offers expert in-house packing and worldwide shipping. With over 20 years of experience, our team provides careful, reliable, and affordable service. For a quick quote on this lot, please contact support@artemisfinearts.com prior to the auction, or call 720-890-7700.
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: For clients not previously established with Artemis, payment for all gold, precious metal, and gemstone lots must be made by bank wire transfer or certified bank check/money order, without exception.
Item #
73180
Condition
Some very minor surface flakes to the gilt surface revealing the underlying blue-green patina. Overall excellent condition.
Buyer's Premium
30%
Pre-Columbian, Peru, North Coast, Moche, ca. 100–300 CE. A small human face stares out with unnerving directness, its gilded surface still bright across brow and cheek. The maskette was raised and hammered from sheet copper, the features pushed up from behind into a broad nose, downturned mouth, and flaring ears pierced for attachment. Ovoid eyes are inlaid with white shell set with round lapis pupils, a costly combination reserved for high-status regalia. Paired slots at the hairline and tabs at the ears indicate it was once fixed to a larger object, most likely the headdress of a full-scale mask or a ceremonial ensemble. Gilding on North Coast copper was achieved by depletion techniques that drew precious metal to the surface, lending modest alloys the appearance of solid gold. Size: 3.875" W x 5" H (9.8 cm W x 12.7 cm H).
North Coast metalsmiths of the Early Intermediate Period were the most technically ambitious in the ancient Americas, mastering annealing, repousse, soldering, and the surface enrichment now called depletion gilding: an object of copper-gold or copper-silver alloy was treated with mineral acids to strip base metal from the outermost layer, leaving a skin of gold or silver that could be burnished to a mirror. The result carried the visual authority of solid precious metal at a fraction of its weight and cost, and it allowed large composite regalia to be assembled from many thin, gleaming plates.
Inlay materials mattered as much as the metal. Spondylus and other marine shell came north from Ecuadorian waters, and lapis lazuli was traded from the far southern Andes, so a face of this scale gathered exotic substances from opposite ends of a long exchange network. Set into the eyes, they animated the countenance in firelight, an effect deliberately exploited in the elaborate costumed performances that dominate the region's painted and modeled iconography.
Provenance: Private American collection. Ex. H. J. Westermann Collection, Germany, 1950 - 1960.
SHIPPING: We coordinate worldwide shipping in-house through specialist international forwarders experienced with fine art and antiquities customs manifests. International buyers must confirm, prior to bidding, that their country's customs authority will accept the item. All duties, taxes, clearance fees, and any costs arising from customs delays, seizures, re-export, returns, or loss in transit are the buyer's sole responsibility. Artemis assumes no liability for items refused entry, detained, or lost after export. We cannot ship ancient items to their country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).For those not using LiveAuctioneers' Live Ship program, Artemis Fine Arts offers expert in-house packing and worldwide shipping. With over 20 years of experience, our team provides careful, reliable, and affordable service. For a quick quote on this lot, please contact support@artemisfinearts.com prior to the auction, or call 720-890-7700.
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: For clients not previously established with Artemis, payment for all gold, precious metal, and gemstone lots must be made by bank wire transfer or certified bank check/money order, without exception.
Item #
73180
Condition
Some very minor surface flakes to the gilt surface revealing the underlying blue-green patina. Overall excellent condition.
Buyer's Premium
30%
