Pre-Columbian, Peru (North Coast), Moche Culture, ca. 100 to 700 CE. An elegant pair of crescent shaped nose rings, made from high quality 76.41% to 81.38% gold (equivalent to 16K+ to 19K+). The gold is hammered into paper thin but strong sheets, cut into rounded shapes with slits and an opening in the center for the ring to pass through the wearer's nose septum. One is of minimalist design with a smooth surface while the other is further decorated with punched stippling. Size of larger ring: 2.5" L x 1.5" W (6.4 cm x 3.8 cm); gold quality: 76.41% to 81.38% (equivalent to 16K+ to 19K+); total weight: 5.6 grams

The crescent form of these examples was a favorite of the Moche - various goldworks from headdresses to pectorals also had the crescent form, and they derive much of their impressiveness from the wide reflective surface they present to the viewer. Beyond the aesthetic, this shape may also connect to beliefs about the moon. We know that among the later Inca, Si, the moon goddess, was thought to be more powerful than the sun because she could be seen both at night and during the day. This object probably belonged to a male, because in ancient Peru, gold seems to have been reserved for elite men, while silver was reserved for elite women.

Provenance: ex-private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-Splendors of the World Gallery, before 2010

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#125082

Old inventory numbers written on the surfaces of both. Tear to the perforation on the larger ornament and area is reinforced with a fine mesh adhered to verso. Otherwise, both are intact and very good.