Pre-Columbian, north coast of Peru, Sican / Lambayeque culture, ca. 10th to 11th century CE. An attractive, paper-thin, hammered gold applique in the form of a bird - perhaps an eagle - shown flying in profile with beak open as though letting out a high-pitched whistle. Sican elites were patrons of workshops that made fine metal objects like this one, and they took their wealth with them when they died. Buried in mounds, they would be entombed in high style. Birds were precious resources in the economy of Andean societies and their feathers often adorned the sumptuous garments of rulers and kings. Beyond their economic importance, birds also inspired craftsmen creating colorful textiles, ceramic vessels, and elegant metal adornments, as seen in this example. Size: 1.5" W x 1.25" H (3.8 cm x 3.2 cm); 4.75" H (12.1 cm) on included custom stand; gold quality: 65% (equivalent to over 15 karats); weight: 1 gram

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, acquired from 2000 to 2010

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.

#179927

Slight bending to form and abrasions in areas, but otherwise intact and excellent. Nicely preserved.