**Originally Listed At $800**

Pre-Columbian, north coast Peru, Moche culture, ca. 100 to 300 CE. An attractive collection of 3 copper nose ornaments and a silver pectoral, all presenting crescent forms. A hammered row of dots lines the lower periphery of the pectoral, while 4 round holes perorate its center. All 3 of the nose ornaments are topped with protruding tangs for wearing on one's septum. Size of largest (pectoral): 6.9" L x 4.3" W (17.5 cm x 10.9 cm); silver quality: 96.75%; weight of pectoral: 19.3 grams

The crescent form of these objects mirrors that of many known Moche gold items - headdresses and pectorals were also rendered in the crescent form, and they derive much of their impressiveness from the wide reflective surface they present to the viewer. Beyond the purely aesthetic, this shape may also relate to beliefs about the moon. For instance, 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 female, because in ancient Peru, gold seems to have been reserved for elite men, while silver was reserved for elite women.

Provenance: private Hawaii collection, acquired 2000 to 2010

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#178185

Largest copper nose ornament is missing one tang, but other 3 pieces are intact. Tear with small chip to one tip of pectoral, and light pending and abrasions to all. Otherwise, all are very nice with clear form and rich patina.