Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Chavin, ca. 1400 BCE - 400 BCE. A grand pectoral with beads carved from sodalite, one of the primary elements of lapis lazuli mined from the Andes and cherished since antiquity. The piece is comprised of fourteen, large lozenge-shaped beads of rich blue-violet hues and cream-colored veining, resolving in ten cylindrical sodalite beads and a modern clasp. Each lozenge-shaped bead was incised with five vertical lines that were rubbed with red cinnabar, resulting in a dramatic color contrast. Similarly, the cylindrical beads were incised with several grooves that were also rubbed with red cinnabar. An impressive and large pectoral that shows the finest workmanship and superb stone. Custom, museum-quality stand. 9"H x 11"W

Provenance: Ex-Bill Freeman Collection, New Mexico

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Choice and wearable