Silver and silver-plated copper
Mapuche people, chile 19th century
Two ‘Punzon Acucha’ and a ‘Tupu’ (dress pin)
Two ‘Trapelacuche’ (one silver, weight: 39 g.) and five ‘Sequiles’ (chest jewellery)
One ‘Trarilonco’ (belt)
One ring with engraved cross
Three ‘Chaguaitu’ (earrings)
One piece, probably part of a belt (silver, 47 g.)
Length: 4-50 cm
Ring size: 64
Museum quality mixed lot – family possession since 1906!

This mixed lot of Mapuche jewellery dates to the 19th century and was categorized by experts as a museum quality collection. It has been in a private ownership since 1906 and comprises the following pieces: two ‘Punzon Acucha’; a ‘Tupu’, which are used by women to hold scarves or dresses instead of buttons –Tupu are made of a long needle and a disc or a sphere with crosses (‘Punzon Acucha’) on the upper edge. The needles with ball and cross belonged to women with influential husbands. In addition, there are five ‘Sequilles’ and a silver ‘Trapelacuche’. ‘Sequiles’ are pectoral-like objects, often showing engraving and small bell attachments. The smaller version of this object is called ‘Trapelacucha’, of which there are two – one of them is made silver. Furthermore there is a ‘Trarilonco’, a women’s belt and one silver ring with an engraved cross – probably part of another belt; in addition, there are three ‘Chaguaitu’ (earrings).



Condition:

All pieces are in relatively good condition with age-related signs of wear. They show partial patination and corrosion; some pieces are bent (needles, Sequiles); some pieces have blemishes (earrings, belt, Sequiles). The fragmentary wall mount shows age-related soiling and holes. The ‘Trapelacuche’ is made of silver and weighs 39 g. The silver belt piece weighs 47 g. The pieces measure between 4 and 50 cm (length); the ring is size 64.

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