**Originally Listed At $900**

Pre-Columbian, Northern Peru, Lambayeque Valley, Sican culture, ca. 800 to 1100 CE. A stunning silver ritual pendant (65% silver) presenting a discoid form that features a thick body, a sharpened edge around the periphery, and a petite suspension hole above an openwork figural scene. Depicted in the center are a pair of stylized fishermen wearing large headdress while sailing in a "caballito de tortorra" (reed boat). Zigzagging around the nautical scene are several abstract sea birds with elongated necks and feathered wings. Fine brown and green patina has developed across the surfaces of this rare style of ritual ceremonial accessory! Size: 5.25" W x 4.8" H (13.3 cm x 12.2 cm); 5.25" H (13.3 cm) on included custom stand; metal quality: 65% silver and 30% copper; total weight: 394.9 grams.

It is also possible that the fishermen depicted in the boat were intended to be associated with Naymlap (also Naylamp, Nanlap, or Nylamp), the traditional founder of the Lambayeque dynasty, who was oftentimes depicted riding in a caballito de tortora (reed boat) and who came from the south by sea and colonized the region before he allegedly sprouted wings and flew off into the sunset in a dramatic display of his magical powers.

Metalwork was a Lambayeque specialty, much of it made at the site of Batan Grande, with a tradition that lasted roughly 600 years. Based on burials, we know that only the most elite members of society had access to metal objects (the classes below them had ceramics designed to look like metal objects), but we also know that these members of society were very wealthy and that the demands for metal objects like this made from silver and other precious materials.

Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection, acquired in December, 2017; ex-private Georgia, USA collection, before 2009

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#147467

Small nicks to peripheries, fading to finer details, and encrustations within some recessed areas, otherwise intact and very good. Light earthen deposits and great patina throughout. Old informational label on verso.