Huari Gold & Silver Headdress Plume w/ Abstract Visage

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Exceptional Ancient, Ethnographic, & Fine Art...

By Artemis Fine Arts

Mar 9, 2023

Set Reminder 2023-03-09 10:00:00 2023-03-09 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Exceptional Ancient, Ethnographic, & Fine Art https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/exceptional-ancient-ethnographic-fine-art-12354
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• Lot Description
  **First Time At Auction**
  
  Pre-Columbian, Peru, Huari (Wari) or early Inca culture, ca. 700 to 1400 CE. An incredible gold and silver alloy pin ornament would grace the front of a headdress, like plume. The main finial and pin are one piece, flattened and cut, with a repousse and cut out geometric motif that forms birds in profile, that also resemble eyes of a larger abstract face. The dangling tumi shaped silver ornaments to the side are held in place via rings - the left is a modern replacement. This impressive ornament tops a long slender pin that could be stuck into textile, and nestle at the forefront of a headdress / crown. Note how the flattened finial is shaped like a tongue - this leads us to wonder if this represents that the wearer of this magnificent pin was the chief "speaker" handing down commands or shamanic knowledge. Size: 7.5" L x 2.5" W (19 cm x 6.4 cm); 9.45" H (24 cm) on included custom stand; gold quality: 69.9% 70% (equivalent to 16K+ to 17K); silver quality: 90% to 96.8% weight: 11.3 grams
  
  Although less well known than their successors, the Inca, the Huari (also spelled Wari) were the first impressive highland power of the Andes - arising in the 6th century CE and surviving until the 10th century. The people were named for their ancient capital, which is located about 10 kilimeters north of the present day city of Avacucho. Precious metals were favored by the Huari/Wari peoples, especially when creating articles for the tombs of elite lords. For example, archaeologists have uncovered gold bracelets as well as a silver face mask and breast plate in the royal tomb at Espiritu Pampa. The indigenous metalsmiths also made gold masks and human figures donning characteristic Wari clothing (tunics and four-cornered hats) out of hammered precious metals.
  
  PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
  
  Provenance: private Hawaii collection, acquired 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 and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
  
  #177432

  Condition

  Left dangling ornament is a modern replacement. Right silver dangler is repaired, with adhesive on verso and bending to shape. Nicks to peripheries of gold sheet, abrasions, and areas fo patina / dark toning. Overall excellent condition.
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