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THBMoche Copper Bell Half - Ai Apaec with Snakes
About Seller
686 S Taylor Ave, Ste 106
Louisville, CO 80027
United States
Selling antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art online since 1993, Artemis Gallery specializes in Classical Antiquities (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern), Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal / Oceanographic art. Our extensive inventory includes pottery, stone, metal, wood, glass and textil...Read more
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About Auction
LiveAug 22, 2025
Featuring works of art from the Ralph T. Coe Center for the Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico, a non-profit focused on promoting Indigenous Arts globally. All proceeds from the sale of these items will support future grants to Rehoming Program participants. Artemis Fine Arts info@artemisfinearts.com
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- Lot Description
Pre-Columbian, Peru, Moche culture, ca. 100 to 800 CE. A rare copper fragment from a ceremonial bell, skillfully incised with the fierce visage of the Moche deity Ai Apaec. Known as the "Decapitator God," Ai Apaec was a central figure in Moche religion, revered as a protector, warrior, and provider of water and fertility. Here, his rectangular face is framed by wide, staring eyes, a prominent triangular nose, and a bared, toothy grin, flanked by circular ear ornaments. From his head rise two curling snakes, their bodies rendered in fluid, symmetrical lines, symbolizing supernatural power and the ability to traverse multiple realms. The composition is encircled by a wide border of geometric motifs, including zigzags that may allude to mountains, lightning, or the undulating motion of serpents. The finely chased details suggest that this bell half once formed part of a pair, its resonant sound and striking imagery combining in ritual performance to invoke divine presence. Size: 5.5" W x 5.2" H (14 cm x 13.2 cm)
Bells of this type were likely worn or carried by high-ranking individuals - warriors, priests, or rulers - during processions, dances, or ceremonies, their metallic ringing marking sacred rhythms. The preservation of both the iconography and the hammered copper surface offers a vivid glimpse into the Moche mastery of metalworking and the integration of art, sound, and religion into the fabric of their ceremonial life.
Provenance: ex-Robert Morris Fine Art, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA; ex- Arte Primitivo, New York, New York, USA; ex- Jean Lion collection, Paris, France
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.
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SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)
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#196728Condition
Fragment of a larger bell with chipping to top where break was. Weathering to surface commensurate with age as shown. Otherwise, very nice presentation with impressive detail and rich patina and earthen encrustations.
- Shipping Info
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