Description:

South America, Peru or Bolivia, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. Four fabulous antique silver tupus or pins, with openwork and dangling ornamentation. Three are similarly shaped with a circular medallion upon a long pin-shaped rod. These medallions present with openwork comprised of floral motifs and perforated edges. The fourth and smallest tupu has a twisted rod and is decorated with incised curving motifs on the medallion, but has perforations around the edges like the others. Two of the tupus have bell shaped flowers at the top, and one has a goat like animal. Glass beads are attached to the edge of one, and the largest has dangling sun and crescent moon ornaments. The moon has a small bezel inlaid with a pink glass piece. The tupu is an ancient Andean version of a brooch or shawl pin; they are still used today to fasten lliqlla, a shawl pinned at the front. Size largest: 12.875" L x 4" W (32.7 cm x 10.2 cm); smallest: 10.5" L x 2.875" W (26.7 cm x 7.3 cm); quality of silver (smallest to largest): 95%, 76%, 90%, 92%

Provenance: ex-House of Ancestors, Galisteo, New Mexico, USA

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.

#161229

  • Condition: Missing glass beads and indentations. Losses and bending of forms. Nice patina and details!

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

March 4, 2021 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000