Lot 202

Muisca Gold Atl Atl | Bird & Wrapped Snake Head

Previous image preload Next image preload

Muisca Gold Atl Atl | Bird & Wrapped Snake Head

Estimate: $3,600 - $5,400

Starting Bid: $1,800

(0 Bids)

June 11, 2026 9:00 AM MDT
Live Auction
Louisville, CO, US

Description:

Andes Mountains, Colombia, ca. 1000 - 1550 CE. Fine gold votive atl-atl having a cast gold multi-arched finial attached to a lower gold shaft. The shaft of the atl-atl is wrapped with a fine cast braided gold wire having a bird at one end with heart shaped wings and a long tail, at the opposing end there is a wrapped snake head type hook. A rare and beautiful example. According to Steven C. Brown: “Atlatl is a word that comes from the Nahuatl or Aztec language. The atl-atl is essentially an extension of the hunter's arm. Sometimes referred to as a spear thrower, an atlatl is about as long as a person's forearm and can be fashioned to fit exactly the grip of one's hand. Devised to increase the speed and flight distance of the arrowlike hunting darts.” XRF analysis: Gold: 15.9 K. Gold: 66.64% Silver: 14.57% Copper: 16.69% Nickel: 1.22% Iron: 0.88%. Size: 5”H (12.7cm), 14.2 gr, 15.9K.

Provenance: Private CT. collection, acquired from Ritchies auction, 1990’s. Ex. Galeria Pre-Colombia, A. Alfaro, 1971- 1974, with copies of sales receipts. XRF tested with copy of report available.

SHIPPING: We coordinate worldwide shipping in-house through specialist international forwarders experienced with fine art and antiquities customs manifests. International buyers must confirm, prior to bidding, that their country's customs authority will accept the item. All duties, taxes, clearance fees, and any costs arising from customs delays, seizures, re-export, returns, or loss in transit are the buyer's sole responsibility. Artemis assumes no liability for items refused entry, detained, or lost after export. We cannot ship ancient items to their country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).

PAYMENT EXCEPTION: For clients not previously established with Artemis, payment for all gold, precious metal, and gemstone lots must be made by bank wire transfer or certified bank check/money order, without exception.

Item # 71798

  • Condition: Intact, excellent condition.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 30% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $749 $25
$750 $1,499 $50
$1,500 $2,999 $100
$3,000 $7,499 $250
$7,500 $14,999 $500
$15,000 + $1,000