Description:

Pre-Columbian, Ecuador, La Tolita culture, ca. 300 BCE to 500 CE. A resplendent ceremonial medallion crafted from electrum with a high-karat gold purity, featuring a boldly repousse human face surrounded by concentric borders of raised globules and beaded ornamentation. The visage - defined by deeply modeled eyes, a pronounced nose, and a serene, knowing smile - likely represents a solar deity or revered ancestral figure central to La Tolita cosmology. Fashioned from a hammered alloy comprising approximately 70% to 72% gold (equivalent to 17K+ purity) and 19% to 20% silver, this elegant piece exemplifies the region's sophisticated metallurgical traditions. A single puncture near the upper edge suggests it may have been suspended as a pectoral ornament or possibly worn as an elaborate earspool. Mounted on a custom stand. Size: 4.3" Diameter (10.9 cm); 6" H (15.2 cm) on included custom stand. Gold weight 23.5 grams.

Provenance: private Thornton, Colorado, USA collection

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#195285

  • Condition: Tears to the perforation hole. Indentations and abrasions to surface, with tiny pin hole perforations to the nose and mouth. Light patina to the surface but otherwise excellent.

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August 7, 2025 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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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