Description:

Pre-Columbian, Peru, Tiwanaku (Tiahuanaco) / Wari to Inca Empire, ca. 400 to 1100 CE. A superb cast electrum tupu, an ancient Andean brooch or shawl pin, crafted with an impressive 50% to 56% gold purity and 33% to 36% silver. The long, pointed pin features an integral flat circular finial adorned with two outward-facing zoomorphic creatures, likely felines or abstract ungulates. Each figure is sculpted in profile on both sides, with incised lines along their bodies resembling reptilian scales. The rest of the pin is smooth and undecorated, save for a pierced hole just above the stem, likely for suspension or additional ornamentation. A rare and exquisite example of ancient Andean metalwork, mounted on a custom display stand. Size: 4.65" L x 1.5" W (11.8 cm x 3.8 cm); 6" H (15.2 cm) on included custom stand; gold quality: 50% tp 56% (equivalent to 12K to 13k+); silver quality: 33% to 36%; weight: 25.8 grams

Compare to a similar example in collection at The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, object number: 2004.2448.

Provenance: ex-Arte Primitivo, New York, New York, USA; ex-Ian Arundel collection, Old Curiosity Cabinet, Los Angeles, California, USA from the 1950s-1960s

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.

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.)

PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.

#191712

  • Condition: Slight surface wear and minute nicks to the periphery of the circular finial to either side of the pin. Some green patina on the animals. Overall excellent!

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

SHIPPING LOGISTICS: As a courtesy to our clients worldwide, Artemis Gallery is happy to handle shipping for most lots sold, taking the hassle (and high cost!) out of having to arrange shipping on your own. Shipping costs will be added to your invoice at auction's end based on information given when you registered to bid - we strive to offer the most economical shipping costs to ensure safe transit. Our shippers of choice are DHL for International shipments and UPS for domestic shipments, but we are able to ship via other carriers at the buyer's expense as deemed necessary or by request.

For shipments of oversize items, Artemis Gallery will assist the buyer in working with a third-party shipping provider. For shipments outside of the USA, customs and duties may apply upon entry into said country, and this fee, if any, is the buyer's responsibility. If you have questions about this, please inquire BEFORE bidding.

Items will be shipped only upon receipt of payment in full and will be insured for their full value - no exceptions.

May 30, 2025 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 33.5% 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