This stunning pure gold and quartz necklace is from the El Bolo treasure. It was found by treasure hunters who struck a deal with the Colombian government, the Bank of Colombia and the local peasants whereby the treasure was divided up by some formula. The Royal Family of Saudi Arabia purchased many of the best pieces including full body suits. Artifacts from this treasure can be readily identified by the extreme purity of the gold which is 23K...
This is a thickly cast, powerful hollow silver bead depicting a fanged bat, perforated for wearing, should one desire. Dating to between 1000-1400 AD, the piece measures 1-1/4" in width, and sits on a custom stand, which is included. Complete and intact, in excellent original condition. Ex Arte Primitivo, 2012.
Measuring 3" in height, this cast bronze ceremonial knife dates to the period from 700-1000AD, and is from the South Coast of Peru. The upper border consists of a serpent bodied creature with fanged heads at both ends, each wearing a spiked crown. Deeply incised deity heads appear in profile at the top of each side of the blade. The piece has acquired a beautiful blue-green patina. An intact suspension loop is visible at the top,as shown in the photos.
This is perhaps the finest pre-Columbian gold collection ever assembled in private hands. These are all incredible masterpieces. Each one is high grade near pure gold. None are tumbaga. All have been authenticated by a forensic laboratory that specializes in pre-Columbian gold. This assemblage has taken me 40 years to acquire. Nothing was imported. All have been purchased from Sotheby's or high-end private collections. Everything is legal to own and sell...
These are five extremely rare copper skull bells/pendants that were found in an elite tomb at Monte Alban, Oaxaca in 1936. Each bell in about 1/2". They date to 1000-1500AD. Copper was mined largely from Guerrero. No cleaning or restoration, exactly as found. A must have for any pre-Columbian metallurgy collection.
This is a hammered sheet silver breastplate with the neatest iconography that I have seen. This piece screams pre-Columbian. It depicts a fanged anthropomorphic transformational diety war god figure in full regalia holding 3 double-headed snakes/serpents wearing an elaborate feline/monster headdress showing fierce demon facial features. It shows many levels of patination. It is 7.2" X 5.7". It is attributed to the Chavin culture...