Pre-Columbian art is known for its beautiful works in gold. Gold was plentiful in the Americas and the cultures of the New World were once rich with gold ornaments and ceremonial objects. Unfortunately almost all were melted down by the conquistadors and shipped back as gold bars and coins to Spain. Consequently the remaining genuine pre-Columbian gold is very rare and highly prized by collectors.
12853. MASTERFULLY INTRICATE SINU GOLD FINIAL. 25 x 40mm. 9.32 gm. Exceptionally fine and intricate work, a wonderful little treasure of ancient pre-Columbian artwork! Provenance: The Emeritus Collection. Verso. Verso 2.
$2400.
9339. CHOICE SINU GOLD NECKLACE. Cauca valley, ca. 650 - 1250 AD. Complete necklace of fine gold beads with nine figural gold beads which appear as either crocodiles or human effigies. 22 inches, 18.07 gm. Complete and very rare thus. Wearable with care. Provenance: Purchased by the present owner from an established US antiquities dealer in the 1990's. Independently documented 3rd party proof this piece has been in the US since at least May 11, 2002 is available. This is several years prior to the effective date of the MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) that restricts subsequent imports into the US.
This striking and rare Pre-Columbian gold necklace was crafted by the Sinu people of Colombia. The figural beads represent coatimundi, a much adored pet in many Pre-Columbian societies. In much the same way that Eqyptians favored cats or Ancient Indian cultures favored elephants, the Coatimundi was a much adored pet in many Pre-Columbian societies and therefore is represented in important personal items such as jewelry.
The Pre-Columbian Sinu lived in the river valleys and along the Caribbean Coast of Colombia from around 200 to 1600 AD. They were most renowned for their elaborate irrigation and waterwork systems, their exquisite gold work, and the political significance of women in their social structure. When discovered by the Spaniards in the 16th century the Sinu had a female as their head chief. 16th century Spaniards came to the area lured by the magnificence of the Sinu's ceremonial burial gold. Much of this gold was cast using the lost wax method but much like this extraordinary necklace gold was also fashioned into elaborate jewelry with refined skill and artistry.
See a very similar example with more beads on R.S. Rau 4/15/20 estimated at $70,000! here. Circa, 600-1250 AD
8893. LARGE MOCHE GOLD NOSE ORNAMENT. Peru, Moche, ca. 500 BC/AD. The hammered sheet gold ornament with three engraved rings around the nose loop and with exceptionally long terminals. 8.2 inches, 8.90 gm. Ex. Harmer Rooke Galleries. A very fine example worn by a ruler or high status individual. Provenance: Purchased by the present owner from an established US antiquities dealer in the 1990's. Independently documented 3rd party proof this piece has been in the US since at least January 27, 2003 is available. This is several years prior to the effective date of the MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) that restricts subsequent imports into the US.
7549. HEAVY TAIRONA GOLD NOSE ORNAMENT, Circa 5th-8th century AD. Gold nose ornament with flattened terminals. Tairona culture, Columbia, 800-1500 AD. This gold pendant shows the excellent level of metalworking skills of the pre-Columbian goldsmiths and hints at the wealth that drove the Conquistadors. Finely wrought of heavy gold it is in an excellent state of preservation with minor wear. Dimensions: 26.5 x 19 mm. (1.04 x 0.75"). Weight: 10.76 gm. (0.336 Troy oz.) Would make a superb pendant! Another view. Provenance: Purchased by the present owner from an established US antiquities dealer in the 1990's. Independently documented 3rd party proof this piece has been in the US since at least July 11, 1997 is available. This is several years prior to the effective date of the MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) that restricts subsequent imports into the US.
