Moche Gold Nose Ornament

Culture: Moche Region: Peru, North Coast Date/Origin: Circa AD 100–600 Type: Nose Ornament Material: Gold Dimensions: 6 × 4 1/2 in. Description: Wide ceremonial nose ornament featuring an intricate pierced repoussé design of interlocking serpents and raptor motifs arranged in a symmetrical openwork composition. Large ornaments of this type formed an important component of elite regalia in Moche society and were worn suspended from the septum, dramatically framing the wearer’s face during ritual and ceremonial display. A striking example valued for its bold design, scale, and refined metalworking.22 karat gold/65 grams. Early North Coast (Moche tradition). Provenance: From the Collection of Ian Arundel, Los Angeles, CA. Collected in the 1960’s.