Salinar Gold Bell Pendant with Fanged Deity Mask

Culture: Salinar Region: Peru, North Coast Date/Origin: Circa 400–200 BC Type: Bell Material: Gold Dimensions: 3 x 3 x 1 1/2 in. Description: Hollow sheet-gold bell pendant depicting a stylized anthropomorphic mask with prominent fanged mouth, triangular nose, and geometric eyes. The iconography derives from Chavín religious imagery and reflects the continuation of Chavín visual traditions in the Salinar culture of Peru’s north coast. Such pendants were worn as ritual ornaments and likely contained a small internal clapper that produced sound during ceremonial movement. Provenance: Ex Stanley Marcus Collection (1950s–1960s); Ex Museum of the Red River, Corpus Christi, Texas; Ex Museum of the Southwest, Midland, Texas; Ex Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art, Shawnee, Oklahoma.