$22,500.00
Culture: Sicán (Lambayeque)
Region: Peru, North Coast
Date/Origin: Circa AD 900–1100
Type: Beaker
Material: Gold (tumbaga alloy)
Dimensions:
Description: Flared sheet gold beaker of the Sicán culture decorated in repoussé with a frieze of upright spears flanked by bands of stylized birds. The rim is encircled by prominent repoussé Spondylus shells, a powerful symbol associated with fertility, water, and elite exchange in Andean ritual culture. Vessels of this type were ceremonial drinking cups used in elite feasting and ritual contexts. A highly desirable example valued for its sculptural form and refined metalworking.
Provenance: John Wise collection; acquired at Sotheby’s by the present owner’s family in 1971.
1 in stock