Fine Moche Copper Mace with Jaguar and Reptile Heads...

Description

Fine Moche Copper Mace with Jaguar and Reptile Heads

Moche
C. 200 BC-200 AD
Copper
2" Tall x 3½" Wide

The fine casting is an early Moche ceremonial staff finial cast in the lost wax process and depicts, in fine detail, four long snouted snarling jaguars with wrinkled snouts, the mouth wide open bearing their fangs, the eyes open and hollow, each head sharing the ear of the adjoining face. Turned upside down, the mace has unnecessary holes spaced between each jaguar's neck, and renders the whole jaw and snout of the jaguar into a snake or iguana head with large fangs. The example is in excellent condition with verdigris patina covering the surface.

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