A Spectacular Pair of Chimu Earflares with Staff-Bearing Lords Peru, Late Intermediate Period - Late Horizon, c. ...

Description

A Spectacular Pair of Chimu Earflares with Staff-Bearing Lords
Peru, Late Intermediate Period - Late Horizon, c. 1100-1400 AD

Wood with inlays of mother-of-pearl, spondylus, green snail shell, and tegula (the black turban marine snail) shell.

Each circular earflare depicts a standing lord wearing a crescent headdress and large circular ear ornaments, holding fan-shaped staffs in both hands. The figures are inlaid with finely cut pieces of mother-of-pearl, orange Spondylus, green snail shell, and darker tegula shell. Their faces are slightly raised above the surrounding mosaic. A border of mother-of-pearl panels frames the composition. The inlay is mounted on a wooden backing with a flaring stem, the surface further enriched with bands of geometric designs executed in fine pyrographic engraving. Both in good, restored condition, missing a few pieces of the mosaic, chips on edges of tubes at back.

The Chimú valued imported shell, particularly Spondylus, for its color and rarity, and ear ornaments of this type would have been reserved for elite display. The addition of dark Tegula shell, a Pacific gastropod prized for its deep black surface, created a bold contrast with the bright orange Spondylus and iridescent mother-of-pearl. The intricate inlay work and balanced design make this pair a remarkable survival of Chimú luxury craftsmanship.

Provenance:
Acquired by the current collection in 1988
Merrin Gallery, New York, NY

Diameters: 4 inches each

Estimate: $6,000 - $8,000.

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