47225

Moche Spear Thrower

Currency:USD Category:Art Start Price:1,750.00 USD Estimated At:7,000.00 - 10,000.00 USD
Moche Spear Thrower
<B>Spear Thrower</B></I><BR>Moche(Early)<BR>100 B.C.- A.D. 200<BR>Wood, gold, lapis lazuli, shell, red pigment<BR>Length 20 in. Depth 3 3/8 in.<BR><BR>The major importance of this piece lies in the strong sculptural quality of the lapis lazuli thumb hook. This portrays a bird with a slightly uptilted head looking back toward its tail. Its spondylus shell eyes are framed in gold and the entire bird was originally rubbed with red pigment. The stone sculpture, the visible wood parts, and most of the gold date from the same period. The hood is modern, as is the metal end cap. The exact nature of reassemblage cannot be assessed without x-ray photographs.<BR><BR>A conservator's report will be available to the purchaser.<BR><BR>Provenance<BR>Splendors of the World, Haiku, Hawaii<BR><BR> <BR><BR><B>Importan