Pre-Columbian 20K Gold Nose Ornament

Pre-Columbian 20K Gold Nose Ornament. Decorated 20K gold nose ornament, Moche Period, Peru. 450 - 550 CE. Fascinating and mysteriously designed, repousse decorated Pre-Columbian gold nose ornament found in the Ayabaca Region of Northern Peru in the mid-20th Century. Purchased in 1964 by Stolper Galleries in New York, and remained in the collection as a treasured example of the ancient goldsmith's art. Testing at 20K gold, it was made on thin, very flexible hammered sheet gold that exhibits supporting evidence of its centuries of burial through a half dozen small nicks and cracks in its body and along its edges. Crescent shaped with embossed designs. The gold sheet is 78.5% to 79.1% (equivalent to 18K - 19K) with silver ranging from 17% to 18%. The perforation at the top indicates its use as a septum piercing, and interestingly, this panel would over the wearer's mouth and chin, symbolizing high authority. Moche elites wore nose ornaments, often obscuring the mouth, as political and religious status symbols, conveying social status, lineage, and spiritual significance. Believed to grant supernatural power, these adornments played a key role in Moche rituals and were frequently depicted in pottery and sculpture. Although it came without specific cultural assignment, it is believed to Moche in origin dating circa 0 - 800 AD and was almost certainly worn by a shaman or tribal leader. This unique and mystical ornament could probably be adapted for wear with the addition of a bezel and sufficient backing to protect it from damage. Presented in a small glass framed Riker style mount. Comes with certificate of authenticity and a map of Peru highlighting the site of Ayabaca within the Moche area. 3 ½"L x 2 ¼"W, 6 grams. Ex. Hank Johnson Collection. Hank Johnson was a geologist, and passionate collector of historical and ancient artifacts. Starting with relics and bottles from ghost towns, he later focused on Anasazi pottery and Pre-Columbian. He worked with the Denver Art Museum to verify authenticity, building a respected reputation in the collecting community. View the entire Hank Johnson Collection under Special Collections “Johnson.”