Set of five Moche/Chimú carved bone tupu pins with bird finials, Northern Coast Peru
Moche/Chimú bone tupu pins, group side view showing five aligned pins
Moche/Chimú bone tupu pin, close view of bird finial carving
Moche/Chimú bone tupu pins, detail of second bird finial
Moche/Chimú bone tupu pins, alternate arrangement showing pin lengths
Moche/Chimú bone tupu pins, macro of carved bone surface
Moche/Chimú bone tupu pins, individual pin study
Moche/Chimú bone tupu pins, comparative pin views
Moche/Chimú bone tupu pins, alternate group angle
Moche/Chimú bone tupu pins, ends and finial comparison
Set of five Moche/Chimú carved bone tupu pins with bird finials, Northern Coast Peru
Moche/Chimú bone tupu pins, group side view showing five aligned pins
Moche/Chimú bone tupu pin, close view of bird finial carving
Moche/Chimú bone tupu pins, detail of second bird finial
Moche/Chimú bone tupu pins, alternate arrangement showing pin lengths
Moche/Chimú bone tupu pins, macro of carved bone surface
Moche/Chimú bone tupu pins, individual pin study
Moche/Chimú bone tupu pins, comparative pin views
Moche/Chimú bone tupu pins, alternate group angle
Moche/Chimú bone tupu pins, ends and finial comparison
Set of five Moche/Chimú carved bone tupu pins with bird finials, Northern Coast Peru
Set of five Moche/Chimú carved bone tupu pins with bird finials, Northern Coast Peru Moche/Chimú bone tupu pins, group side view showing five aligned pins Moche/Chimú bone tupu pin, close view of bird finial carving Moche/Chimú bone tupu pins, detail of second bird finial Moche/Chimú bone tupu pins, alternate arrangement showing pin lengths Moche/Chimú bone tupu pins, macro of carved bone surface Moche/Chimú bone tupu pins, individual pin study Moche/Chimú bone tupu pins, comparative pin views Moche/Chimú bone tupu pins, alternate group angle Moche/Chimú bone tupu pins, ends and finial comparison

Set of Five Moche/Chimú Bone Tupu Pins with Bird Finials

17751

$1,750.00
/
Shipping calculated at checkout.
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North Coast of Peru, ca. 200–1400 CE.  

finely carved from dense animal bone, each pin has a long, tapering shaft and an openwork finial depicting paired birds or abstracted figures, some with red and black pigment inlay forming diamond and geometric panels. The tops include variations with facing birds perched above a lattice band, and a crown-like finial with stylized heads, giving the group a strong visual rhythm when displayed together. The surfaces show a smooth, creamy patina with minor wear, small age-commensurate nicks, and traces of ancient earthen deposits, attesting to their antiquity and use.  These pins, known as tupus, would originally have been used to fasten or decorate garments and headdresses, and they make a striking ensemble of North Coast Andean ornament and symbolism.  

Longest pin 7.75 in (19.7 cm); others proportionally smaller.

Provenance: private collection, Doral FL, Acq Skinner Boston, 2011

Every object is guaranteed authentic and as described, and has been legally acquired and imported in accordance with U.S. and applicable foreign regulations on the movement and sale of antiquities. A signed certificate of authenticity with a description and photograph accompanies this object. Any restoration is described on the invoice.

Free insured shipping within the United States on most pieces; oversized works are quoted at checkout. We pack and ship ourselves, usually within two business days. International shipping by USPS or DHL is calculated at checkout; if your country is not listed, write to us. Customs forms state the full value; international buyers are responsible for duties and taxes.

Any object may be returned within 14 days of receipt for a refund or credit. Contact us first. See Buying from Us.

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