Muzeion
Pre-Colombian Gold & Obsidian Labret Masterpiece // Colombia Ca. 800-1500 AD
Product Description
A fine example of the delicacy and refinement of the Tairona people’s gold work, this small lip plug ornament is in the form of a snarly toothed dragon with rowed loops as the mane, upturned snout and extended, flat nose curls. A dangling sequin suspends from beneath, but has become separated and is missing one pincer attachment.
The original T shaped attachment backing is of ground obsidian. Overall excellent condition, with exception of the sequin.
Labrets such as this were fitted into a hole beneath the lower lip of an elite member of the society. Tairona goldsmiths excelled in casting using the lost-wax process and in the fashioning of added ornaments that were incorporated into larger pieces, such as the small ring at the bottom of the head. The labret clearly depicts a creature, but exactly which is uncertain. It has been suggested that it may be a stylized caiman or crocodile, but that identification is not conclusive.
There is a very similar example in the Metropolitan Museum of New York (Accession Number: 1974.271.62)
Product Details
- ColorsObsidian, Gold
- Materials
Obsidian, Gold
- Measurements
1.97"L x 1.42"W x 1.77"H
- OriginColombia
— Pre-Columbian
— One Of A Kind
— Provenance: Ex. Collection of Maurice Shapiro, NYC., Acquired 1960s – 1970s.
— Includes Certificate Of Authenticity By Muzeion Gallery
Measurements:
— Entire Piece: 1.97" L x 1.42" W x 1.77" H
— Gold Piece: 1.38" L x 0.67" W x 1.81" H; Weight: 8g
Shipping Information
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Shipping AvailabilityCanada, United States
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Shipping PolicyStandard Ground Shipping
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Ship In3-5 weeks ⓘ
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Return PolicyFinal sale, not eligible for return or cancellation
Size Chart
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