Collection of 5 Pre Columbian figural Tupus circa 700AD Start Price USD 280.00 Current Price USD 280.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Wednesday, July 23, 2008 End Time Wednesday, July 30, 2008 Location San Francisco See more about 'Collection of 5 Pre Columbian figural Tupus circa 700AD' Description This collection of ancient tupus, or shawl pins, represents a less-common theme in pre Columbian art. Pre Columbian craftsmen in the Andes (mostly, present day Peru) were masters of metalwork, using a wide-variety of techniques and materials to create their works. Tupus are one example of this art—an ancient, wearable, everyday art form in metal. Here is a chance to start your instant collection of ancient pre Columbian metalwork, or add to your broader collection of pre Columbian art. This great collection consists of five tupus: 5.25” copper* tupu with figural finial in the form of the typical, decorated Incan vessel Aribalo (or amphora, after the Greek version). Inca culture, Late Horizon (1438AD-1533AD). Dark patina with green deposits 5” silver* tupu with figural standing human finial, hands folded across midsection, and wearing a typical Incan cap. Inca culture, Late Horizon (1438AD-1533AD) 5.5”copper* tupu with figural standing human finial, hands folded across midsection. Unknown culture. Dark black patina with green deposits 4.5” bronze* tupu with figural jaguar head finial. Wari culture, Middle Horizon (500AD-800AD) 3” silver* tupu with figural llama head finial and eye. Inca culture, Late Horizon (1438AD-1533AD) *In the Middle Horizon (500AD-800AD) and beyond, pre Columbian craftsmen used a variety of copper alloys, including (depending on the mineral resources in their area) arsenic bronze, tin bronze, and ternary bronze (a copper-nickel alloy), as well as silver and gold and their alloys. I’m not a metallurgist, but these descriptions (bronze, copper, silver, etc.) represent my best estimation of material, and I believe they’re accurate). To learn more about tupus, a good source is Pikillacta: The Wari Empire in Cuzco, edited by Gordon McEwan. Unfortunately, a lot of fake “pre Columbian” art is being sold on eBay these days. I’ve been collecting pre-Columbian art for ten years now, and have consulted with numerous art dealers, auction appraisers, museums, and books regarding my collection. As such, I’m confident in offering a lifetime guarantee of authenticity for these items. Check out my feedback, and bid with confidence. US bidders only, please. Place a Bid!