Collier précieux, vers 400 - 600 apr. J.-C. ·  Pérou, Pérou, côte sud à centrale, Huari (Wari) · ID: 3052458

Description

composed of 34 trapezoidal segments, cut from Spondylus shell, newly restrung

Spondylus is a marine shell also known as the ’thorny oyster’. The Inca called it “mullu”. It was primarily harvested off the coast of present-day Ecuador and imported into Peru, which further increased its value. These shells were considered more precious than gold or even silver and became known as “red gold”.

Necklaces such as this one were likely worn by high priests or dignitaries from the upper social echelons.

L’objet Collier précieux, vers 400 - 600 apr. J.-C. numéro d’objet 3052458, a fait partie de la Vente aux enchères 105 du 15 novembre 2025. L’objet portant le numéro de lot 68 a atteint un prix de vente de 1 600 € pour un prix d’adjudication de 1 000 €.

Littérature comparée

Musée du Petit Palais (ed.), Peru, Art from the Chavin to the Incas, Paris 2006, p. 187, ill. 213 f.

Remarques

This object is subject to the UNESCO Cultural Heritage Protection Act. Export documents are required for export (subjected to a fee).