Pre-Columbian Inca Artefact Collection

Hollow-formed janiform mask with possibly later shell inlays to the eyes and grimacing mouth; mounted on a custom-made stand. 305 grams total, figure: 60 mm wide (17.3 cm including stand)



Wally and Brenda Zollman, Indianapolis; acquired prior to 1989. Splendours of the World (Jerry Bock), New York, USA. Acquired from the above at a New York fair by the present owner, circa 2017. Part of the Zollman Collection which was published by the Indianapolis Museum of Art in 1989. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12892-237876. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

This striking and fine example of Moche metalwork shows the feline deity with threatening snarl and teeth finely carved in shell. This fine and powerful example would have been made for an important individual as a symbol of power.

Carved with voids to the open mouth and eyes, four lateral attachment points. 426 grams, 11.1 cm



Acquired on the UK art market in the early 2000s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Mixed group including an embroidered textile fragments, and tassel with decorative band. 29 grams total, 18.5-44 cm



Acquired in the 1940s-1950s. Ex Hiller collection; thence by descent. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.