**Originally Listed At $1000** Pre-Columbian, Peru, Chimu, ca. 1000 to 1200 CE. An adornment formed from a hammered sheet of high-quality 94.5% silver into a rather cute stingray! The flattened silver is cut with a stinger tail at one end and wings projecting to the sides with a slightly ribbed surface, repousse circular eyes, and perforations for suspension. Despite this amusingly ocular presentation, the stingray was sensibly feared by Andean denizens as its dorsal spine became a lethal weapon when this sea creature was provoked. In addition, stingray spines which had a sharp edge and poisonous venom were highly valued as blood letters used during sacrificial rituals. The bloodletting practice was believed to sustain the cosmos. Hence the stingray embodied a characteristic Pre-Columbian duality as it was both deadly and at the same time life affirming. Size: 6" L x 5.25" W (15.2 cm x 13.3 cm); 7.25" H (18.4 cm) on included custom stand; silver quality: 94.5%; weight: 20.2 grams Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, before 2010; ex-private Robert Sonin collection, New York City, New York, USA, collected from 1950-1980 All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #173472品相报告: Professionally repaired and small tear near tail. Black patina and toning. Rare type!