A Chimu Spondyllus Duck Amulet, ca. 800 - 1400 CE

Cleverly carved from gorgeous two-toned cream and orange spondyllus shell, in the form of a duck with a large head and pointed beak, large inlaid eyes, a forward-facing body with pert tail feathers, inlaid with seven greenstone gems on one side, and six greenstone and one turquoise gem on the other. Standing on a rectangular base with a round suspension hole at the bottom.

Spondylus shell was highly prized by all Pre-Columbian cultures, even more so than gold. The spondylus shell (thorny or spiny oyster) was found in Pacific coastal waters from Panama to Northern Peru and was traded extensively throughout the Americas. The careful carving of this vibrant example exemplifies the ceremonial importance and ritual significance of the Spondylus. When carved, the shells revealed layers of vibrant colors in white, orange, and pink. Andean cultures used complete spondylus shells in ceremonial rituals, and they were also cut into smaller pieces and used in jewelry, inlays, as trade currency, and placed in burials. 

Medium: Spondyllus shell, greenstone, turquoise

Dimensions: Height: 1 1/4 inches (3 cm). Length: 1 3/8 inches (3.5 cm)

Condition: Minor chips to the surface and one lost inlay, overall in good condition.

Provenance: Private Danish collection, acquired 1970s.  Thereafter private NYC collection, acquired from the trade in the early 2000s.