|
|
|
Measures about 1 5/8" diameter. Very unusual with amazing detail. South American motif, I first thought this was Aztec or Mayan or some sort of S.American Indian diety, then I was educated by a helpful person who informed me that this was actual an Incan Indian piece and showed the god, Viracocha.
Sterling silver with stamped 18K overlay. Bale on the back to wear as a pendant if desired. Circa 1940s or 50s. Heavy and well made, warm unpolished patina, great condition.
According to what I learned online, the supreme deity of the Incas was Viracocha.
"Legends of the Aymara Indians say that the Creator God Viracocha rose from Lake Titicaca during the time of darkness to bring forth light. Viracocha was a storm god and a sun god who was represented as wearing the sun for a crown, with thunderbolts in his hands, and tears descending from his eyes as rain. He wandered the earth disguised as a beggar and wept when he saw the plight of the creatures he had created.
Viracocha made the earth, the stars, the sky and mankind, but his first creation displeased him, so he destroyed it with a flood and made a new, better one, taking to his wanderings as a beggar, teaching his new creations the basics of civilization, as well as working numerous miracles. Viracocha eventually disappeared across the Pacific Ocean (by walking on the water), and never returned. It was thought that Viracocha would re-appear in times of trouble."
|
|
|
|
|
Click Here For
Top of Page
|
|
