PRE-COLUMBIAN PRE COLUMBIAN CHIMU SILVER EAR PLUGS PERU Start Price USD 2,700.00 Current Price USD 2,700.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Saturday, November 08, 2008 End Time Monday, December 08, 2008 Location Cathedral City, California See more about 'PRE-COLUMBIAN PRE COLUMBIAN CHIMU SILVER EAR PLUGS PERU' Description This pair of silver ear plug ornaments with repousse faces is from the Chimu culture, north coast Peru.  The front of each plug measures 2 1/8 inches in diameter; the back of each measures 1 1/4 inch; each plug measures 2 inches from front to back.  The ear plugs are displayed on a plexiglass stand, which is included in the sale.  The stand with plugs is 9 inches tall with a base of 3 1/2 inches diameter.  The ear plugs are in excellent condition for their age. The repousse faces are clearly Chimu.  The shape and headdress suggests the Lambayeque style which is early Chimu.  But the eyes are not the Lambayeque comma, but the later lozenge shape.  Therefore, dating this pair at post 1100 AD seems most appropriate. Ear ornaments as elaborate and as perfect as these have unquestionably noble origins.  In ancient times, only the upper class were allowed to wear ear plugs as an insignia of their high station.  Called "Big Eared Ones" by the Spaniards, wearers of ear plugs pierced their ears, continually enlarging the openings, until the opening could accept a plug as thick as these. I have owned these ear plugs since 1986.  I purchased them from a reputable Pre-Columbian art dealer in Chicago.  GUARANTEE - I absolutely guarantee the above described artifacts are of Pre-Columbian origin and of the culture and era as dated.  If you purchase the ear plugs, you may have ten days after their receipt to assess their authenticity.  If you feel the plugs are not ancient as promised, you may contact me defining the areas of your concern.  If I feel you have legitimate concerns, you may return the ear plugs to me (paying return postage and insurance) and I will refund your purchase price.  While I am sure of the authenticity of the ear plugs, I wouldn't want you to keep them if you are not happy with the purchase. Place a Bid!