Moche Copper Ceremonial Sceptre. German Export License - 50 cm

Moche Ceremonial Sceptre – Moche, ca. AD 500–700

An exceptional Moche ceremonial sceptre dating to ca. AD 500–700. Crafted in copper and displaying an attractive green patina, this impressive ritual object reflects the sophisticated metalworking and ceremonial traditions of the Moche culture of ancient Peru.

The sceptre is surmounted by a finely rendered figural composition. The lateral faces depict a dignitary standing frontally, while the upper register presents a narrative scene featuring a warrior facing right accompanied by two smaller attendants. Small twisted wire attachments survive at the lower corners of the finial, originally intended for the suspension or attachment of additional decorative elements. The detachable handles are fitted with club-shaped elements, contributing to the distinctive ceremonial appearance of the pieces.

The iconography and complex construction are characteristic of the visual language of Moche elite and ritual authority, illustrating the culture’s remarkable ability to combine symbolic imagery with technical mastery in metalwork.

Provenance: Ex Collection M. J. Vaupel, Miami, Florida (USA), acquired between 2000 and 2013. Previously in the collection of G. L. Reyes Garcia, Miami, Florida (USA), assembled between the 1960s–1970s and 2000. Earlier Florida private collection, acquired during the 1960s.
Attached export certificate from Germany.

The Supplier warrants that he obtained this lot legally. Provenance statement seen by Catawiki. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot. The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.

Important: For destinations out of Spanish territory: all our objects will be shipped after obtaining CERTIFICATE OF EXPORTATION by Ministry of Culture of Spain. We inform our clients that it may take between 4-8 weeks.