Moche Copper Ceremonial Sceptre. German Export License - 50 cm
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 2,500 - € 3,000
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Moche ceremonial sceptre, copper, 50 cm high, dating to ca. AD 500–700, authentic original in good condition; acquired from an auction house in Germany in 2026 with a German export license.
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Description from the seller
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.
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.
Details
Culture
Moche
Century/timeframe
AD 500–700
Name of object
Ceremonial Sceptre. German Export License
Acquired from
Auction house
Year acquired
2026
Material
Copper
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
50 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
2000
Previous owner - country acquired from
United States
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
