Lot 242

Inca Gold Llama | Multi-Piece Sheet Gold | XRF Analyzed

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Inca Gold Llama | Multi-Piece Sheet Gold | XRF Analyzed

Estimate: $5,500 - $6,500

Starting Bid: $2,500

(0 Bids)

by Artemis Fine Arts
June 11, 2026 9:00 AM MDT
Live Auction
686 S. Taylor Avenue
Suite 108
Louisville, CO, US 80027

Inca Empire, ca. 1200 - 1425 CE. Peru, Inca, ca. 1200–1425 CE. A magnificent and rare standing male llama of tubular form, constructed from multiple pieces of heavy sheet gold of exceptional quality, representing one of the most iconic and revered forms in all of Andean precious metalwork. The figure is rendered with remarkable naturalism and attention to detail — a short curved pointed tail, long perked ears, large ovoid eyes, carefully articulated feet with toes, and genitalia clearly identifying the figure as male.

XRF analysis confirms the composition as 16.5 karat gold, comprising 68.77% gold, 25.16% silver, 5.9% copper, and 0.1% iron — a tumbaga-type alloy characteristic of Andean goldsmithing, in which the deliberate addition of silver and copper enhanced both the workability and the visual warmth of the metal. Size: 3.25”L x 3”H (8.3 x 7.6cm), 14.3 gr, 16.5K.

Provenance: Private A.R. collection, Mystic, CT., acquired 2006, from a Canadian collector. XRF tested with copy of report available.

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Item # 71806

  • Condition: Scattered minor surface dents, as expected, otherwise intact.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $749 $25
$750 $1,499 $50
$1,500 $2,999 $100
$3,000 $7,499 $250
$7,500 $14,999 $500
$15,000 + $1,000