Mapuche Vintage Pin from Chile

This is an unusual piece of traditional silver jewelry from the Mapuche, an indigenous people who inhabited an area encompassing the north central part of Chile along the Andes as well as part of southwest Argentina.  The jewelry traditionally was made from silver coins and is typically characterized by the use of silver chains, tubes and silver plates with engraved designs.  This pin is unusual because it has a square silver plate in the center with an engraved image of the profile of a native man.  The engraving overall is quite well done.  It has "09" and "Li" engraved on the back of the top plate with the double bird motif.  

L.5 ½" : W. 2 ½"

c. Early 20th C
Sold #7516



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