Old metal alpaca carved

Discussion in 'Antique Discussion' started by Adam1, Mar 6, 2022.

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Hi all. I hope someone can help me find information about this item

  1. is antique?

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  2. is archaeological?

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  1. Adam1

    Adam1 Active Member

    20220228_194543.jpg 20220228_194511.jpg
     

    Attached Files:

  2. 2manybooks

    2manybooks Well-Known Member

    Welcome, Adam
    Your photos are not quite clear enough for us to see details. If possible, please post clearer views, and include a picture of the bottom of the figure. Also, please tell us the dimensions.

    Can you tell us where you acquired this object, and any history/context you know of?

    If it is metal, it may be a copper alloy. But we could eliminate iron as an option if you test it with a magnet.
     
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  3. Adam1

    Adam1 Active Member

    A magnet sticks to this statue and its dimensions is 12 ×5 cm i buyed it frome antique Boutique.any knows about it in the boutique
     

    Attached Files:

    Boland likes this.
  4. 2manybooks

    2manybooks Well-Known Member

    It does appear to represent an alpaca or llama. A magnet sticking to the figure indicates that it is made of iron, and your better photos show that it is probably cast iron. This eliminates the possibility of it being precolumbian. Prior to European contact iron technology was unknown in the New World. It is also not a particularly well made casting. (For example, the ears are a single block.)

    I cannot make any other suggestions as to its origins or age.
     
  5. Rayo56

    Rayo56 Well-Known Member

    Not sure if alpacas were prevalent then - maybe Lama?
    Looks copper/brass in certain areas. Scratch the bottom - if yellowish metal shows then yes, a non ferrous brass/copper alloy. If silvery then a ferrous metal
     
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  6. 2manybooks

    2manybooks Well-Known Member

    Both llamas and alpacas were domesticated in the Andes region, around 6000 years ago.
    According to the op, a magnet sticks to the figure, which would indicate that it is iron. The brassy looking areas may be brazing, used to repair flaws in the casting.
     
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  7. Adam1

    Adam1 Active Member

    There is a fracture in the statue and it has been welded with bronze
     
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  8. Adam1

    Adam1 Active Member

  9. 2manybooks

    2manybooks Well-Known Member

    Adam, I don't believe there is more we can say about your llama/alpaca.
     
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