Identification help, Bronze Bell from Spain?

Hi guys,

This item I bought from an antique shop in Lima, Peru.

I paid USD600 for it, now I think I probably paid too much without knowing much about it.

Please help with this item, the seller mentioned it looks like people riding a horse with other animals like ducks. But I can't read Spanish circling around the lower end of the bell.

 

Hi there. I know nothing that can help you, but why do you think it is a bell? I don't see the place where the clapper was attached. Is it supposed to be struck? If so, I think there would be evidence of this and I don't see it. I am just interested and have many questions. Hopefully, a member who knows something will be able to help you.

 

I have never seen a bell before with no handle to hang it or hold it, and I don't see much, if anything, to have ever held a clacker on inside with?

I would want my money back..

 

It certainly doesn't look like a bell. Perhaps a small mortar? The text might help. Would you transcribe it for us please? Or post good quality close-up photographs of it in its entirety?

I would be a bit concerned about the quality of the casting and the fact that the antique dealer was unable to provide more detailed information.

Debora

 

Agreed.

I don't see actual 'age' on this piece, just looks like artificially aged patina on copper with some stress fractures that seem to show from the interior. None of this is any indication of authentic antique age that I can see.

 

I share @antidiem’s concerns. Did you pay by credit card? If you decide you were scammed, then here is my suggestion (it worked for me)

1. Notify your bank that the item was not as described- a bell
2. Write an email or letter to the seller saying you want to return it because it was not as advertised- a bell. Provide a specific time frame for their response
3. Return the item to them after the specified time period This may cost you something but better than $600.
   
4. Dispute the charge with your credit card company. They will see you made an attempt to resolve the matter and you no longer have possession of the disputed item

good luck.

 

Caveat emptor

Was this purchased thru an online auction place like eBay? Your comment about buying it from an antique shop in Lima makes it sound like you made the purchase in person.

 

Please tell us the name of the shop in Lima...... so we can avoid it like Covid !

 

Did the shop not give any more detail about it? Looks like I can see 'qui' (who) unless it carries on as quixote of course.

 

for 6 bills.....i'd want written docs.....authenticated.....and a Zinger in the back room!!!

 

@SimonK

Kiko's suggestion was excellent, thank you Kiko!

 

Before returning the piece, it might be worth exploring the possibility that it is a cup rather than a bell. Native Peruvian cultures made beakers called "keros" when made of wood, or "aquillas" when made of metal, in somewhat the same shape as your object. They were used for ceremonially drinking chicha, an alcoholic drink made from corn. Some aquillas have faces that appear upright when the cup is stored mouth down, so the designs on your object may have been intended to display in the same way. Based on the decoration and lettering, yours would not be pre-columbian, of course, but might be from the colonial period (or later).

Please post a transcription or detailed photos of the text, as @Debora has suggested. That may clear things up.

When I am back at my computer rather than my phone I will post some links and pictures of keros/aquillas.

 

Took the liberty. A lovely Pre-Colombian example (in silver) from The Denver Art Museum.

Debora

 

Now that our outage is over -

https://mfastpete.org/obj/effigy-beaker-kero/

https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/kero/hd_kero.htm

 

an interesting take on the item..!!

 

I suspect the text will answer lots of questions.

Debora

 

Thank you Anti. I try to be very careful but I was scammed and I was mad.

 

Indeed. If I were told this was an antique bronze bell and it's not, then I would want my money back. It appears to have more copper than bronze too, not that I would drink out of either metal - I would not.

Lovely, indeed!

I'm sorry, but I just don't see a lot of quality or age in your cup, which is likely a mixture of metals.
@SimonK

 

thanks all of you for the help.

I have tried to upload better photos.

Hope these will solve the mystery.

 

@SimonK - Please, if you can still edit your post, please click on Full Size for the images. It will make it easier for people to see.