Vintage Mapuche 'Punzón Acucha' Pin - Ceremonial Silver Needle with Bell

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Vintage Mapuche 'Punzón Acucha' Pin - Ceremonial Silver Needle with Bell:
$255.00

Meaning of "acucha": needle.

This "punzón acucha" pin is a masterful handcrafted piece created by a Mapuche silversmith in the first half of the 20th century, using a silver and nickel alloy. This unique piece not only showcases the Mapuche artisans' skill but also embodies their rich cultural heritage.

Origin: Mapuche Ethnicity.

Description and Significance:

This impressive pin is used by Mapuche women to secure and embellish their traditional attire during rituals and festivities. It also serves to hold other pectoral jewelry, seamlessly integrating into the ensemble of traditional adornments.

The piece features a long needle ending in a hollow sphere that acts as a bell, accompanying the movements of the women during celebrations and religious ceremonies. This sphere is more than just an ornament; it symbolizes the Mapuche cosmogony, representing the sacred world, the world of the ancestors, and the present or earthly life.

A distinctive feature of this pin is the cross hanging from its top, replacing the usual bird figure. This cross symbolizes the connection between earthly life and the spiritual world, underscoring the depth of the Mapuche beliefs and their worldview.

Additional Details:

Weight: Pin 180 g, Base 210 g
Dimensions: Height 34 cm, Width 9 cm (with stand)
Material: Silver and nickel alloy
Condition: Very good condition with a slight natural patina
UNIQUE PIECE

This ethnographic object is perfect for collectors and lovers of indigenous art, offering not only an item of unparalleled beauty but also a profound connection to the rich cultural heritage of the Mapuche. The piece includes a presentation stand made of black iron, ideal for displaying this jewel in all its majesty.