Antique Mapuche Silver Sequil de Placas – Chile – Late 19th / Early 20th Century
An impressive antique Mapuche silver chest ornament, traditionally known as a sequil de placas or sequil de tubos, originating from southern Chile.
The ornament combines a long articulated upper section composed of numerous rectangular silver elements with a large central cruciform plaque. The cross is decorated by hand with incised geometric lines and distinctive spiral motifs.
Nine articulated silver ornaments are suspended around the central element, including cross-shaped and radiating forms. Each is attached individually by a silver ring, creating movement when the ornament is worn.
With a weight of 125 grams and a total length of 26 cm, this is a substantial and highly sculptural example of traditional Mapuche silverwork.
Comparable Mapuche chest ornaments preserved in museum collections suggest a probable dating to the late 19th or early 20th century, approximately 1880–1930. This dating should be considered a stylistic and typological attribution rather than a documented date of manufacture.
Materials & Construction
- High-grade tested silver
- Handmade construction
- Articulated upper section
- Large central cruciform plaque
- Hand-incised decoration
- Nine suspended silver ornaments
- Individually attached articulated elements
- Traditional Mapuche silversmithing
The silver has been tested and is of good quality.
Dimensions
Weight: 125 g / 4.41 oz
Total length: 26 cm / 10.24 in
Maximum width: 6.5 cm / 2.56 in
Suspended ornaments: 9
Origin & Dating
Culture: Mapuche
Origin: Southern Chile, probably Araucanía
Traditional type: Sequil de Placas / Sequil de Tubos
Period: Late 19th – early 20th century
Probable date: circa 1880–1930
Cultural Context
Silverwork occupies an important place in historic Mapuche material culture.
From the late 18th century and particularly during the 19th century, increasing access to silver through trade contributed to the development of a sophisticated Indigenous silversmithing tradition. Silver coins were frequently transformed by Mapuche craftsmen into personal ornaments.
Large silver ornaments became important components of women's traditional dress and could express social position, family wealth and cultural identity. Such pieces were valuable possessions and could be transmitted through generations.
The articulated construction and cruciform lower element of this example belong to this important tradition of Mapuche chest ornaments.
Museum Comparison
A closely related Mapuche silver ornament is preserved in the collection of the Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac in Paris:
Inventory no. 71.1930.13.104
The comparison is particularly relevant to the overall form and construction of the present ornament.
Other related Mapuche silver chest ornaments preserved in major museum collections are dated to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, supporting the proposed circa 1880–1930 attribution.
This museum comparison is provided for typological and cultural context and does not establish the individual provenance of the present piece.
Condition
Good antique condition with wear consistent with age and traditional use.
The silver displays surface scratches, rubbing, minor irregularities and natural patination. The hand-incised decoration remains clearly visible.
The articulated construction is preserved and the nine suspended ornaments are present.
The piece has deliberately not been excessively polished, retaining the surface character associated with its age and use.
Wearing & Display
Originally intended as a traditional chest ornament, this piece is now particularly compelling as a collector's object and example of historic Mapuche silverwork.
Its articulated construction and large cruciform composition make it especially effective when displayed vertically, where the movement and sculptural quality of the suspended elements can be fully appreciated.
It could also be incorporated into a contemporary jewelry arrangement, although its substantial 125 g weight should be considered before wearing.
Provenance Note
No documented excavation or early collection provenance accompanies the piece.
The Mapuche attribution and proposed dating are based on its construction, iconography and comparison with documented examples in museum collections.
- Dimensions:
- Weight:
- Country of origin: Chile
- Production place:
- Culture: Mapuche
- Production period:
- Materials:
- Crafting techniques:
Please notice:
This jewel is vintage and has been worn. Scratches and wear marks may visible. It has been cleaned to restore as much as possible its original shine.
Shipping:
All international shipments are tracked. The jewelry will be sent carefully wrapped and packed.
Customers outside of the European Union:
Customs, Duty Tax, VAT and any additional charges are not included in the price of the item. Buyers are responsible for any Customs Fees/Import Duty applied in their Country
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