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Marine ivory skull, Europe, 19th century

Height x width x depth: 5.5 x 2.5 x 3 cm. Weight: 16.3 g
in sperm whale or killer whale (Physeter Linnaeus, 1758 or Orcinus orca, Linnaeus, 1758) designed to be worn as a pendant.
The sculpture is accurate and features a good level of detail: the eye sockets are deep, the nasal structure is rendered with precision, and the teeth are carved in a regular and defined manner.
A hook is attached to the top of the skull, from which hangs a ring made of the same material, designed to allow it to be used as a pendant or amulet. The piece retains an ornamental character, more aesthetic than ritualistic.
This pendant can also be interpreted as a memento mori, a symbolic object that invites awareness of human mortality. Memento mori were already widespread in the Middle Ages and Renaissance and were used to remind people of the transience of life, encouraging them to live wisely, virtuously, or spiritually.
The skull symbol was among the most common: it represented the transience of existence and the value of time. Even today, in artistic or personal contexts, a skull worn as jewelry can retain this meditative meaning, in addition to its aesthetic value.
This lot, accompanied by an expertise issued by Ce.S.Ar Centro studi archeometici, is only available for sale with shipments within the European Union. (expertise Ce.S.Ar. 2025-283)
27/01/2026 00:55:47
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400,00 €
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Live auction 369

SILVER ANTIQUES, IVORIES, WUNDERKAMMER - Including selected Works of Art from the Count Luigi Rigi Luperti Collection

Palazzo Caetani Lovatelli, thu 19 February 2026
SINGLE SESSION 19/02/2026 Hours 15:00
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