3 Pre-Columbian Stone & Copper Mace Heads on Custom Acrylic Stands

Mace heads were made by ancient cultures as a weapon. They were fabricated out of metal or carved stone with a hole in the center and typically affixed to a wooden shaft. These were used as weapons in combat to bludgeon their enemies. This is an amazing trio of mace heads from Peru, all presented on custom-made, museum-quality acrylic stands, and staggered in height to maximize their presentation. Perfect for a variety of interior spaces from Traditional to Mid-Century or Minimalist to Modern. Would be perfect either on a bookshelf or an entry or side table for display.

Pre-Columbian Stone Mace Head from Northern Peru. This carved stone 'pineapple' mace head is from the Chavin culture.  

Pre-Columbian Stone Mace Head from Northern Peru. This carved stone mace head is in the shape of a five-pointed star and is from the Moche culture. 

Pre-Columbian Copper Mace Head from Northern Peru. This copper mace head is in the shape of a six-pointed star from the Moche culture.

Place of Origin: Peru

Date of Manufacture: 

Pre-Columbian, Peru, Chavin, 1000-500 BC (Stone Pineapple)

Pre-Columbian, Peru, Moche, 1400-1532 AD (Stone Star)

Pre-Columbian, Peru, Moche, 100-700 AD (Copper Star)

Condition: Excellent

Wear: Knicks around top rim of Pineapple-shaped mace. Consistent with age and use. Please refer to pictures. 

Dimensions:

Chavin 'Stone Pineapple' Mace: 2.25 in. Diam. X 2 in. H

Stand: 2 in. L X 2 in. W X 6 in. H

Total: 8 in. H

Moche 'Stone Star' Mace: 4 in. Diam. X 1.5 in. H

Stand: 2.5 in. L X 2.5 in. W X 7.5 in. H

Total: 9 in. H

Moche 'Copper Star' Mace: 4.5 in. Diam. X 2 in. H

Stand: 3 in. L X 3 in. W X 9.75 in. H

Total: 11.75 in. H  

Reference: 

These amazing pieces are in excellent condition and have been part of the private collection of Dean Warner since the 1950s. Mr. Warner (1931-2025) was a graduate of both Mexico City College and Thunderbird and a noted dealer in Pre-Columbian artifacts. He had galleries in Dallas and La Jolla, a client base that included private individuals and institutions, and served as an authority for authentication. In addition, events during the 1960s and 1970s were held to showcase his collection across the United States in retail establishments like Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus, Shillito's and Higbee's among others. In retirement, Mr. Warner (T-Bird '57) continued to be an avid collector and served both as the Art Curator for the Thunderbird School of Global Management (now part of Arizona State University) and the Creator/Director of the The Global Market for ethnographic art and gifts which was founded in 1994. Many of the items he collected are now part of the permanent collection of the university.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City, Mace Heads Collection

The Museum of Stone Tools at the University of New England, Australia

ASU News: In War & Peace, Thunderbird School is all Business

Thunderbird School of Global Management: Historical Collections, Global Market on Campus

Explore more Decorative at Our Taste Design.