An extraordinary vintage Guatemalan guardapelo rendered as a wide-eyed owl in hand-assembled sterling silver. Bold geometric shapes, individually formed details, and an articulated construction give this traditional sentimental object an unmistakable mid-century Modernist character.
The chain shown in some photographs is not included and will be offered separately.
Guardapelo translates literally as “hair keeper.” These Guatemalan lockets were made to preserve a lock of hair from a loved one and were worn as sentimental jewelry. Their dangling charms often represented the home and provisions associated with a couple’s hoped-for life together.
The owl’s rounded body opens along one side to reveal the keepsake compartment. Three miniature household vessels hang below, suggesting nourishment, domestic life, and the future household traditionally referenced by guardapelo charms.
The craftsmanship is remarkable. The owl is constructed from individually formed and hand-assembled silver elements, including applied circular eyes, pointed ears, a dimensional beak, overlapping feather marks, curved wings, feet, hinges, and freely moving vessels. Its considerable depth gives it the presence of a small wearable sculpture.
Unsigned and unmarked; carefully tested as sterling silver. The design and construction are consistent with mid-20th-century Guatemalan artisan work, likely circa 1940s–1960s.
Excellent vintage condition. The silver has an attractive aged patina, the compartment opens and closes properly, and the applied and articulated elements remain intact. No dents or significant damage were found.
- Guatemala
- Likely circa 1940s–1960s
- Traditional guardapelo or hair locket
- Tested sterling silver
- Unsigned and unmarked
- Height including bail: 3 3/4 inches
- Width: 1 3/16 inches
- Depth: 7/8 inch
- Weight: approximately 35 grams
- Chain not included