vintage ALVA MuseumReplica pin brooch gold tone Inca Mama-KunaSculpture
Pre-Columbian / Inca figural female amulet from Alva Studios}, founded in New York in 1948 by Alfred Wolkenberg. This piece was produced btwn 1950 and the late 1970s. The brooch is approx 2″ long Pin clasp functions smoothly and there no visible wear on metal plating. See photos for item condition and visual of the authentic “ALVA” hallmark stamped on the back. It represents an elite class of women in the Inca Empire known as Mama-Kuna. They were high-ranking priestesses and spiritual leaders chosen from the Acllacuna (“Virgins of the Sun”).