Description:

South America, Bolivia, late 19th to early 20th century CE. A fascinating carving, large for its type, done by hand from huamanga, an alabaster stone found in the Andes. The form is rectangular, as if depicting a farm being looked upon from above, with the roofs of buildings rising from the center and the heads and necks of multiple cows around the edges. The base of the stone is essentially uncarved, but smoothed and given edges and corners. This is a type of offering or amulet known as an illa, from a very long Andean tradition. Llama-shaped illas have been found at the pre-Columbian site of Tiahuanaco. These items are carried in a traditional bag containing coca leaves and are meant to protect livestock. Many are treasured as guardians and passed down from generation to generation of Andean farmers. Size: 6.95" L x 3.7" W x 1.3" H (17.7 cm x 9.4 cm x 3.3 cm)

Provenance: private Moore collection, Denver, Colorado, USA, acquired thirty years ago

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#122056

  • Condition: Dark patina from touch; light chipping on surface.

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May 30, 2017 10:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
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$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
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