Description:

**First Time At Auction**

South America, Northern Chile, Atacama Desert, Arica / Inca culture, ca. 10th to 14th century CE. A pair of fez style hats made by coiling camelid fibers - wool from alpaca or llama, then stitching looping wool yarn over the fibers - the number of stitches per coil creates a very tight weave. The uppermost coil is made from cane, and one hat is crowned with feathers. These hats often survive with mummy bundles, the arid climate and funerary practices contribute to the remarkable condition both pieces. The Arica people that inhabited the region were probably the first known culture to mummify their dead which were then buried with funerary good such as these hats and pottery. In fact the mummified remains of macaws that must have been transported over the Andes have also been discovered in the Atacama desert - parrots and other rainforest birds must have played a significant role in rituals and may have been kept as pets and to provide the colorful feathers for garments such as these hats! Size: 6" Diameter x 4" H (15.2 cm x 10.2 cm)

Provenance: private Superior, Colorado, USA collection, acquired in 2010s

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#178029

  • Condition: Fraying and unraveling to fibers along rims and to center of stitched patterns. Both hats are holding their shape and in overall good condition for age. Some fading and discoloration to fibers and fraying / tears to feathers.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

April 6, 2023 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 26.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000