Description:

Pre-Columbian, Central Coast Peru, Chancay culture, ca. 1000 CE. A striking bichrome pottery stargazer or Cuchimilco figure holding her arms/hands in an upraised position connoting prayer and adoration. The Chancay artisans created ceramic hollow-body figures with boldly painted features in dark brown-black on white that are quite distinctive in form and decoration. The function of such sculptures is still unknown; however, some scholars believe they were placed in tombs as companions or guardians of the deceased. Archaeologists have often found Cuchimilcos in the tombs of Chancay nobility, and some believe these figures' characteristically outstretched hands were intended to absorb negative energy and thereby protect the elite deceased. Size: 6" W x 10.25" H (15.2 cm x 26 cm)

Provenance: private Vaught collection, Atlanta, Georgia, USA

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#121828

  • Condition: Expected surface wear with pigment loss as shown. Pressure cracks to back of neck, outer portion of right leg, and waist. Loss to toes of left foot. Perforations through ears and headdress probably for ornamentation. Perforations through waist for suspension or attachment. Circular piece of cork under one foot placed by former owner.

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April 27, 2017 7:00 AM MDT
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Artemis Fine Arts

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