Description:

Pre-Columbian, Central Coast Peru, Chancay culture, ca. 1000-1400 CE. Burials discovered all along the arid coast of Peru indicate that the deceased were accompanied by offerings of ceramics, garments, featherwork, precious metals and wood. A mask or false head was ritualistically placed over the mummy bundle. Due to the dry climate, even artifacts made of wood and textile have been discovered in remarkable condition. This example is particularly impressive, because it still retains much of its original pigment and its eyes are inlaid with a purple-red shell, possibly spondylus. The pigment was probably derived from Cochineal, a precious dye obtained not from a plant, but rather an insect. Furthermore, the visage manifests a lively expression. This is somewhat unusual as these faces more often manifest cold and expressionless stares. 8-7/8"L x 7-1/4"W x 4-1/4"D

Provenance: Ex-Adeon Gallery, Chicago, IL, acquired prior to 1970.

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.

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  • Condition: Remarkably intact. Original pigment. Shell inlay intact. Minor, stable cracking of surface. Near choice.

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October 24, 2014 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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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 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000