Description:

Pre-Columbian, Central Coast Peru, Chancay or Chimu, ca. 1000 to 1470 CE. A bizarre and abstract head made from camelid fibers (alpaca or llama) spun into threads and cords, then dyed in bright hues extracted from plants and insects - the red-pink likely from the cochineal insect! The head is constructed from thick cords, woven and knotted around each other - the circular eyes and bared mouth follow the simplistic style we see in Peruvian textiles and dolls from this time period. From the top of the head emerges a thick mass of thinner tassels. This head may have been part of a doll or mummy bundle, providing a face or identity for the deceased. Size: 9.5" L x 7" W (24.1 cm x 17.8 cm)

Provenance: ex-Marc Amiguet Schmitt estate, Amiguet's Ancient Art, Evansville, Indiana, USA, acquired prior to January 1, 2010

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#174953

  • Condition: Fraying and active flaking to fibers when handled. Headdress tassels are stiff and matted. Fading and discoloration to dyes, but overall good preservation to pigments.

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October 20, 2022 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$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