Description:

Pre-Columbian, Peru / Ecuadoran Border, ca. 1500-1200 BCE. Wonderful figural ceramic stirrup vessel created by the ancient Chavin culture representing a caragador carrying a tumpline above his head as he squats to lift his heavy load.  Note the masklike face, an abstract visage that nonetheless expresses the cargador's super-human strength required to complete his task.  Such exertion for this poor fellow!  The three circular forms on the back of the piece appear to represent the nodes of a mace head.  The overall surface, covered in cream slip with incised stipples may represent the coat of an animal or possibly droplets of rain.  Apparently, rain was a force to be reckoned with in ancient Peru.  The design of the Chavín de Huántar temple, for instance, shows complex innovation to adapt to the highland environments especially the rainy season of Peru. To avoid the temple's being flooded and destroyed during the rainy season, the Chavín people created a successful drainage system.  Hence, it would not be surprising if the artisan of this piece was making a reference to raindrops.  A fine ceramic work of art from this very ancient culture of Peru!  Size:  8-1/2"H (21.75cm)  x 5"W (12.75cm) . Provenance: Ex-Westermann Collection, Germany, acquired in the 1950s. 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. #101429

  • Condition: Minor surface wear.  Intact and excellent.

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February 13, 2015 9:00 AM MST
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