Description:

Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Chavin, ca. 1200 to 500 BCE. An attractive mortar and pestle of a substantial size, hand-carved from mottled dark-green stone with beige and black inclusions. The mortar bowl is defined by a flat base, lightly-flared walls with a thick rim, and a deep basin, and the pestle pounder has an elongated conical form with a smooth handle and broadened pounding face. Large mortars like this example were used for grinding copious amounts of hallucinogenic substances in preparation for consumption; however, they were also used for more utilitarian tasks like pulverizing foodstuffs or grinding medicinal ingredients. Size of mortar: 5.55" W x 3.65" H (14.1 cm x 9.3 cm)

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-private Hans Juergen Westermann collection, Germany

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.

#148448

  • Condition: A few tiny chips and nicks commensurate with age; otherwise in beautiful condition.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

September 5, 2019 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% 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