Description:

Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Chimu culture, ca. 1000 CE. A wonderful example of Chimu silversmithing. This bowl features a multitude of anthropomorphic figures in repousse adorning the outer walls as well as one larger figure set in an orb on the bottom. Given this rich iconography, it was probably used during ritualistic ceremonies. The Chimú were known to have worshipped the moon, unlike the Inca, who worshiped the sun. Perhaps because of the severity of the sun in their harsh desert environment, the Chimu viewed the sun as a destroyer. Offerings played an important role in religious rites, and this bowl was likely used to present offerings to their deities. 4-1/4"D x 2-1/8"H

Provenance: Ex-Robert Sonin Collection, NY, collected 1950s-1960s

All items in this auction are legal to buy/sell under U.S. statute covering cultural patrimony per United States Code 2600, CHAPTER 14 -- CONVENTION ON CULTURAL PROPERTY, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

  • Condition: Expected surface wear and tarnishing. Else intact and excellent.

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Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

June 13, 2014 9:00 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