Lot 176
Pre-Columbian, Peru, Chimu culture, ca. 14th to 15th century CE. This is an amazing silver bowl and rattle - the craftsmanship, material, and creativity of the artisan to combine instrument and vessel is truly exceptional! The bowl is composed of 2 of high quality 67.89% to 85.16% silver sheets, the outer sheet molded then impressed and repousse decorated with fish, and the second sheet was molded over the rim into a hemispherical shape, forming the interior. The artisan left a space between these layers and filled this hollow area with small pebbles or pottery shards that rattle around inside. This exquisite bowl would have been a ceremonial or funerary piece for libations or offerings - the fish symbolizes life giving water and creation. Size: 6.25" Diameter x 2.25" H (15.9 cm x 5.7 cm); 7.5" H (19 cm) on included custom stand; silver quality: 67.89% to 85.16%; weight: 232.7 grams
For a similar example of this type of bowl, please see the Brooklyn Museum's website, accession number: 41.1275.123a-b.
Silver was associated with the moon, nighttime, and the watery underworld that was analogous to the depths of the ocean. The main Chimu deity was Pacasmayo, the moon god, and it must be noted that the moon was held in higher regard than the sun! The Chimu was a maritime culture- fishing was a major livelihood and driving force of their economy. Perhaps their observation of tidal relationships with moon phases elevated Pacasmayo's importance. The fish along this bowl probably celebrated and symbolized the monumental force of both ocean and moon.
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, before 2010; ex-private Robert Sonin collection, New York City, New York, USA, collected from 1950-1980
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#173707
- Condition: Choice condition. Tiny tears to rim, otherwise intact with minor age expected surface wear. Silver has dark patina and toning. Interior rattle pebbles emit sounds.
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