Description:

Pre-Columbian, North Coast Peru, Chimu, ca. 1000 CE. A charming simian finial, skillfully carved from a single piece of wood. The monkey is perched atop an inverted conical form that resolves by flaring at its lower end. Perhaps this piece was used to embellish a scepter or another ritualistic implement. Furthermore, the iconography is delightful. Monkeys have always fascinated humankind, with their zany antics that seem to mirror and, at times, parody humans. Understanding simian creatures as mimics of human culture, most ancients of the Americas regarded the monkey as a mediary between humankind and the supernatural. Size: 1.2" W x 5.375" H (3 cm x 13.7 cm); 6.1" H (15.5 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-private Hans Juergen Westermann collection, Germany, collected from 1950 to 1960s

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#161530

  • Condition: Softening to some finer details, with several stable hairline fissures across monkey and base, otherwise intact and very good. Smooth patina throughout. Old inventory number written in black ink along periphery of base.

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June 24, 2021 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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