Description:

Pre-Columbian, Southern Peru, Inca hinterlands (Chucu), ca. 1000 to 1500 CE. A beautiful ceramic plaque from an intriguing ancient Peruvian tradition, hand painted with stylized human and alpaca figures as well as dotted motifs in orange, red, and green pigments. These minimalist forms are reminiscent of rock art, and researchers believe that plaques like this were placed as offerings to Pacha Mama and Pacha Papa (Mother and Father Earth) to insure health among the livestock and among human inhabitants of the clan. Size: 8.3" W x 6.75" H (21.1 cm x 17.1 cm)

Interestingly, such plaques were made by intentionally smashing large vessels and painting the fragments. They have been discovered in a number of different contexts: beneath wall foundations, in graves, with animal sacrifices, and cached in prominent places in the landscape, including springs, rock hollows, and atop hills.

Provenance: ex private Hawaiian collection; ex-private Hillberg collection, Sonoma County, California, USA, acquired between 1960 and 1970

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#150642

  • Condition: Minor nicks to peripheries and abrasions to painted details, otherwise intact and very good. Nice remains of original pigment across obverse. Old inventory label on verso.

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July 9, 2020 10:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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