Lot 148A
Pre-Columbian, Peru, Chavin, ca. 900 to 200 BCE. This unique kero shaped vessel is a stunning piece of skilled craftsmanship and exceedingly rare for its quality and form- carved from a single piece of anthracite, the open-work body is like interlacing weaving, and the upper register is inlaid with turquoise and shimmering nacre shards. The flared lip leads into a shallow basin in the upper third of the body, while the openwork bottom may have once functioned like a rattle or incense holder. Research shows that Chavin people ingested hallucinogenic drugs made from cactus in ritualistic ceremonies and such containers may have symbolically held the appropriate amount to ingest or functioned in some other ceremonial capacity. Regardless of exact use, this piece was undoubtably an item of prestige made by highly skilled artisans using special and valuable material. We cannot over emphasize the rarity of this unusual vessel! Size: 3" Diameter x 4.125" H (7.6 cm x 10.5 cm)
This is an exceedingly extraordinary piece and notable for the intricate craftsmanship and choice of material. Anthracite is very special stone that can be polished to such a high level of reflectivity that this stone was used for mirrors, and mirrors were believed to serve as portals to the celestial realm, treasured for their divinatory, healing, as well as decorative properties. While there are anthracite mirrors in museum collections and sometimes miniature carvings, a vessel such as this is unheard of. Turquoise was a scarce mineral in the Andes, and reserved for the elite and wealthy, while shells were symbolic of fertility and elite social status.
Provenance: ex-Marc Amiguet Schmitt estate, Amiguet's Ancient Art, Evansville, Indiana, USA, acquired prior to January 1, 2010
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#175055
- Condition: Repaired. Stable hairline fissures and abrasions. Chips and nicks to interior of rim and loss / perforation to basin. Light adhesive residue along break lines. Incredible preservation to turquoise inlays.
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