Description:

Pre-Columbian, Central Coast Peru, Chancay, ca. 1000 to 1200 CE. A remarkable pottery effigy figure of a rotund llama or alpaca, standing on 4 nubbin legs. The hollow, egg-shaped body and head is slip-painted in beige hues with umber brown linear and stippled dots- the broad band with side circles may represent a pack or load slung over the animal's back. This is a male- low relief genitalia are present just below the upturned tail. The gaping mouth not only acts as a vent hole during firing, but also gives a startled expression to the llama. This excessively fat animal with prominent genitalia symbolizes abundance and fertility. This effigy would accompany the deceased into the afterlife, a practical stand in for a sacrificial animal, since llamas and alpacas were much more valuable alive as they provided wool for weaving and were dependable pack animals that could provide body heat to shepherds at high altitudes. Size: 9" L x 7" W x 11" H (22.9 cm x 17.8 cm x 27.9 cm)

Provenance: private Hidden Valley Lake, California, USA collection; acquired from Milleabros, Boonton, New Jersey, USA, June 18th to 20th, 2019, Lot # 3262.

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#170617

  • Condition: Intact and excellent. Staining and discoloration to surfaces. Some chips and nicks. Feet are not even but stands upright with a slight wobble.

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Artemis Fine Arts

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