Description:

Pre-Columbian, Northern Peru, Sican / Lambayeque culture, ca. 800 to 1000 CE. Amazing for its extensive iconographical program, expert technique and impressive artistry, this bichrome terracotta, twin-lobed whistling vessel depicts a seated cross-legged lord or shaman donning an intimidating jaguar mask with a protruding snout and open mouth that reveals his fierce fangs, a conical helmet adorned with a painted tumi form and round "petaled" ornaments above each ear, and a regal tunic bedecked with a wide collar and modeled fringe trim. The rear lobe connected to the front section via a bridge represents a large Spondylus shell. Spondylus shells, also known as spiny or thorny oysters for obvious reasons, have been revered by Andean peoples since the Pre-Columbian era. In addition to being featured in their artwork and used as currency, Spondylus pieces served as sacred offerings to Pachamama, the earth/time mother, a version of Mother Nature. A superb whistling vessel fom this ancient Andean culture. The whistle works beautifully! Size: 6.75" L x 5" W x 7.125" H (17.1 cm x 12.7 cm x 18.1 cm)

Provenance: Ex-California Museum of Ancient Art

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#115221

  • Condition: One tiny nick to back of Spondylus shell. Otherwise intact and excellent with wonderful, working whistle.

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June 22, 2016 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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