Description:

Pre-Columbian, Huari / Wari culture, Peru, ca. 6th to 9th century CE. A charming, hand-carved small wood container made to hold powdered lime in the form of a seated musician. He holds a drum on one knee and blows on a pan pipe held in his other hand. Long feather-like decoration hangs down his back and a string connects his detachable head to his wrist. A long plug from the bottom of his neck serves to attach the head to the body when the container is closed. The figure is lifelike and detailed. Size: 1.55" W x 2.25" H (3.9 cm x 5.7 cm)

The head of the figure can be removed to reveal a small chamber in the neck and body; the lime (made from calcined seashells) could be taken from the container using a small spatula or spoon. This was part of the ritual of coca-leaf chewing - the coca leaves were combined in the mouth with a tiny bit of lime. These containers are often made of wood and elaborately carved, like this one.

Provenance: Ex-Splendors of the World, acquired in the 1990's

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#119713

  • Condition: Dark lustrous patina resulting from graceful aging. Expected surface wear, but the details of the figure are in excellent condition. The head is removable. A small accession sticker is on the underside, left there by a previous owner.

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April 12, 2017 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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