Description:

Pre-Columbian, Sican/Chimu Culture, North Coast Peru, ca 800 to 1000 CE. Impressive copper mask painted with red cinnabar stripes, having almond-shaped eyes and danglers attached underneath nose, eyes, and around the sides and bottom of mask. Indigenous Andean peoples created sumptuous masks like this one as false visages to place upon the mummies of elite individuals. The materials used to make these masks varied depending on the status of the deceased. The lesser were comprised of wood, ceramic, or cloth, while those belonging to the most respected and powerful were made of copper, gold, and/or silver. Museum grade stand. Mask itself measures 11" x 11".

Interestingly, this example is embellished with red cinnabar stripes. Even today, the color red is believed to have protective qualities by South American peoples. Hence, the red pigment may have been applied in order to protect the deceased in the afterlife. Scholars have not been able to agree on the symbolism behind the skewerlike projections from the pupils of the eyes. Some theorize that they may signify a penetrating, trance-like gaze.

Provenance: Ex-Splendors of the World Gallery All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. #110353

  • Condition: Quite excellent

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October 22, 2015 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000