Description:

Chancay, Peru. ca. 800 to 1200 CE. Hollow-molded terracotta figure with raised arms and a boldly painted face mask of chocolate brown markings and intricate pattern on the headband and chin strap represents a young female as indicated by her genitalia. Her body bears low relief nipples and an incised line indicating her clitoris. Head is perforated for the addition of feathers long gone. Such large Chancay figures are usually female. They characteristically possess a simplified body, small vestigial arms raised to the sides and a flattened face with markings on their chin and brow and a geometric headband. The purpose of such figures is unknown; however, as they have been frequently discovered in Chancay graves, some scholars argue that they may have represented a symbolic female companion to accompany the deceased into the afterworld. This said, a few male/female pairs have been found in gravesites, hence challenging this theory of female companionship. 21-1/2"L x 11-1/2"W x 5-1/4"D Provenance: Ex-Adeon Gallery, Chicago, IL, acquired prior to 1970. All items in this auction have been legally acquired, are legal to sell, and guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids, papered by our parent company, Artemis Gallery Ancient Art. The starting price is the lowest price at which the lot can sell.

  • Condition: Some erosion on back of piece as shown and very minor loss of tip of right thumb. Near choice!

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October 11, 2013 9:00 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