Description:

Pre-Columbian, Peru, Chancay culture, ca. 1200 to 1400 CE. A terracotta standing figure in the classic Chancay form known as cuchimilco or star gazer. He stands with his arms raised, flipper-like palms turned outward. The face has wide, staring eyes and a conical piece of headgear, in addition to prominent sexual characteristics. Size: 7.75" W x 17.6" H (19.7 cm x 44.7 cm)

This is a rare find, because male cuchimilcos are not common. The Chancay people were exquisite ceramic and textile artisans, and archaeologists have often found cuchimilcos in the tombs of Chancay nobility; some scholars believe that their outstretched hands were intended to absorb negative energy. The Chancay artisans created ceramics that are distinctive in form and decoration and that were finely painted and molded with specific decorative details carefully added by hand. The function of these cuchimilco sculptures is still unknown, but they may have been placed in tombs as companions or guardians of the deceased.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection

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.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#124093

  • Condition: Leg, arm, bottom of one foot, and phallus have all been repaired.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

July 11, 2017 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

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